"Welcome to the Reckoning, Celvian."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X28e850MD
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBCCVvA6IP
The words hung in the air.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTbfns26Z4
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No one spoke.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjZvFmmjV5
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpx69M5Ewe
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The matter was settled.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWxiPvB3VO
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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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICYElxeN18
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hsmezSgh5
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IEGXLXTuJ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINbdYXIB3W
"May I?" Her voice was professional, distant.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxWNlOS1AQ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1Zov82W1V
Cel's jaw tightened. Every instinct screamed not to let anyone touch him, not to show weakness, not to— 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFiYaN5VH8
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMe1uca9Nw
"It's just healing," she continued, reading his hesitation. "Nothing more."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWgQPCptJ2
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He gave her a curt nod.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsaiksLYbK
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBOngMP7HX
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ussBSakYl
It took perhaps thirty seconds.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m81ydSCeN
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN93NxEBbf
When she stepped back, Cel could breathe without pain for the first time since Esrin had thrown him across the wasteland.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOntT3RJTyL
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY7iW9qmbE
"Thank you," he said quietly.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5By70NzKlN
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5KPqJS1km
She inclined her head once, then returned to her position without a word.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTxUTN8UyH
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCaweZ7Gxp
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5kDA2NO9K
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnLym77mQQ
Cel remained silent, waiting.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu7L3CKsRD
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H4TnPHeIg
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld6Klfqw7G
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EsitX5At0
The words settled in Cel's chest with uncomfortable weight.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5EcujneH2
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCALOoqgfQs
"We kill them," Draven added with a grin. "When the law fails. And it always fails for the powerful. We don't."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bAWfpavi3
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJea3To8So
"You're assassins," Cel said flatly.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvYXQ9k5pE
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOb6WAFpNn
"We're justice," Esrin corrected, her tone brooking no argument. "For victims who have none."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocNJv8t4Nl
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G0oyi3s7C
"We operate on a ranking system," Lucien said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Based on strength, not birthright or politics." 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mrveZ8D0D
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51U6iSE3Kq
"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—"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0PL0pT7m1
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"Me. Yes. I know." Hina crossed her arms. "Every time someone joins, I get bumped down again. Thanks for that.”97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgBOMGP4Fv
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ5T7E1jyb
Something tightened in Cel's chest. Strength, not birth, not bloodline. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAA7hfQiGO
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Everything the Sun Clan wasn't.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe14fUK5Brm
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"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cCbPX92gk
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVa1ROFC5p
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.”97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfdgonFK0B
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mWYUtfNV1
"Iris Peakvault." The woman who'd healed him spoke quietly. "Seventh Reckoning. Veiled Crag. Mountain Clan."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DslqEMsCY
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR2st6SId9
Her posture shifted subtly when she spoke - shoulders drawing inward slightly, gaze lowering. The change was so minute Cel almost missed it.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzlTceiA2S
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFOwfpnmuP
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadZQuqSFOK
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YHnBc6NkL
"Already did that," Cel said before he could stop himself. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum0zB97XSJ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr47naEDKU
Silence stretched for a heartbeat. Then Silas laughed - genuine and bright.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQKy6tONT0
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEEtbQrWM4
"Oh, I like him already."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRramC47etf
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzXR0GkXIW
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGztqtjWb9
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCRK7Yes2j
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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNWSLgvUYP
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The comment was so absurd, delivered with such genuine petulance, that something in Cel's chest loosened slightly. Not quite humor - but close.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLEDeyxSNr
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7WupN6tw0
"Lucien Stellarion," the young man with tired eyes said from his chair. "Fourth Reckoning. Dreamfall. Second Prince of the Empire."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDjA6M7gGC
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47ft66jCye
The presence of royalty made this whole organization even more impossible. What kind of group could command a prince's loyalty?97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoeNGFryMO
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DRvotjYJ3
"Esrin." The woman who'd brought him here spoke with quiet authority. "Second Reckoning. Shattered Sky. Chosen Legion."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8oMukEeqI
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGbjjKNcuQ
The hooded figure's presence seemed to intensify slightly. "Veyron Nethis. First Reckoning. Eschaton."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMXXFZ1zLC
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr42jVUCSXI
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ28oOONcS3
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIay9DUnDm
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovUdeZefO7
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This was enough power to topple the empire.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzpiJjN9qV
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Veyron's attention returned to him. "You'll need a codename. Take your time to consider."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjv4vfkQxB
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ychk8VbWW
Cel's thoughts scattered immediately. A codename. Something that would define him in this organization.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SsQeeNFQM
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqbWBxu9iK
White Death surfaced first - one of his paragons. It felt right. Cold. Absolute. A name that carried weight.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYnrzt3aiG
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Heir to the Moon was out - too revealing.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJE7ridEsh
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Frostmark? No - too specific.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNXiIJtuG1
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His mind circled back to White Death. The name settled in his chest with quiet certainty.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjOhNgjMNX
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4dkLHVLWP
Yes. That felt right.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRRO4BiJK0
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But before he could speak—97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Iv15ltO7
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"Now," Veyron's tone shifted, becoming more businesslike, "to the matter at hand. Esrin?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrcdWtGWn6
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRwuDRaqX3
The white-haired woman's expression remained impassive. "I tracked the Prince of Death to the Ashlands. But the search yielded nothing."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1yOgNUqL0
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Prince of Death.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCwqXrfTcy
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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?97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceHuHHy7QR
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWRtlrF9tZ
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhazlGfKCYe
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That had been... a year ago? Maybe more?97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5Q9DNhcRx
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Wait.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wxczh2D0j
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A year. The same amount of time Raven said he'd been trapped in the Hollow Realms.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbBaRO9Hfe
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The implications crashed through his thoughts with terrible clarity.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLeDKGBo7G
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAILl1SG1Ce
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoSU0hGWsC
Raven was the Prince of Death.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB4YXxFmew
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And these people wanted him dead.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuFfrpST8o
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Cel's jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists at his sides, hidden within Cinderward's cloak.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d2o87I9zJ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48LdI1IrhZ
'He helped me.' The thought came fierce and absolute. 'Saved my life. Without expecting anything in return.'97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CnUlEwqBj
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfpMCkVcT1
And now he sat in a room with nine people who would kill Raven on sight if they found him.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGmIBHFvz5
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBBQNM3GZA
"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." 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5ZKRS6Btx
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXxpKy9ahf
"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oeNqXD9En
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0sTCQUZqV
"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." 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPAuVGiFLa
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2uHJm3jPE
"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—" 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQqRuHOCti
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"He's dangerous," Veyron finished. "And unpredictable. That combination requires caution."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9x4aUgnnd
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The words settled over Cel like ice water.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKZ0vIrjkZ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXp9IMp1zl
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80lbODodk5
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTIE70LPXh
A dark satisfaction flickered through his chest before he could suppress it. The Sun Clan had suffered. Good.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhomGOtBFBF
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KpY1hI1eh
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?'97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs0JbXkjab
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc47d4sqAw
Cel forced his breathing to remain steady, his expression neutral. Every instinct screamed to defend Raven, to argue, to demand answers.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q87ouBZsH
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURCulXISmu
Yet revealing his connection would doom them both.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVMOOV7EpF
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'If they knew I'd been traveling with him...' The thought sent ice through his veins.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr6D7Q37Su
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4qOyJEiza
So he stayed silent, letting the discussion wash over him while his mind churned.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWwM2K8pT0
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBUKJrMeiG
"We'll wait for him to surface again," Veyron said finally. "Esrin, you'll face him when he does." 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fUaQwN7BG
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eFVdlQdJH
She nodded once.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO4YITgQI5
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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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchnqIuxDOH
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Murmurs of acknowledgment rippled through the gathered members. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI24YfxpAOn
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Veyron's attention returned to him. "Your codename?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2YWRwNK6u
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37WSy2tbFl
Cel met his gaze. "White Death."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKPOfX1CLv
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs2A77XlE9
A pause. Then Draven laughed - sharp and approving. "Dramatic. I like it."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAtq0Shg4v
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpsRX5FghN
"Your paragon?" Silas asked, genuine curiosity in his green eyes.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8cNJnTCFZ
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"Yes."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQp3SOh5Iw
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWozht3NZc2
"Well then, White Death," Veyron said, and there was something almost approving in his tone. "Let me welcome you again, Ninth Reckoning."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTEUwfaJvf
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPtT2how0J
The moment felt significant despite its simplicity. Cel nodded once.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kcRvsZMhU
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcHHIBYYXP
"How old are you, Celvian?" Veyron asked.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskUT5ibRBq
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"Sixteen."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx99enICcfX
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A pause. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH67afH6I0
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"That’s perfect. You'll be enrolled in the Chosen Academy."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5IK8jjZZY
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMnvlMAsJe
Cel blinked. "What?"97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojdOG5VfEa
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTVn5ZTnjw
"The Academy trains young Chosen," Hina piped up, her earlier petulance forgotten. "All Chosen attend."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndsuQzKoBI
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jdFL9ukQc
"Which makes it the perfect place for you to grow stronger," Veyron added.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgPw3NnSlx
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"My task there?" Cel asked carefully.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZmZjaUGGU
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"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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8KhR2Zscg
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The unspoken message was clear: Prove you deserve to be here.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5rQb8A8LJ
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vOX21fPwQ
"Esrin will escort you," Veyron continued. "Since she brought you here, she'll ensure you arrive safely."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaOEZmKonf
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEmUksnzEn
The white-haired woman's expression didn't change, but something in her posture suggested this wasn't unexpected.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7YSAWVJ1J
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"When do I leave?" Cel asked.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWroEakMn1
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"Immediately." The Academy begins in ten days. That gives you time to settle in."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYs567FjdH
97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4hXD945YX
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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHsuG5FlJe
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The irony was bitter.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYEDulOcTh
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"Any questions?" Veyron asked.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCvFpVB1Iq
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Hundreds. But Cel couldn't voice the ones that mattered most.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl0eHJFcNR
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Instead, he said: "No."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJSQ9579B4
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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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JWM1bnoW2
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The meeting dissolved. Members rose and headed for the door, some casting final glances at Cel - curious, assessing, hostile.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYsDGXEBvq
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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."97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqlckHQMoN
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"Heard that," Zara called from across the room.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh2PhUZivv
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"Good!" Silas flashed a grin before disappearing through the door.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9oyk7TaNE
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Soon, only Cel and Esrin remained.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYH4mAzhdU
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVclNFVG2P
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Esrin moved toward the door without a word.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7cbiNm01K
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Cel followed.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlohsrGWMKI
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXkuysm2XZ
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Esrin stopped on the edge of the island.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpWh9s0aTn
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A rift appeared without ceremony - a gash in the air that shouldn't exist, its edges crackling with violet energy.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwmJ0Rj8vJ
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She crossed the threshold without pause.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL73vFwDcVk
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Cel followed before he could reconsider.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YDMMxyY69
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The rift swallowed them whole. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG6iGiry1j
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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. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpojwI8scHd
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It ended faster than before.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39ENckp4Lz
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Solid ground materialized beneath his feet.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNUhapTK3T
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Cel's vision cleared by degrees.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjLr2gy7Sn
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They stood in what appeared to be an abandoned bar. But calling it forgotten would be more accurate.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tPoTqS89d
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IKoQ5VEIm
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2DnfzxQ7b
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYrYevVGQK
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She gripped the handle and pulled. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NR9zhNgMi
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The door tore open with a shriek of protesting metal. 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf9v7LAnyI
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OnSDrixCK
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Voices. Laughter. The clatter of wheels on cobblestone.1234 copyright protection93ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB5UdCmSGz 尼

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Heyho, Author here! ^^97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr4iHXixx4
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I have a small announcement with two pieces of bad news and two pieces of good news xD97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmixWRCBe8b
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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!97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9NeyzpRVm
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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!)97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIWLAWLYi1
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Now for the good news! 97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvaxxKIPqk
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQfahPksSZ
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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! ^^97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgw63dCTd2
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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.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAquAGgpqN
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That's all. Thank you for your time and continued support! ^^97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJs1KWVEPY
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