The Dragon's Chosen

The journey from the Whispering Ruins led Eira and her companions into the Duskwyld Forest a sprawling maze of twisted trees and thick mist. It was said no one entered without the forest claiming a piece of their soul.

Eira clutched the fifth medallion tightly as they walked, her thoughts heavy with Therion's fate. Five medallions gained but the price felt higher with each one.

"We're being followed," Kael said quietly, his hand on his sword.

Ryven smirked. "Finally, a little excitement."

A shadow flickered through the mist. Before anyone could react, an arrow shot through the air, grazing Kael's shoulder.

"Come out!" Eira demanded, magic crackling at her fingertips.

A figure emerged from the mist a woman clad in dark leather armor. Her eyes gleamed like amber, and a longbow rested easily in her hand. She moved with the grace of a predator.

"I wouldn't try that," she warned, drawing another arrow. "You're trespassing."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

"The people here call me Selya the Hunter," she said, voice smooth as silk. "And you've wandered where you don't belong."

Valeria snorted. "You think a few arrows can stop us?"

Selya smiled coldly. "Maybe not. But the forest? It doesn't take kindly to outsiders."

Eira stepped forward. "We're searching for the sixth medallion. If you know anything"

"Why should I help you?" Selya interrupted. "I serve no one."

Before Eira could answer, the ground trembled, and dark tendrils burst from the earth Malgrin's corruption had reached the forest.

Selya's composure wavered for the first time. "What did you bring here?"

"Not us," Kael said, sword flashing as he cut through the tendrils. "This is Malgrin's doing."

For a moment, Selya hesitated, watching them battle the corruption. Then, with a curse under her breath, she fired an arrow charged with green energy. The tendrils recoiled, and the forest's magic pulsed around her.

"You want the medallion?" she said, her voice sharp. "It's hidden in the heart of the Duskwyld. But no one reaches it without my help."

"And what's your price?" Eira asked.

Selya lowered her bow. "Malgrin's forces destroyed my village. If you're truly his enemies, I'll guide you. But betray me"

Valeria smirked. "You'll kill us. We get it."

Despite her harsh words, Eira sensed the pain beneath Selya's mask. Another broken soul, bound by loss.

As they followed her deeper into the forest, the mist thickened, whispering secrets no one dared to speak aloud.

But unknown to Eira, Selya carried a secret of her own a deadly truth that would soon fracture their fragile alliance.