"Welcome to the Reckoning, Celvian."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O9IAagAZE
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwwTGvJ6Q3
The words hung in the air.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVneOtRrRC
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMLzae2hcI
No one spoke.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLzY0IuVT6
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnXDLm9IEI
The red-haired woman's fury remained palpable but silent. The older man's jaw set, but he nodded once in acceptance. Even Draven, despite the rage clear in his posture, said nothing more.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA18Uw79FUI
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvQKvUQi3E
The matter was settled.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYwW65MOK2
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyhbAXY8cJ
"Before we discuss anything else," the hooded figure - Veyron - said, his voice carrying quiet authority that made everyone straighten slightly, "the boy needs healing."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR0zH0LzAj
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkafWx1VqFf
The woman with blonde hair moved from her position near the wall. She approached with measured steps, her expression carefully neutral as she stopped before him.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfGVWiFknH
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbM6SZZSGm
"May I?" Her voice was professional, distant.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFitECAOwE9
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqP3H3l6EC
Cel's jaw tightened. Every instinct screamed not to let anyone touch him, not to show weakness, not to— 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1xEtJws82
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8so47A8kJ
"It's just healing," she continued, reading his hesitation. "Nothing more."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jQj6OeTHQ
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0MtNHC9vl
He gave her a curt nod.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHmW5dz62K
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbKPQ57IuN
Her hands lifted, hovering inches from his chest. Warmth spread through his torso - not the searing heat of the worm's breath, but something deeper that hummed beneath his skin. The throbbing ache in his ribs eased. The torn flesh across his back knitted together. Even the deeper injuries - the ones he'd been ignoring - began to fade.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM3vDmL4rv
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELXPTPk0tU
It took perhaps thirty seconds.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmnxkkOuRy
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYvRUqo3uF
When she stepped back, Cel could breathe without pain for the first time since Esrin had thrown him across the wasteland.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTkAnlkwkd
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdCpUI0GhY
"Thank you," he said quietly.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYBQDG4jos
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgzJz7DuUX
She inclined her head once, then returned to her position without a word.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJNnWjfueG
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDVw6Rmmc5
"Now then." Veyron's attention fixed on him fully. "You've been invited to join an organization you know nothing about. That hardly seems fair."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsq89yyJv5m
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0vmLhFIC9
Cel remained silent, waiting.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfACIZ4wj6k
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd3pRacRBU
"The Reckoning exists for a singular purpose," Veyron continued. "We hunt those who abuse their power. Chosen Ones who believe divine favor places them above consequence. Those who commit atrocities knowing their power protects them."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqcXkvdORG
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tFbUHHrFI
The words settled in Cel's chest with uncomfortable weight.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsVQhx1xWo
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVOcYK3kmn
"We kill them," Draven added with a grin. "When the law fails. And it always fails for the powerful. We don't."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh0qZHaJN1
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOOfhj4oml
"You're assassins," Cel said flatly.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO0BfF94BI
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILXaNk0F98
"We're justice," Esrin corrected, her tone brooking no argument. "For victims who have none."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDEze48TIm
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMo0BIlLet
"We operate on a ranking system," Lucien said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Based on strength, not birthright or politics." 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3MZwTDovP
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJCngzWFdx
"Rank one is the strongest," Silas added, gesturing at Veyron. "All the way down to rank ten." His gaze shifted to the small girl in the oversized chair. "Which will always be—"43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOPKGTpLiU
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcVHW99LZN
"Me. Yes. I know." Hina crossed her arms. "Every time someone joins, I get bumped down again. Thanks for that.”43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgRRqLOxGs
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgLRLhzkpI
Something tightened in Cel's chest. Strength, not birth, not bloodline. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyf5yD5DdE
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBJdnLpy84
Everything the Sun Clan wasn't.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJtB8yTwfE
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlpLIYUATA
"Since we're doing introductions," the older man near the wall spoke up, his rough voice carrying the weight of experience, "I'm Ronan. Fifth Reckoning. Graveyard's Orphan. Life Clan."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ8QZW1M0F
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC11jaIdJ3A
The young man by the fire straightened. "Silas Mortbane. Eighth Reckoning. Death's Friendliest Face." His grin was infectious despite the gravity of the situation. "Death Clan, obviously.”43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXXqfI3wWg
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaKq2gfsvW
"Iris Peakvault." The woman who'd healed him spoke quietly. "Seventh Reckoning. Veiled Crag. Mountain Clan."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA6KMKzW32
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU9DZBzLBx
Her posture shifted subtly when she spoke - shoulders drawing inward slightly, gaze lowering. The change was so minute Cel almost missed it.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY029lZtZm
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcguLLMxIo
"Zara." The red-haired woman's voice came sharp as broken glass. "Sixth Reckoning. Wrath's Only Daughter. Mountain Clan as well." Her blue eyes carried naked contempt. "Try not to die immediately."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1kOUxeBSF
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U3ayqTcv9
"Already did that," Cel said before he could stop himself. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE8QpmucKQ
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3fbRQj4CM
Silence stretched for a heartbeat. Then Silas laughed - genuine and bright.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj7n63UQ2i
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw134mWmhm
"Oh, I like him already."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA60hrc1Tk
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfqOZS9skq
"Draven Goldwind," the brash man said, his tone carrying casual arrogance. "Third Reckoning. Goldreaver. Mercenary Guild." He gestured at himself with a flourish. "Also the wealthiest person in this room, but that's hardly relevant."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdThwC0KqI
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPWatNqSHS
The small girl piped up again. "Hina! Tenth Reckoning - formerly ninth but apparently not anymore!" She crossed her arms with theatrical indignation. "Small Tyrant. I work for the Royal House as Palace Administrator." A pause. "I should have voted for your death."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxZcDG8InY
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P6cAPerjs
The comment was so absurd, delivered with such genuine petulance, that something in Cel's chest loosened slightly. Not quite humor - but close.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JkUVN8l8M
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3FDUwaWNC
"Lucien Stellarion," the young man with tired eyes said from his chair. "Fourth Reckoning. Dreamfall. Second Prince of the Empire."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq2kHisapC
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ahOBH9tGd
The presence of royalty made this whole organization even more impossible. What kind of group could command a prince's loyalty?43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw16fex1Ivl
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrfBvKZYND
"Esrin." The woman who'd brought him here spoke with quiet authority. "Second Reckoning. Shattered Sky. Chosen Legion."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ817jXj4Hak
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHZutrPYIo
The hooded figure's presence seemed to intensify slightly. "Veyron Nethis. First Reckoning. Eschaton."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9Ngm762XO
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1Q27jQbux
Cel's mind was already cataloging information, filing away details. An organization that hunted corrupt Chosen. Members from various Clans - even the Mercenary Guild and Royal House.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jZHHkxplJ
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHJ4B4t5r4
The strength assembled here was utterly insane. The Mercenary King himself. An imperial prince. A Hallowed, who could challenge an entire Great Clan alone - and she was only second in command.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6VwKeH9Av
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxgpHMddEG
This was enough power to topple the empire.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvT7TROlrR
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz0Q3QCzoA
Veyron's attention returned to him. "You'll need a codename. Take your time to consider."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXdm74eVxS
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3EdJ5EMXj
Cel's thoughts scattered immediately. A codename. Something that would define him in this organization.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvX5EwAlo6
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmovj9Hhdq
White Death surfaced first - one of his paragons. It felt right. Cold. Absolute. A name that carried weight.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ8rpEAIm6
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbQjuukxKk
Heir to the Moon was out - too revealing.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X9ffsJRmb
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr77r1tRKB
Frostmark? No - too specific.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90blABIUEd
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W12cqHKkU
His mind circled back to White Death. The name settled in his chest with quiet certainty.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNUtfn1poN
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF33fab22J8
Yes. That felt right.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnaJPr9Yn1
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FEiPEojer
But before he could speak—43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVvQYU48tf
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VAXc1b5G5
"Now," Veyron's tone shifted, becoming more businesslike, "to the matter at hand. Esrin?"43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb428CBU7U3
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpezgn2apVg
The white-haired woman's expression remained impassive. "I tracked the Prince of Death to the Ashlands. But the search yielded nothing."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzi783bIgB
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpgFVCjJn1
Prince of Death.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14M6ddc29X
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkCbKY5Su7
His mind raced backward, dragging up half-forgotten lessons from his childhood education. The Death Clan. House Mortveil - the leading Noble House within the Clan. Their heir had been... what was the name?43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcRdEhM8Dg
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmYKBtO5DI
Fragments surfaced. A prodigy. Good reputation even among the nobility, who were notoriously difficult to please. The last news had been about an expedition. The prince and his father had led a group into the destroyed Western Continent for an investigation in the Emperor's name.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiOYCKCPtj
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEmyNChCFa
That had been... a year ago? Maybe more?43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUCMdaB2gC
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm8Q7ihDUT
Wait.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtQKFBV29d
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzFNKogyNs
A year. The same amount of time Raven said he'd been trapped in the Hollow Realms.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JBKx1HuFN
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hZIasTvRw
The implications crashed through his thoughts with terrible clarity.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7FksRnjjU
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44q2Yyn6Nx
The young man who'd helped him in the Ashlands. The one who moved with practiced grace, who knew exactly how to survive in that nightmare realm.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScw0d3HPjz
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBjFERQdo2
Raven was the Prince of Death.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrhXVSaZcX
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk639SYvdv
And these people wanted him dead.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKQV1E0Vld
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnkn0p7X81
Cel's jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists at his sides, hidden within Cinderward's cloak.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExnK3LFmhw
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9sRfm33Ab
'He helped me.' The thought came fierce and absolute. 'Saved my life. Without expecting anything in return.'43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaqGHlJmoJ
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2Ipm7EIyq
And now he sat in a room with nine people who would kill Raven on sight if they found him.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC0qIiLeSA
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq3Apsulyc
"The Prince of Death is our highest priority target," Veyron continued, his tone unchanged. "A Cursed infiltrating the Sun Clan's stronghold shouldn't be possible." 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX7n99StHp
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ7D9z07gX
"And yet he managed it," Draven said, genuine appreciation cutting through his words. "Killed their greatest prodigy. The one with a Divine Oracle as his guide."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0nbm1gR9q
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1q4XuMbhB
"We don't know what he's hiding," Zara cut in sharply. "That's the problem. A Cursed shouldn't have that kind of power." 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYhIhICFxB
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQzDASKniN
"But he does," Ronan's gravelly voice added. "Which means either he retained something he shouldn't have, or he's found something new. Either way—" 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29Fm44ylpl
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5hnLXo8Qx
"He's dangerous," Veyron finished. "And unpredictable. That combination requires caution."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwZNIFx53k
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecf4qbbhlm
The words settled over Cel like ice water.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEFaRqERSy
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJEvn8Ndkx
So Raven had returned from the expedition as one of the Cursed. Then he'd somehow infiltrated the Sun Clan's stronghold - a fortress that should have been impenetrable - and killed their greatest prodigy. Someone blessed enough to have a Divine Oracle as their guide - just like Cel.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMP6VfnqNL
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE4eubTscp
A dark satisfaction flickered through his chest before he could suppress it. The Sun Clan had suffered. Good.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkRWWNvPms
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qGqXq1iEO
But the satisfaction couldn't drown out the questions burning in his mind. 'What happened on that expedition to make him Cursed? What drove him to kill their prodigy?'43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJH2SXtKbm
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcVRACezao
Cel forced his breathing to remain steady, his expression neutral. Every instinct screamed to defend Raven, to argue, to demand answers.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGVfPYqJmF
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFTfCHpPbZ
Yet revealing his connection would doom them both.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xrssEQfsK
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1fyL98ujD
'If they knew I'd been traveling with him...' The thought sent ice through his veins.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlPgKa8d2a
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdsowHcklQ
So he stayed silent, letting the discussion wash over him while his mind churned.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb0aw8k1IW
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoWhTefpRp
"We'll wait for him to surface again," Veyron said finally. "Esrin, you'll face him when he does." 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnXaBeHZI9
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnLSAd3m1I
She nodded once.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFYWcR9b1g
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrtJ1f1Ipu
His gaze swept across the room. "The rest of you - if you spot him, track but do not engage. Only intervene if absolutely necessary."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAQ2BqWaFK
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllDafGTvT7
Murmurs of acknowledgment rippled through the gathered members. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXiJZATOq8
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3LxcFuzXq
Veyron's attention returned to him. "Your codename?"43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAliCPDtFxz
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R2z4mIKvI
Cel met his gaze. "White Death."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpYccbGeEX
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AsbaDYrlT
A pause. Then Draven laughed - sharp and approving. "Dramatic. I like it."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu7aMStjDA
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN7UWMR4wI
"Your paragon?" Silas asked, genuine curiosity in his green eyes.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpddfp60w0N
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrbRmADVvs
"Yes."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxBFaaVZy8
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagrtY8lvZq
"Well then, White Death," Veyron said, and there was something almost approving in his tone. "Let me welcome you again, Ninth Reckoning."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY87V6PWMoe
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfifUU6xI6
The moment felt significant despite its simplicity. Cel nodded once.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66JDs61uOi
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKJRwSTuXa
"How old are you, Celvian?" Veyron asked.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIWiR8gotL
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOoqQwoSw7
"Sixteen."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5UPBVGVI3
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p1KpUdasD
A pause. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcUa7wpSAU
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwILgjGFvX5
"That’s perfect. You'll be enrolled in the Chosen Academy."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3ilGcAbyG
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEqofdRA9q
Cel blinked. "What?"43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHZldeMJna
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiFHS5wNcF
"The Academy trains young Chosen," Hina piped up, her earlier petulance forgotten. "All Chosen attend."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5qesdj4S1
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XuMpMaqEb
"Which makes it the perfect place for you to grow stronger," Veyron added.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpS89kjTTx
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5WugwghMw
"My task there?" Cel asked carefully.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgst2m87v7
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv9eS4PizA
"Observe the other Chosen. Report any concerning behavior. Protect them from external threats." Veyron's tone made it clear this wasn't negotiable. "And become stronger."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoA4SU0Pog
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uBIucould
The unspoken message was clear: Prove you deserve to be here.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeb4UZNGqv
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf9m1lGozi
"Esrin will escort you," Veyron continued. "Since she brought you here, she'll ensure you arrive safely."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHOWeVBIvk
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06xjOPeu8r
The white-haired woman's expression didn't change, but something in her posture suggested this wasn't unexpected.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsyK4zKSn4
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKBlurBoWn
"When do I leave?" Cel asked.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg5OWX12vY
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdZkwuyVE8
"Immediately." The Academy begins in ten days. That gives you time to settle in."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6NbowiDv6
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmhTbf2dNm
Cel nodded slowly, processing. The Academy. Where all Chosen trained. Where he'd once dreamed of being sent, back when his father's approval still mattered.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJmijv9d56
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The irony was bitter.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZPCqBFcTA
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"Any questions?" Veyron asked.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6h2UPPxt3
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Hundreds. But Cel couldn't voice the ones that mattered most.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTgOwBlGM1
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Instead, he said: "No."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHOcUQnLKY
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"Then we're done here." Veyron rose from his seat with fluid grace. "Esrin, prepare for departure. The rest of you, dismissed."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftUCb8mBYh
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The meeting dissolved. Members rose and headed for the door, some casting final glances at Cel - curious, assessing, hostile.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAXLV3VMHC
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Silas paused on his way past. "Welcome to the team, White Death. And don't mind Zara's glare - she's like that with everyone."43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcW4gxok07
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"Heard that," Zara called from across the room.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc1i6oSj29
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"Good!" Silas flashed a grin before disappearing through the door.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhSde9UwSd
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Soon, only Cel and Esrin remained.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IIzcZJoq1
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She stood by the fireplace, her ruby eyes fixed on him with that same measuring intensity that had nearly gotten him killed earlier.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7H4lIdRsS
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Esrin moved toward the door without a word.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOL7cu372K
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Cel followed.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PlXRarxhB
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They stepped out of the manor into the crackling void. The floating island was as it had been - dark stone beneath his feet, violet emptiness stretching in every direction.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGaDQTCDkb
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Esrin stopped on the edge of the island.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK0JdcsCa1
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A rift appeared without ceremony - a gash in the air that shouldn't exist, its edges crackling with violet energy.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUB7EgS8Go
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She crossed the threshold without pause.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3W8QkrjsE
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Cel followed before he could reconsider.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsEFr283Sd
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The rift swallowed them whole. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmiYH9qMOP
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This time, Cel knew what to expect. The violent inversion of reality. The way gravity became meaningless. He kept his eyes fixed on Esrin's back and let the chaos wash over him without fighting it. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnR0LFiqmD
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It ended faster than before.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcoTDz8Iu9
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Solid ground materialized beneath his feet.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqISUyOwd15
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Cel's vision cleared by degrees.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnXSYjyQRB
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They stood in what appeared to be an abandoned bar. But calling it forgotten would be more accurate.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7k6alQYXc
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Dust coated every surface in thick layers - tables, chairs, the long counter that dominated one wall. Bottles lined shelves behind the bar, their labels faded beyond recognition. Cobwebs stretched between rafters overhead, swaying slightly as they disturbed the stale air.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIfi16bYRr
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The windows had been boarded over from the outside, gaps between planks allowing only narrow shafts of light to cut through the darkness.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPj1MpS5l7
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Esrin moved toward what Cel assumed was the front door - a heavy wooden thing with iron fittings that had gone to rust.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmC8xpnjJu
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She gripped the handle and pulled. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ykvMx2RCW
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The door tore open with a shriek of protesting metal. 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXKzcxn5KP
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Light spilled through the widening gap - real light, golden and warm. Sound followed. Distant at first, then growing clearer as the door swung fully open.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3NVnYHT8P
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Voices. Laughter. The clatter of wheels on cobblestone.
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-----43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqIYIzlVoV
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Heyho, Author here! ^^43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR3KWksLuN
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I have a small announcement with two pieces of bad news and two pieces of good news xD43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6oZVJxUdg
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First, the not-so-great news: I'll be taking a short break from publishing, probably until the beginning of March. Because I have exams at the end of February and the winter break in soccer is over. We've already started preparation for the new season, which means more training than usual. So it's a very stressful time for me right now. I hope you understand, and I promise to be back as soon as I can!43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3tAmknbGq
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On top of that, I can no longer bear the costs. You might remember my note where I introduced my page with the option to subscribe or donate, and mentioned that I wouldn't monetarize my story if that worked out. Well, no one did it xD. So now I have to figure out how to monetize my story. Either I'll do an exclusive contract with a platform, or I'll publish new chapters on my page first with a paywall. I'll decide how to handle this when I have more free time again. (Ideas/recommendations are welcome!)43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk4Tf6LaBu
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Now for the good news! 43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnxikgU7ik
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You might remember me mentioning that I have a lot of projects planned for this year. One of these projects will launch in March when I have time again. It'll be something similar to the special chapters I did for Christmas. With this project, you'll have the chance to get some interesting hidden insights into the story.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPABRIsgGR
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Also, some of you have asked if you can use the artworks and animations to create your own content about my story - for example, for TikToks. And yes, you absolutely can! In fact, I really appreciate it. I don't see it as stealing like some people do, but as free advertising for my story. So as long as you mention Lunar Legacy or tag my account, you're very welcome to do so (you can find them on pinterest). You can also post your content in the Discord. I'm always happy to see it! ^^43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46JjXEIYjJ
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One last thing I can't emphasize enough: Please let me know what you think about my story - whether as a comment, a review, or here in the Discord. I've already noticed that some of you have taken my request to heart, and let me tell you: I love you for it. No, really, I appreciate it more than you know. There are two things that keep me motivated: one is, of course, my plot and the anticipation of future plot points, and the other is your feedback. Aside from creating a good story, one of my goals is to build a wonderful community around it. And it makes me so happy to see that both of my goals are heading in the right direction.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdiZqEZ7aA
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That's all. Thank you for your time and continued support! ^^43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5BGwlyoHu
and then Add to home screen.