CHAPTER 3 - THE JOURNEY BEGINS

As Kael promised to protect the other half, Hannah's smile returned, and she nodded in satisfaction. "I knew I could trust you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael felt a surge of pride and determination. He would do whatever it took to fulfill his promise and protect the other half.

"Let's go," Hannah said, turning to lead Kael through the forest.

As they walked, the trees seemed to close in around them, casting deep shadows that made it difficult to see. Kael stumbled, his foot catching on a hidden root, and Hannah caught his arm, her grip like a vice.

"Careful," she said, her voice low and husky. "The forest can be treacherous, especially at night."

Kael nodded, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. He could see the outline of Hannah's face, her features illuminated by the faint moonlight filtering through the trees.

As they continued on their journey, Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. He had no idea what lay ahead, but he was determined to face whatever challenges came his way.

After what felt like hours of walking, Hannah stopped suddenly, her head cocked to one side. "Do you hear that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael listened, his ears straining to pick up any sound. At first, he heard nothing, but then, faintly, he detected the sound of running water.

"A river?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Hannah nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "The River of Dreams," she said. "It's said to have the power to reveal hidden truths and guide those who seek their destiny."

Kael's eyes widened in awe. He had heard stories of the River of Dreams, but he never thought he'd actually see it.

As they approached the river, Kael could see that it was unlike any river he had ever seen. The water was crystal clear, and it seemed to glow with an otherworldly light.

Hannah led Kael to the river's edge, where a small boat was waiting. "This will take us to the other half," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael nodded, his heart pounding with excitement. He had no idea what lay ahead, but he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.

As they pushed off from the shore and began to glide across the river, Kael felt a sense of peace wash over him. The river seemed to be exerting some kind of calming influence, and he felt his worries and fears melting away.

Hannah seemed to sense his relaxation, and she smiled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "The River of Dreams has a way of soothing the soul," she said. "But don't get too comfortable. We're not out of the woods yet."

Kael nodded, his eyes scanning the darkness. He knew that they still had a long way to go, and he was determined to stay vigilant.

As they continued on their journey, the river winding its way through the forest, Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. He had never felt so alive, so connected to the world around him.

And yet, despite the sense of peace that had settled over him, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He glanced over his shoulder, but saw nothing.

"Hannah," he said, his voice low and husky. "Do you feel that?"

Hannah's eyes snapped to his, and she nodded, her face set in a determined expression. "Yes," she said. "We're not alone."

Kael's heart pounded with excitement, and he turned to face the darkness, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.

And then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw it. A figure, tall and imposing, standing on the riverbank.

Kael's heart skipped a beat, and he turned to Hannah, his eyes locked on hers.

"What is it?" he whispered.

Hannah's face was set in a determined expression, and she nodded, her eyes gleaming with a fierce light.

"It's the guardian," she said. "And it's not happy to see us.”

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