Chapter 6 – Forest Beyond the Village

Chains loosened only slightly the next morning. Kairo spotted his chance. During the chaos of a merchant caravan passing through the village, he slipped out through a side gate, heart pounding.

The forest stretched before him, wild and green. Birds called overhead, leaves whispered in the wind, and for the first time in days, Kairo felt… free, kind of.

“Alright,” he muttered, tugging at his cuffs. “Let’s see what this world’s really about.”

Lucas? Forget him. Betrayal still burned in his chest. Lowly slave my ass. I’m Ash, and nobody gon’ play me like that.

A rustling in the bushes caught his attention. Small creatures—about the size of dogs but glowing faintly—prowled, sniffing the ground. Kairo clenched his fists, feeling a familiar surge in his chest.

Pain makes me stronger. Anger fuels me. Let’s go, n*a.