The moment Kael stepped beyond the Circle of Echoes, the air thickened with a strange hum, like thousands of voices whispering through stone. Behind him, the obsidian doors sealed shut, separating him from Elysera and the past he had just faced.
Sirena caught up to him quickly. Her eyes were sharp as ever, but her voice was quieter now, more reverent. "You didn't scream in there. Most do."
Kael kept walking. "I've already screamed enough in life."
They followed a twisting corridor that glowed faintly with ever-changing runes symbols Kael didn't recognize. They pulsed softly, syncing with his breath. Magic was alive here, old and alert, watching.
The Vaelari, who walked silently beside them, finally spoke. "This part of the Spire was carved from the bones of a dying star. It tests those who seek to ascend, not only through pain but through understanding."
Kael tilted his head. "Understanding what?"
"Your purpose. And your burden."
Before Kael could respond, the corridor split into two paths. One was veiled in blue flame, cold and unwavering. The other blazed red and wild, as if daring someone to step through.
The Ogron approached and pointed at the left. "This leads to the Chamber of Judged Truth."
The Durnathi, grinning, motioned to the right. "And that… that's the Chamber of Rage."
Kael looked at both paths.
"I'm taking both," he said.
Sirena raised a brow. "That's impossible."
"I'll start with one… and come back for the other."
He chose the path of Judged Truth.
---
The chamber was circular and bound in cold flame. In its center was a dais with an ancient mirror, cracked down the middle. As Kael stepped closer, the flames dimmed, and the mirror shimmered.
Instead of his reflection, he saw himself as a child barefoot in the palace garden, holding a wooden sword and laughing.
His mother appeared behind the boy, placing a kiss on his brow.
Kael's throat tightened.
Then, the mirror cracked further, and the vision shifted his mother dying, coughing blood as nobles turned away. His father… walking away from both of them.
"You were meant to burn bright," a voice echoed. "But your light was denied."
Kael clenched his fists. "I'm still burning."
The flames surged. A rune flared on his shoulder one not placed by any Vaelari or spell. A personal rune, shaped by will alone.
The mirror shattered.
---
Outside, Sirena paced, fingers twitching on her twin blades.
"He's taking too long," she muttered.
The Vaelari raised her head. "He is forging a new path. When he returns… he may not be the same."
---
When Kael stepped out, his eyes glowed faint gold, and a third flame-ring burned along his forearm.
"You did it," Sirena said softly.
Kael didn't answer.
He turned and walked directly into the Chamber of Rage.
Inside, the world was red. Searing. Filled with echoes of betrayal. He saw again the nobles of Velmora cheering as he was dragged through the mud. His father raising the cursed decree. His own uncle leading the conspiracy.
He screamed.
The room screamed back.
Flames erupted around him but did not consume him.
A figure formed within the fire his mother again, though not a memory… a flame-wrought vision. Her lips moved:
"Don't lose yourself."
Kael dropped to his knees.
And in that moment of surrender not defeat, but acceptance a calm flame wrapped around him.
Balance.
He emerged a second time. Changed. His third rune now complete. A sign of those few who faced both judgment and wrath and emerged whole.
The Vaelari bowed. "Now you are Embermarked."
The Spire shook. Far above, the Bound King stirred once more.
And Kael whispered, "I'm coming for you."