The air was colder than usual.
By nightfall, Aryan stood outside the gates of Flame Crest Citadel, wearing his full battle uniform for the first time. His dark leather armor was lined with red trim, and the sword at his waist felt heavier than before — not in weight, but in meaning.
Beside him, his Vanara beast crouched low and alert. It gave off quiet growls whenever anyone came too close. Its golden fur shimmered under the moonlight, and its green eyes glowed faintly in the dark.
A line of soldiers, all newly assigned like him, waited silently with their beasts and supplies. Each had the same expression — not fear, but something close to it. The fear of stepping into the unknown.
A tall man with a lion-like beast stepped forward. His armor was polished, his beard thick and trimmed. A silver badge gleamed on his chest.
"Listen up!" he shouted. "I am Sergeant Bhairav. From tonight, you are soldiers of the Empire's western front. You fight, you bleed, and if needed — you die for the safety of the Suryan people!"
His voice rang like steel against stone.
Aryan stood straighter.
Bhairav began calling names.
When he shouted "Squad Nine," Aryan heard his name.
He stepped forward, and so did three others:
Kael — a broad-shouldered boy with wild black hair, carrying two short axes. His beast was a rocky, armored wolf.
Vaidehi — a calm girl with soft brown eyes, dressed in light robes with healer symbols. Her beast looked like a large silver crane.
Devran — a quiet boy who wore spectacles and carried scrolls instead of weapons. His beast was a long lizard-like creature with glowing blue scales.
Aryan blinked in surprise. "A scholar? A healer? Are we even a battle squad?"
Kael smirked. "Better not trip, bookworm," he muttered to Devran.
Vaidehi ignored them both. She walked over to Aryan, her crane gliding behind her like mist.
"You're the one who passed the Vanara trial, right?" she asked.
Aryan nodded. "Yeah. Barely."
Her lips curled into a gentle smile. "Still impressive. They say the Vanara only bond with the bold."
He felt his face warm. "Thanks."
"Alright, chatter later," Sergeant Bhairav growled. "Mount up. We ride through the Vale's edge by dawn. Expect fog, wild beasts, and maybe worse. Stay in formation. Watch your partners. And do not wander off."
Aryan climbed onto his Vanara's back. The beast moved smoothly, its muscles shifting like coiled rope. The saddle was firm, the reins light — but Aryan could already feel how alive it was beneath him. He wasn't riding it. They were moving as one.
The gates creaked open. Beyond them, a dark path stretched through the hills, leading into the wilderness. The forest swayed like a sleeping giant. The sky above was black, save for a few flickering stars.
The march began.
Hours Later...
The sound of hooves, paws, and claws echoed through the night. The forest seemed to watch them from all sides. The further they rode, the more twisted the trees became. Strange marks covered the trunks — claw scratches, burn lines, even symbols Aryan didn't recognize.
"We're close to the Vale's edge now," whispered Devran. "This forest wasn't always like this. Something changed the beasts here."
Aryan looked around. Even the silence felt... unnatural. Like something was holding its breath.
Then, Kael gave a low whistle. "Hey, Aryan. How about a little bet?"
Aryan raised an eyebrow. "What kind?"
"Who takes down the first beast tonight."
Vaidehi rolled her eyes. "We're not here to show off."
Kael grinned. "Says the girl riding a royal crane."
Aryan chuckled. "Fine. You're on."
But inside, his hands tightened on the reins. He couldn't afford mistakes. Not now.
Suddenly, a howl echoed through the trees.
Everyone froze.
Another howl answered from the left — then one from behind.
The beasts were circling.
Sergeant Bhairav raised his hand. "Form up! Watch the shadows!"
Aryan's heart raced. His Vanara growled low and deep, the fur on its back rising.
A blur of black fur leapt from the trees.
"BEASTS!" someone shouted.
And then — the forest exploded into chaos.