"Welcome to the Reckoning, Celvian."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi7Ww3qSs5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ztplq8DR2
The words hung in the air.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoOq5f9uaO
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfJwyQnp7z
No one spoke.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuhDo6ltb7
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ks8piMFIp
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErqCdZpmxO
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGkBAECNfM
The matter was settled.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlwdBUgjVO
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNksjJxEpM
"Before we discuss anything else," the hooded figure - Veyron - said, his voice carrying quiet authority that made everyone straighten slightly, "the boy needs healing."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniBJ1Iznld
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeCsDPn41C
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiludUoU3M
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSdfIIAOJD
"May I?" Her voice was professional, distant.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9DvwiWItF
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUcfhaTSD0
Cel's jaw tightened. Every instinct screamed not to let anyone touch him, not to show weakness, not to— 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJrMYUfxkx
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KeyDrKol8
"It's just healing," she continued, reading his hesitation. "Nothing more."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9nnX01qEU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHweiFxx6IO
He gave her a curt nod.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrE6zkpyUa
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAVQ4vvv5V
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1mxCZmFb5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVZvaIV6qY
It took perhaps thirty seconds.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgfQ0BPJz1
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VhyetYsqm
When she stepped back, Cel could breathe without pain for the first time since Esrin had thrown him across the wasteland.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkw93cjYc7
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjYysCjEn9
"Thank you," he said quietly.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq80S8oVpXm
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhukMcMQgXV
She inclined her head once, then returned to her position without a word.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52JNhLhGKw
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqcH7drkky
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4FFOs0JZV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DdwDwh9Jl
Cel remained silent, waiting.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyknZoZl0D
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4E9kxVnlW
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLXBaVGkSe
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf37Nah4Hqc
The words settled in Cel's chest with uncomfortable weight.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvTrxE5Lp7
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuztT4jldm
"We kill them," Draven added with a grin. "When the law fails. And it always fails for the powerful. We don't."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kzXaW1mFr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOV1E0VShm
"You're assassins," Cel said flatly.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4yqWPoK5z
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85cjUyGuoX
"We're justice," Esrin corrected, her tone brooking no argument. "For victims who have none."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3irvKcL56h
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa8H8nc67p
"We operate on a ranking system," Lucien said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Based on strength, not birthright or politics." 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowuoxhQzmk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLsbAMIAYR
"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—"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5kr33jMuE
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl159HMifsv
"Me. Yes. I know." Hina crossed her arms. "Every time someone joins, I get bumped down again. Thanks for that.”98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBPj73ZPQM
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztOTGGD0Ru
Something tightened in Cel's chest. Strength, not birth, not bloodline. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkWFg3jDzB
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m57kesn0T
Everything the Sun Clan wasn't.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaVXk0F6TU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yYMJKthMR
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn84lcspWWk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6xVBVcvbQ
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.”98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZqzOyKt56
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yYP5ACB0o
"Iris Peakvault." The woman who'd healed him spoke quietly. "Seventh Reckoning. Veiled Crag. Mountain Clan."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGHNWepZxh
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj17cHujTaL
Her posture shifted subtly when she spoke - shoulders drawing inward slightly, gaze lowering. The change was so minute Cel almost missed it.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KIncr9Eot
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXQRKPHjvC
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiar7ROIph
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm703uX952
"Already did that," Cel said before he could stop himself. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCiR8WKoX5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ds3aSoYk
Silence stretched for a heartbeat. Then Silas laughed - genuine and bright.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWTPx4RfWc
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHx9PLge2I
"Oh, I like him already."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB04UcSpVO3
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGyvSyq3Ku
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6UiiEqHkw
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9d24x902S
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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0i8ACz653
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YC9pCfsFu
The comment was so absurd, delivered with such genuine petulance, that something in Cel's chest loosened slightly. Not quite humor - but close.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyltYAH3k4
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxKOj1dIA6
"Lucien Stellarion," the young man with tired eyes said from his chair. "Fourth Reckoning. Dreamfall. Second Prince of the Empire."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNscWq3z0C
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6CisHcy6v
The presence of royalty made this whole organization even more impossible. What kind of group could command a prince's loyalty?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr21A6cYaG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVFTLFuZJq
"Esrin." The woman who'd brought him here spoke with quiet authority. "Second Reckoning. Shattered Sky. Chosen Legion."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm0GUU7LwB
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKhqtIocHV
The hooded figure's presence seemed to intensify slightly. "Veyron Nethis. First Reckoning. Eschaton."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIbtzQsHqj
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWNlwoAJk4
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdRB6gWQoF
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSocWu6KK2
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmieSRlnaU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7FguTMGPz
This was enough power to topple the empire.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXVMlIFnSL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCn0asbgDl
Veyron's attention returned to him. "You'll need a codename. Take your time to consider."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMWdLtFx8H
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig2vmA3vCJ
Cel's thoughts scattered immediately. A codename. Something that would define him in this organization.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqy8idjSUN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiN9YNcPP9
White Death surfaced first - one of his paragons. It felt right. Cold. Absolute. A name that carried weight.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZj3YWCSVA
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ElNS4zrWH
Heir to the Moon was out - too revealing.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmt723k5Pa
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9As45X46oT
Frostmark? No - too specific.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgT9HewVj2
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4jfLfJV1o
His mind circled back to White Death. The name settled in his chest with quiet certainty.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6HPdIhlV3
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwJP32Dx0g
Yes. That felt right.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38i7IQHfl9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7mcQbYvWF
But before he could speak—98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArtYKJs6pH
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTfs2JC0E9
"Now," Veyron's tone shifted, becoming more businesslike, "to the matter at hand. Esrin?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQMoE4KWIL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ10ZY3bjU
The white-haired woman's expression remained impassive. "I tracked the Prince of Death to the Ashlands. But the search yielded nothing."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ971RG1Yo2R
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsVVDnH9zt
Prince of Death.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59d3NfLWAk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz98iKzVVCK
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?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSowf3huZZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1pjkK7Oy8
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES78JeHi0D
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4lSTf61Lx
That had been... a year ago? Maybe more?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRjtVo8zmy
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTiZst1NF6
Wait.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3pqiCPT5g
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kZsHDOUL5
A year. The same amount of time Raven said he'd been trapped in the Hollow Realms.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w4ogusYD5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl33xpAwmbq
The implications crashed through his thoughts with terrible clarity.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhwJJVoQOi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeFCPASb86
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbadHgfrhA
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBSUNLaNA5
Raven was the Prince of Death.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFbVHYDI7T
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNJROtsy4e
And these people wanted him dead.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiA2YnD8Zl
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEfGN43F41
Cel's jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists at his sides, hidden within Cinderward's cloak.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ75pDUoXOR
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZOQayceIq
'He helped me.' The thought came fierce and absolute. 'Saved my life. Without expecting anything in return.'98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQwEnuBoBl
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0o4ONUYis
And now he sat in a room with nine people who would kill Raven on sight if they found him.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwla3aG9yM
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPMlJc6CZO
"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." 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEESrJTnKG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArKcaQlsDT
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmtGsH80J5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3jLtpdcID
"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." 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDv9KssXWU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEMTxbtPrG
"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—" 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7Gi0BMDEX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY1qC4CLTv
"He's dangerous," Veyron finished. "And unpredictable. That combination requires caution."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzILr5tUtc
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf83SG7NZy
The words settled over Cel like ice water.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKY6Vu9cpr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XEPxvYerY
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXX8xXow9r
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr7hsZAifT
A dark satisfaction flickered through his chest before he could suppress it. The Sun Clan had suffered. Good.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AadddYkUK
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFemyxRCmLm
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?'98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2kRnkesJK
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTMW1Q3eNb
Cel forced his breathing to remain steady, his expression neutral. Every instinct screamed to defend Raven, to argue, to demand answers.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAit9Fy8rn
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsyoLVfIBA
Yet revealing his connection would doom them both.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxu13qiqoG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem24jzLFD5
'If they knew I'd been traveling with him...' The thought sent ice through his veins.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pOPVeGJ5b
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF9zScORh5
So he stayed silent, letting the discussion wash over him while his mind churned.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWivpKiHqaz
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBmOz7VNN7
"We'll wait for him to surface again," Veyron said finally. "Esrin, you'll face him when he does." 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e3CyIsQj0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxUSibdPqJ
She nodded once.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfsjDZfIjo
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMSkIAvOJP
His gaze swept across the room. "The rest of you - if you spot him, track but do not engage. Only intervene if absolutely necessary."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjKUACZVA9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb38Ndu7gmz
Murmurs of acknowledgment rippled through the gathered members. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa1dAXnxVW
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl2fN0bn57
Veyron's attention returned to him. "Your codename?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQBuohkwbi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjRp7VAYcn
Cel met his gaze. "White Death."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo898GUchU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEoTpVWnz6
A pause. Then Draven laughed - sharp and approving. "Dramatic. I like it."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGoSVcLoOO
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueOuhm167h
"Your paragon?" Silas asked, genuine curiosity in his green eyes.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NCfncezxr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjLQtdFZ71
"Yes."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszfRZ4JuqP
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9nPIzCYDE
"Well then, White Death," Veyron said, and there was something almost approving in his tone. "Let me welcome you again, Ninth Reckoning."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQtY3ll30F
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTleNq4ATQ4
The moment felt significant despite its simplicity. Cel nodded once.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpRdi4ujb7
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo8gpZsiF9
"How old are you, Celvian?" Veyron asked.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2I8EmQfkG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxABnICZbV0
"Sixteen."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodNyLoCF6y
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rMtC8sxth
A pause. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBl9INUwIK
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DUXcNeTn2
"That’s perfect. You'll be enrolled in the Chosen Academy."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdBHIR9Ry5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKbCXKTuuY
Cel blinked. "What?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgWUKHWpQE
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh9Kr5D6Ds
"The Academy trains young Chosen," Hina piped up, her earlier petulance forgotten. "All Chosen attend."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBqtQj516A
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzQfxI980W
"Which makes it the perfect place for you to grow stronger," Veyron added.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBVfxmiB51
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQiH6mk9o1
"My task there?" Cel asked carefully.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbv78JvcyD
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7IBmePOE2
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xKkRDzPz8
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CpGoS7AGn
The unspoken message was clear: Prove you deserve to be here.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3Ny14Xvts
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXGT41TVbg
"Esrin will escort you," Veyron continued. "Since she brought you here, she'll ensure you arrive safely."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLbsXutnza
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudoBjhCEKD
The white-haired woman's expression didn't change, but something in her posture suggested this wasn't unexpected.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg2ZsbfVb1
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0st7QTs350
"When do I leave?" Cel asked.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1LD2jAfxE
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnCQWqVrm5
"Immediately." The Academy begins in ten days. That gives you time to settle in."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MYFZeU5se
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoy0fobcEf
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm83Sv4Pk9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u7NBXuA7x
The irony was bitter.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d3Hh1qJtB
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRMQyWiCbd
"Any questions?" Veyron asked.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZZ25d0gnV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sJwcJ3ake
Hundreds. But Cel couldn't voice the ones that mattered most.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtR8X8rzFH
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQmSHPvcQf
Instead, he said: "No."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcbqs7PbgX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pco4ue2ag
"Then we're done here." Veyron rose from his seat with fluid grace. "Esrin, prepare for departure. The rest of you, dismissed."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZWZarIVFm
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7kGXf6mb6
The meeting dissolved. Members rose and headed for the door, some casting final glances at Cel - curious, assessing, hostile.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs9fyCVlyz
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjzvetXmMs
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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIiFZz2jeD
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApuFhH4Iip
"Heard that," Zara called from across the room.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPJm5AMILX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dSI8QNhT3
"Good!" Silas flashed a grin before disappearing through the door.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFml2mlwUkm
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM96SO1e7J
Soon, only Cel and Esrin remained.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqytZU4UdV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZjbeKbavq
She stood by the fireplace, her ruby eyes fixed on him with that same measuring intensity that had nearly gotten him killed earlier.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaSLOeffHF
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSPzbPR6kD
Esrin moved toward the door without a word.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQtEYNSa08
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBTtpik42N
Cel followed.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXKbO7npXA
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAdEZNDKvD
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp36yX91YXe
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L5kSrmeza
Esrin stopped on the edge of the island.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs0P2c3QRU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMmW7D2B45
A rift appeared without ceremony - a gash in the air that shouldn't exist, its edges crackling with violet energy.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgljWIe5zBr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrlAsdwOan
She crossed the threshold without pause.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iBOg6qZ0t
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8MpRNef46
Cel followed before he could reconsider.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3xLjjadue
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapD5BENdFW
The rift swallowed them whole. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR6FkKgMpJ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC2qHrEJun
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. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iyXReY8LZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGELs3h8f0q
It ended faster than before.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4XWTVKA5z
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV8qu4G3r5
Solid ground materialized beneath his feet.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YybzeiN5c
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJCv6OGWAm
Cel's vision cleared by degrees.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfBlIrOL41
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl0nSMP381
They stood in what appeared to be an abandoned bar. But calling it forgotten would be more accurate.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2uIsmYrcG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99BbTFz8tl
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O1CmtqRBC
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2S6am32oy
The windows had been boarded over from the outside, gaps between planks allowing only narrow shafts of light to cut through the darkness.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHczJ3Xwnlb
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNJL0dvnJu
Esrin moved toward what Cel assumed was the front door - a heavy wooden thing with iron fittings that had gone to rust.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSSoFSznrv
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU4jCnvnPI
She gripped the handle and pulled. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKTZNs7Lnv
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l6DbXprGm
The door tore open with a shriek of protesting metal. 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F7YUadoTG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx9fC7yiLD
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCUz23JGie
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70gfzBfG6o
Voices. Laughter. The clatter of wheels on cobblestone.1234 copyright protection94ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwyd7f6PFS 尼

98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9emMPKciGn
1234 copyright protection94ＰＥＮＡＮＡICQEIhlunw 尼

-----98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax6YMapuHr
1234 copyright protection94ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLD8HzWWSm 尼

98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvqZ8NAtea
1234 copyright protection94ＰＥＮＡＮＡROKmBx9l2S 尼

Heyho, Author here! ^^98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKWYY4do9P
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCmBxSgCNX
I have a small announcement with two pieces of bad news and two pieces of good news xD98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe8xzM3Dun
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQxDvK1oeS
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!98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO4cd5hbz2
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j8rKBDYfx
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!)98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3upVgdWJt
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJyHC4ox8X
Now for the good news! 98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vSYlJUGH3
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dxD02JbGX
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKzmtGxCBk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejPciEQqSJ
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! ^^98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTBrQSUqou
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuxkapb063
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRH9ariCe6
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzuRPQgRFj
That's all. Thank you for your time and continued support! ^^98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RbwPxoBoE
1234 copyright protection94ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9SvR3QNZ2 尼

216.73.216.250