POV: Ember
"Wait!" I shouted at Death Guardian. "We can prove we have choice!"
The ancient being turned its hollow eyes toward me.
"How? You were all forced to transform. Where was choice in that?"
"The transformation was forced. But what we do next isn't."
"Explain."
I stepped forward, my Prime energy glowing brighter.
"You're right. Hope and Hunter forced the merge without consent. That was wrong. But it doesn't mean we're slaves to fate."
"Doesn't it? They decided. You obeyed."
"We survived. Now we choose what comes next."
Death Guardian tilted its skeletal head.
"Very well. Show me choice. Make a decision that defies your predetermined path."
Catherine immediately spoke up.
"Join the peace faction! We offer protection. Safety. Security."
"Prison, you mean," Blackclaw growled, returning with his warriors. The transformation had caught them anyway. "Join us instead! We offer freedom through strength!"
Both leaders approached me, speaking over each other.
