Bound by Magic And Blood

The village still bore the scars of the rune beast's attack. Although the Elves worked tirelessly to repair the damage, an undercurrent of unease lingered. The barrier had been breached, and the safety of their hidden haven was no longer guaranteed.

Mekeala watched from the balcony of her chamber, her heart heavy with frustration. The moon bathed the village in a pale glow, but its tranquility was a lie. Cedric was out there, plotting. And she felt powerless, constantly pushed to the sidelines.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called.

Esme entered, her expression grim. "We need to talk."

Mekeala followed her to the council room, where Elrond, Lady Arween, and Ezekeil were already gathered. The weight of the recent battle hung heavily over the room.

"We've analyzed the remains of the rune beast," Esme began. "The sigils on its body weren't ordinary runes—they were crafted using ancient shadow magic."

Ezekeil's jaw clenched. "Lira," he muttered darkly.

Elrond's brows furrowed. "King Caesar's trusted witch?"

"Yes. She and Cedric are behind this," Ezekeil confirmed. "They're experimenting with dark forces to break the balance of magic."

Silence gripped the room. Lady Arween's voice broke through the tension. "We need to act before they strike again."

Elrond nodded. "There's an ancient relic hidden in the South Desert. It may be the key to countering Cedric's growing dark forces."

Mekeala's heart raced. "I'll go," she declared firmly.

"No," Ezekeil said sharply. "It's too dangerous."

"I'm not a child, Ezekeil. I have magic and training. You can't keep shielding me forever."

Lady Arween's gentle voice intervened. "Perhaps it's time we trust her strength."

Elrond sighed. "Very well. Mekeala, Jack, and Maya will lead the mission. Ezekeil, you'll accompany them."

Ezekeil's golden eyes flashed with reluctance but he gave a curt nod. "Fine. But if things go wrong, I'll end it."

Mekeala met his gaze, unyielding. "Nothing will go wrong."

As the council adjourned, Mekeala felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. She traced her finger along the mark etched on her ring finger, thinking of the strange dream that had haunted her since childhood—the ritual, the boy, the baby. The boy resembled Ezekeil, and the mark… they both had it.

Who are you, Ezekeil? she wondered.

Their journey began under the cloak of night, the air thick with tension. Jack and Maya rode ahead, their chatter a vain attempt to mask the unease.

Ezekeil's voice was low and commanding. "Stay close and stay alert. Cedric's reach is longer than you think."

Mekeala's resolve hardened. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it head-on. She was done being sidelined. It was time to take control of her destiny.