The twisted forest inside the Blood Gate trembled. Shadows curled around the squad as if the air itself whispered secrets. Ahead, a clearing opened beneath a bleeding sky — and in the center stood a perfect replica of Zian.
She wore flowing white robes, angelic armor etched in gold, and her golden eyes glowed with judgment.
Zian froze.
"That's... me?"
"No," Kaen said softly behind her. "That's who you used to be."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "What the hell does that mean?"
Kaen ignored him. His crimson eyes never left Zian.
The angelic figure stepped forward, sword drawn. "You let Him die," she spoke—voice calm but cutting.
Zian's breath caught. "Who are you talking about?"
"You don't remember? Good. That makes you weaker."
Zian raised her blade in defense. Her teammates instinctively stepped back as light exploded between the two forms. The duel was swift—blinding strikes of light against struggling steel. Each time Zian blocked, faint flashes of memory struck her mind: a burning throne, broken wings, bloodied stars.
Kaen stepped into the mist near Mira. "She's starting to crack."
"Crack?" Mira hissed. "She's glowing."
"No," Kaen whispered, a soft smile playing on his lips. "She's awakening."
Suddenly, the angelic double vanished—dispersed into shimmering golden fragments, which spiraled into Zian's chest. She dropped to her knees, panting, eyes wide in shock.
"I... I remember a voice," she whispered. "Someone who said I never failed Him."
The ground shifted beneath them. Leon swore. "More incoming!"
The sky darkened again. This time, the forest howled.
Kaen gently placed a hand on Zian's shoulder.
"That voice wasn't Him," he said, soft and quiet. "It was me."
Zian looked up into his crimson eyes—dazed, confused, but burning with something deeper now.
"I know you," she breathed.
Kaen just smiled. "You're beginning to."