The Dragon's Chosen

The air hung heavy after the battle, the distant echoes of Malgrin's wraith fading into silence. Selya's hunters melted back into the forest, their loyalty fractured. But the tension between Selya and Eira remained, sharp as a blade.

Kael wiped blood from his sword, his gaze locked on Selya. "You almost got us killed. Give me one reason not to end this now."

Selya met his glare without flinching. "Because you need me," she said coldly. "The forest won't let you leave without its blessing and I'm the only one who can grant it."

Eira stepped between them, magic still simmering beneath her skin. "Why are you really helping us now?"

For the first time, Selya's mask slipped pain flashed in her eyes. "Malgrin took everything from me. My home, my people… my sister." Her voice wavered. "I can't stop him alone."

Valeria snorted. "Touching story. But how do we know you won't betray us again?"

"You don't," Selya said simply. "But if you fail, he'll come for you next. And you won't survive."

The truth in her words sent a chill down Eira's spine. As much as she wanted to hate Selya, she couldn't ignore the raw desperation in her voice.

"Enough," Eira said firmly. "We're wasting time. If Malgrin is already reaching into this forest, we need to move before he takes the other medallions."

Selya nodded, but Kael's hand lingered on his sword. "One mistake," he warned, "and I'll cut you down myself."

A flicker of amusement crossed Selya's face. "I'd like to see you try."

As they left the clearing, Eira felt the weight of the medallions pressing against her. Six down four to go. But each step brought more questions, more danger… and fewer people she could trust.

---

Hours later, as the group camped beneath the twisted canopy, Eira couldn't sleep. The wind carried strange whispers, and unease settled in her chest.

"You're too soft on her," Kael's voice broke the silence.

Eira turned to find him sitting by the fire, his eyes burning with frustration. "She could've killed us all."

"I know," Eira admitted. "But we don't have the luxury of walking away from power right now. Not when Malgrin is this close."

Kael's jaw tightened. "You keep trusting people like her, and you'll get yourself killed."

"And if I push everyone away, I'll fail," she said softly. "I can't do this alone, Kael."

His anger faded, replaced by something far more dangerous fear for her. "Then let me carry the burden with you," he said, voice rough. "Don't trust her more than you trust me."

Eira's heart pounded at the raw emotion in his words, but before she could respond, a sharp cry echoed through the forest.

Selya.

They rushed toward the sound, weapons drawn. When they found her, she was on her knees a black mark burned into her palm, glowing with cursed magic.

"What happened?" Eira demanded.

Selya's breath came in ragged gasps. "It's… a warning." Her voice trembled. "Malgrin knows we're coming. And he's already set the next trap."

Eira clenched her fists. No matter how far they ran, the enemy was always one step ahead.

But if Malgrin wanted her to be afraid, he was about to learn the truth.

She was done running.