Chapter 7: The Shadow in the Night

Kael and Lyra had been traveling for weeks, their journey taking them through treacherous mountains and dark forests. But it was in the dead of night, as they camped in a secluded valley, that Kael felt the presence most strongly.

He sat by the fire, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond the flames. Lyra was asleep, her chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm. But Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Suddenly, a twig snapped in the darkness. Kael's heart raced as he sprang to his feet, the Celestial Blade at the ready.

"Who's there?" he called out, his voice echoing off the valley walls.

There was no response. But Kael could feel the presence drawing closer, its malevolent energy making his skin crawl.

With a fierce cry, Kael charged into the darkness, the Celestial Blade flashing in the moonlight. Lyra woke with a start, her eyes wide with fear as she saw Kael battling a shadowy figure in the night.

"Kael, no!" she screamed, her voice piercing the air. "Don't engage it!"

But Kael was beyond reason. He fought with all his might, the Celestial Blade slicing through the darkness like a beacon of light.

And then, in an instant, the shadow vanished. Kael stood panting, his chest heaving with exhaustion.

Lyra rushed to his side, her eyes filled with worry. "Kael, what was that thing?"

Kael shook his head, his mind reeling with confusion. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I know it's not the last we've seen of it."