Caelan adjusted the strap of his pack as he walked the smooth, rune-etched roads of Elenvara. The towering trees seemed alive, their branches whispering secrets as they swayed in the cool breeze. The faint glow of the magical runes beneath his boots lit the path ahead, but he felt no comfort in their light. He knew this land wasn’t meant for him.

  In the distance, the rhythmic sound of hooves broke the silence. Caelan froze, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. His eyes scanned the road ahead until a rider emerged from the shadows, their silver armor catching the faint light of the runes.

  The elf dismounted with practiced grace, their piercing green eyes fixed on him. “State your name and purpose,” they commanded, one hand resting on the hilt of a blade at their side.

  “Caelan,” he replied, his tone steady despite the tension in the air. “I’ve come seeking help. I need to find the mages of Elenvara.”

  The elf’s gaze flicked to his arm, where the faint glow of the curse shimmered beneath his sleeve. Their jaw tightened.

  “You bring tainted magic into our lands,” they said sharply. “Such power has no place here. Leave now, before you bring ruin upon yourself.”

  Caelan stood his ground, his grip tightening on his sword. “I didn’t choose this curse. I’m trying to control it—before it controls me.”

  The elf studied him for a moment, their expression unreadable. With a curt nod, they gestured for him to follow. “You’ll speak to someone with the authority to decide your fate. But be warned—your presence is already a provocation.”

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  They arrived at a small elven outpost nestled within the forest, where the trees themselves seemed to meld with the architecture. Towering trunks served as walls, and glowing crystals cast an ethereal light over the encampment.

  The elf led him to a clearing where several soldiers trained, their movements precise and fluid, as if part of a single entity. At the center of the clearing stood a tall figure clad in ornate silver armor, their long golden hair tied neatly behind their head.

  The elf stopped and bowed. “Commander Haldir, this human seeks the aid of our mages. He carries… unusual energy.”

  Haldir turned, his sharp green eyes locking onto Caelan. He approached slowly, his presence commanding. The soldiers paused their training to watch the interaction.

  “You bring chaos into our sanctuary,” Haldir said, his voice cold. “Why should we not send you back to the human lands where you belong?”

  Caelan met his gaze without flinching. “Because this curse isn’t just my problem. If I lose control, it’ll affect more than just me. I came here to stop that from happening.”

  Haldir studied him for a moment before drawing his sword, the blade shimmering with runic patterns. “If you truly seek control, show me your strength. Prove that you are not a danger.”

  The soldiers formed a loose circle, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution. Caelan hesitated, then drew his own sword. He felt the cursed energy stirring in his arm, eager to be unleashed.

  Haldir moved first, his attack fast and calculated. Caelan barely blocked the blow, the force rattling his arms. The elven commander pressed forward, his strikes unrelenting.

  “Is this the extent of your power?” Haldir taunted, his movements flawless.

  Gritting his teeth, Caelan allowed a sliver of the curse’s energy to flow through him. Black tendrils coiled around his arm, enhancing his speed and strength. He countered with a series of rapid strikes, forcing Haldir to take a step back.

  The elven commander’s eyes narrowed. “You rely on chaos to guide you. Reckless.”

  Haldir shifted his stance and launched a powerful attack, disarming Caelan in a single, fluid motion. Before Caelan could react, Haldir’s blade was at his throat.

  “You fight like someone who has yet to understand their own power,” Haldir said, lowering his weapon. “But there is potential—if you can survive the training.”

  Caelan retrieved his sword, his breathing heavy. “I’ll survive,” he said.

  Haldir sheathed his blade. “We’ll see. Your training begins at dawn. Do not waste this chance.”