Kai sat in stillness beneath the moonlight, the stormlight flickering softly across his skin like drifting fireflies. The battle within the void had left scars he couldn't see—but felt deeply.
Beside him, Rhea watched silently. "What did you see down there?" she finally asked.
"Myself," he answered. "Or... the version of me that would destroy everything to win."
Rhea's eyes softened. "You're still standing. That means you chose better."
He smiled faintly. "For now."
The moment didn't last. A tremor shook the earth beneath them. Birds scattered from the treetops. From the horizon, a crimson aurora began to glow—unnatural and menacing.
"That's coming from the Temple of Aether Flame," Rhea whispered. "We need to leave—now."
They rushed to the cliffs, where the temple lay nestled atop a mountain wrapped in firelight. As they climbed, the temperature rose. The air shimmered with residual energy—something ancient, awakening.
When they arrived at the gates, Elder Muran stood waiting. But something was off. His robes were torn, his expression cold and... hollow.
"You shouldn't have come," Muran said.
"Muran?" Kai stepped forward, confused.
But the elder raised a hand—and fire erupted around them in a vicious circle. "You brought the Storm Root here... and now the balance must be corrected."
A chorus of voices echoed from within the temple. The Council of Nine had returned—but they weren't alone.
Behind them stood a woman cloaked in midnight silk, her eyes a bottomless violet. Her presence silenced the winds.
"The boy carries the root," she said calmly. "And he will give it up."
Kai stood tall. "No."
The woman tilted her head. "Then I will take it... and burn the world in your stead."
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