Sky stared at the piece of cloth in his hand. The symbol on it—a broken star—seemed to pull at something deep inside him. His chest mark glowed a little brighter.
"It matches your mark," Rika whispered. "But… it's broken."
Sky nodded. "I think it's a warning."
They brought the cloth inside and placed it on the table. Rika carefully traced the symbol with her finger. "Do you think someone left this for you?"
"I don't know," Sky said. "But whoever they are… they know I'm here."
Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door.
Rika jumped. "Who could that be?"
Sky stepped forward. "Let me check."
He slowly opened the door. Standing there was a man with long gray hair and a dark blue coat. His eyes were sharp, but not unkind.
"I'm not here to hurt you," the man said calmly. "My name is Mael. I came to warn you."
"About what?" Sky asked.
"The Shadow Beasts," Mael replied. "That creature you fought? It was only the beginning."
Rika stepped beside Sky. "Why are they after him?"
Mael looked at Sky carefully. "Because of what he is."
Sky felt a chill. "What am I?"
Mael didn't answer right away. Then he said, "Come with me. There's someone you need to meet. Someone who might have answers."
Sky looked at Rika, who gave a small nod. "If it helps you remember, we should go."
Sky looked at the glowing mark on his chest, then at the broken star symbol on the cloth.
"Alright," he said. "Let's find the truth."