The land was haunted.
They walked through villages of ash, where spirits murmured Kael's name. He could feel their judgment.
"These are the souls you couldn't save," Eira said softly.
Kael lowered his eyes. "I remember every one."
Suddenly, shadows shifted. A cloaked figure emerged, sword drawn, but it wasn't Varyn.
"I am the Warden of Regret," the figure said. "To pass, you must face your own failure."
Kael stepped forward. "Then I won't run."
The warden struck, and Kael met the blow. Each clash summoned a vision—a dying friend, a ruined home, a broken vow.
But Kael endured.
And the Warden bowed.