The forest was alive with tension as Nova ran behind Kael, dodging branches that clawed at her arms like desperate fingers. The air was thick with mist, swirling around them with every hurried step. Somewhere behind them, the creature howled again—closer this time.
Kael stopped abruptly at a large boulder, covered in vines and moss. He touched a carved symbol barely visible on its surface, and the rock shimmered, revealing a hidden passage.
"Hurry," he said, ushering her inside.
Nova ducked through the veil of magic and entered a narrow tunnel, dimly lit by glowing blue crystals embedded in the walls. The space felt ancient—like it had existed long before the world above was born.
"What was that thing chasing us?" she asked, her voice echoing off the stone walls.
Kael didn't answer immediately. He walked ahead, his shoulders tense. "A Shadow Beast," he finally said. "Created from twisted souls, born of darkness. It serves the Forsaken."
"The Forsaken?" Nova repeated, trying to keep up.
Kael stopped in front of a steel door marked with strange runes. "They're what remains of the old order. Corrupted immortals who defied the balance. And they know you've awakened."
Nova swallowed hard. "I didn't ask for any of this."
"No one does," Kael murmured. "But fate doesn't ask for permission."
He pushed the door open, and they stepped into a vast underground chamber. It resembled a war room, with maps strewn across a circular table and a glowing orb hovering at its center. Candles lined the walls, their flames flickering as though reacting to Nova's presence.
A woman stood at the far end, cloaked in silver and crimson. Her eyes—piercing and wise—landed on Nova with recognition.
"So, this is her," she said.
Kael nodded. "Nova Rae."
The woman approached, extending her hand. "I am Seraphine. Keeper of the Oathbound."
Nova shook her hand hesitantly. "What's the Oathbound?"
"A forgotten order," Seraphine replied. "Hunters, like Kael, who protect the realms from the Forsaken and their beasts."
Kael turned to Nova. "We need you to take the oath."
Nova stepped back. "I don't even know who I really am yet."
Seraphine's expression softened. "You are more than a name, Nova. You're the last of the Nightborn. And with that comes a choice—to run, or to rise."
The orb pulsed brighter, as if responding to the gravity of the moment.
Nova felt the medallion against her chest grow warm again. Images flashed in her mind—her mother whispering ancient words, the shadows in her dreams reaching for her, and now, Kael standing beside her like a silent guardian.
She was tired of running.
"What happens if I take the oath?" she asked.
Kael stepped forward, his voice firm. "You'll gain power… but it comes at a price. You'll be bound to the fight. There's no turning back."
Nova looked from Kael to Seraphine, then at the glowing orb.
"I've already lost too much to hide," she said. "Teach me."
Seraphine smiled, and Kael reached into his cloak, producing a ceremonial dagger. He held it out.
"Place your palm over the orb and speak the words I say."
Nova obeyed, placing her hand above the glowing sphere. Kael began to chant in a language she didn't recognize, and she repeated after him. The orb flared with blinding light, and the runes around the room ignited.
Power surged through Nova like wildfire, awakening something ancient inside her. The medallion on her chest absorbed the light, pulsing like a second heartbeat.
When the light dimmed, her eyes flickered with silver fire.
"It's done," Kael said.
Nova took a deep breath, the power still humming beneath her skin. She wasn't just Nova Rae anymore. She was Oathbound.
And the war had begun.