Chapter 23: Sparks Beneath the Mask
The moon hung low over the Vowbound sanctuary.
Inside the training hall, Andrew stood shirtless, his body wrapped in sweat-soaked bandages. He stared at his reflection in the blade of Ashren—not admiring it, but searching.
For control. For answers.
For himself.
"I still don't understand what I am."
"Hero? Weapon? Monster?"
The door creaked behind him. He turned, gripping the hilt—but relaxed when he saw Kaelira step inside.
She wore no armor, just a dark travel cloak, her braid falling loose over one shoulder.
"You haven't slept," she said. "Again."
Andrew looked away. "There's no time for rest."
She stepped closer.
"You say that, but your hand is trembling."
Only now did he notice. His fingers shook slightly—barely enough to see.
Kaelira moved beside him, reaching out slowly, cautiously. She didn't take his hand. Just placed hers nearby, palm up, an invitation.
"You don't have to carry this alone, Andrew."
For a moment, the silence between them felt like the calm before a storm—or the eye of one already passed.
"In my past life," Andrew said quietly, "I think I burned everything… everyone."
"There's a girl. A shadow beside me. I don't know who she was… but when I wake from the visions, I feel like I failed her."
"I'm scared I'll do it again."
Kaelira's eyes softened.
"Then don't push us away. Let someone walk beside you this time."
At the gates, an unexpected figure stood—wrapped in royal blue and gold. Armor of the Caedrian elite guard.
It was the Princess.
Selennia Caedris.
Not with soldiers. Not with banners.
Alone.
Kaelira's posture shifted immediately.
Andrew stepped forward, cautious but curious.
"Why would the Crown send its jewel here, when your father wants my head?"
Selennia's lips curved—half exhaustion, half warning.
"Because I'm not here as his daughter."
"I'm here as someone who saw what you did in Branholme."
"And someone who knows what really lies beneath Caedros Castle…"
Andrew's eyes narrowed.
"Talk."
She glanced at Kaelira, then back at him. "Not here. Not while the walls have ears."
"But I will tell you this—Veyrux is not your only enemy. He was locked away for a reason… and my family helped seal him."
"But now? They want to use him."
The clock just started ticking harder.
Andrew felt it in his bones.
"How long?"
Selennia's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Thirty-two days. Then the Veil opens. The first Gate cracks."
"And unless you stop them… the Crown will welcome Veyrux in exchange for power."
Andrew turned to Kaelira.
Then to the Princess.
"Then we don't wait."
"Tomorrow, we ride to the Cradle of Ash—where the first Veil once broke. If answers exist, they're buried there."
"But if I'm walking into darkness again…"
He looked at Kaelira.
"I want you beside me."
And then to Selennia.
"And if you're playing me—"
She cut him off.
"I'm not."
"Because if you fall… we all do."