Morning broke softly over the village of Telmar, but the people felt thin—like glass ready to crack. Kael woke early, clutching the silver dragon necklace in his fist. He couldn't shake the words of his grandfather from the night before.
When he stepped outside, villagers were already murmuring in the square. Farmers whispered about strange shapes seen near the mountains. Hunters spoke of claw marks on trees, deeper than any bear could make
Kael's best friend, Lira, ran up to him, her eyes wide. "Kael, have you heard? There are dark clouds gathering over the past. My father says it's an omen."
Before Kael could answer, a horn echoed from the village gate. His grandfather, leaning heavily on his staff, appeared beside him. "Demon raiders," whispered his voice grimly.
The elder council gathered quickly; their faces paled with fear. "We thought the Dark Valley of Sorrow was sealed off, Tharion!" one said
"It was, but seals can break." Tharion replied. "And they come for what we guard."
Kael's hand tightened around the necklace." You mean this?" Then I should use it, I can stop them!"
Tharion turned sharply. "No! Not yet. Once the necklace is broken, you can never return to who you are now. That power is the last resort, Kael. Do you understand?
But as night fell again, Kael stood by the mountains, watching the horizon blaze with distant fires. The demons were coming. And he knew that soon, his choice would no longer wait