The storm outside the Tower raged like a living thing, slamming winds and ash-gray lightning against its ancient stones. But within the high sanctum of the Seers' Keep, silence reigned.
Kael stood before the Astral Prism—a relic older than empires, its surface a swirl of muted stars and shattered timelines. He could feel it pulse with memory, reacting to his presence. Not just as a Pactbearer, but as something… more. Something awakening.
Lin leaned against the cold marble arch, her arm in a sling from the fight with the echoes, her face pale but resolute. "We've reached the precipice," she said, her voice low. "You feel it too, don't you? The veil between now and what's coming."
Kael didn't answer. His eyes were locked on the Prism. In its depths he saw flickers of the throne of shadows, the ember left by his fiery echo, and the silent scream of a future yet unwritten.
"It's fractured," said Aelira, stepping closer, her boots echoing softly in the hall. "The Prism is showing too many paths. Something's splintering reality."
Kael finally spoke, voice flat. "It's me."
The room froze.
Kael turned slowly, facing them. "Each choice we made, each soul I've touched with this sigil—it's woven into the weave of fate. But some of those choices weren't meant to coexist. The Prism isn't broken. It's overloaded."
Lin's brow furrowed. "So what happens if it shatters completely?"
Kael looked toward the darkening window. "Then every possibility becomes real. All at once."
Aelira's expression darkened. "Which means war in every corner of the realms. Realities bleeding into each other. People born twice. Others never born at all."
"Exactly," Kael said, his voice steady now. "And the one who sits on the true throne—whatever that shadow is—it's waiting for that moment."
Lin stepped forward. "Then we have to seal the Prism."
"No," Kael said. "We have to enter it."
A stunned silence followed.
"The only way to repair the fabric is from within. If I enter the Prism and anchor the threads through my bond with the Pacts, I might be able to reset the branching. Bring balance."
"Or destroy yourself," Aelira snapped.
Kael nodded. "Or that."
Lin stepped closer, her eyes locked on his. "You won't do this alone."
Kael blinked. "Lin—"
"No," she interrupted. "I followed you through shadows and flame, through betrayal and truth. I don't care how deep this void is—we'll face it together."
Aelira sighed. "Stupid. Brave. Alright then. If we're doing this, I'm bringing my blades."
Kael looked at them both. For the first time in hours, he smiled.
The Prism brightened, reacting to their resolve. The threads of fate within it shuddered, stretching out toward Kael like roots toward water.
And as Kael stepped forward, hand outstretched, the storm outside ceased—utterly.
Because time itself was holding its breath.