Chapter 8: Hidden Truth

The stranger's eyes seemed to bore into Bjorn's soul, as if searching for something. Bjorn's instincts screamed warning, but he stood frozen, unsure what to do.

"Who are you?" Bjorn demanded, trying to sound braver than he felt.

The stranger smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "My name is Elijah. And I'm here to reveal the truth about your past, Bjorn."

Bjorn's mind raced as Elijah began to speak. He told Bjorn about his family's history, about the secrets and lies that had been hidden for generations. He told Bjorn about the real reason Kael had turned him, and about the ancient power that flowed through his veins.

Bjorn's world was turned upside down as he listened. Everything he thought he knew was a lie. His whole life had been a manipulation, a carefully constructed web of deceit.

"Why?" Bjorn asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why did Kael do this to me?"

Elijah's expression turned somber. "Kael was just a pawn, Bjorn. A pawn in a much larger game. And you...you are the key to unlocking an ancient power that could change the course of history."

Bjorn's mind reeled as he tried to comprehend the magnitude of Elijah's words. He was a key? To what? And what did Elijah mean by "ancient power"?

As he looked into Elijah's eyes, Bjorn knew he had to make a choice. Trust this stranger, or forge his own path. The fate of his future, and the future of humanity, hung in the balance.