legend. The blackened walls, towering spires, and ancient banners whisp

on her shoulders. *This is it,* she thought, tightening h

r spears, blocking her path. Their eyes, hard and suspicious

your business

together on the road. "I... I've come under the goddess's decr

the air, as if te

, pounding on the gate with the base of his spear. Moments later, the h

s tone softer now, touched by

t, heads bowed. Somewhere, the distant clang of metal on metal hinted at training grou

s he

Alpha Kael - the man whose image the goddess had burned into he

shing the stone, and offered

apestries depicting wolves, moons, and silver-eyed goddesses. Each step

ate doors carved with crescent moons and runes t

d said, voice hushed. Without wait

Wanted by the goddess herself.* It felt unreal, yet

ling hand and push

ce. Maps, scrolls, and weapons lay scattered across tab

nd eyes like cold embers. A faint scar traced his jaw, adding a harshness to an

silence stretch

aritone that seemed to stir the very air. "The

but her chin held high. "I came becaus

hidden beneath skin and bone. "The better question," he said slowly

e, refusing to

usement, perhaps, or approv

u are the last of a bloodline bound to her by ancient pact. A bloodline t

y family... they died bec

e balance in a war even now gathering beyond these walls. That's why

*Protected... used... chosen.* Each

e barely above a whisper.

s. "What I want," he murmured, "matters less than what fate demands. But know this, Amar

ancing shadows across ancient

ve warring in her chest. "Then tell me ever

. But understand: once you hear th

t unwavering. "I stopped running the

ng the fortress banners - as if

inding two fates ever tigh