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The camp was unusually quiet. The usual banter between warriors had faded into uneasy glances and tight lips.
Elyndra sat apart, tracing patterns in the dirt with her fingers, feeling the weight of her awakening name settle like a stone in her chest.
A soft rustle made her look up. Porco, the porcupine system, waddled toward her, quills bristling as always but today… different.
"You look like you're about to implode," Porco said in his usual sarcastic squeak. "Need some advice?"
Elyndra smiled faintly. "I don't know what I need. Power, maybe. Or answers."
Porco circled her feet. "Funny thing about power—comes with strings, and a huge demon on your tail."
Before Elyndra could reply, a shadow moved at the edge of the clearing. Daemon's eyes narrowed.
"Trouble," he muttered.
Rael stepped forward, sword drawn, joined by Thorne and Kairon. The others spread out.
From the darkness emerged a cloaked figure, slow but purposeful.
"Who goes there?" Rael demanded.
The figure pulled back the hood — a woman, face marked with scars and eyes burning with fierce determination.
"I come with a warning," she said. "The demon's forces march closer. You are running out of time."
Elyndra's heart raced.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"My name is Seraphine. I once served the false god. But I saw the truth. I want to help you."
Rael lowered his sword slightly but didn't relax.
"Why should we trust you?"
Seraphine smiled bitterly. "Because I want to see the light restored. And because I know where the demon's next strike will be."
The camp stirred, murmurs rising.
Porco squeaked, "Great. Another mysterious stranger with secrets."
Elyndra looked at Seraphine, then at her warriors.
This was only the beginning.
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