Veiled Shadows

Chapter 3 - New friend

Lily was proud of herself but also felt exshausted. Casting that much energy strained her and the sun was already setting. So she searched for a fairly safe place to sleep. 

She found a little cave which must have been the home to multiple animals before, so she felt safe enough. She gathered a little wood to make a fire to keep her warm and enlightened the fire with her powers. 

She sat down infront of the warmth of the flame and started to relax a little bit. Soon her eyes started to close by themselves and she yawned multiple times. She grabbed the block of moss she had declared as her pillow and layed down. 

But the moment she closed her eyes to allow herself to fall asleep, she heard sticks cracking and leafes rustling in the distance which led to her jumping up straight again. She looked around in the woods to see if she could spot anything threatening, like another troop of dark knights but nothing moved. 

She waited a few more moments and then said to herself that it was probably just an animal from which she took it's sleep place by capturing the cave. Still a little unsure she sat down again and decided to wait a little longer. 

And she heard the noises again, this time way closer maybe just a few meters away. "Who's there? Show yourself or I will not hesitate to kill you in the blink of an eye" she summoned light around her hands and a boy emerged from the shadows. 

He seemed like was about her age and looked tired. He had multiple scratches on his face and arms and blood could be seen on his shirt. He held his hands high up to show her he was no harm and Lily stood up again. 

"Who are you and what do you want here?" she asked, still alarmed but also concerned. The boy waited a second to move his dark hair out of his eyes and then spoke with a soft voice "I was traveling the land with my family when suddenly a troop of knights in black armor approached us. They wanted to know where the light warrior was but we had never heard of such person. They wouldn't believe us so they started attacking us, killing all our animals first and taking our belonings. When my dad tried to stop them they killed him without hesitation." 

The boy held in for a second and wiped away the tears on his face "Then they killed my mother who tried to use her nature powers against them and they took my little brother." now his eyes showed rage. 

"I saw all of that from a little distance I was hiding in a bush because I wanted to pick some berrys for us but when i saw that they took my brother I tried to stop them. But they didnt care about me, they only hit me until i was unconscious. When I woke up it was already dark and I wandered through the woods, they took all our stuff so I had nothing and at some point I saw your fire and I had hoped someone was here to help me." 

Lily looked at the boy, he must be really tired, same as her and she wanted to trust him. She felt alone since Master Elrik died for her so she nodded to signalise him he could come closer and put his hands down. "I'm Lily and you can stay here with me for the night." she told him and a little smile formed on his lips. "I'm Devian, nice to meet you" he said while taking place at the other side of the fire, a little further away.

Lily's heart softened as she listened to Devian's heartbreaking story. She understood the pain of loss and the longing for justice. Despite the darkness that had befallen them both, she sensed a flicker of vulnerability in Devian's eyes.

"Devian, I'm sorry for what you've been through," Lily said, her voice filled with empathy. "No one should have to endure such cruelty. You are safe here with me tonight."

She gestured for Devian to come closer to the fire, allowing its warmth to comfort them both. As they sat in silence, the crackling of the flames providing a soothing backdrop, Lily contemplated her next steps. She couldn't ignore the possibility that Devian might have been sent by the King of Darkness to manipulate her. However, her instincts told her that he, too, had suffered at the hands of her enemies.

With caution still lingering in her mind, Lily decided to extend her hand in friendship, offering a glimmer of hope in the darkness. "Devian, if what you've told me is true, then we share a common enemy. I seek to protect my kingdom and to bring justice to those who have caused pain and suffering. If you are willing, we can join forces and fight against the darkness that threatens us all."

Devian looked at her, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination. "I've lost everything, Lily," he said softly. "My family, my home. If there's a chance to make things right, to bring an end to this reign of terror, then I will stand by your side."

The alliance between Lily and Devian was forged in that moment, a fragile bond between two souls touched by tragedy. They knew that their journey ahead would be treacherous, filled with danger and uncertainty, but together they would face it with unwavering resolve.

As they settled down for the night, the fire casting dancing shadows on their faces, Lily couldn't help but wonder about the path they were about to tread. She hoped that, in Devian, she had found a true ally—a companion who would stand by her, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Little did she know the truth that lay hidden behind Devian's past, a secret that would test their newfound trust and lead them into a web of deceit and betrayal.