Chapter 1- Malani
The white cloth clung to her as Malani burst from the dense forest, her heart pounding like a drum against her ribs. Before her, a shining river snaked under the gaze of a colossal, round moon. She stumbled, falling to the damp earth, her body wracked with sobs that shook her from head to toe.
A chilling whisper, then a shout, pierced the night. Their voices, rough and close, echoed from the trees behind her. Malani whipped her head around, her breath catching in her throat. There was nowhere left to run.
Her gaze lifted to the luminous orb in the sky, a silent plea forming on her lips. "Please," she whispered to the moon, her voice barely a breath. As if in answer, a sudden, strong wind swept through the clearing, rustling the leaves and whipping her white cloth around her.
A strange energy surged through her veins, a power she didn't understand. Her eyes, wide with a mixture of fear and dawning realization, began to glow with an ethereal white light. This was her gift, her burden: to draw in darkness and unleash pure light.
Just then, the first of the men emerged from the forest, their figures silhouetted against the moonlight. They moved with menacing intent towards the river's edge, their dark forms casting long shadows. Malani stood, her body trembling, but her resolve hardening.
With a silent, powerful surge, she unleashed the light within her. It was a force that didn't just push back, but consumed. The men, caught by surprise at the river's bank, gasped as their very essence, their dark intentions, were drawn from their bodies.
The battle was over as quickly as it began. The men collapsed by the river. Malani felt an overwhelming exhaustion wash over her, a profound drain on her very being. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the ground, the last vestiges of white light fading from her eyes as she lost consciousness.
Hidden among the ancient trees, Mafik, King of the Dura Clan, watched. His loyal dog, Fire, lay silently beside him, her dark fur blending with the shadows.His mind reeling from the impossible sight he had witnessed. Could this small woman truly be the answer to their ancient prayers?
