The Road of Shifting Signs (Continued)
The silence after Kael's words felt heavier than any shout.
The ruins seemed to lean inward, broken pillars casting long, crooked shadows that twisted as the pale gatefire wavered. The air vibrated softly, like a string drawn too tight.
Arel felt the pull in his chest grow stronger, no longer subtle. It tugged at his breath, his thoughts, the very shape of his fear. His mark burned hot, not painful yet—but warning.
Kael noticed.
His eyes flicked to Arel's palm, and his smile deepened with something close to reverence. "You feel it, don't you? That harmony. The gates remembering each other."
Seris shifted her stance, feet planted firmly, shoulders squared. "Step back, Kael. You're too close."
Kael chuckled. "Still protecting him. Just like before."
Seris stiffened. "You don't know me."
"I know your kind," Kael replied calmly. "Listeners always believe distance can solve everything. Hear the danger early enough, and it won't reach you."
Arel glanced between them. "You know each other."
"Not personally," Seris said. "But I know what he represents."
Kael spread his hands again, palms up, the crimson mark on his wrist glowing brighter. "I represent truth. Or at least, the part of it everyone else is afraid to admit."
"The Fall," Arel said slowly. "You think it should have happened."
Kael's eyes lit up. "I think it was interrupted."
The word struck like a blow.
Seris's voice sharpened. "Billions died."
"And billions stagnated," Kael shot back. "The gates were not a mistake. Humanity was evolving."
Arel felt the Guardian stir within him, a deep, uneasy presence.
"Do not listen," it warned. "His path ends in ruin."
Kael tilted his head, as if sensing the unseen exchange. "Ah. The Guardian disagrees. They always do."
Arel clenched his jaw. "If the gates were so perfect, why seal them?"
Kael stepped closer, ignoring Seris's warning glare. "Because humanity was learning faster than heaven could control."
The ruins trembled again, stronger this time. Small stones rattled across the ground. Somewhere far beyond sight, the world groaned.
Seris inhaled sharply. "Kael, you're accelerating the resonance."
"Good," he said simply. "Let the Second Gate wake properly."
Arel shook his head. "You said you wouldn't stop it. Does that mean you caused this?"
Kael did not deny it. "I nudged the scars. Whispered to the sleeping places. The gates want to open, Arel. They ache for it."
Arel's heart pounded. "And what happens when they do?"
Kael's gaze softened, almost kindly. "Change."
Seris stepped fully in front of Arel now. "Enough. You're not touching him."
Kael sighed, disappointed. "I was hoping you'd understand eventually. Both of you."
He raised his hand.
The air folded.
Arel gasped as the space between them warped, the ruins blurring like reflections in disturbed water. The ground split with a sharp crack, a jagged line of red light cutting across the stone.
"Move!" Seris shouted.
She grabbed Arel's arm and dragged him backward as...