Snow fell in lazy, biting flakes across Keramzin. Every step crunched in rhythm, cold seeping into boots and coats. I adjusted my long dreadlocks, letting the sunlight catch the red in my eyes. In this life, I was Zac Harshaw, Alina's childhood friend, and apparently, the person destined to walk her into the Fold. Not that she needed a hero—I just happened to be the one standing at her side.
"Ready for this?" I asked, scanning the horizon seriously. Alina nodded, braid bouncing nervously. Her sunlight stirred faintly in her veins, though she didn't know it yet. I could feel the dormant power in myself as well, coiled and ready.
The skiff waited at the edge of the Fold, horses snorting nervously. Darkness stretched ahead, vast and swallowing. I stepped aboard first, hands ready, posture calm. "Stick close," I said. "We get through this together." No jokes. Not yet. Survival first.
Then came the Volcra. Screeching, swooping monsters with claws sharp enough to tear flesh in a heartbeat. Alina's instinct kicked in—hands glowing golden—but at the exact same moment, my light flared. Red eyes blazing, dreadlocks whipping, golden energy pulsed from me. Instinctively, I shielded her, deflecting attacks, moving with precise coordination. Shadows behind the Volcra recoiled at my light.
Alina's wide-eyed glance met mine. "Zac…?" she whispered.
"Yes," I said seriously, keeping my focus. "I've got you. Just focus on your light. I'll handle the rest."
The skiff rocked violently as more Volcra dove from the darkness. I moved with measured control, calculating trajectories and defensive positions. Alina's sunlight flared in harmony with my golden shield pulses, a synchronicity I had only begun to understand. Every step, every movement mattered. Humor could wait.
By the time the last Volcra fell, the Fold seemed smaller somehow, the darkness receding as though acknowledging our combined power. Alina was breathing heavily, golden light still glowing faintly in her hands. I allowed a brief smile. "We made it," I said quietly. "Together."
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she glanced at me. "Thanks… Zac," she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips. Later, she would get flustered anytime I spoke to other girls, but for now, she was simply relieved.
I let a faint grin appear, humor slipping in just slightly. "And I'd say we make a pretty dramatic team," I added, tone light but still respectful.
She laughed softly, brushing snow off her coat. "You really are something, Zac," she said.
I nodded, letting the grin fade, serious once again. Danger wasn't over, and the Fold had only shown us a glimpse of what was to come. But one thing was certain: I would keep her safe. And humor? That could wait until the storm passed.