Chapter 31: Shadows of Intent

The road to Eldrath stretched ahead, winding through dense forests and rolling hills. Though the morning sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, a sense of unease clung to the air. The memory of Maltrius' dark presence lingered in Azarion's thoughts. If the Abyss had sent a warden, their plans were far more deliberate than he'd feared.

Sera walked a few paces ahead, her steps light and confident as she twirled her daggers absentmindedly. "You're awfully quiet back there," she remarked without looking back.

Azarion adjusted the straps of his pack, his sword sheathed but always within reach. "Just thinking."

"Thinking or brooding?" Sera shot him a sidelong glance. "There's a difference, you know."

He let out a faint chuckle. "Both, I suppose. Maltrius wasn't like the others. The Abyssal creatures we've faced before were chaotic, mindless even. But he… he had purpose. Intelligence. Coordination."

Sera smirked. "So, what? You're worried there's more where he came from?"

"I'm not worried," Azarion replied, though his tone suggested otherwise. "I'm certain of it."

Sera stopped and turned to face him. "Well, good. I was starting to get bored. Let them send another warden, or ten. I'll take them all on."

Azarion shook his head, a faint smile crossing his lips. "You're either fearless or reckless. Maybe both."

"Reckless keeps things interesting," she said with a wink, turning back to the road. "Come on, hero. Eldrath isn't going to come to us."

---

As they walked, the forest seemed to grow darker, the trees closing in like sentinels guarding a secret. The cheerful chirping of birds gave way to an eerie silence, broken only by the crunch of their boots on the path. Azarion's grip tightened on his sword hilt.

"We're being followed," he murmured.

Sera didn't stop, but her hand drifted to her daggers. "How long?"

"Since we left the last clearing. I can't see them, but they're there."

Sera's voice dropped to a whisper. "Abyssal?"

"Maybe. But I can't feel the same darkness as before."

The tension thickened as they continued, each step carrying the weight of unseen eyes. Then, a voice broke the silence—a low, melodic tone that seemed to echo from everywhere at once.

"Bearer of the Flame... your light burns too brightly in the shadows."

Azarion stopped, his sword flashing into his hand. "Show yourself!"

From the gloom, a figure stepped forward. Unlike Maltrius, this figure lacked the overwhelming menace of the Abyss, but their aura was equally unsettling. Cloaked in black and adorned with silver chains, the stranger's face was hidden beneath a hood, their eyes glowing faintly with an unnatural light.

"I bring no blade," the figure said, raising their hands slowly. "I come only to deliver a warning."

Sera scoffed, her daggers drawn. "Yeah, because creepy strangers always have good intentions."

The figure ignored her, their gaze fixed on Azarion. "The Abyss stirs because of you, Bearer. Your flame threatens the balance. The more you wield it, the stronger they will become."

Azarion's grip on his sword tightened. "And who are you to decide what balance should be?"

The figure tilted their head. "A mere messenger. One who sees what lies beyond the veil. The Abyss cannot be destroyed, only contained. But your actions risk tearing open the boundaries that hold it back."

"Enough riddles," Azarion said coldly. "What do you want from me?"

"To warn you," the figure replied, their voice growing softer. "The path you walk will bring suffering to this world. The Eternal Flame is a blessing—and a curse. Beware the price of your light."

Before Azarion or Sera could react, the figure dissolved into shadow, leaving only the faint scent of burned wood behind.

---

"What the hell was that?" Sera asked, scanning the forest for any sign of the stranger.

Azarion lowered his sword, his jaw tight. "I don't know. But they knew about the Flame—and about me."

Sera frowned. "Think they were telling the truth?"

Azarion hesitated. The Eternal Flame pulsed faintly within him, its warmth both comforting and unsettling. "I don't know," he admitted. "But we can't turn back now. Whatever the Abyss is planning, we have to stop it—no matter the cost."

Sera's expression softened. "Well, you're not doing it alone. Balance, Abyss, or whatever else, we'll deal with it together."

Azarion nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then let's keep moving. Eldrath awaits, and I have a feeling we'll find more answers there."

As they pressed on, the shadows seemed to retreat, but Azarion couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something far greater than either of them could imagine.