The wounded creature slept beneath layers of enchanted cloth. Selene kept watch beside it, a hand on its shoulder, whispering quiet incantations to slow the spread of the corruption that had eaten through its soul.
Cain sat across from her, arms resting on his knees, eyes never leaving her.
"You've been awake all night," he murmured.
Selene glanced up, offering a weak smile. "So have you."
"Yeah," he admitted. "But I'm worried about you."
Her smile faded, and she leaned closer. "It's getting darker out there, Cain. I can feel it. Sothing's rising...and I don't think it's just your father."
Cain's jaw tightened. "We need to prepare."
At the edge of camp, Leo was trying to teach Eren how to use shadowfire without blowing up tree trunks.
"You've got too much flare and no control!" Leo shouted, ducking as a fireball singed the tips of his coat.
Eren groaned. "That was control! You said aim high!"
"You aid at the moon!"
Cain approached, raising a brow. "Should I be worried you two will destroy the forest before the war starts?"
"Don't worry, big bro," Eren grinned. "Leo's just jealous I make better explosions."
"Yeah, and I make better plans," Leo shot back, spinning a dagger through his fingers. "Like the one I found this morning."
Cain crossed his arms. "Go on."
Leo pointed to the creature. "That thing didn't get here by accident. It was sent—to warn us. I traced a residue of summoning magic...and guess where it leads?"
Cain frowned. "Don't tell ..."
"To Father's realm," Leo confird. "Whatever sent it is from his domain."
Eren's smile dropped. "Then it was ant to scare us."
"Or test us," Selene said, appearing behind them. "But it failed."
The creature stirred suddenly, its voice cracking. "He...knows you're near. He waits...but not alone."
Cain stepped forward. "Who waits with him?"
"His shadows," the creature rasped. "Children of fla and blood. Not like you. Twisted. Changed."
A chill ran through Cain's spine.
The creature shivered once and then fell silent.
It was dead.
Selene gently closed its eyes. "It gave us everything it could."
Eren clenched his fists. "Then it's our turn."
Later that night, while the camp was silent, Cain walked to the cliffside. Below was the vast dark field—the place where they'd first t their enemies.
Selene joined him quietly.
"I know that look," she whispered. "You're going to do sothing reckless."
He didn't look at her, but his hand found hers.
"If I have to face him," Cain said, "I want to do it with a clear mind. For Eira. For you."
"You're not doing it alone," Selene said firmly. "We're stronger together."
Cain turned to her, eyes soft. "If I lost you..."
"You won't."
They kissed under the stars—soft, anchoring.
Behind them, Leo appeared, arms crossed.
"Alright, Roo and Juliet, we've got a visitor."
Cain pulled away, tense. "What now?"
Leo gestured behind him. "A ssenger from the Witches' Circle. They said, He has summoned you. A trial of blood is coming."
Cain's voice was steel. "Then we answer."
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