Beasts of Anomaly

The group moved swiftly through the dense forest, every step purposeful, every sound a potential threat. The crystalline trees, beautiful and haunting, felt like silent witnesses to their flight. Azhaan's heartbeat matched the rhythm of his hurried steps, and the Shadow Stalker prowled silently by his side, its red eyes scanning the shadows.

"Are we just running blind?" Azhaan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kaela glanced over her shoulder, her silver hair catching the faint glow of the trees. "Not blind. We're heading to the cliffs beyond the Verdantwilds. It's open ground, harder for an ambush."

Alira, who was leading the group, snorted. "Assuming we make it that far. Whoever sent that corrupted beast isn't going to let us off easy."

Azhaan felt a chill creep up his spine. "Why would they send something like that? How do they even control it?"

"They don't control it," Kaela said grimly. "They manipulate it. Corruption spreads through influence—it takes something natural and twists it into a weapon."

Alira slowed her pace, her plant-like companion climbing onto her shoulder. "And if they've gone as far as sending corrupted beasts after you, they're not just trying to scare you. They're trying to break you."

Azhaan swallowed hard. "Well, it's working."

Kaela gave him a reassuring glance. "You held your own back there, Azhaan. Whatever they throw at us next, we'll face it together."

Her words offered some comfort, but the knot of anxiety in his chest refused to ease.

After hours of trekking, the forest began to thin. The towering crystalline trees gave way to rocky terrain, and the air grew cooler as the sun dipped lower in the sky.

"We're close," Kaela said, scanning the horizon.

Azhaan's legs burned with exhaustion, but he pushed forward, knowing that stopping now wasn't an option. The Shadow Stalker moved beside him, its presence a steadying force amidst the chaos.

Then, without warning, the mark on Azhaan's arm flared with heat.

He stumbled, clutching at the glowing symbol. The pulse of energy coursing through him felt stronger than ever before, almost overwhelming.

"Azhaan?" Kaela called, her voice sharp with concern.

"I—I'm fine," Azhaan said through gritted teeth. "The mark—it's reacting to something."

Alira's eyes narrowed. "That's not good. It means they're close."

A low, guttural growl echoed through the air, freezing everyone in place. Azhaan's heart skipped a beat as he turned toward the sound.

From the shadows of the forest emerged a group of figures—cloaked tamers, their faces obscured by dark hoods. Their beasts, corrupted and snarling, flanked them, their glowing green eyes filled with malice.

"You've run far enough," the lead figure said, his voice cold and commanding.

Kaela drew her blade, stepping in front of Azhaan. "Stay behind me," she ordered.

Alira's plant companion hissed, its glowing vines unfurling like whips. "Well, rookie," Alira said with a smirk. "Looks like your fan club found you."

Azhaan's hands shook as he drew his dagger, the weight of it unfamiliar and heavy. The Shadow Stalker stepped forward, its growl low and menacing.

The lead tamer raised a hand, and the corrupted beasts lunged.

The clearing erupted into chaos.

Kaela moved like a blur, her blade slicing through the air as she parried the attacks of a hulking, wolf-like beast. Lirian, her dragon companion, unleashed bursts of starlight, disorienting their enemies.

Alira darted between the attackers, her plant beast striking with precision as its glowing vines entangled one of the corrupted creatures.

Azhaan found himself face-to-face with a serpent-like beast, its body writhing with dark energy. The Shadow Stalker leapt to intercept it, the two creatures colliding in a flurry of claws and fangs.

"Azhaan!" Kaela shouted. "Don't just stand there—help your beast!"

Azhaan's grip on his dagger tightened as he rushed forward. The serpent lashed out, its fangs glinting with poison, but the Shadow Stalker dodged, creating an opening. Azhaan lunged, driving his dagger into the beast's side.

The serpent let out a piercing shriek, its body writhing before collapsing into a heap of blackened flesh. Azhaan stepped back, his chest heaving.

"Not bad," Alira called, grinning as she dodged another attack. "But don't celebrate yet!"

The lead tamer watched the battle unfold, his expression unreadable beneath his hood. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a wave of dark energy that rippled through the clearing.

Azhaan staggered as the energy washed over him, his mark flaring painfully. The Shadow Stalker yelped, its movements faltering.

"What's happening?!" Azhaan shouted.

"The energy—it's disrupting the bond!" Kaela yelled back, slicing through another beast. "Stay focused!"

Azhaan clenched his fists, his vision blurring as the pain from the mark intensified. He could feel the bond between him and the Shadow Stalker straining, like a thread being pulled to its breaking point.

"No," he muttered, his voice trembling. "I won't let this happen."

The Shadow Stalker let out a defiant roar, its red eyes blazing as it pushed through the pain. Azhaan felt the bond strengthen, their connection surging back to life.

"Together," Azhaan said, his voice steady.

The Shadow Stalker growled in response, and the two moved as one. They charged toward the lead tamer, dodging the attacks of the remaining beasts. Azhaan's dagger struck with precision, while the Shadow Stalker's claws tore through the enemy's defenses.

The lead tamer stumbled, his dark energy faltering. "This isn't over," he hissed before retreating into the shadows. His remaining allies followed, their beasts disappearing with them.

As silence fell over the clearing, Azhaan collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion.

Kaela and Alira rushed to his side, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.

"You alright?" Kaela asked, kneeling beside him.

Azhaan nodded weakly. "I think so."

Alira crossed her arms, her tone more serious than usual. "They'll be back. And next time, they won't hold back."

Azhaan looked at the Shadow Stalker, which stood protectively by his side. "Neither will we," he said, determination burning in his chest.

The battle was over, but the war was just beginning.