Chapter 14: Ashwood's Chains
Morning light spilled through the narrow slit window, gray and cold. Elias woke to the sting of his wounds, every movement a reminder of the night before. His blade lay by his side, cracked but unbroken, faint traces of violet ash still clinging to its edge.
The door creaked open. Captain Seris stepped in, her expression measured, unreadable. She set down a bowl of broth and a bandaged roll.
"You bleed like us," she said quietly. "And last night, you defended Ashwood when you could have destroyed it."
Elias met her eyes. "I told you—I'm not your enemy."
Seris's gaze flicked to the door, then back to him. "Perhaps. But this town is not of one mind. The Council will want answers. They already whisper about exile. Or worse."
The system flickered faintly.
> [New Sub-Quest: Survive Council Judgment.]
Condition: Convince Ashwood's leaders of your worth.]
Elias clenched his jaw. Another trial—always another trial.
Seris leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Some of them see you as cursed. Others see opportunity. They'll test you, Elias. If you fail, I won't be able to shield you."
He frowned. "And where do you stand?"
Her lips tightened into a thin line. "I stand where Ashwood survives. Remember that."
Before he could answer, a heavy knock shook the door. A guard entered, armored and scowling. "Council summons. Now."
Elias rose, fighting the ache in his ribs. His bound warriors stirred outside, their ember eyes smoldering as though sensing his unease. Villagers lined the streets as he was escorted through town, their faces pale, wary. Children hid behind shutters. Old men spat curses. But a few… a very few… looked at him with something else. Respect.
The Council chamber loomed at the town's heart, a hall of oak beams and carved symbols of the twin moons. Five elders sat in a crescent, their eyes cold and sharp.
One, a gray-bearded man, slammed a staff against the floor. "Elias. System-bearer. You fought shadows last night—yes. But did you bring them here?"
Murmurs rippled through the hall.
Elias's throat went dry. The girl's voice slithered from the shadows of his mind, mocking: Say yes, and they'll brand you a devil. Say no, and the system will brand you a liar.
The system pulsed.
> [Echo V Trigger Approaching.]
Condition: Speak before the Council.]
Elias looked from face to face, feeling the weight of Ashwood pressing down on him.
Seris stood at his side, silent, her expression locked in stone. Whether she would defend him—or condemn him—remained to be seen.
The gray-bearded elder leaned forward, eyes glinting. "Well, system-bearer? Answer. Are you the curse that stalks Ashwood, or are you something else?"
The hall fell silent.
The system timer began to tick.
> [Decision Required. Time: 00:00:30]