The Demon king's Last oath

The morning mist clung to the forest like a shroud, muffling sound and obscuring the path ahead. Caius walked in silence, his black hair damp with dew as the faint sunlight struggled to pierce the canopy above.

Elara trailed behind him, her emerald green eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of movement. Though she carried herself with confidence, there was a slight tension in her posture—a readiness to act if danger struck.

The stranger walked a few paces ahead of them, their silver eyes glinting in the dim light. They hummed softly to themselves, seemingly unconcerned by the oppressive atmosphere.

"We should stop soon," Elara said, breaking the quiet. "The horses need rest."

Caius glanced back at her, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. "We've only been moving for an hour."

"An hour in this terrain feels like three," Elara replied, raising an eyebrow. "And if we're going to be ambushed, I'd rather it not happen while we're exhausted."

The stranger chuckled softly. "She's got a point, boy. This forest isn't exactly inviting."

Caius frowned but didn't argue. "Fine. We'll stop at the next clearing."

The group found a small clearing surrounded by tall, moss-covered trees. The air was still, the silence punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Caius unhooked his satchel, setting it down carefully before sitting on a fallen log. The shard inside pulsed faintly, its energy muted but ever-present.

Elara tied her horse to a low-hanging branch, patting its neck to soothe it. "This place feels… wrong," she said quietly, glancing around.

The stranger leaned against a tree, their hands tucked into their cloak. "That's because it is. Forests like these have a way of hiding things—things that don't want to be found."

Caius stood, his hand brushing the hilt of his dagger. "Stay alert. If something's watching us, we'll know soon enough."

Elara frowned. "Comforting."

The first sign came as a faint vibration in the ground, so subtle that only Caius noticed it. He froze, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the trees.

"Something's coming," he said, his voice low but firm.

Elara reached for the sword at her side, her grip steady despite the quickening of her breath. The stranger's silver runes flared faintly, their posture shifting to one of readiness.

A low growl echoed through the clearing, followed by the snap of branches. From the shadows, a creature emerged—a twisted, wolf-like beast with glowing blue eyes and dark, sinewy fur that seemed to ripple unnaturally.

It wasn't alone. Three more creatures slinked from the trees, circling the group with predatory precision.

"Shadowborn," the stranger muttered, their silver eyes narrowing. "They're drawn to the shard."

"Of course they are," Elara said, her voice sharp. She drew her sword, the steel catching the faint light.

Caius stepped forward, dark flames flickering to life around his hand. "Stay behind me."

"No," Elara said firmly, moving to his side. "I can fight."

Caius shot her a glance, his blue eyes flashing with concern. "This isn't a game, Elara."

"And I'm not some damsel waiting to be saved," she snapped back.

The creatures growled, their glowing eyes locked on the shard in Caius's satchel. Without warning, they lunged.

Caius moved first, his flames surging forward in a controlled burst. The fire struck one of the Shadowborn head-on, forcing it back with a pained howl.

Elara sidestepped another creature, her sword flashing as she slashed at its flank. The blade cut deep, but the beast didn't slow, its unnatural form twisting as it turned to face her.

"These things don't go down easy!" she called, dodging another swipe of its claws.

The stranger stepped in, their glowing runes forming a barrier that deflected an attack from the third creature. "No kidding. Try aiming for the head—they don't like that."

Elara gritted her teeth, feinting to the side before driving her blade into the beast's neck. It let out a guttural screech, its body dissolving into black smoke.

Caius dispatched another with a precise strike of his flames, the dark fire consuming the creature in seconds.

The last two creatures circled warily, their glowing eyes flicking between the three of them.

"They're regrouping," the stranger said, their voice low.

"Not for long," Caius replied, his flames burning brighter.

Before the creatures could lunge again, Caius unleashed a wave of fire that swept through the clearing, engulfing both beasts. Their screeches echoed through the forest before fading into silence.

The clearing grew still, the faint smell of ash lingering in the air. Elara stood with her sword at her side, her chest heaving as she caught her breath.

"Are they always like that?" she asked, glancing at Caius.

"They get worse," he said, his voice calm but strained.

Elara sheathed her sword, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Good to know."

The stranger chuckled softly, leaning against a tree. "Not bad, princess. You might survive this after all."

Elara shot them a glare. "I wasn't planning on dying."

Caius looked at her, his expression unreadable. "You did well. But next time, be careful."

"I can take care of myself," Elara said firmly, though her tone softened slightly.

"I know," Caius replied.

As they prepared to move on, Caius glanced at Elara, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. She had held her own, proving that she wasn't just a sheltered noble girl out of her depth.

Elara caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Nothing," Caius said, looking away. "Just… you're stronger than I expected."

Elara smirked faintly. "You sound surprised."

"Maybe I am," Caius admitted quietly.

Elara smiled, her expression softening. "Don't underestimate me, Caius. I'm not going anywhere."

He nodded, the faintest hint of a smile crossing his lips. "I'll keep that in mind."