The cold air bit at Kai's skin as he stood before the ancient stone altar hidden deep beneath the city. The chamber hummed with a power older than time itself, shadows swirling like living things around the carved runes etched into the floor.
Aria stood beside him, her silver eyes reflecting the flickering torchlight. "This is it," she said quietly. "The first seal. Opening it will change everything."
Kai swallowed hard, fingers trembling. His heart pounded with equal parts fear and anticipation. He had trained for this moment, but nothing could prepare him for the unknown.
He stepped forward and placed his hand on the altar. Instantly, warmth surged up his arm, spreading through his body like wildfire. The runes glowed bright blue, pulsing in sync with his heartbeat.
A deep voice echoed in his mind ancient, commanding, yet strangely familiar. "Keyholder… you awaken the Gate."
Kai's vision blurred. Memories fragments of a forgotten past flashed behind his eyes: a woman with eyes like his own, a city burning, a promise made in blood.
The power inside him surged, tearing at his control. Flames burst from his palms, lighting the chamber. Shadows danced wildly, then bent to his will.
Aria reached out, steadying him. "Control it. You are not alone."
With a deep breath, Kai focused, drawing the flames inward until they calmed to a steady glow.
The first seal was broken.
But the price was clear something ancient had awakened with it, and the Shroud's forces were already moving to claim what Kai now possessed