The Beast Master's Vengeance

Chapter 6: Into The Wilds



Kael awoke to the chill of the morning air biting at his skin. The destruction of his village was still fresh in his mind, haunting him even as the world around him seemed serene. The smaller creature his first bonded beast stood nearby, watching him with its glowing eyes, its sleek black fur blending with the shadows of the forest.

He sat up slowly, his body aching from the previous day's ordeal. He glanced at the ruins of his village in the distance, now barely visible through the thick forest trees. The blackened remains of homes, the lifeless bodies of people he had known all his life it was too much. The weight of it threatened to crush him, but Kael forced himself to stand.

He couldn't afford to stay here. The beast that had ravaged his village was still out there, and it would come for him again. He was certain of it. But this time, he wouldn't run. He had made a silent vow: he would grow stronger, master his abilities, and make the creature pay for everything it had done.

The forest stretched endlessly before him, its dense canopy blocking out most of the sunlight. It was a place Kael had always avoided a place of danger and mystery. But now, it was his only refuge. With a deep breath, he took his first step into the wilds, his bonded beast following closely behind.

The forest was alive with sounds Kael had never noticed before. Birds chirped from high branches, unseen creatures rustled in the underbrush, and the wind whispered through the leaves. Every sound made him tense, his senses heightened by the unfamiliar surroundings.

He moved cautiously, his hand resting on the hilt of the small dagger his father had given him long ago. It was barely a weapon, but it was all he had. His bonded beast walked beside him, its movements silent and graceful.

Hours passed as Kael navigated the forest, his nerves on edge. The further he went, the more he realized how unprepared he was for this journey. He had no food, no water, and no real knowledge of what lay ahead. But he couldn't turn back. There was nothing left for him in the village.

As the sun began to set, Kael stumbled upon a small clearing. A stream ran through the center, its clear water sparkling in the fading light. Relief washed over him. He knelt by the stream and drank deeply, the cold water soothing his parched throat.

His beast watched him, its glowing eyes scanning the surroundings. Kael couldn't help but feel a strange connection to the creature. It was more than just a protector it was a part of him now, bound by a power he didn't yet understand.

"You saved me back there," Kael said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

The beast tilted its head, as if trying to understand his words. Kael smiled faintly. "I don't know if you can even understand me, but... I'm glad you're here."

As night fell, Kael built a small fire using the skills his father had taught him. The flames cast flickering shadows across the clearing, providing a small sense of safety in the vast darkness of the forest.

But safety was an illusion.

The first sign of trouble came in the form of distant howls. Kael froze, his heart pounding in his chest. The howls grew louder, closer, until they seemed to echo all around him.

"Wolves," he muttered, his grip tightening on his dagger.

The beast growled low, its eyes glowing brighter as it crouched in a defensive stance. Kael stood, his pulse racing as he scanned the darkness beyond the firelight.

Suddenly, a pair of glowing eyes appeared in the shadows, followed by another, and another. A pack of wolves emerged from the trees, their sleek forms moving with deadly precision. Their eyes were fixed on Kael, their teeth bared in snarls.

Kael's mind raced. He couldn't fight them all not alone. He glanced at his beast, which was growling fiercely, ready to attack.

"Can you handle this?" Kael asked, his voice trembling.

The beast didn't respond, but its stance was answer enough. With a fierce roar, it lunged at the wolves, its movements a blur of speed and power.

Kael watched in awe as the battle unfolded. His beast fought with a ferocity he hadn't seen before, its claws slashing and teeth tearing through the wolves' ranks. But the pack was relentless, and for every wolf the beast took down, two more seemed to take its place.

Kael felt the bond between him and the beast flare to life, the energy surging through him. He could feel the beast's pain, its determination, its unyielding will to protect him.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the bond. He reached out with his mind, trying to guide the beast, to lend it his strength. The connection deepened, and Kael felt the power inside him grow stronger.

"Together," he whispered, the word barely audible.

The tide of the battle began to turn. The beast moved with renewed strength, its attacks more precise and devastating. The wolves began to falter, their ranks breaking as they realized they couldn't win.

Finally, the pack retreated, their howls fading into the distance. Kael sank to his knees, his body trembling from the strain of the bond. His beast returned to his side, its fur matted with blood but its eyes glowing with triumph.

"You did it," Kael said, his voice filled with relief. "We did it."

As Kael tended to his beast's wounds, a strange sensation washed over him. The air grew colder, heavier, and the shadows seemed to deepen. He looked up, his heart skipping a beat.

Standing at the edge of the clearing was a figure cloaked in darkness. Its features were hidden, but its presence was unmistakably menacing.

Kael scrambled to his feet, his dagger in hand. The beast growled, its eyes locked on the figure.

"Who are you?" Kael demanded, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him.

The figure didn't respond. Instead, it raised a hand, and the air around Kael seemed to ripple. The ground trembled, and Kael felt a crushing weight on his chest, as if the very forest was pressing down on him.

"You are not ready," the figure said, its voice cold and hollow. "But you will be."

Before Kael could respond, the figure vanished, leaving only the echo of its words behind.

Kael's chest heaved as he struggled to process what had just happened. Who was that? What did they want?

His beast nudged him gently, pulling him from his thoughts. Kael took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it. He would grow stronger.

But as he stared into the dark forest, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

To be continued…


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