(Dream sequence – Serian and Malveth POV)
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The world was quiet.
Not in the peaceful way—but in the way that made your bones ache with memories you didn't know you had.
Serian stood in a wasteland of glass and ash. The sky cracked above like shattered crystal. Flames licked the horizon. In the distance stood a throne made of swords and sorrow.
> "Where… am I?"
A voice echoed behind him.
> "Where you've always been."
He turned—and saw her.
White hair like falling snow. Eyes burning red and gold. A crown of twisted horns.
But her expression wasn't cruel. It was… sad.
> "You—" he reached for his blade.
She raised a hand. "This is not real."
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Malveth walked toward him slowly, bare feet stirring the ash. A sword gleamed at her hip—one he didn't recognize, but somehow knew.
> "I've seen this dream before," she said quietly. "Always different. But you… you're always here."
Serian felt his heart beat faster.
> "Who are you?"
Her lips parted—then closed.
> "You already know."
She stepped closer. Her hand brushed his cheek.
> "I saved a village yesterday," he whispered, more to himself. "And they said I was like you."
She smiled, eyes soft.
> "Maybe you are."
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The world around them shook.
Flames rose. Light split the sky.
And then Serian saw something in the mirror-glass ground.
A reflection of himself—but not as he was now.
Older. Glorious. Dressed in white armor, wielding a holy blade.
A hero.
Beside him stood her, dressed in black flames, her hand in his.
> "What… is this?" he whispered.
Malveth's voice cracked.
> "A memory… or a warning."
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The dream shattered.
Serian awoke in sweat, breath ragged.
Across the continent, Malveth sat up from her bed of velvet and shadows, holding her head.
> "Again," she murmured. "Why do you keep finding me, Serian?"
Her love interest entered. "Is something wrong, my queen?"
She didn't answer.
Just stared out the window—toward the stars, and something far, far beyond.
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