Sam's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Sam sat on the cabin's dusty floor, rolling the dark orb between his palms. The cold magic hummed against his burned skin. Every day he trained with it, learning to control the stun spell locked inside. Dr. Reinhard was out there somewhere, still running, still free. But Sam had time now. He had this cabin, these tools, and a partner who knew how to hunt Necronomicon threats. The carved tree outside reminded him why this mattered—the dark book destroyed everything it touched. Sam tucked the orb away and stood. Revenge would come, but first he needed to be ready. Morning light pushed through the cabin windows. Sam stepped outside and walked to the possessed tree in the clearing. Its twisted branches reached like claws. The face carved into the bark watched him with hollow eyes. He'd found it three days ago, proof that dark magic still lingered here. The tree meant the Necronomicon had touched this place before. Sam pressed his hand against the rough bark, feeling for energy. Nothing pulsed back. Dead magic left behind like a scar. He circled the tree twice, checking the ground for signs. Blue flame flickered around his left hand without thinking. Sam closed his fist and the fire died. Control was getting easier. Dr. Reinhard had done this to him, turned half his body into something else. But now Sam would use it. Every evil tree, every dark spell, every threat he stopped brought him closer. Closer to finding the doctor. Closer to making him pay. Sam turned back toward the cabin. The work was just beginning.