The sun had barely risen over the Veinwalker Citadel, its light scattering over white-marble towers like liquid gold. Morning bells echoed through the vast halls, usually a sign of peace.
But today
they rang hollow.
Inside the highest chamber, the Keiryuu's Office, the air trembled like something alive. Echo barriers shimmered on the walls layers of runes, seals, and specter-wards because this room had one purpose:
To host the strongest warriors alive.
At the center of the room stood a man with golden hair tied loosely behind his back, blue eyes calm enough to silence storms.
Isen.
Keiryuu of the Veinwalkers.
Master of Khael Corzedar.
He set aside the scroll he'd been reading, a report stained with blood and ash.
The Hollow Nine have moved.
Lucere has taken the Shard of Flesh.
And Khael Corzedar… awakened something impossible.
Isen closed his eyes.
Even now, he could feel the boy's Shinrei across the Citadel.
