The forest had grown darker than usual, shadows stretching like claws over the path. Tevlon walked close to Kane, her senses heightened, every rustle and whisper of the wind sending shivers down her spine.
"They're coming," Kane murmured, ears twitching. "Posidus doesn't strike openly… he prefers subtlety. Scouts, spies… things that can kill without warning."
Tevlon's stomach tightened. She had learned to channel her power, but it was still raw, unpredictable. Every flicker of light or sudden movement made her pulse spike.
A low, hissing sound echoed between the trees. Out of the mist, creatures emerged—twisted, humanoid shadows, moving with unnatural speed. Their eyes glowed faint red, and they didn't make a sound as they circled the duo.
"Stay close," Kane whispered, shifting to wolf form in an instant. His fur bristled, muscles coiled, golden eyes flashing. "These aren't ordinary creatures—they're born of darkness. Posidus sent them."
Before Tevlon could react, a shadow lunged at her. Instinctively, she raised her hands, and light shot from her fingers, blinding the creature and sending it tumbling back into the mist. Kane moved like lightning, claws striking, teeth flashing, taking down one creature after another with lethal precision.
Breathing hard, Tevlon backed against a tree. "How… how many are there?" she gasped.
"Enough," Kane said, voice low and controlled. "And more are coming. You need to focus, Princess. Your light can do more than hurt them—it can drive them back."
Tevlon clenched her fists, summoning a sphere of glowing energy. It pulsed like a heartbeat, radiating warmth and power. She swung it toward the nearest shadow, and it dissolved into smoke, shrieking as it vanished.
The forest fell silent for a moment. Then, a whisper—soft, seductive, echoing in her mind—"Princess… your light will be mine."
Tevlon froze. Her pulse spiked. The voice was dark, familiar… dangerous.
Kane growled low in his throat, ears flattened. "Posidus is testing you. He knows your power is awakening. And he's not coming alone."
Tevlon swallowed hard. Her hands trembled slightly, the energy flickering like a candle in the wind. "I… I can control it," she whispered, though uncertainty laced her tone.
"You will," Kane said firmly, shifting back to human form beside her. "But this is only the beginning. Every shadow, every whisper… it's all him, probing, learning. Posidus is patient, clever. And deadly."
Riven emerged from the shadows, eyes narrowed. "He's closer than you think. The kingdom isn't safe. Not for you… not for anyone who stands with you."
Tevlon looked at Kane, determination burning in her chest. "Then we fight. Not just to survive… but to show him he can't take what isn't his."
Kane's gaze softened, a rare flicker of pride in his golden eyes. "That's the Princess I've heard about. Let him come. We'll be ready."
Above, the moon shone through the forest canopy, pale and silver, as if watching the pair from the sky. Shadows stirred in the distance—silent, patient, waiting for the right moment.
And somewhere beyond the trees, Posidus smiled.