As the sun set over the city, painting the sky in hues of crimson and violet, Zian found herself restless. Training was over, the team dispersed, and Shadowfront's offices were quiet. But something tugged at her.
She made her way to the old records chamber Kaen had built in the building's lower basement—a place filled with forgotten scrolls, hidden tomes, and relics humming with subtle power. It felt ancient, too ancient for a structure barely weeks old.
Kaen was already there, standing before a glowing mural etched into the wall. Shadows rippled around him lazily.
"You followed the pull," he said without turning.
Zian narrowed her eyes. "This place… it's not normal."
"Neither are you."
She walked closer, her golden eyes reflecting the shifting patterns on the wall. The mural depicted a war—winged beings, dragons, and serpents battling under a shattering sky. In the center was a throne, empty.
"What is this?" she asked.
Kaen finally turned, crimson eyes unreadable. "A memory. Of a war forgotten. And of loyalty betrayed."
Zian's heartbeat quickened. "Why does it feel familiar?"
"Because you were there."
She flinched.
Kaen stepped closer. "Zian, have you ever wondered why your light reacts to me? Why your powers tremble when I'm near?"
Her voice cracked. "Who... what are you?"
He leaned in, his breath cool as dusk. "You already know." His smile was slow, almost sad. "You just don't want to remember."
Before she could answer, the mural flared, casting a beam of light at the floor. A circle formed—an ancient seal, flickering with both light and shadow.
Zian staggered back. "That symbol... I've seen it in my dreams."
Kaen's voice was almost a whisper. "You saw it in your past."
The seal pulsed, and a low hum filled the room. From the far corners of the basement, shadow soldiers began to stir.
Zian gasped. "They're mine."
"Yes," Kaen whispered. "You're waking up, loyal one."
And above them, the moon bled silver into black.