The mountains towered over Kael and Lyra like silent giants.
Cold wind brushed against their faces as they walked a narrow stone path. Below them was nothing but darkness.
"Are you scared?" Lyra asked softly.
Kael smirked.
"I've lived in hell. This is nothing."
But deep inside…
He felt nervous.
Lyra stopped in front of a cliff wall.
"Here."
Kael frowned.
"There's nothing here."
She touched a strange symbol carved into the rock.
The ground rumbled.
Stone shifted.
A hidden door slowly opened, revealing glowing torches and a guarded entrance.
Kael's eyes widened.
"So this is where they hide….
Inside was a hidden village.
People trained with swords, spears, bows, and magic.
Some had missing eyes, arms, scars everywhere.
These weren't soldiers.
They were survivors.
A woman practicing fire magic stopped and stared at Kael's blade.
"That sword…"
A man dropped his weapon.
"Death's blade…"
Fear spread.
Leader of the Rebels
A tall warrior stepped forward.
He had silver hair and a deep scar across his face.
"I am Raven."
His voice was calm but powerful.
"You carry the Sword of Thanaros."
Kael lifted the blade.
"It chose me."
Raven's eyes darkened.
"That sword once belonged to a demon king."
Lyra gasped.
Kael didn't care.
"I don't care who had it before."
Raven studied him.
"Power like that destroys everything."
"Good," Kael replied coldly.
Raven drew his sword.
"If you want to stay, prove yourself."
They clashed.
Steel screamed.
Kael attacked wildly.
Raven dodged.
"You fight with anger!"
He kicked Kael back.
"Control it!"
Kael roared and charged.
But this time—
He didn't use the sword.
Punch.
Elbow.
Sweep.
Raven blocked.
Then smiled.
"Now you're fighting."
The duel ended in a draw.
Raven offered his hand.
"You're dangerous… but not lost."
Kael hesitated…
Then shook it.
Kael trained nonstop.
Sword mastery.
Hand combat.
Dodging magic attacks.
Raven taught him:
"Hate fuels your blade… but your heart guides it."
Kael hated hearing that.
Lyra watched every day.
She healed rebels.
Fed children.
Smiled even in pain.
One night—
"Why are you always kind?" Kael asked.
Lyra smiled.
"Because darkness already has enough soldiers."
His chest tightened.
A Growing Bond
They sat by a campfire.
Lyra leaned close.
"You don't have to walk alone."
Kael whispered:
"I'm scared… of becoming a monster."
Lyra grabbed his hand.
"You won't."
"For as long as I'm here."
Their faces were close.
Kael's heart raced.
The Tyrant Watches
Far away…
King Aurelion stood before a giant mirror of blood.
Kael's image appeared.
The king smiled.
"So you live…"
Dark energy filled the room.
"Grow stronger, little prince."
"I want to crush your hope."
END OF CHAPTER THREE