The council chamber was thick with tension. Maps sprawled across the great oak table, tiny carved pieces marking the kingdom's borders.
"The eastern watchtower has gone dark," a general reported grimly. "No survivors. No signs of struggle—only… feathers."
At that word, Kofi's chest tightened. Black feathers. Just like the cultist. Just like the bird.
The king's gaze swept the room before settling on Kofi. "We cannot ignore this. Hero, you will investigate with Sir Darius and Lady Lyra. Discover what has happened, and if possible, put an end to it."
Kofi swallowed hard but bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."
—
The journey east was long and uneasy. Unlike the cheerful roads to the village, this path felt hollow. Villages along the way had shuttered windows, and travelers warned of strange shapes at night.
Kofi trained whenever they rested. Even small sparks of holy light comforted him, though they were weak. Lyra guided him gently, adjusting his breathing, reminding him to focus on intent, not force. Darius drilled his sword strikes until his arms burned.
Still, unease gnawed at Kofi.
When they finally reached the outpost, his fears deepened.
The wooden palisade was shattered, gates hanging loose. No birds sang, no insects buzzed. The air was thick, heavy, wrong.
"Stay alert," Darius ordered, drawing his blade.
Kofi stepped cautiously into the courtyard. The ground was littered with black feathers, slick with an oily sheen. A broken spear lay abandoned, but no bodies.
"Where are the soldiers?" Kofi whispered.
Lyra knelt, brushing her fingers over the earth. Her face paled. "There are traces of holy energy here… but it's been devoured."
"Devoured?" Kofi repeated, his throat dry.
Before Lyra could answer, a sound pierced the silence—like wings unfurling.
Kofi spun, sword raised. From the ruined watchtower above, a shape descended.
At first, it looked like a bird—a massive raven with wings blacker than night. But as it landed, its feathers writhed, folding back to reveal a human form.
A man stood where the raven had been, his body draped in black plumage, eyes glowing crimson. His smile was sharp, unnatural.
Kofi's breath caught. The bird…
The man spread his arms, feathers drifting around him like ash. "So… the hero finally comes."
Darius stepped forward, blade ready. "Who are you?"
The man's voice was both mocking and calm. "A herald. A shadow before the storm. I am neither demon nor holy, but something greater."
His gaze fell on Kofi, piercing straight through him. "And you… You burn with light, yet tremble with doubt. I wonder… how long before you break?"
Kofi gripped his sword tighter, forcing his voice steady. "Whoever you are—I won't let you hurt anyone else."
The bird-man chuckled, spreading his wings. "Brave words. Let us see if you can survive them."
The air thickened with malice. The fight had begun.