A Villain by Default

The Mist Forest is quiet. Too quiet.

I stand alone among twisted roots and damp earth, surrounded by mist so thick it clings to my skin like a shroud. The air smells of decay, wet leaves, and the faint metallic tang of danger. I draw a slow breath, steadying myself. Where is he?

Eclipse. The boy I'm sworn to serve. The boy I'm sworn to—

I shake my head. Focus.

I press my hand to the hilt of the blade hidden beneath my skirt, the familiar cold of steel grounding me. The Academy's trial has thrown everything off-kilter. The headmistress's snap transported us all to this cursed forest, scattering students like pawns on a chessboard. But unlike them, I'm not lost.

Not completely, anyway.

The silence stretches, broken only by the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. A snap of a branch behind me makes my pulse quicken. I whirl, blade half-drawn, only to find empty mist and shifting shadows. I've spent too long in this forest already; even my nerves are fraying. Unacceptable.

"Where are you, Eclipse?" I mutter under my breath, voice barely a whisper.

He's south—I'm sure of it. It's a fool's direction, veering into the less-traveled regions of the Mist Forest where the creatures grow bolder and the air tastes heavier. But Eclipse has always had a knack for choosing the most inconvenient path.

A low growl rumbles from the shadows to my left. I freeze.

Slowly, I turn to face the source. A bear. No, not just a bear. Its eyes gleam red, and its hulking form moves with a predator's precision. The air between us crackles with tension. My grip tightens on the hilt of my blade, my mind racing through options. A direct fight will waste time, but running isn't my style.

The bear's muscles bunch. It charges.

I dart to the side, rolling through the dirt as its massive claws swipe through the air where I stood. My blade flashes as I slash upward, aiming for its eyes. The beast howls, stumbling back, but it's far from defeated. I steady myself, ready for the next strike—

And then, light.

A radiant shield shimmers into existence between me and the beast. It slams into the barrier with a deafening roar, the impact sending ripples of golden energy outward. The bear recoils, growling, but the shield holds firm.

Through the haze of light, a figure steps forward.

She's clad in polished armor, her flowing blonde hair catching the faint sunlight that filters through the canopy. Her sword gleams as she holds it at her side, and her yellow eyes radiate an unsettling mix of warmth and authority. Tessa.

The bear hesitates, sniffing the air, then retreats into the mist. Coward.

Tessa lowers her shield and turns to me, her expression a mixture of relief and awkwardness. "Are you all right?" she asks, her voice soft but steady.

I sheath my blade and incline my head slightly. "Thank you for the assistance."

She waves her hands quickly, as if embarrassed. "No, no, it's nothing! I—I just happened to be nearby."

"Nearby," I repeat, my tone flat. What are the odds of her conveniently appearing right when I need help? Unlikely. Suspicious.

Her eyes dart away, and she fidgets with the hilt of her sword. "Is Eclipse here with you?"

Ah. There it is.

"No," I reply, studying her reaction. A flicker of relief crosses her face before she hides it behind a nervous smile. "We were separated when the trial began."

"I see," she says, too quickly.

"You seem concerned about him," I say, tilting my head. "I didn't realize you two were close."

Her face flushes, and she shakes her head vehemently. "Oh, no! It's not like that. We're not… friends. Not really. I just… I made a mistake, and I think he hasn't forgiven me for it."

Interesting. I file that information away for later.

"I must find him," I say, stepping past her. "Thank you for your help, but I can manage from here."

"Wait!" she blurts out.

I pause, glancing back.

"It's almost nightfall," she says, gesturing to the dimming light filtering through the trees. "The forest will be more dangerous after dark. Let me help you find him."

Her offer surprises me, though I don't let it show. "You've already done enough," I say. "You should focus on passing the trial."

"But…" She hesitates, then clasps her hands together, her expression resolute. "At least let me pray for guidance."

Before I can respond, she kneels, her sword and belongings carefully placed at her sides. Her voice is soft but clear as she begins her prayer, invoking her deity's blessing. I watch in silence, my gaze drifting to the items she's set down. Among them are three herbs—Bloodfern, Silverroot, and Shadowbloom. The trial's objective. She's already gathered them.

Efficient. Too efficient.

Her prayer ends, and she looks up at me, her yellow eyes glowing faintly. "My Lord has shown me the way. Eclipse is heading south."

South. Of course.

I nod. "Thank you. I'll take it from here."

She hesitates, her hands tightening around the hilt of her sword. "Are you sure you'll be all right alone?"

"I'm not afraid of monsters," I say simply.

Her worry is almost endearing. Almost. But I have no time for sentiment. Not now.

As I turn to leave, her voice stops me once more. "Silva."

I glance over my shoulder.

"If you find him, please… tell him I'm sorry."

I hold her gaze for a moment, then nod. "I'll deliver your message."

Satisfied, she gathers her belongings and disappears into the mist, her golden light fading with her. I watch until she's gone, then let out a slow breath.

South it is, then.

The blade at my side feels heavier now, a silent reminder of my purpose. My duty.

Eclipse… I'll find you. And when I do…

Well, we'll see.