Beasts of Anomaly

The streets of Ashenfield buzzed with life as Azhaan and Kaela made their way back from the outskirts of town. The orange glow of sunset painted the cobblestones in hues of amber and crimson, casting long shadows that stretched across the bustling marketplace. Merchants packed up their stalls while adventurers returned from quests, their beasts trailing close behind.

Azhaan couldn't help but steal glances at the other tamers. Each one seemed so confident, their beasts powerful and majestic—a stark contrast to his own unorthodox beginnings. Even now, the Shadow Stalker padded silently beside him, its glowing red eyes drawing cautious stares from passersby.

"Don't let it get to you," Kaela said, noticing his unease.

Azhaan forced a weak smile. "I'm trying. It's just… I can feel them staring."

"Let them stare," Kaela replied, her voice firm. "You're not here to impress them. You're here to survive—and maybe do something no one else can."

Azhaan looked at her, unsure whether to feel inspired or terrified by her words.

They arrived back at the small inn just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The innkeeper gave them a wary glance but said nothing as they climbed the stairs to their room. Azhaan's body ached from the day's training, but as much as he wanted to collapse onto the bed and sleep for a week, something gnawed at the edge of his thoughts.

The cloaked attackers. The mysterious mark. The voice that had echoed in his mind when he bonded with the Shadow Stalker.

There were too many unanswered questions.

"I need answers," Azhaan said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Kaela, who had been inspecting her gear, glanced up. "About what?"

"All of this," he said, gesturing to the glowing mark on his arm. "The bond, the attackers, this whole… tamer thing. None of it makes sense."

Kaela sighed, setting her gear aside. "You're right. It doesn't. And I don't have all the answers you're looking for."

Azhaan frowned. "But you know something, don't you? About the mark, or why they're after me?"

Kaela hesitated, her gaze flicking to Lirian, who chirped softly and nuzzled her cheek. "The mark on your arm… it's not like anything I've seen before," she admitted. "But I've heard stories. Rumors about ancient bonds—tamers with powers beyond anything we understand today. Most people think they're just legends, but…"

"But?" Azhaan pressed.

Kaela leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "If those attackers were willing to risk coming after you in broad daylight, they must think you're connected to something important. Something dangerous."

Azhaan's stomach churned. "Great. That's reassuring."

Kaela smirked. "You'll get used to it. But if you want real answers, we need to figure out who sent those cloaked tamers—and why they think you're a threat."

"Do you have any idea where to start?" Azhaan asked.

Kaela nodded slowly. "There's a contact of mine in the Verdantwilds. She's… unconventional, but if anyone knows about strange bonds and ancient rumors, it's her."

Azhaan raised an eyebrow. "Unconventional how?"

"You'll see," Kaela said cryptically.

The next morning, they set out before the first light of dawn. The streets of Ashenfield were eerily quiet, the usual noise of the marketplace replaced by the faint hum of magical lamps that lined the cobblestone roads.

Kaela led the way, her movements confident and precise. Azhaan followed close behind, the Shadow Stalker trailing silently at his side.

As they approached the edge of the Verdantwilds, Azhaan couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. The towering crystalline trees loomed overhead, their branches glowing faintly in the pre-dawn light. The forest pulsed with an energy that was both beautiful and unnerving, as if it were alive and watching their every move.

"Stick close," Kaela said, glancing back at him. "The Verdantwilds aren't as safe as Ashenfield. The beasts here aren't bound by contracts, and some of them are… territorial."

Azhaan nodded, gripping the handle of the basic dagger Kaela had lent him. "Great. No pressure."

They moved deeper into the forest, the faint glow of the crystalline trees providing just enough light to navigate. The air grew cooler, and the sounds of the town faded, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of unseen creatures.

After what felt like hours of walking, Kaela stopped abruptly, holding up a hand. "We're here."

Azhaan looked around, confused. They stood in a small clearing, surrounded by towering trees. A stream of liquid light flowed nearby, its surface shimmering like molten gold.

"Where's your contact?" Azhaan asked.

Kaela smirked. "She's probably watching us right now."

As if on cue, a low chuckle echoed through the clearing. Azhaan spun around, his heart racing, as a figure stepped out from the shadows.

The woman was tall and lean, her dark hair streaked with silver. She wore a tattered cloak that seemed to blend into the forest, and perched on her shoulder was a strange, plant-like creature with glowing vines that writhed gently in the air.

"Well, well," the woman said, her voice smooth and teasing. "Kaela the prodigy, back in my neck of the woods. And with a stray, no less."

"Good to see you too, Alira," Kaela replied dryly.

Azhaan stared at the newcomer, unsure whether to feel relieved or alarmed. "Who's this?"

"Alira," Kaela said. "She's… let's just say she doesn't exactly follow the rules."

Alira grinned, her sharp eyes locking onto Azhaan. "And you must be the anomaly I've been hearing about."

Azhaan blinked. "You've heard about me?"

"Oh, word travels fast in the Verdantwilds," Alira said, stepping closer. Her plant companion let out a soft hiss, its glowing vines reaching toward Azhaan curiously. "A rookie tamer bonding with a Shadow Stalker? That's not something you see every day."

Azhaan shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "Do you know why it happened? Or what this mark means?"

Alira tilted her head, studying him. "I might. But nothing comes for free, kid. If you want answers, you'll have to earn them."

Azhaan exchanged a glance with Kaela, who nodded.

"Alright," he said, squaring his shoulders. "What do I have to do?"

Alira's grin widened. "Follow me. Let's see if you're as special as they say."