The forest, now familiar yet still deeply mysterious, greeted them with a haunting calm. Tay and New walked side by side, with Mina, Phon, and Ryu trailing behind. There was a newfound confidence in New’s step, his earlier uncertainty replaced with a subtle power that hummed just beneath the surface. The encounter with the Mist Walker had changed him, though neither of them knew the full extent of it yet.
Phon stretched his arms, breaking the silence. “I can’t believe we just saw the Mist Walker. Things are getting stranger by the day.”
Ryu nodded, eyes sharp. “We’ve barely scratched the surface. And if the Mist Walker is concerned, we should be too.”
Mina, ever observant, glanced at New. “The balance of magic is in your hands now, New. We need to figure out who else might be watching.”
“Or what,” Ryu added, his expression grim. “The forest isn’t the only thing alive with magic.”
Tay’s protective instincts flared up at the mention of new dangers. His hand found New’s, squeezing it gently. The forest was peaceful now, but he knew that tranquility wouldn’t last.
As they returned to the village, Tay and New retreated to the privacy of their cabin, their hearts still racing from the day’s events. The others gave them space, knowing they had much to process after what they'd been through.
Inside, the dimly lit cabin felt warm and intimate. The soft light danced across Tay’s face as he sat down, watching New carefully. New had been through so much in such a short time—discovery of powers, encounters with spirits, and now the weight of the magic was resting on his shoulders.
“Tay,” New whispered, stepping closer to him, his voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and longing.
Tay stood, closing the distance between them in an instant. His fingers gently traced New’s cheek, eyes filled with affection. “You’ve been so strong through all of this,” Tay murmured, his voice low.
New’s breath hitched, his eyes locking with Tay’s, feeling a warmth in Tay’s touch that made the world outside melt away. He leaned into Tay’s hand, seeking comfort and something more. “I don’t want to think about it right now… Just you.”
Without another word, Tay pressed his lips against New’s, soft and slow at first, but the kiss deepened as their emotions spilled over. New wrapped his arms around Tay, pulling him closer, feeling the heat between them grow.
Tay’s hands moved to New’s waist, guiding him towards the bed. The tension between them had always been there, simmering beneath the surface, and now, in the quiet of their cabin, it finally ignited.
Their connection was electric—both emotional and physical—as they moved together, lost in the intimacy of the moment. Tay’s protective nature melted into tenderness, while New, for the first time, let himself fully surrender to the feelings he had been holding back.
The night stretched on, their whispered words and shared touches blending into the warm glow of their bond. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they knew they had each other to rely on.
The next morning, as they dressed and prepared to meet the others, Tay’s hand lingered on New’s shoulder. “We’ll face whatever comes, together.”
New smiled, leaning into the touch. “Together.”
The group gathered in the village square, where they were greeted by a new face—Jarin, a young, skilled mage from a neighboring village. He had heard rumors of New’s power and had come to offer his assistance.
“Looks like I’m not the only one with strange powers,” Jarin said with a teasing smile, eyeing New.
Ryu raised an eyebrow. “And what makes you think we need your help?”
Jarin shrugged. “I didn’t come here to be anyone’s hero. Just thought you might want someone who knows how to deal with the kinds of dangers you’re about to face.”
Mina looked Jarin over, a hint of skepticism in her gaze. “We could use all the help we can get. The Mist Walker appearing isn’t a good sign.”
Phon, ever the observer, watched Jarin carefully. “We’ll see if you’re worth the trouble.”
Tay, standing close to New, nodded. “As long as you’re here to help, you’re welcome to stay.”
Jarin grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. “Don’t worry. I’ll pull my weight.”
As the group discussed their next steps, Tay felt a strange unease settle in the pit of his stomach. The Mist Walker’s warning still echoed in his mind: danger was coming, and they needed to be prepared.
The future was uncertain, but Tay knew one thing for sure—he would protect New at all costs, and with their friends by their side, they stood a fighting chance against whatever threatened the balance of magic.
ns 15.158.61.6da2
