They arrived at the foot of the Hollowpine Mountains just as dawn broke through mist.
A dozen white-robed monks greeted them—not with hostility, but silence. Not a word was spoken, but their gazes lingered on Oryzzell's shoulder where the Brand of Myrzael glowed faintly beneath his cloak.
Lyra squeezed his hand.
The lead monk—a gaunt man with pitch-black sclera and a calm smile—bowed slightly.
"Wanderers are not often welcomed," he said, "but the Markless Host told us you would come."
Oryzzell tensed. "You know what I carry?"
"We know more than you think," the monk replied. "Follow."
The Monastery of Silent Pines was carved into the mountainside, its entrance hidden behind waterfall mists and sealed by ancient wards. Inside, the halls were lined with obsidian statues—all faceless, all kneeling.
"The statues were once monks," Lyra whispered.
"No," said the guide monk. "They were worshipers. The Brand petrifies false believers."
He led them to a sanctum beneath the earth. A great vault door, carved with runes older than any known tongue, stood shut.
The monk gestured toward it.
"You may enter alone, Markbearer. The Vault will recognize its kin."
Lyra grabbed his sleeve. "Oryz... Are you sure?"
He nodded. "Wait here. If I don't return... burn this place."
He stepped inside.
Inside was darkness.
Not absence of light—rejection of it.
In the middle of the chamber stood a crystal spire, black and pulsing like a heartbeat. Around it floated thousands of pages—some inked in blood, others in what looked like teeth.
They whispered as he approached.
:: Heir of Ruin... ::
:: Son of the Severed Flame... ::
:: You are the Third Vessel... ::
Oryzzell gritted his teeth.
He touched the spire.
Visions flooded him.
A black-winged man seated on a throne of ribs. The first Demon Lord—Myrzael.
A circle of chained gods. A shattered blade—the original Aeon Severance, broken by betrayal.
A promise spoken in the Void:
> "If the world fears me, let it burn. If they love me, let them bleed."
The vision ended.
Oryzzell dropped to one knee.
He understood now. He wasn't merely branded.
He was descended.