Eli stood at the edge of the oasis, staring at the jungle beyond. The sunlight danced on the river, the birds sang, and the waterfalls whispered in the distance. He knew he had to make a choice. Step forward, accept Nyxion's task, and face the unknown—or turn back, return to the safety of the Vale house, and live an ordinary life forever.
His fingers twitched with indecision. Finally, he exhaled. He wasn't ready to decide—not yet. He just needed to think, to breathe, to feel the realm in a way that didn't demand action.
Then the shadow leapt.
The beast emerged from the jungle like darkness made flesh. A massive jungle cat, its fur rippling over taut muscles, four glowing eyes—one clouded and blind—piercing into him, a jagged scar running down its face. Its growl rumbled through the ground as it crouched low, preparing to strike.
Eli's heart hammered. He raised his hands instinctively. His powers were weak, unformed, flickers of potential that barely stirred. He could try—but he knew the creature was beyond him.
It lunged.
Eli dodged the first strike, but the second clipped his shoulder. Pain exploded across his side as he tumbled to the ground. He scrambled up, fists clenched, bracing for the next attack. The beast moved like liquid shadow, claws flashing, teeth bared. Eli could feel the raw, terrifying power pressing down on him.
Then a streak of light and laughter cut through the tension.
"Eli, get out of the way!"
Liora appeared, stepping into the path of the beast with a calm that belied the danger. Energy shimmered around her hands, faint arcs of light that danced like fire. She didn't hesitate.
The beast lunged at her first. Liora twisted, narrowly avoiding its claws, but a slash ripped across her arm, tearing fabric and scoring skin. She gritted her teeth, staggering, but she didn't falter. A surge of power shot from her palms, slamming into the creature with enough force to stagger it. It hissed and swiped again, forcing her back into the sand. Another cut ran along her leg. Her breath came in short, sharp gasps, but her eyes never left the beast.
Eli watched, awestruck. She moved with uncanny precision, striking at its shoulders, flanks, and head. Each blow pushed it back, but the creature was relentless. It came at her from unexpected angles, claws tearing through branches and leaves, forcing her to dodge, counter, and strike again, every move draining her strength.
A jagged talon caught her side as she lunged, tearing her tunic and scoring a long, shallow cut. She hissed in pain, but with a yell of determination, she unleashed a blast of energy that sent the beast sprawling backward, staggering into the foliage.
It recovered quickly, snarling, but Liora didn't pause. Another strike forced it back into the sand, its claws scraping, its teeth snapping. Finally, with a well-timed surge of strength, she pushed it far enough that it hesitated, growling and backing into the shadows of the jungle.
Both of them were breathing heavily, blood streaked across arms and legs, bruises forming along ribs and shoulders. Eli's shirt was torn, his side burned from shallow cuts, and his knees throbbed from impact. Liora leaned against a tree for a moment, panting, but her gaze never wavered from the jungle. She was battered, bleeding, and bruised—but victorious.
Eli staggered to his feet, heart hammering, chest heaving. Watching her fight… it wasn't just skill. It was strength, courage, and determination. And he realized something vital: he could not walk away now. Not after seeing this. Not after feeling the danger and knowing she could survive it.
"I'm going," he said finally, voice firm. He struggled upright, still shaking. "I'm going to do the task. And… I want you to come."
Her eyes met his, bright despite the pain etched across her skin. "Me?"
He nodded. "You're strong. You can handle this… better than I can. And…" His throat tightened. "…I want you with me."
She tilted her head, studying him, weighing something in the faint glow of the oasis. Eli's heart thumped, adrenaline still roaring in his veins. He had made his choice. Now it was hers.
The jungle held its breath. The river flowed quietly. The sunlight danced on the leaves. And the answer hung between them, unspoken.
Eli waited.