The moment the barrier sealed behind them, the air changed.
A cold wind rushed past, carrying a foul scent—half-rot, half-blood.
The forest known as Shadowpine stood before them, its trees twisted like claws reaching for the sky.
Mira shivered. "This place creeps me out already."
Aiden smirked, trying to hide his own fear. "Relax. We're six. What's the worst that could happen?"
Ryan, the seer girl, stepped forward, her eyes glowing faintly. "Don't joke about this. The Orel feeds on fear. If you're scared, it becomes stronger."
Morris held Liana's hand protectively. "Stay close to me."
Liana gently pulled away, distancing herself. She wasn't herself today—her mind still restless from what Cain Valerius showed her.
Every time she blinked, she saw little younger-Her calling Kael brother, and it twisted something deep inside her chest.
Mira noticed but kept quiet.
They moved deeper into Shadowpine. The deeper they went, the darker the forest grew. Branches rustled though there was no wind.
Alex stopped suddenly.
"Did you hear that?"
Everyone froze.
Then a howl tore through the forest—deep, monstrous, nothing like an ordinary wolf.
Ryan whispered, "It's close. The Orel is watching us."
Before they could move, the ground cracked open.
A massive creature leaped out—black fur, glowing red lines across its body, and eyes like burning coals.
The Orel.
It lunged.
Morris pushed Mira aside. Aiden and Alex transformed instantly—one into a silver wolf, the other into a dark grey. Ryan lifted her staff, chanting a protection spell.
Liana stepped back, breathing hard.
Her power wasn't working. Not even a spark.
"Why now?" she whispered.
The Orel swiped at Aiden, tossing him into a tree. Alex bit down on its leg, but the creature dragged him across the ground like he weighed nothing.
Ryan shouted, "Liana, do something!"
"I—I can't! My power isn't—"
Before she finished, the Orel turned sharply toward her.
It sensed her fear.
It sensed her confusion.
It roared and charged directly at her.
Morris jumped in front of Liana, dagger in hand, but he was thrown aside like paper.
Liana squeezed her eyes shut—
But the Orel never touched her.
A streak of bright light slashed the air. The creature howled and jumped back.
Ryan gasped. "Someone else is here!"
The forest went quiet.
The Orel vanished into the shadows, retreating—for now.
Liana fell to her knees, trembling.
---
⭐ MEANWHILE… KAEL
Far away from the forest, Kael stood in a quiet, hidden cottage placed deep below the mountains.
An old woman with soft grey eyes sat before him.
"I know why you are here," she said.
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Tell me the truth. Why is Liana's power silent? Why is Cain Valerius calling her his child? And why… why does it feel like I've known her longer than I should?"
The woman smiled sadly.
"You have known her, Kael."
Kael stiffened.
She raised her hand. Her skin glowed—gold, warm, familiar.
And then Kael froze.
"Y-You… you're—"
"Yes," she whispered.
"I am Liana's mother."
Kael stepped back. "That's impossible. Liana's mother died years ago."
"Not everything that dies truly disappears," she said softly. "I have no time. Listen carefully. Liana's connection to you is deeper than you know. But if she learns too soon… it will break her."
Kael swallowed hard. His chest tightened.
"Tell me. What is she to me?"
The woman stepped closer.
"You two are bound by fate… and by bloodlines older than this world itself."
Kael's eyes widened.
She touched his hand.
"But Kael… please… whatever you do…"
Her voice cracked.
"Do not tell her. Not yet."
Kael clenched his jaw.
He didn't know why, but his heart felt heavy—almost scared.
---
⭐ BACK IN SHADOWPINE
Liana slowly stood up, looking at her friends.
Ryan checked Aiden's wounds. Morris helped Mira get up. Everyone was shaken.
But Liana?
She wasn't just shaken.
She was terrified.
Not of the Orel.
But of the truth Cain had shown her.
She whispered to herself:
"Kael…
Are you really my brother?"
The thought stabbed her like a blade.
And for the first time since she met Kael…
She didn't want to see him.
Not tonight.
Not tomorrow.
Not until she understood the truth.