The night was filled with chaos. Growls and snarls echoed through the trees as the Shadow Pack surrounded them, their eyes shining like pieces of red glass. Elara's heart raced so fast that she could hardly breathe. She had seen wolves before, but nothing compared to these. Their bodies were a mix of dark smoke and flesh, their claws dripping with something that hissed when it hit the ground.
Kael stood in front of her, a massive black wolf, his golden eyes blazing with rage. Every muscle in his body was tense and ready to strike. When the first shadow jumped, he moved faster than Elara could see, his teeth sinking deep into its flesh, a roar shaking the very earth.
Elara stumbled back, clutching her glowing hand. The light flickered, weak and trembling. "I can't… I don't know how to fight them," she whispered.
Then, from the darkness, a voice called her name.
"Elara…"
It wasn't Kael's voice. It was softer and colder, distant. She turned, but no one was there. The whisper came again, closer this time. "Elara, use the fire. Remember the flame."
Her breath caught. That voice — she had heard it before, long ago, in dreams she had dismissed as nightmares. It belonged to her grandmother.
"Elara, the flame lives within you."
Her pulse quickened. The air around her began to shimmer faintly, the same glow spreading through her veins. She didn't understand it, but something deep inside urged her to trust the voice.
She raised her hand, and for the first time, the light didn't flicker. It grew bright, wild, and alive. Flames burst from her palm, swirling like ribbons of gold and blue. The Shadow wolves hesitated, snarling but stepping back. They sensed her magic. They feared it.
Kael turned toward her, blood on his fangs and surprise flashing in his golden eyes. "You awakened it," his voice echoed in her mind. "The old flame."
She didn't have time to ask what he meant. The pack lunged again, and Kael charged forward. He was brutal and graceful — a perfect mix of beast and warrior. Each strike sent shadows scattering like smoke. But for every one he ripped apart, two more appeared.
Elara's flame whipped through the air, burning everything it touched. The scent of ash filled the forest. She trembled but couldn't stop. The magic wasn't just leaving her — it was becoming part of her. Her eyes glowed, and her heartbeat matched the rhythm of the earth. For a brief moment, she felt powerful and untouchable.
Then came the pain.
A sharp burn tore through her arm. She gasped, the fire in her hand exploding wildly and scorching the trees around her. Kael turned instantly, growling low as he saw the black veins spreading up her wrist — the mark of a curse feeding on her magic.
"Elara, stop!" Kael shouted, his voice half-human and half-wolf. "You're drawing from the curse itself!"
"I can't," she gasped, clutching her arm. "It's— it's taking over—"
The ground cracked beneath her feet, glowing with dark symbols that pulsed like a heartbeat. The forest air thickened, heavy with old, forbidden power. Kael's expression changed from anger to fear. He recognized the markings — they were the same ones that bound him to his brother's curse.
"Elara, listen to me," he growled, pushing through the shadows. "If you don't stop now, he'll find you!"
She looked up at him, confusion and terror mixing in her eyes. "Who will?"
Before Kael could answer, the world fell silent. Every sound vanished — no growls, no wind, no breath. The forest itself froze. A cold mist rolled across the ground, and from within it, a single voice spoke.
"My, my… you've been busy, brother."
Kael's eyes widened. The shadows parted, revealing a tall figure dressed in black armor, his silver eyes glinting like a blade under the moon. He looked almost identical to Kael — same jawline, same build — except for the cruel smile twisting his face.
"Riven," Kael growled, stepping in front of Elara. "Stay behind me."
Elara felt a chill run through her. So this was the brother — the one who cursed him. The one who controlled the Shadow Pack.
Riven's gaze shifted toward her, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "Ah, the witch," he murmured. "The one who healed you. I felt her magic the moment it touched your blood."
He stepped closer, the ground darkening beneath his boots. "You shouldn't have brought her here, Kael. You've just given me exactly what I needed."
Elara took a step back. "What do you want from us?"
Riven's smile widened. "Not us, little witch. Just you."
The air crackled with power. Kael leaped forward, claws extended, but Riven raised a hand — and with a flick of his fingers, he sent Kael crashing into the trees.
"Kael!" Elara screamed.
Riven tilted his head, his silver eyes locking onto hers. "You have something that belongs to me, Elara. That flame inside you — it was never meant for your kind."
Her hand trembled as fire began to rise again, but Riven only smiled. "Go ahead," he whispered. "Use it. Let me see how much of my curse runs in your blood."
Elara froze. "Your… curse?"
Riven moved closer, his voice low and cruel. "Did Kael tell you where his curse came from? It wasn't born from darkness. It was given — passed through blood." He smirked. "And you, dear witch, carry the same bloodline."
Elara's eyes widened. "That's impossible—"
"Is it?" Riven's eyes glowed brighter. "The old flame is mine, Elara. Which means…" He smiled darkly. "…so are you."
Before she could speak, he raised his hand — and the ground exploded in black light. Elara screamed as shadows wrapped around her body, pulling her away. Kael roared her name, breaking free and lunging forward, but it was too late.
The darkness swallowed her whole.
Elara vanishes into Riven's shadow realm, leaving Kael broken and desperate — while hints of her true bloodline begin to surface.