Rayyan, Nael, and Zafir continued their journey through the vast icy wilderness. The snow-covered forest stretched endlessly around them, its tall trees standing like frozen giants in the cold, biting winds. The air was thick with the frost that hung from the trees, their branches heavy with the weight of ice.
They had settled down for the night in a small clearing, with only the fire keeping the cold at bay. Nael lay wrapped in blankets, already asleep, his breath visible in the frosty air. Zafir sat near the fire, keeping watch, though his eyes were growing heavy from exhaustion. Rayyan, however, couldn't rest. His mind was always alert, ever-searching for a sign, for something that might change the course of their journey.
As the fire crackled, Rayyan's Eternal Eye began to flicker once again. His gaze sharpened as his senses heightened, something stirring in the distance. He couldn't place it, but he knew it was important. Standing slowly, he stepped away from the warmth of the fire, feeling the chill of the night air bite at his skin. Without a word, he moved out into the darkness.
Outside, the night was eerily silent. The usual sounds of wildlife were absent, replaced by an unsettling stillness. Then, through the trees, he saw it—something that burned brightly in the distance. It was a figure, but not just any figure. The shape was enormous, like something from a nightmare, and flames wreathed its body.
Rayyan's heart skipped a beat.
It was Barak.
Barak had been a creature of shadow, an enemy once, but now, something had changed. He no longer exuded the hostile aura Rayyan remembered. Instead, the creature knelt before him, its enormous, fiery form towering in the snow. The beast's eyes met Rayyan's, and there was no malice in them—only something more profound.
Barak's voice rumbled through the night, deep and reverberating: "I greet you, Flame of the Almighty."
Rayyan remained silent for a moment, unsure of what to make of the situation. The creature who had once been an adversary was now submitting to him.
"I seek your strength," Barak continued. "I wish to join you, to become part of your flame, your shadow. I wish to walk with you."
Rayyan's gaze remained steady as the firelight flickered in his eye. His mind raced as he thought of the power this creature could offer, but it wasn't just about strength. There was something different about Barak—something that made him hesitate.
"What do you seek from me?" Rayyan asked, his voice calm but edged with caution.
Barak's head lowered, his flames flickering like a dying ember. "I seek purpose. In the shadows, I was lost. But in your light, I see a way forward. I wish to fight for you. To serve, not as an enemy, but as your ally."
Rayyan considered the creature's words. His mind flickered with the memory of the war in Olkaira, the battles he had fought, the things he had seen. Barak was a warrior, one of immense power, but power alone would not decide whether he could join Rayyan's cause.
"You will be my shadow, Barak," Rayyan said slowly. "And in return, you shall have the purpose you seek. Rise and stand with me."
At his words, the flames around Barak intensified. The fire enveloped him, swirling around him like a violent storm. The flames surged toward Rayyan, merging with him. For a brief moment, the world seemed to crackle with energy, the heat overwhelming the cold air around them. Rayyan's body felt different—charged, as though something powerful had been absorbed into his very being.
Barak's form dissolved into fire, his presence now part of Rayyan's flame. The air grew still once again.
Rayyan turned back toward the shelter. Nael and Zafir remained asleep, unaware of the powerful transformation that had just taken place. Rayyan's eye glowed faintly, the power of Barak now within him, but he said nothing, merely standing there for a moment before walking back to the fire.
The night passed without incident, the cold biting at their skin, but Rayyan could feel the presence of Barak—his shadow now a part of him.
---
The Village of Eldreth
The following morning, the trio packed up camp and continued their journey. The snow had eased a little, and the trail ahead grew less treacherous as they neared a village in the distance. The towering mountains gave way to a flatter landscape, and soon, the outskirts of the village came into view.
The village, named Eldreth, was a small but bustling settlement built around a central crossroads. The buildings were sturdy, their stone walls and thatched roofs offering shelter from the harsh elements. It was a place where travelers passed through, a crossroads between the wilderness and the civilization beyond.
As they entered the village, people eyed them curiously. The villagers were not used to outsiders, but Rayyan's imposing presence quickly commanded respect. No one knew who they were or what they had come for, but the aura of power that surrounded Rayyan and his companions was undeniable.
Rayyan's eyes scanned the village. He could feel the undercurrent of tension in the air, but it wasn't directed at him. It was something else, something hidden beneath the surface. The villagers were afraid, but not of him—not yet.
An elder approached cautiously, his steps slow and deliberate. "What brings you here, travelers?" he asked, his voice hesitant but curious.
Rayyan didn't answer immediately. He looked around at the small village, sensing something was off. "We seek rest, nothing more," he said after