The journey to the capital began at sunrise.
Kael, Mikaho, and Zehr sat on horseback, following Ashen and two academy escorts. The path was long, passing rivers, villages, and quiet forests. It was Kael's first time so far from the island's southern coast.
The capital—Virelyn—was unlike anything Kael had imagined.
Massive stone walls surrounded the city. Tall towers touched the sky. Markets were loud and full of strange smells. People walked fast, dressed in fine clothes, and some wore golden veils on their faces.
Mikaho looked uneasy. Zehr looked excited.
Ashen said nothing, his eyes always scanning.
They were led straight to a black fortress at the center of the city—the Hall of Judgement.
Inside, the air was cold. Torches burned blue instead of orange. A group of masked elders sat behind a curtain, their faces hidden in shadow. One elder finally spoke:
"You are Kael of the Academy?"
Kael stepped forward. "Yes."
"You touched the seal of an Old Watcher?"
"Yes… I didn't mean to awaken it."
Silence.
Then a different voice spoke. This one was female, softer but firmer.
"You are not being blamed. But your actions have confirmed what we feared."
Kael's heart raced.
"The seal is weakening," the voice continued. "And the third demon flood is near."
Ashen stepped forward. "Why call us here? If you knew about the seals, why wait until now?"
The voices behind the curtain fell silent again.
Then came the answer.
"Because the child who awakened the seal… carries something ancient inside him."
Everyone turned to Kael.
He froze.
Mikaho grabbed his arm. "What do you mean?"
"You don't know yet," the voice said. "But Kael's birth was no accident. The curse, the floods, the watchers… they are tied to a forgotten bloodline. And he is its echo."
Kael's vision blurred. "What are you saying…?"
Ashen stepped in front of him. "Enough. He's still a boy."
But the elders ignored him.
"If he lives… he may become our greatest shield. Or our final mistake."
Later, in a quiet guest room, Kael sat on the bed, staring at the floor.
Zehr paced. "That was crazy. Kael, are you like… a prince or something?"
"I don't feel like one," Kael muttered.
Mikaho sat beside him. "Whatever they said… I don't care. You're Kael. That's who I trust."
Kael looked at her, unsure if he wanted to cry or smile.
Ashen stood at the window, watching the towers.
"This city… it's hiding more than it tells," he said. "And they're not done with us."
That night, Kael had a dream.
He stood in a field of white flowers. A woman with silver hair stood far away, her back turned.
"Who are you?" he called.
She turned slowly… and Kael froze.
She looked just like him.
"You are not ready," she said. "But you will be."
He woke up gasping.
And outside, thunder rolled over Virelyn.
Next Episode Preview:Dark truths, sealed chambers, and the test of blood. Kael must enter the Archive Labyrinth—a place where many go in, but few return. What will he learn? And what will try to stop him?