Grandma Windy sat across the table from Kyren, a sly grin on her face.
"You know those powers you used today? I've seen them before—and one of them I know quite well."
Kyren leaned forward. "I know they come from Vireon and Kyanna. Or… your brother and my great-grandparents."
"Oh, so you do know a little," she said, amused. "I thought you might be going into all this fully blind."
She paused, studying him. "Yes, that golden barrier—that's my arrogant brother's power. And that silence? That was Kyanna's. But what you showed me today? That wasn't just an imitation. That was her true power on display… or I guess, your power now." Her voice held a note of surprise, pride, and something like fear.
Kyren swallowed. "Grandma… how long have you known I was related to you?"
"I knew the moment I first saw you. You look just like your mother. But more than that, you carry the same energy Kyanna did. I only hoped you wouldn't be cursed with that eternal silence."
"Cursed?" Kyren asked. His voice wavered.
"That depends on two things," Grandma Windy said, her expression going stern. "One—does the silence ever slip out without you meaning to? And two—do you hear a voice telling you to 'go home'?"
Kyren's face fell. "…Yes. It does slip out. But—" he hesitated, breathing deeply, "—No, I haven't heard any voices. Not exactly. But I think I know what you're talking about."
He reached into his shirt and pulled out the Crownshard Pendant. "Ever since I found this, I've been having dreams. But they don't feel like dreams. They feel like… memories. Of Kyanna. Her life."
Grandma Windy leaned forward, tension building. "And in those memories… what did you see, Kyren?"
"I've heard a voice speak to her. Twice." Kyren's gaze turned distant. "Once when she first met Arvalen—before I got him too. And again, in a place I've never seen. The trees and animals were different, more mystical. It felt like the world had bent itself around that place."
Grandma Windy nodded slowly. "That's the mana pocket up north. Above the main city. Where nature mana runs rampant…" Her voice trembled. "But what did the voice say, Kyren? And… did it feel real? Like Kyanna always swore it was?"
Kyren hesitated. "It said we were meant to change the world. That it was almost there… it just needed one more push. But Kyanna couldn't figure out what that push was. I don't think the voice could either."
Grandma Windy's eyes darkened. "Do you think the voice is real?"
"It sounds real," Kyren admitted. "But I don't know where it's from. I think… I think it has something to do with the Veilhearts. And whatever that bloodline found."
"And what did the Veilhearts find, Kyren?" she whispered.
"I wish I knew. I even found their château. But all I got there were more questions. A note… warning me that he was still out there. Waiting to destroy the Veilhearts."
"The Veilhearts…" Grandma Windy looked down, voice cold. "They were a cruel, industrial family. They abused everyone they could to push forward. Until Kyanna forced them out of Epsilon."
"They left… and started ruling other cities," Kyren added.
She looked up sharply. "So they're still out there?"
"Yes. But that's not important right now." Kyren leaned in. "Tell me about Leon. What was your dad like?"
She sighed. "A man of great honor… and deep flaws. He swore to treat all people the same, but he lost himself. He became obsessed with finding a power unlike the Church. He forgot his oath while searching for the strongest."
"I've been having dreams," Kyren said. "About the start of this city. And there was another man at Leon's side. Who was he?"
Grandma Windy closed her eyes. "Lyon St. Clair. Lydel's ancestor. Leon killed him in a duel… over the city."
"Why?" Kyren's voice trembled.
"Because Lyon wanted equality. A city for everyone. And Leon… couldn't see past his fear."
Kyren looked down, breathing slowly. "One last question. Were you at Vireon and Kyanna's wedding?"
"Yes, I was. Why?"
Kyren smiled softly. "It was the most beautiful place I've ever seen."
He stood. "Goodnight, Grandma. I'll see you for breakfast when the sun comes up."
As he walked upstairs, he opened his door and blinked. "What are you two doing in here?"
Runa and Irene spun around, startled. A book flew through the air and smacked Kyren in the face.
"Ow! What the hell?!"
"Sorry! You scared me," Irene said, bolting from the room.
Runa stayed behind, sitting on the bed. "I just… wanted to talk."
Kyren leaned on the doorframe, rubbing his nose. "Yeah?"
"Why do you want me to travel with you?" she asked, eyes downcast. "Is it just because I'm strong?"
Kyren's face reddened. "Honestly… my reasons are selfish. But I'll tell you."
He took a breath. "Since the moment I heard your voice in that jail cell in Zafeer… I wanted to spend more time hearing it. Just for me."
Runa's eyes widened. Her cheeks flushed. Before she realized it, she leaned in—and so did Kyren. Their lips met.
A rustle by the door. Kyren jerked his head just in time to see Grandma Windy and Irene's heads vanish from the doorframe.
His face turned beet red.
"In the morning, we should leave," Runa whispered. "The cult won't back down. Not now."
Kyren nodded.
"Goodnight, Kyren," she said with a shy smile. "Sleep well."
As she left, Kyren fell back onto his pillow. Warmth spread through his chest. He wasn't just finding answers—he was starting something new.
Maybe even love.
He smiled, closing his eyes.
The dream pulled him in fast, urgent, like something wanted him to see.
He stood at the tree where Vireon and Kyanna had wed. Behind it: a massive, wild forest.
At its center, a strange shrine pulsed with life. Thick plumes of blue mana rose from its base, and the earth began to hum—then shake, then grow. The world bent inward around the shrine.
Blue flames? No—mana. Alive and wild.
A voice, deep and ancient, echoed across the dreamscape.
"The key to changing the world lies there, my young one.
Find it… and you will see."