Ren's lungs burned, ragged with every breath. The ground beneath him hummed faintly, echoing with Fang's heavy steps. He wanted to run, but where could he go? Everything around him—trees, rocks, shadows—felt unfamiliar, dangerous.
"Ren…" Fang's voice trembled in his mind again, sharper this time. "Focus. Control."
Ren swallowed. He tried to steady himself, but his hands shook. He had no idea what "control" meant, or why Fang had appeared in the first place. And yet, he knew instinctively: the creature was dangerous. Not malevolent—just…unbound.
A sudden rustle cut through the forest. Leaves snapped, twigs cracked. Ren's heart jumped. He was not alone.
Two figures emerged from the shadows. Both human and both armed—not with swords, but with small, glowing artifacts that pulsed faintly with magic.
"Stop right there!" one barked. Her voice was sharp, commanding, but not cruel. She was quick, alert, moving like she had expected him all along.
Ren stumbled backward. "I—I don't…"
The second figure stepped forward. Taller, broader, with eyes that didn't waver, even under Fang's scrutiny. He studied Ren as though weighing his soul.
"You've…summoned," the taller one said slowly, a hint of accusation in his tone. "Without a bond. That is forbidden. Do you know what you've done?"
Ren shook his head frantically. "I—I didn't mean to! I don't even know what's happening!"
Fang snarled, a low growl that made the air ripple. Sparks of flame licked along its body. "Run," it said. Not a command. A warning.
The shorter one stepped closer. "Stop listening to it," she said sharply. "You'll get yourself—and us—all killed."
Ren glanced between them. "You're…you're not hunting me?" he asked, relief mingling with confusion.
The taller one snorted. "Not yet". But we're here to teach you survival. And if you're lucky…we might survive you."
The taller one's name was **Tarin**, and from the moment Ren saw him, he understood what "grounded" meant. Every movement is precise, deliberate, yet relaxed. Tarin didn't raise his artifact. He didn't need to. Power radiated from him anyway.
The shorter one—Mira—moved differently. Quick, fluid, like water flowing over rocks. Her eyes never left Ren. She didn't threaten. She observed. And already, Ren had the sense she could see right through him.
Fang growled again, low and dangerous. "They're not your friends," it said. "You can't trust anyone yet."
Ren's stomach sank. "Then why…why are they helping?"
"Not helping," Tarin said. His voice was calm, almost disinterested. "We're surviving together. That's all."
The forest grew darker, shadows folding around them. Ren realized Fang's glow cast long streaks of light across the trunks, illuminating the strange, jagged terrain. Every so often, a pulse shivered through the ground—the faint hum he had felt since he woke.
"What is that?" Ren asked, pointing to the faint vibration under his feet.
Mira's lips tightened. "Aether. The air itself is unstable here. It's reacting to your presence."
Ren swallowed. "Mine?"
"Yes," she said. Her voice was flat, calm, but something sharp lay beneath it. "You're not like anyone who's come here before. That…thing you did back there—summoning two creatures at once—is dangerous. It's unstable. It could…tear this place apart if you're not careful."
Ren's mind spun. "Two creatures?"
"Yes," Tarin said, watching him carefully. "And judging by the power signature, one of them isn't even fully bound to you. That's extremely rare. And extremely dangerous."
Ren's stomach dropped. Fang stepped closer, its molten eyes glinting. "They do not understand," it said. "And they will die if they stay with you too long."
Ren looked at Tarin and Mira. Then back at Fang. "I—I don't even know how to control it. I don't know the rules!"
Tarin's expression didn't change. "Then you'll learn quickly. Or die trying."
A sudden, sharp flare of light burst through the trees ahead. Ren froze. Mira's eyes narrowed.
"Scouts," she said. "Kingdom agents. Elarith or Solmire—I can't tell yet. They're looking for you."
Fang growled low. "Run."
Ren's legs moved before his mind could catch up. He felt Tarin and Mira fall into step beside him. The forest blurred around them as they sprinted, leaping over roots and rocks. Sparks of light erupted as the agents' magical weapons cut the air around them.
Ren's chest heaved. Every breath burned. Every step sent a jolt of Aether through his body. He could feel Fang and Vale syncing with him—the creatures were responding to his fear, his adrenaline, his heartbeat. And the sensation was overwhelming.
They reached a narrow ravine. Ren skidded to a stop. He glanced back. The agents were closing fast.
Mira moved first. She raised her artifact, water flowing over the edge of the ravine like a living ribbon. It surged forward, creating a misty wall that slowed the agents' approach. Tarin's hand rose in tandem, manipulating the terrain, sending jagged roots and rock spikes twisting up to block the path.
Ren realized then: this was survival. This was learning fast—or dying fast.
Fang growled again, molten eyes blazing. "Control it. Now."
Ren's mind screamed, but he forced focus. He called to Fang. Vale emerged from the shadows, wings beating furiously. Two beasts now obeying—sort of. Sparks of fire, wind, and Aether collided in a dazzling, chaotic display.
The agents faltered, thrown back by the sudden force. Ren's stomach lurched. He was exhausted, trembling, unsure if he had won or barely survived.
Finally, the forest fell silent. The only sound was Ren's ragged breathing and the soft hum of Aether in the air. Tarin stepped closer, expression neutral. "Not dead. Yet," he said.
Mira's gaze swept over Ren, calculating. "You're dangerous," she said. "And so are they," she added, glancing at Fang and Vale. "If you're going to survive here, you need allies. You need control. And you need to learn fast. Because this world…doesn't forgive mistakes."
Ren nodded slowly. His legs felt like jelly. His hands were scorched by raw Aether energy. But somewhere deep, a spark lit—a spark of determination.
He had no home now. No world he recognized. But he had Fang, Vale, and…maybe allies in these two strangers. And he would survive. Somehow.