Amden was stunned hearing the rumbling sound from the beast's mouth and what it had said. His eyes flickered in surprise, and an expression of genuine shock was etched on his face.
"Who are you?" He shouted.
The beast remained quiet for a few moments. Amden felt that he should not have spoken and should have escaped quickly. The feeling of fear started to returned back.
"It seems that just like my younger self," the beast rumbled, "you also do not remember anything."
"Such is destiny," it said. "You would not need this soul mark, Young Lord."
"It is my destiny to serve you, to stand by your side," the beast added. "Our souls are connected in manners that no one could understand. Until we meet again."
With this, the beast sighed, and before Amden could understand, darkness took over him, and he lost consciousness.
The next time Amden opened his eyes, he found himself lying flat in the vast snowfield. He felt his entire body stiff.
