The sun stood high above Riverbend, casting golden light over the white marble towers and winding sapphire canals that sparkled like flowing crystal. This day was unlike any other. For the first time in decades, the bells of the River Temple rang—not in warning, but in celebration.
News had spread swiftly across the city: the Trial had ended. The Host had awakened. Riverbend's streets were filled with people. Flowers floated along the canals, drifting beside boats adorned in silk and banners of deep blue and silver—the colors of the Water God. Musicians played flutes and stringed instruments on every corner, and children tossed flower petals into the air, their laughter echoing through the cobbled alleys.
Caela stood on the grand balcony of Riverbend Castle, her ceremonial white robe now paired with a fine sash embroidered with Varuna's symbol—a spiral wave inside a ring of light. Her hair was adorned with river stones that glimmered like morning dew. The King stood beside her, proud and beaming.
"My people," the King's voice boomed across the courtyard, "the balance has shifted. The Chosen walks among us!"
The crowd roared in joy, then Caela stepped forward, her heart pounding. She was still unsure of her role, of the presence within her, of the weight she now carried. But in that moment, seeing the smiling faces below, something within her settled. She was no longer just a girl from the far village. She was something more...
**
In the land of Stonebridge, where the Temple of the Earth God already had its Host, a Queen in black robes with her hair tied high stood at a window, watching the gathering crows. Nearby, a brown-haired man with crimson eyes sat at the hall table, also gazing at the birds. Suddenly, a castle guard entered and bowed before the Queen.
"Queen Shala, news from Riverbend. They've finally have the Host of the Water God, Varuna," he said curtly.
The Queen smiled at the news. She turned and addressed the guard. "Such good news."
The brown-haired man raised an eyebrow, surprised by what the guard had said, and turned again toward the crows that seemed to be cawing in announcement.
"Fae," the Queen called out.
"Yes, Mother?" replied the brown-haired man.
"Begin preparations to depart for the Central."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Fae stood, bowed to the Queen, and left the hall. As he walked through the corridor, his steps suddenly paused as he looked toward the crows outside.
"The tide has shifted. But the storm has not yet arrived." The voice echoed once more—in Caela's mind, and in Fae's.
"…Let the storm come," Caela and Fae murmured softly.
***