The morning sun spilled through the broken windows of the abandoned house, painting dust motes in golden light. Draven stretched, still feeling the hum of wind from the night before curled faintly in his fingertips.
Ready to see more of Eldervale Miriel asked, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Draven nodded, brushing the dust from his garment, Klein slung a small pack over his shoulder. I'm ready, he said, smiling,I bet the market got something we have never see.
The three of them slipped through the quiet streets, careful to stay in the shadow of timbered buildings. Eldervale was alive with the usual bustle,merchants arranging their wares, children darting between carts, dogs barking at wandering cats. But as they passed a narrow alley, Draven felt it a subtle tug at the back of his mind, like the wind brushing urgently against his skin.
Did you feel that? he whispered to Miriel.
She glanced at him sharply. Yes… someone's watching.
Klein froze mid step. Watching? This isn't exactly a city of spies.
Draven's hands tingled. The hair on his arms lifted,The air around them shifted, almost as if the alley itself had exhaled. He turned slowly, eyes scanning the rooftops, the shadows between stalls, but nothing moved.
Probably just a cat, Klein said nervously, though his voice wavered.
Miriel shook her head. No. This is… deliberate, a presence. Someone is trailing us,
Draven clenched his fists, feeling the wind stir, playful at first, then tightening like it was warning him. Should we…? he asked, his voice low.
Miriel nodded. Stay calm. Don't let it know you feel it.
They continued through the market, but every step seemed heavier. Draven's senses prickled with awareness each breeze, each shadow, each muffled footstep felt amplified. When a merchant's bell jingled, the sound seemed to echo strangely, almost like a signal.
Klein frowned. This is creeping me out., Can't we just, buy some bread and call it a day?
No, Miriel said firmly. Not yet. Whatever it is, it's testing us. Watching is never just idle curiosity.
Draven stopped in the middle of the stone blocks, His stomach roiled as the wind pulled at him insistently. Slowly, cautiously, he focused, extending the sensation outward like a whisper, letting it flow along the alley ways and rooftops.
There a flicker, barely noticeable, in the corner of the market. A shadow shifting against the sun, distant but deliberate.
There, Draven said, pointing. Someone's out there.
Miriel's expression hardened. Good. You felt it. That's the first step. Awareness before reaction. Most people never notice the currents around them,they never realize the world is listening.
Klein's eyes widened. The world… is listening?
Draven swallowed, feeling the thrill and fear mingle. It's… bigger than we thought.
A sudden shout from across the square made them all scared. A man was calling for a lost child, but the urgency in his voice carried a note of sharp attention.,The wind tugged at Draven again, stronger now, like it was urging him to move.
Miriel placed a hand on his shoulder. Focus, Draven. It's not just curiosity you're feeling it's instinct. Someone, or something, is close. And soon, you'll have to decide if you confront it or run,
Draven glanced at Klein, who looked pale but excited., And what if it's dangerous?
Then, Miriel said, letting her fire flare faintly along her fingertips, you do what you've already begun to do control yourself. Control the power and learn the truth before it finds you.
Draven turned just in time to see a blur leap from behind a stall.
Gotcha! a voice shouted.
Before him stood two familiar faces,Joren and Lys, Their grins were wide, almost too proud of themselves.
You… you've been following us? Draven asked,
Of course, Joren said, hands on his hips. We thought we'd see if the famous wind boy really had his powers outside your little hideout.
Lys rolled his eyes,and maybe give you a little… surprise.
Klein groaned. Surprise? You mean scare the daylights out of us.
Draven's hair lifted as the wind stirred playfully around him. Well… you succeeded,he said, trying not to smile.
Miriel stepped forward, fire flickering faintly along her fingertips. You two again? I should
Wait, Lys held up his hands. We're not here to fight. Just test you. And maybe have a little fun.
Draven shouted, Fun?
Yes, Joren said ,See, we're clever, mysterious sort of like you two,
Miriel snorted, flames dancing higher. You're lucky we're busy, or I'd show you exactly what happens when fire meets , your nonsense.
The four boys stared at each other, tension melting into laughter. Draven exhaled, realizing the chase was over.
You're impossible, Draven said to Joren and Lys, shaking his head.
And you're dangerous,Lys replied with a mock bow.
Klein nudged Draven. Looks like Eldervale's got more surprises than we thought.
Draven smiled, feeling the wind swirl around him gently.