Kael stood silent, the chamber's heat rising as Vaelion's name echoed in his thoughts. Flames licked at the edges of his vision.
"Why me?" he asked quietly.
The merchant tilted his head. "The crystal chose you. Or perhaps… he did."
Eira stepped forward. "If this soul lives in him, can it take over?"
"Only if Kael loses himself," the merchant replied. "Or surrenders willingly."
Kael clenched his fists. "That won't happen."
But in the corner of his mind, he felt something stir. A whisper—not in words, but in raw emotion. Hunger. Rage. Sorrow.
Vaelion was awake. And he remembered everything.