Kael ran until his lungs burned.
Trees blurred past him. The cold night air cut his face, but he didn't stop.
Freedom felt unreal.
When he finally collapsed, it was near a quiet river. Moonlight reflected on the water, and for the first time in years… the world felt peaceful.
He looked at the sword beside him.
Black. Silent. Waiting.
"Was this worth it…?" he whispered.
The blade didn't answer.
Footsteps.
Kael grabbed the sword, ready to fight.
A girl stepped out from the shadows.
She had long white-blonde hair and soft blue eyes. She wore a simple cloak and carried a staff glowing faintly with light.
She froze when she saw him.
"You're hurt," she said gently.
Kael laughed bitterly.
"Everyone says that… then they try to kill me."
She shook her head.
"I'm not like them."
Her name was Lyra.
She was a traveling healer, helping villagers injured by soldiers and monsters. When she noticed the scars on Kael's back, her hands trembled.
"Who did this to you…?"
Kael didn't answer.
Lyra slowly approached and knelt beside him.
"May I help?"
For some reason…
He nodded.
Lyra placed her hands on his wounds.
A warm glow spread across his skin.
Pain vanished.
Kael gasped.
"I've never felt… something this gentle."
Lyra smiled softly.
"Magic doesn't have to hurt to be strong."
The sword reacted.
Dark mist leaked from it, clashing with her light.
Lyra stepped back.
"That weapon… it's dangerous."
Kael clenched it tighter.
"It saved me."
She looked at him with sad eyes.
"Power that feeds on hatred will eventually consume you."
Her words struck his heart.
Suddenly—
Arrows flew from the trees!
Kael pushed Lyra aside.
Soldiers appeared.
"The slave escaped!"
"Kill him!"
Kael moved before thinking.
The sword glowed red.
He cut through their attacks with unnatural speed.
One by one, they fell.
Lyra watched in shock.
"You're… strong."
Kael turned to her.
"You should run."
But she shook her head.
"I'm staying."
After the battle, bodies lay still.
Kael wiped blood from his face.
Lyra approached him.
"You saved me."
He didn't respond.
She grabbed his hand.
"Let me travel with you."
Kael froze.
"I'm not a hero."
"I know," she replied. "That's why I trust you."
For the first time in years…
Kael felt something warm in his chest.
Hope.