Kaela wiped blood from her spear as she paced before the shattered temple ruins. Her presence alone commanded the plaza—more than just a warrior, she was a symbol.
Haruto stepped forward. "Why are the Blades here? This city wasn't supposed to fall."
Kaela's eyes flicked to him, sharp as daggers. "Because someone underestimated the Rift's reach. We thought we had time. We were wrong."
Lucien folded his arms. "Typical."
Serenya frowned. "We've seen Riftspawn before, but this… this was organized. Strategic."
Kaela nodded. "Because they're no longer acting alone."
She tossed a broken mask at their feet. It bore the same jagged insignia seen on the attackers.
"The Cult of the Hollow Crown," she said. "They're the ones fueling the Rift's advance—sacrificing cities, anchoring new rifts, corrupting beasts. And they've gained a patron."
Haruto tensed. "A patron?"
"Someone powerful," Kaela said. "Someone feeding them relics and knowledge they shouldn't have. Whoever it is—they've taken the next seal's coordinates from our vaults."
Haruto's blood ran cold.
The next seal was supposed to be hidden, locked behind multiple enchantments.
"Where?" he asked.
Kaela hesitated, then answered, "Eidensfall. The city built over the ocean cliffs. If they reach it first, the seal's power will be twisted—used to accelerate the Rift's corruption."
Serenya cursed under her breath. "Then we have to get there before they do."
Lucien cracked his knuckles. "Road trip with monsters nipping at our heels. Just another Tuesday."
Kaela turned to Haruto.
"You're the only one who's unlocked a seal and survived it. Whatever power you've awakened—Eidensfall needs it now."
Haruto looked toward the burning skyline of Vel'Tharan.
And behind the flames, he swore he could feel it again—the same presence he met in the vision.
A future version of himself.
Watching.
Waiting.