Beasts of Anomaly

The clearing was deceptively quiet as Azhaan followed Alira deeper into the Verdantwilds. The crystalline trees glowed faintly around them, casting shifting shadows across the forest floor. Every step felt heavy with anticipation, and Azhaan's grip on the dagger Kaela had lent him tightened.

"So, what exactly is this trial?" Azhaan asked, his voice breaking the silence.

Alira glanced over her shoulder, her sharp eyes gleaming with amusement. "Patience, rookie. The Wild doesn't like those who rush. You'll see soon enough."

Kaela, walking beside him, leaned in and whispered, "Be ready for anything. Alira's methods are... unpredictable."

"That's comforting," Azhaan muttered, earning a grin from Kaela.

The group soon came to a halt at the edge of a shimmering stream. The water wasn't like anything Azhaan had ever seen—it pulsed with a golden light, rippling in time with an energy that felt alive. On the other side of the stream, the forest grew denser, the air thick with an almost oppressive weight.

Alira turned to face Azhaan, her expression serious now. "This is the Trial of the Wild. If you want answers, you'll need to prove that you're not just some clueless rookie who got lucky with a bond."

"Great," Azhaan said, his tone dry. "And how do I do that?"

Alira smirked. "By crossing that stream and surviving."

Azhaan blinked. "That's it? Just cross the stream?"

Alira's grin widened. "It's not as easy as it sounds. The Wild tests everyone who dares enter. Beasts, traps, illusions—it's a different trial for everyone. But the stream? That's the line between safety and chaos. Once you cross, there's no turning back until the Wild decides you've proven yourself."

Kaela frowned. "Alira, are you sure this is necessary? He's new—"

"He's bonded with a Shadow Stalker," Alira interrupted, her voice firm. "If he wants to survive in this world, he needs to understand what that means. The Wild will show him."

Azhaan swallowed hard, glancing at the Shadow Stalker, which stood silently at his side. Its glowing red eyes met his, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of reassurance.

"Alright," he said, his voice steadier than he expected. "What do I have to do?"

"Cross the stream," Alira said simply. "The Wild will take care of the rest."

Kaela grabbed his arm as he stepped forward. "Azhaan, listen to me. The Verdantwilds are unpredictable. Trust your instincts, trust your beast, and don't hesitate. Whatever happens in there, keep moving."

Azhaan nodded, his heart pounding as he stepped into the cool, golden water. The stream rippled around his legs, and the world seemed to hold its breath as he waded to the other side.

The moment Azhaan stepped onto the far bank, the atmosphere changed. The air grew colder, the light dimmer. The crystalline trees seemed to loom taller, their branches swaying as if reaching for him.

The Shadow Stalker stayed close, its body tense and alert. Azhaan gripped his dagger tightly, his eyes darting around the dense forest. Every sound—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of a bird-like creature—felt magnified.

"Alright, Wild," Azhaan muttered. "Show me what you've got."

As if in response, the ground beneath his feet shifted. Roots burst from the earth, writhing like snakes as they reached for him. Azhaan yelped and jumped back, narrowly avoiding the twisting vines.

"Azhaan, move!" Kaela's voice echoed faintly from the other side of the stream.

The Shadow Stalker growled, its body shimmering as it phased into the shadows. Azhaan followed its lead, darting between the roots as they lashed out at him. The forest seemed alive, testing his every move.

"Keep going," he told himself, his breath coming in quick gasps.

The roots gave way to another challenge. From the shadows ahead, a pair of glowing eyes appeared—then another, and another. Wolves, their sleek bodies made of shimmering crystal, emerged from the trees, their teeth glinting like shards of glass.

Azhaan froze, his grip tightening on his dagger. "You've got to be kidding me."

The wolves snarled, their crystalline forms reflecting the faint light of the forest. The largest of the pack stepped forward, its gaze fixed on Azhaan.

The Shadow Stalker growled in response, stepping protectively in front of Azhaan. Its red eyes burned brightly, and dark tendrils of shadow began to coil around its body.

Azhaan's mark flared, a pulse of heat surging through his arm. He felt the connection to the Shadow Stalker deepen, and for a moment, it was as if their thoughts were one.

"Together," he whispered.

The lead wolf lunged, and the Shadow Stalker moved like lightning. It phased through the wolf's attack, reappearing behind it and striking with its claws. The wolf let out a sharp cry before shattering into fragments of light.

The other wolves attacked in unison, and Azhaan was forced to defend himself. He ducked under one wolf's leap, his dagger slashing across its side. The blade connected, but instead of blood, more fragments of light scattered into the air.

"Come on!" Azhaan shouted, adrenaline surging through him.

The Shadow Stalker tore through the remaining wolves with precision, its movements a blur of shadow and claws. Within moments, the clearing was silent again, the fragments of light fading into the air.

Azhaan dropped to his knees, his chest heaving. "Is it over?" he asked, glancing at the Shadow Stalker.

The beast tilted its head, its red eyes scanning the forest.

The ground rumbled, and a deep, guttural growl echoed through the trees. Azhaan's blood ran cold as a massive figure emerged from the shadows—a towering beast with horns made of twisted vines and glowing green eyes that seemed to pierce his soul.

"Nope," Azhaan muttered, gripping his dagger tightly. "Not over."