Down by the statues, Ray was finishing up the story about their history to Alex and Ben. They remained seated, both listening intently and feeling amazed.

  But before Ray could finish , a hush fell over the clearing as a figure emerged from the dense trees. Tall and radiating , it was Eryndar, the leader of Sylvaria, appointed by Lily herself before her passing; he was also one of five elders of the supernatural realm . His gaze landed on Ben, so still and deep that the boy found himself standing taller without thinking.

  Right then, Eryndar spoke, keeping his gaze on Ben: " "The amulet, it seems, has made its choice... a human. That is interesting "." He then turned to Ray. "Training falls to you now; train him well," he instructed.

  Ray stood, "We will do our best, sir". Ray then turned to Ben and Alex, a smile that was both reassuring and determined gracing his lips

  Alex gently touched Ben's arm. "Ben, we have to go back. It's getting dark, and our parents are going to worry. "

  Ray paused "You are right, " He looked at Ben, "But tomorrow we begin your training. There is much to learn, and little time."

  From his side pouch, Liam pulled out a wooden key, carved with strange twists. He gave them the key and said, "This key will help you return to Sylvaria."

  Ben opened the door, stepping inside to the familiar quiet. His heart sank at the sight of the empty living room, a constant reminder of how things had changed since his parents' divorce two years ago.

  “Hey, I’ll catch you later,” Alex said, patting Ben's back before heading home. “See you tomorrow,” Ben replied. Once the door shut behind him, silence pooled in the air.

  He dropped his backpack on the floor and wandered into the kitchen. And he started cooking, and was always the one preparing meals for his mother.. His mother often worked late shifts as a dedicated doctor, and his father? He had moved out but still taught at the school, where Ben saw him every day.

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  Just then, the front door creaked open, and his mother stepped in. “Hey, Ben! I’m back!”

  “Hey, Mom,” he forced a smile. “Why do you look so pale? Were you watching that scary movie again?” she teased, noticing his wide eyes.“Uhm… yeah, just a bit,” he replied, opting for the simpler explanation. How could he tell her what happened to him and even if he tells her she will not believe him.

  His mom smiled, chatting about her day, while Ben couldn't shake thoughts of everything that happened to him . He couldn't help but wonder what it all meant for him .

  Meanwhile, deep within the forest, far from Sylvaria, no one dares to venture there—neither humans nor supernatural beings—because it is the domain of Grim and his followers.

  Kaden, his heart heavy with disappointment as he made his way back to his father, Grim. The air felt thick with tension, shadows creeping around him like the gnawing doubt that lingered in the back of his mind.

  When he finally reached the clearing where Grim awaited, the older troll’s massive form loomed over a campfire, casting flickering shadows . Kaden approached cautiously, the weight of his failure pressing heavily on him.

  “I’m sorry, Father,” Kaden said, frustration lacing his voice. “I couldn’t get the amulet. It chooses some.”

  Grim turned his fierce gaze toward his son. “What do you mean, ‘Who is the new guardian?’” His voice was low and rumbling.

  Kaden replied, “It chose a human.”

  Grim stood up and his massive body made the ground tremble and his eyes glowing brighter. "A human, and you couldn't even kill them?"Grim said

  Everyone began to laugh and whisper, "He's just a weakling; he couldn't even kill a human," "He's always like this; he never takes on significant battles," and "If he weren't Grim's son, Grim would have killed him a long time ago."

  “ I almost got them but someone helped them escape ,” Kaden admitted, his fists clenched. " I promise you, I will get the Amulet next time. I will not fail again.”

  Grim stated, 'There's no need for that; I will confront this new Guardian and eliminate him. A mere human, with a trinket they don't understand? It shouldn't be too difficult.'"

  For a moment, silence fell between them, the crackling of the fire the only sound piercing the stillness of the night.