"Welcome to the Reckoning, Celvian."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqJa9SnuGe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrtTYfMaC5
The words hung in the air.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm0KepWwjW
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No one spoke.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrWMIKWbyY
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM88hRM188
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The matter was settled.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQewgyT6d1
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"Before we discuss anything else," the hooded figure - Veyron - said, his voice carrying quiet authority that made everyone straighten slightly, "the boy needs healing."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVrxyg5q1x
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROTlJxQhrl
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP3fNbsfKh
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"May I?" Her voice was professional, distant.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1rh8t26y0
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Cel's jaw tightened. Every instinct screamed not to let anyone touch him, not to show weakness, not to— 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGZDgffsK7
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2cx6MssKA
"It's just healing," she continued, reading his hesitation. "Nothing more."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2rTPviuLZ
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He gave her a curt nod.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJNN0w0hqr
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh62NGIQce
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It took perhaps thirty seconds.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHU6szZ48c
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When she stepped back, Cel could breathe without pain for the first time since Esrin had thrown him across the wasteland.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrRP4b0mT3
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQo32oxEfF
"Thank you," he said quietly.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHnk3X3VOb
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AQLBuSen8
She inclined her head once, then returned to her position without a word.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7iQI22NeW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY84CxuYp9
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfERQWNxlI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDIb2x3E1M
Cel remained silent, waiting.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GfTAFZmeB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PB0f0okps
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuqVPODG8a
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa32Az655Jz
The words settled in Cel's chest with uncomfortable weight.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsWbry8FnG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rij7LOMBj
"We kill them," Draven added with a grin. "When the law fails. And it always fails for the powerful. We don't."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC1Uvs8dGJ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWKDqD3vAr
"You're assassins," Cel said flatly.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94VxvyRAE0
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoOtskoZCx
"We're justice," Esrin corrected, her tone brooking no argument. "For victims who have none."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs3HCE1qKO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KqtH4YM3q
"We operate on a ranking system," Lucien said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Based on strength, not birthright or politics." 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJV4aKPaO5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq68XbaH04v
"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—"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIHKNtUsck
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfoKooUWGv
"Me. Yes. I know." Hina crossed her arms. "Every time someone joins, I get bumped down again. Thanks for that.”218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqXxd9HSwS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQyxK6fcLS
Something tightened in Cel's chest. Strength, not birth, not bloodline. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIz3O1XYtH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHrpZOgRPQ
Everything the Sun Clan wasn't.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKARAgquct
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwE1fuUfuu
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi188yeddnF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dVmu4uOQx
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.”218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkn7ZXj3UT
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYNkLkn1yw
"Iris Peakvault." The woman who'd healed him spoke quietly. "Seventh Reckoning. Veiled Crag. Mountain Clan."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNVEpTQIFj
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnREZXoVl1
Her posture shifted subtly when she spoke - shoulders drawing inward slightly, gaze lowering. The change was so minute Cel almost missed it.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYWvTweZoC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU8K0M1Vdd
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqh1WKbWwK
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"Already did that," Cel said before he could stop himself. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Hdjfr0ig5
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Silence stretched for a heartbeat. Then Silas laughed - genuine and bright.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdFaiYG9c4
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"Oh, I like him already."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i3yTHXdmP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxrgGYKgcR
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3C0TokWyq
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi4u831JgC
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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmehWxX8ny
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cQrJxwgQ3
The comment was so absurd, delivered with such genuine petulance, that something in Cel's chest loosened slightly. Not quite humor - but close.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsk9Cutmqp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS1lvOeCVd
"Lucien Stellarion," the young man with tired eyes said from his chair. "Fourth Reckoning. Dreamfall. Second Prince of the Empire."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4oI2mFzex
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The presence of royalty made this whole organization even more impossible. What kind of group could command a prince's loyalty?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fBH81losF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjNnHikPtH
"Esrin." The woman who'd brought him here spoke with quiet authority. "Second Reckoning. Shattered Sky. Chosen Legion."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0HAalIYBN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3igpbsk1gm
The hooded figure's presence seemed to intensify slightly. "Veyron Nethis. First Reckoning. Eschaton."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTjFx9YCIO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqViabbnAh
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzlkTnVjKB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBKZaOhx4k
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVOqCg4HEd
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This was enough power to topple the empire.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV8dwUYm1q
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Veyron's attention returned to him. "You'll need a codename. Take your time to consider."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjvUWOJocp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRBUcvGiXN
Cel's thoughts scattered immediately. A codename. Something that would define him in this organization.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmnRKJLghc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qhXLyVWCF
White Death surfaced first - one of his paragons. It felt right. Cold. Absolute. A name that carried weight.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjxmPP4lp3
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w9Ydy2QhY
Heir to the Moon was out - too revealing.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l2F1HuBIp
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Frostmark? No - too specific.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25gnopUMqg
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His mind circled back to White Death. The name settled in his chest with quiet certainty.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoKPerdolM
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Yes. That felt right.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRGX9a1kCu
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But before he could speak—218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZZ9kxcOkJ
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"Now," Veyron's tone shifted, becoming more businesslike, "to the matter at hand. Esrin?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAG89DYwbj
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The white-haired woman's expression remained impassive. "I tracked the Prince of Death to the Ashlands. But the search yielded nothing."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpKlGf3q2E
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Prince of Death.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i1c28Bg0n
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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?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDq6FnaN7I
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH1whB4JQm
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD93EKaHj1
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That had been... a year ago? Maybe more?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQvIoAAJCC
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Wait.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZpgr0emnD
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A year. The same amount of time Raven said he'd been trapped in the Hollow Realms.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7BkktDMYj
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The implications crashed through his thoughts with terrible clarity.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡargHeBTK5a
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8QvSUN5aK
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Raven was the Prince of Death.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObzJTL485Z
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And these people wanted him dead.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLYnTtEKKH
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Cel's jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists at his sides, hidden within Cinderward's cloak.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeJk2sQZ9E
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxl27RmoVB
'He helped me.' The thought came fierce and absolute. 'Saved my life. Without expecting anything in return.'218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxsQeIvbWc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFF6RvpXng
And now he sat in a room with nine people who would kill Raven on sight if they found him.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dnnB9zDdz
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yzCAGIPcq
"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." 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRk4AZvGLj
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwufcyeNAgS
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomLXuj2XZi
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5obkFSRwdr
"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." 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZpAj1ukyF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMhaW6MNs7
"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—" 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVexz0VKJlz
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"He's dangerous," Veyron finished. "And unpredictable. That combination requires caution."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TfXeAZZnS
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The words settled over Cel like ice water.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflQCjvLjrT
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrzOUoUZ6r
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A dark satisfaction flickered through his chest before he could suppress it. The Sun Clan had suffered. Good.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0A8pvTZGP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslaTHDzzsz
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?'218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7nnuRb8t2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBkmuQjiC6
Cel forced his breathing to remain steady, his expression neutral. Every instinct screamed to defend Raven, to argue, to demand answers.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghrVVk8NA8
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LS6R2tkki
Yet revealing his connection would doom them both.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY4YRLIMlq
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'If they knew I'd been traveling with him...' The thought sent ice through his veins.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSV3GfFZ8b
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So he stayed silent, letting the discussion wash over him while his mind churned.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvudtIusQqe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wb4viK1b7
"We'll wait for him to surface again," Veyron said finally. "Esrin, you'll face him when he does." 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6Ml2Y4jqO
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She nodded once.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWfl33kAQo
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His gaze swept across the room. "The rest of you - if you spot him, track but do not engage. Only intervene if absolutely necessary."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIjY3bcTkb
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Murmurs of acknowledgment rippled through the gathered members. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8mU4ayouP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHRHecooE3
Veyron's attention returned to him. "Your codename?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf80I62pail
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGGdgVFUz0
Cel met his gaze. "White Death."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5vIASF3Fl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPwmF4iPFt
A pause. Then Draven laughed - sharp and approving. "Dramatic. I like it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCKC41VnWc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIRNnYtuk6
"Your paragon?" Silas asked, genuine curiosity in his green eyes.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm42R40zp2J
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"Yes."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTwTEm0K9Y
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymshgFOTOV
"Well then, White Death," Veyron said, and there was something almost approving in his tone. "Let me welcome you again, Ninth Reckoning."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf6M38iwTe
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The moment felt significant despite its simplicity. Cel nodded once.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1BrssWUwV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpdso2bSUq
"How old are you, Celvian?" Veyron asked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfi15Ayde3
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"Sixteen."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKzmY5Jw8N
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A pause. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbQsMFHpyH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzZPRiwJh2
"That’s perfect. You'll be enrolled in the Chosen Academy."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhevMLsnt7y
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3My6H8YfFP
Cel blinked. "What?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ25XTcQTJP
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"The Academy trains young Chosen," Hina piped up, her earlier petulance forgotten. "All Chosen attend."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN337YBMkKG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsPdAj30If
"Which makes it the perfect place for you to grow stronger," Veyron added.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXYGs1fuqt
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x373fyAkX
"My task there?" Cel asked carefully.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsE5kmDOPC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU7pHOT3ki
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCURiKs41nt
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The unspoken message was clear: Prove you deserve to be here.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpQs5RRDiz
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjR3HLnEPX
"Esrin will escort you," Veyron continued. "Since she brought you here, she'll ensure you arrive safely."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn8fVnn5XF
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The white-haired woman's expression didn't change, but something in her posture suggested this wasn't unexpected.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQyemSzOGk
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"When do I leave?" Cel asked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9p9VmsFqI
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"Immediately." The Academy begins in ten days. That gives you time to settle in."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBlCx8PSDh
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7RiJBeTMN
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF2zsxlzGn
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The irony was bitter.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqHBdyFJQV
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"Any questions?" Veyron asked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK0Ss4s23V
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Hundreds. But Cel couldn't voice the ones that mattered most.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs5XBsVbMN
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Instead, he said: "No."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCYAD80dbe
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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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR7ZtTcTAy
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The meeting dissolved. Members rose and headed for the door, some casting final glances at Cel - curious, assessing, hostile.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMEK1IvfOZ
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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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOuREwXqOr
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"Heard that," Zara called from across the room.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuMj3ThkMV
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"Good!" Silas flashed a grin before disappearing through the door.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP03LIDW4tq
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Soon, only Cel and Esrin remained.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qwHqu0ejJ
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UAjXZXjOe
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Esrin moved toward the door without a word.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8ztCM5ZuA
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Cel followed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTFKoTjBKk
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6H9FxOYS7
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Esrin stopped on the edge of the island.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYqCUBu52Q
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A rift appeared without ceremony - a gash in the air that shouldn't exist, its edges crackling with violet energy.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEofnSlZeM
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She crossed the threshold without pause.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY8316OakT
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Cel followed before he could reconsider.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMK7TfVkJC
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The rift swallowed them whole. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VKaQrzE2S
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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. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V6jdnAihU
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It ended faster than before.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYeUpc1ezq
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Solid ground materialized beneath his feet.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MNPWpiKfr
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Cel's vision cleared by degrees.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqMQdZthjJ
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They stood in what appeared to be an abandoned bar. But calling it forgotten would be more accurate.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz78CVMGMr
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyOevHpA1A
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiQhpgO448
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe089zcz2lC
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She gripped the handle and pulled. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQzpS9QYbE
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The door tore open with a shriek of protesting metal. 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI8PekGnHq
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVzjCUhAJB
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Voices. Laughter. The clatter of wheels on cobblestone.
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-----218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTuu6rbtWC
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Heyho, Author here! ^^218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhejN0Qo3eP
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I have a small announcement with two pieces of bad news and two pieces of good news xD218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDod9jC7Nf
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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!218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALHVaFMTne
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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!)218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjUJvDydfT
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Now for the good news! 218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtWW743jj0
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOFSp0uPNh
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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! ^^218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPe94o1xTz
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GIBNgFMkK
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That's all. Thank you for your time and continued support! ^^218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3KKAZ5AKI
and then Add to home screen.