Page 1:
Panel 1: A torch-lit cavern far from the forest. Hooded figures kneel before a throne made of twisted bones and black stone.
Narration:
“In the dark corners of the world, secrets whisper in blood.”
*Panel 2: A cruel-looking man with white eyes stands. This is Commander Vark, leader of The Thorn Chain—the syndicate that raised Kael.
Vark:
“The Blade Child has resurfaced.
And he travels with the girl bearing the Crimson Veil.”
Panel 3:
A masked figure beside him speaks, voice sharp as glass.
Masked Agent:
“If the Veil awakens, Elryon’s bloodline could rise again.
We must end them both.”
---
Page 2:
Panel 1: In another shadowy tower surrounded by fog, a woman in silver armor sharpens her claws—Lady Seraphine, leader of The Hollow Crown, the force that locked Lira away.
Seraphine:
“So... the lost lamb wanders again.
Let her wander straight into the wolves.”
Panel 2: She steps to a mirror made of cracked crystal.
Seraphine:
“She holds the memory of the throne.
But she is not ready to remember.”
“Make sure she never does.”
---
Page 3:
Panel 1: Back in the forest, Lira and Kael are walking along a river path. Mist rises from the water.
Lira:
“Where are we going?”
Kael:
“There’s a village near the cliffs.
If we’re lucky, they won’t recognize me.”
Panel 2: Lira looks down, clutching her gem.
Lira:
“Do you ever feel like you’re walking toward something…
but you don’t know what?”
---
Page 4:
Panel 1: In the village of Redbrush, Kael and Lira enter a small tavern. People glance at them suspiciously.
Panel 2: An old barkeep stares at Kael, startled.
Barkeep (whispering):
“...Blade-Eye. He’s alive.”
Panel 3:
Kael grabs Lira’s hand.
Kael (low voice):
“We’re leaving. Now.”
---
Page 5:
Panel 1: Outside, they run into a gang of thugs in black armbands with thorn tattoos—the Thorn Chain’s scouts.
Scout 1:
“Well, well. The prodigal dagger returns.”
Scout 2:
“And brings a princess gift-wrapped in crimson.”
Panel 2: Kael draws his blade, eyes narrowed.
Kael:
“You’re three steps too close.”
*Panel 3: Fight scene! Kael defends Lira while fending off three men. Lira tries to help, throwing dirt in one attacker’s eyes.
Lira:
“I’m not that helpless!”
---
Page 6:
Panel 1: They escape through a hidden passage beneath the inn. Kael limps slightly, blood on his side.
Lira (worried):
“You’re hurt.”
Kael:
“I’ve had worse.”
Panel 2: They collapse by a fire inside a cave. Lira patches him up using herbs from her satchel.
Lira (quiet):
“Why are they after you?”
Panel 3: Kael stares into the flames.
Kael:
“They raised me. Broke me.
Trained me to kill for them.
I was supposed to be their perfect weapon.”
Kael (softly):
“But I ran. And now they want me back... or dead.”
---
Page 7:
Panel 1: Lira leans back, eyes dark.
Lira:
“They left me in a castle. No memories.
Just books, shadows, and a gem that glows when I cry.”
Kael:
“Someone wanted you hidden.”
Lira:
“Or forgotten.”
Panel 2: Their hands rest beside each other on the ground. Slowly, their fingers touch.
---
Page 8:
Panel 1: Wide shot of the cave from outside. Two shadowy figures stand on a cliff above—one with thorn tattoos, the other wearing silver.
Narration:
“Two hunted souls.
Two cursed fates.”
Narration:
“And the world begins to remember them.”
---
[End of Chapter 3]
