The wind howled low and cold through the Vale that night. It wasn't like the usual mountain breeze—this wind carried something sharp in it, something that made even the birds go silent. I stood outside Orrin's cave, my wolfstone pendant clutched in one hand, the other resting over my pounding heart.
It was the final night of the Shadowmeld test. Orrin had explained it clearly: I had to become one with the darkness, unseen not just in body, but in soul.
"You must vanish to all senses," he said. "Even fear must forget you exist."
Easier said than done.
Especially tonight.
I could feel it. The beast with red eyes was close again. It had followed me every night since the pendant enchantment. I had seen the gleam of its eyes in the trees. Heard its low growl echoing from the cliffs. I thought I had felt fear before—during battles, betrayals, and near-death escapes. But this was different. This fear was quiet and deep, like a blade pressed against my skin.
