The morning sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Astraeus had barely slept, his mind too full of Kha'Zul's constant commentary and the lingering sensation of unmaking that void hound. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the creature's form twisting, heard its screams, felt the rush of power that came with erasing something from existence.
You're dwelling on it, Kha'Zul observed, his tone almost bored. That's weakness. You killed a beast. Congratulations. Now stop acting like a child who broke his mother's favorite vase.
"I didn't just kill it," Astraeus muttered, rolling up his bedroll. "I unmade it. There's a difference."
Is there? The demon's laughter was dark and mocking. Dead is dead, boy. Whether you stab something with a sword or erase it from reality, the result is the same. You need to get comfortable with this power, or you'll hesitate when it matters. And hesitation will get you killed.
Astraeus didn't respond. He shouldered his pack and started walking, following the old trade road that would eventually lead to Thornhaven. The God System had given him a basic map, overlaid in his vision like some kind of magical heads-up display. It was disorienting at first, but he was getting used to it.
He'd been walking for maybe two hours when he heard the sounds of combat—steel clashing, magic crackling, and a woman's voice shouting commands. Astraeus hesitated, his instinct telling him to avoid trouble. But curiosity won out, and he crept through the underbrush until he could see what was happening.
A woman stood in the middle of the road, surrounded by half a dozen bandits. She was tall and athletic, with long crimson hair tied back in a practical braid. Her robes were a deep scarlet, trimmed with gold, and she wielded a staff that crackled with fire magic. She moved with a dancer's grace, her spells precise and devastating. A pillar of flame erupted from the ground, engulfing two bandits who screamed and scattered. A lance of fire shot from her staff, impaling a third through the chest.
But she was outnumbered, and Astraeus could see the strain on her face. One of the bandits had circled behind her, his sword raised for a killing blow.
Astraeus didn't think. He just acted.
He thrust his hand forward, channeling the chaotic energy that Kha'Zul had shown him. A bolt of black and purple lightning shot from his palm, striking the bandit in the back. The man didn't scream. He simply ceased to exist, his form collapsing into a swirl of shadow that dissipated into nothing.
The woman spun around, her eyes wide with shock. The remaining bandits took one look at what had just happened and fled, disappearing into the forest with panicked shouts.
For a moment, there was only silence. The woman stared at Astraeus, her staff still raised defensively. Her eyes were a striking amber, sharp and intelligent, and they swept over him with the kind of assessment that made him feel like he was being dissected.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through her.
"Astraeus Ren," he said, stepping out of the underbrush. "I was just passing through. I saw you were in trouble."
"Trouble I could have handled," she said, though her tone softened slightly. She lowered her staff, though she didn't dismiss the flames dancing along its length. "But I appreciate the assist. That was... unusual magic. I've never seen anything like it."
Careful, Kha'Zul warned. She's powerful. And curious. Curiosity can be dangerous.
"It's a new technique I'm working on," Astraeus lied, trying to sound casual. "Still getting the hang of it."
The woman studied him for a moment longer, then nodded. "I'm Seraphine Veyra. Journeyman mage, specializing in fire and combat magic." She paused, then added with a wry smile, "And apparently not as good at spotting ambushes as I thought."
"Those bandits were well-hidden," Astraeus said. "I almost didn't notice them myself."
"Almost," she repeated, her smile widening. "But you did notice. And you intervened. That takes either courage or stupidity. I'm not sure which yet."
"Maybe a bit of both," Astraeus admitted.
They walked together after that, Seraphine explaining that she was also heading to Thornhaven. She'd been on a contract to investigate reports of increased bandit activity in the region, and she'd found more than she bargained for.
"They're getting bolder," she said, her expression grim. "Normally, bandits avoid mages like the plague. But these ones attacked without hesitation. It's like they're desperate. Or being controlled."
"Controlled?" Astraeus asked, his interest piqued.
"It's possible," Seraphine said. "There are entities that can dominate weaker minds. Void creatures, mostly. But those are rare, and they usually stick to the deep wilderness."
She's not wrong, Kha'Zul said. The Architect's influence is spreading. These bandits were likely thralls, their wills subverted. You'll see more of this as time goes on.
Astraeus filed that information away. He was starting to realize that his resurrection wasn't just about him. There was a bigger picture here, a war being fought in the shadows, and he was now a part of it.
As they walked, he found himself stealing glances at Seraphine. She was beautiful, in a fierce, untouchable kind of way. Her movements were confident, her magic powerful, and there was an intensity to her that drew him in. She caught him looking once, and raised an eyebrow.
"Something on your mind?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Just wondering how you got so good with fire magic," Astraeus said quickly. "It's impressive."
"Years of practice," she said. "And a natural affinity. Fire is temperamental, but if you respect it, it'll respect you back." She glanced at him. "What about you? What's your specialty?"
"I'm still figuring that out," Astraeus said honestly. "I've been experimenting with different types of magic. Trying to find what works for me."
"That's unusual," Seraphine said. "Most mages specialize early. Trying to master multiple disciplines is... ambitious."
She's testing you, Kha'Zul said. She wants to know if you're a threat or an ally. Be careful how you answer.
"I like to keep my options open," Astraeus said with a shrug. "You never know what you'll need in a fight."
Seraphine nodded slowly, as if considering his words. "Fair enough. Just don't spread yourself too thin. A master of one discipline is worth more than a dabbler in ten."
"I'll keep that in mind," Astraeus said.
They made camp that evening in a small clearing off the road. Seraphine conjured a fire with a casual flick of her wrist, the flames dancing obediently in the circle of stones she'd arranged. Astraeus set up his bedroll on the opposite side of the fire, trying not to stare as she removed her outer robe, revealing a fitted tunic that clung to her athletic frame.
You're attracted to her, Kha'Zul observed, his tone amused. How predictable. Mortals and their hormones.
"Shut up," Astraeus muttered under his breath.
"Did you say something?" Seraphine asked, looking up from where she was preparing a simple meal.
"Just talking to myself," Astraeus said quickly. "Bad habit."
She smiled. "I do that too sometimes. Helps me think."
They ate in companionable silence, the crackling fire and the sounds of the forest filling the space between them. Astraeus found himself relaxing, the constant tension of the past day easing slightly. Seraphine was easy to be around, her presence both calming and energizing at the same time.
"So," she said after a while, her amber eyes reflecting the firelight. "What brings you to Thornhaven? Guild business?"
"Something like that," Astraeus said. "I need to report in. Get my bearings."
"New to the city?" she asked.
"New to a lot of things," Astraeus admitted. "It's been a strange few days."
Seraphine studied him, her expression thoughtful. "You have the look of someone who's been through something life-changing. I've seen it before. That kind of haunted determination."
Astraeus met her gaze, and for a moment, he considered telling her the truth. About his death, his resurrection, the demon in his soul. But Kha'Zul's warning echoed in his mind, and he held back.
"Maybe I have," he said instead. "But I'm still figuring out what it all means."
"Well," Seraphine said, her smile returning. "If you need someone to show you around Thornhaven, I'd be happy to help. The city can be overwhelming for newcomers."
"I'd like that," Astraeus said, and he meant it.
As the fire burned low and the stars came out, Astraeus found himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, this new life wouldn't be so bad after all. He had power, purpose, and now, a beautiful woman who seemed interested in spending time with him.
Don't get too comfortable, Kha'Zul warned. This is just the beginning. The real challenges are still ahead.
Astraeus knew the demon was right. But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment, the warmth of the fire, and the company of someone who made him feel a little less alone in this strange new world.