Kael's entry into Ironclaw had been both a triumph and a heartbreak. Now, the story shifts its focus to Kael's relationship with Eryn, the one person who had always believed in him. This chapter delves into their bond, Eryn's awakening, and the drama that unfolds as Kael's new life begins to pull them apart.
The city of Eldenshire was quieter in the twilight hours. The glow of magical lanterns illuminated the cobbled streets, and the hum of magic-infused energy coursed faintly through the air. Kael sat on the edge of a stone fountain in the central square, his guild badge clutched in one hand.
"You've been quiet all day," said Eryn, plopping down beside him with her usual lack of grace. Her copper hair shone under the lantern light, and her emerald-green eyes were filled with concern.
Kael glanced at her, forcing a smile. "I guess I'm still wrapping my head around everything. Ironclaw... it's a big deal."
"Kael." Her tone was sharp, almost scolding. "You don't have to pretend with me. I know you."
Kael exhaled, leaning back against the cool stone. "It's not exactly what I imagined. They're… tough to impress. I'm not even sure I belong there."
"You do," Eryn said firmly. "You've worked harder than anyone else I know. You'll prove it to them."
For a moment, her words were enough to make him believe it.
"I wish you were coming with me," he admitted softly.
Eryn hesitated, the cheerful mask slipping from her face. "Me too. But hey, tomorrow's my Awakening. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up in a guild that's even better than Ironclaw."
Kael laughed. "Good luck with that. Ironclaw's the best in the city."
"Exactly," Eryn said, punching his arm lightly. "So when I join a guild, I'll make mine better than yours. And then I'll come back and steal you away."
"You've got it all planned out, huh?"
Eryn grinned, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "Promise me one thing, Kael."
"What's that?"
"Don't let them change you. You're… you. That's what makes you special. Don't lose that, no matter what they say."
Kael's chest tightened, but he nodded. "I promise.
The following morning, Kael stood on the sidelines of the Plaza of Luminaries, his Ironclaw badge tucked into his pocket. The Awakening Ceremony was as vibrant as ever, but this time, Kael felt like an outsider looking in.
Eryn stepped forward when her name was called, her hands trembling slightly as she placed them on the Soul Crystal. The gem flared to life, casting her in radiant light. The crowd hushed, leaning forward with anticipation.
The voice of the crystal rang out:
You are Eryn Ralyn. You possess the ability of Spiritbond.
Kael's breath caught.
The official stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Spiritbond," he announced. "A rare ability that allows the user to forge a magical connection with living creatures, strengthening them and sharing their senses."
A murmur swept through the crowd. Spiritbond was highly coveted—a power often associated with legendary tamers and strategists.
Eryn stepped back, her face a mix of awe and uncertainty. She turned to find Kael in the crowd, and he gave her a thumbs-up, his grin wide despite the pang of envy that gnawed at his chest.
That evening, Kael and Eryn sat on the orphanage's rooftop, their legs dangling over the edge.
"I can't believe it," Eryn said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Spiritbond. Me. Of all people."
"You deserve it," Kael said earnestly. "You've always had a way with animals. Remember that time you saved that stray grifflet?"
Eryn chuckled. "And it bit me? Yeah, I remember."
They laughed together, the sound echoing across the rooftops. But as the laughter faded, a heavy silence settled between them.
"You know what this means, right?" Eryn said finally.
Kael nodded slowly. "You're going to get offers. Big ones."
Eryn didn't respond immediately. Instead, she looked out over the city, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "Kael… what if this changes everything?"
"It won't," Kael said quickly, though the words felt hollow. "No matter where you go, we'll always have each other's backs."
Eryn turned to him, her eyes searching his. "Promise me. No matter what happens, we won't lose this. We won't lose us."
Kael swallowed hard. "I promise."
Eryn's Awakening attracted immediate attention. The following week, representatives from various guilds arrived at the orphanage, each eager to recruit her. Kael watched from the sidelines, his stomach twisting as she weighed her options.
"Ironclaw's not an option?" Kael asked one evening, trying to sound casual.
Eryn shook her head. "I don't think I'd fit in there. Besides, Spiritbond works best with guilds that specialize in taming or strategy. Ironclaw's… well, Ironclaw."
Kael didn't know how to respond. He wanted to argue, to tell her they could be stronger together, but deep down, he knew she was right.
Eventually, Eryn chose Silverstar, a guild known for its elite beastmasters. Their leader, a charismatic elf named Valerion Frostmane, personally came to escort her to their headquarters.
Kael stood by the gates as she left, forcing a smile as she hugged him tightly.
"Write to me," she said, her voice trembling.
"Every week," he promised.
As she walked away, Kael felt a hollow ache in his chest, as if a piece of him had been taken with her.
Life at Ironclaw grew more difficult for Kael. His guildmates' disdain turned to open hostility. During a mission to a low-level dungeon, Leoric deliberately left Kael behind to fend off a pack of feral direwolves.
Kael managed to escape, his Energy Channel barely keeping him alive. When he confronted Leoric, the tank sneered.
"You're weak, Veynor. Sera might see something in you, but the rest of us don't have time to babysit."
"That's enough," Sera said sharply, stepping between them. She turned to Kael. "Prove him wrong, or prove me wrong. Either way, figure it out."
Kael bit back a retort, his fists clenched. He thought of Eryn's parting words, the promise they had made.
Weeks passed before Kael received his first letter from Eryn. Her excitement leaped off the page as she described her training and the creatures she had bonded with—a fiery phoenix hatchling, a sleek shadow panther.
But as he read, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that their worlds were growing farther apart.
He penned a reply, pouring his heart into every word. He didn't tell her about Ironclaw's treatment or his struggles. Instead, he wrote about his determination to become stronger, to stand beside her as an equal.
Late one night, Kael stood in the Ironclaw guildhall, staring at the mission board. He spotted a dangerous assignment—a dungeon raid far above his current level.
"I'll take it," he said aloud.
The room went silent. Sera raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that, rookie?"
Kael met her gaze, his voice steady. "I need to prove myself."
As he prepared for the mission, Kael's thoughts drifted to Eryn. He could almost hear her voice, urging him to stay true to himself.
But deep down, he wondered how much longer he could keep that promise.