The heavy silence of the ancient ruins pressed down on Aevion and Liora as they moved cautiously through the crumbling stone corridors. The air smelled of dust and forgotten memories, cold and still. Liora's injured ankle throbbed with every careful step, but she refused to slow down. Her jaw clenched slightly, determination shining through the pain.
Without warning, a guttural growl shattered the quiet. From the shadows emerged a twisted, grotesque creature, its skin mottled and slick, eyes glowing with cruel hunger. It charged forward with terrifying speed, claws extended.
Aevion stepped forward, calm and collected, his blade flashing in the dim light. With a precise, fluid motion, he severed the beast's head clean off. The monster collapsed, lifeless. But the respite was brief.
Two more snarling creatures appeared, closing in from either side. One was large and muscular, swinging massive claws with deadly force. The other was smaller but quicker, darting between Aevion's defenses.
The fight quickly grew desperate. Aevion parried and struck, but the beasts' relentless aggression began to wear on him. The smaller monster found an opening and slashed across his side. Pain flared sharply, but Aevion's expression remained unreadable. He did not retreat, did not falter.
Liora planted her feet firmly despite the sharp ache in her ankle and moved to support him. Her Nexis shimmered faintly around her hands, a soft glow in the gloom. The beasts snarled and turned toward her, hungry for their next prey.
Though slowed and unsteady, Liora fought fiercely. Each movement was deliberate, calculated despite the ache pulsing through her leg. The larger monster slammed into her shoulder, forcing her down onto one knee. She gritted her teeth but pushed back up, steadying herself with a deep breath.
Together, Aevion and Liora wore down the monsters. With a final, synchronized strike, they brought the last beast crashing to the ground. Heavy breaths filled the silent chamber once more.
Liora sank slowly to the floor, wincing as pain lanced through her ankle. Aevion remained standing, eyes scanning the chamber until they locked onto a glowing pedestal carved with intricate runes. Atop it rested a polished stone, emitting a soft, steady light—the sacred healing item they had been sent to retrieve.
Without hesitation, Aevion approached. Each step was measured as he closed the distance. When his fingers brushed the stone's smooth surface, a cold ripple ran through him, and the world around him seemed to shift and blur.
Visions seized him suddenly.
A small boy, no older than seven, darted through burning streets—ashes swirling like snow around him. The village he knew was consumed by fire and smoke. His breaths came in panicked gasps as he searched desperately, calling a name lost in the crackling inferno.
Ahead, a small house stood defiantly amidst the flames. Inside, a struggle unfolded—a woman caught in the grip of a dark, imposing figure cloaked in shadow. The attacker radiated a twisted aura, warping the very air. The boy's wide, terrified eyes met the creature's cold gaze. Time seemed to freeze.
Then, the being vanished through a rippling space rift, leaving only silence and sorrow behind.
The vision faded, leaving Aevion's heart heavy and cold. He slowly withdrew his hand from the stone, the faint glow dimming.
Liora looked at him, concern softening her features as she noted the sudden change in his demeanor. He said nothing, shadows of a distant past settling deep within him.
Together, they prepared to leave the ruins, the weight of memory and pain clinging to them as strongly as the darkness that surrounded them.
Aevion and Liora lowered their hands slowly onto the sacred healing stone, its surface cool beneath their palms. A soft pulse of ancient energy radiated outward, wrapping around their fingers like liquid light. In that moment, the fatigue and pain that clung stubbornly to their bodies began to unravel.
Liora's breath hitched as warmth spread up from her ankle, weaving through the bruised tissue like threads of healing fire. The tightness loosened, the sharp sting faded—though she still felt the faintest twinge, a reminder of her recent battle. Aevion's muscles, heavy moments before, lightened as the power seeped into his very bones, the dull ache dissolving into a calm strength that steadied his core.
They lifted their hands from the stone together, the glow dimming but leaving a lingering shimmer of hope in the air.
"Feels different," Liora murmured, testing her steps. A careful step, then another. "Still tender, but it's... better."
Aevion's eyes met hers, calm and unreadable, though a trace of relief softened his gaze. "Enough to move forward."
They turned toward the ruin's exit, stepping into the open world bathed in the muted gold of the dying day. The forest around them held its quiet secrets, leaves rustling gently in the breeze that carried the scent of earth and moss.
Aevion raised a hand, palms outward, focusing his Nexis. A subtle shimmer rippled over them both as a soft current of magic lifted their feet off the ground. Liora's wings—once sluggish from injury—fluttered uncertainly, then spread wide as she took tentative flight. Aevion fell into step beside her, steady and composed.
The journey back to the academy was swift but measured, the air cool against their skin, the sky a canvas streaked with pink and purple hues. Liora's steps faltered briefly in midair, a faint wince betraying the lingering weakness in her ankle, but Aevion's presence was steady and reassuring, an unspoken promise of safety.
When they finally touched down on the academy grounds, the familiar bustle of students and instructors greeted them. As they walked toward the nurse's office, soft murmurs drifted to them from a nearby group of students.
"The forging class is starting soon."
"They say it's the most prestigious course—they only accept a few."
"Craft your own blade, your own power. Imagine that."
Aevion's expression tightened for a moment, eyes flickering toward Liora. She gave a small nod, curiosity sparking behind her steady gaze.
Suddenly, a figure rounded the corner with a brisk step—nearly colliding with them.
"Watch it," the boy said smoothly, his dark hair tousled, eyes sharp yet friendly. "You two alright?"
Neither moved to speak at first. Aevion simply inclined his head, eyes steady.
Liora gave a subtle nod. "We're fine."
The boy grinned, a casual confidence in his posture. "Name's Kael. Haven't seen you around before. New here?"
"Aevion," he said quietly.
"Liora," she added.
Kael's interest piqued, but he said nothing more for now, instead nodding toward the nurse's office.
"Heading that way? I'm off to training."
They began walking side by side, the hum of academy life folding around them—promises of challenge, growth, and maybe something more just beginning.