"I was next in line to become the Heavenly Spear Goddess," the spirit whispered. "My soul was forged in discipline. My power in restraint. But my love… was in her."
The mirror shifted.
Years passed in seconds. The two girls grew — now graceful women, divine and revered.
The mirror showed a grand ceremony. Celestial beings lined the high halls. Elders bowed. A throne of spears hovered above the fire-ringed arena.
"This was the day I was to ascend," she said.
The goddess in the vision walked toward the platform in golden robes, the divine insignia glowing across her palms. Her sister stood beside her — face covered in a veil of joy.
Until the final step.
Naera moved behind her, and with a motion too fast for the eye, drew a gifted dagger — stabbing it into her sister's spine.
The memory went cold.
The flames died.
And the spear throne vanished into smoke.
Kent's heart froze.
