The Beast Master's Vengeance

The forest was still, yet Kael could sense the weight of the unseen eyes watching him. After the mysterious figure's departure, an eerie silence had settled over the clearing, broken only by the faint crackle of the dying fire.

Kael sat with his back against a tree, his hand absently stroking the fur of his bonded beast. The creature was calm now, its breathing steady as it rested from the brutal fight against the wolves. Its warmth comforted Kael in the cold night, grounding him as his mind wrestled with the figure's chilling words: "You are not ready, but you will be."

The cryptic warning echoed in his head, mixing with the memories of his village and the faces of those he'd lost. Kael clenched his fists, anger and grief boiling in his chest. He didn't have the luxury to break down, not now. Instead, he made a silent vow.

"I'll be ready," he whispered, his voice firm despite the tremor in his heart. "I'll become strong enough to protect myself… and to avenge them all."

The beast lifted its head, its glowing eyes meeting Kael's. It seemed to understand his resolve, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

As dawn broke, Kael felt the pangs of hunger gnawing at his stomach. He had to find food, but hunting was something he had never done. His father had been the provider, and Kael had spent most of his life tending to village chores or repairing tools. Now, the forest demanded he adapt or perish.

Kael set out cautiously, his beast by his side. He observed the creature's instincts, marveling at the way it moved through the forest with ease. It seemed to sniff the air, its sharp senses guiding it to potential prey. Kael tried to mimic its movements, though he stumbled more often than not.

The first few attempts were disastrous. Kael's clumsy steps startled a rabbit before he could even draw his dagger. Later, his throw at a bird perched on a low branch missed by a wide margin. Frustration mounted, but Kael gritted his teeth and pressed on.

Eventually, his patience paid off. With the beast's subtle guidance, Kael managed to corner a small deer. His heart pounded as he crept closer, every sound magnified in his ears. When the moment came, he threw his dagger with all his might.

It wasn't a clean kill, but the beast lunged forward to finish the job. Kael approached the lifeless animal, a mix of triumph and guilt washing over him. This was survival, he reminded himself. He couldn't afford to hesitate.

Kael set to work, using his dagger to carve the meat. His hands trembled as he worked, but he forced himself to focus. The beast watched, occasionally licking its lips, but it never once tried to take more than its share.

That night, Kael cooked the meat over a small fire. The taste was far from pleasant, but it filled his stomach and gave him the strength he needed.

"I'll get better at this," Kael murmured, glancing at his beast. "We'll both get stronger."

Over the next few days, Kael and the beast grew closer. He began to understand its movements, its growls, and even its silent warnings. When Kael stumbled upon a patch of edible berries, the beast nudged him away, growling softly. Moments later, Kael spotted a snake coiled near the bush.

"You're looking out for me," Kael said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I'll do the same for you."

In return, Kael began to rely more on the bond they shared. The power within him was still raw, but he experimented with it, trying to strengthen their connection. When he concentrated, he could feel the beast's emotions—its hunger, its wariness, its determination.

One afternoon, as they rested near a shallow stream, Kael reached out with his mind. He focused on the bond, willing it to grow stronger. The beast responded, its presence filling Kael's thoughts. He could see through its eyes, feel the strength in its limbs.

The experience was brief, but it left Kael breathless. "We're in this together," he said, a new sense of determination lighting his eyes.

As Kael adapted to life in the wild, the memory of the mysterious figure lingered in his mind. Who were they? What did they mean by "not ready"? He couldn't shake the feeling that they knew more about his power than he did.

Kael resolved to find answers. If there were others like him or enemies who sought to use his abilities he needed to be prepared. The forest was his training ground, and he would make the most of it.

But the wilds were unforgiving. One evening, as Kael prepared to set up camp, the ground beneath him suddenly gave way. He tumbled down a hidden slope, landing hard on his side. Pain shot through his body as he groaned, struggling to push himself up.

The beast appeared at the edge of the slope, its eyes wide with concern. Kael waved weakly. "I'm fine," he called, though his ribs protested with every breath.

As he stood, he realized he had landed in a strange hollow. The air was colder here, the light dim despite the setting sun. Kael's instincts screamed danger, and he reached for his dagger.

The hollow was filled with strange markings etched into the walls, glowing faintly in the darkness. Symbols he didn't recognize seemed to pulse with an eerie energy, drawing him closer.

"What is this place?" Kael murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

His beast growled softly, its hackles raised. Kael stepped forward cautiously, his gaze fixed on the largest symbol—a circular design with intricate patterns that seemed to shift as he stared.

Suddenly, the air grew heavy, and a voice echoed through the hollow.

"You've come far, but this is only the beginning."

Kael spun around, searching for the source of the voice, but the hollow was empty. The markings glowed brighter, and Kael felt a surge of energy coursing through him, nearly bringing him to his knees.

The voice spoke again, its tone colder this time: "Prove yourself, or perish."

Before Kael could react, the ground beneath him began to shake. From the walls, shadowy forms emerged, their shapes shifting and unnatural. They moved toward him with a menacing grace, their intent clear.

Kael's beast leapt to his side, growling fiercely. Kael tightened his grip on his dagger, his heart pounding.

"I won't back down," he said, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him. "Not now. Not ever."

The shadowy figures closed in, their forms twisting in the dim light. Kael braced himself, ready to fight.

To be continued…