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đź“– Chronicles of the Watchers
Chapter 23: The Dawn-Bearer
Chains of light burned against Kairo's wrists as the priests led him deeper into the Sun-Throne. The citadel's halls pulsed with molten veins of gold, the walls alive with runes that thrummed like a heartbeat.
The golden-masked priest walked ahead, staff gleaming. "Every Vessel resists at first," he said softly. "But the mark chooses. Not you."
They entered a vast chamber where the ceiling vanished into blinding light. At its heart stood the throne—carved of crystal that shimmered with fire trapped within.
The chains tightened, pulling Kairo forward until he stood before it. His knees trembled.
"No," he whispered. "I won't sit."
The priest raised his staff. The mark on Kairo's chest seared, dragging him down. He collapsed onto the throne—and the world shattered.
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Visions surged through him.
He saw Watchers towering above mountains, their eyes like suns, their wings tangled in chains of fire. He saw cities drowned in endless floods, mortals crying out to stars that gave no answer. And he saw a crown of burning dawn descend, crushing both shadow and light alike.
Azariel's voice slithered through the vision, deep and knowing.
"Look at them, Kairo. They built this cage for gods, thinking it power. But it is nothing without us. Yield to me, and we will break it together."
Kairo clutched the arms of the throne, veins glowing like rivers of flame. "I am not yours."
The priest stepped closer, eyes blazing behind his mask. "You are Kaelith's. You are the Dawn-Bearer. The first to rise. The one who will end the age of silence."
The crowd of priests knelt as one, chanting in unison:
"Dawn-Bearer. Crown of Light. Master of Chains."
Kairo's heart pounded. The throne pulsed with his blood, every beat binding him tighter.
But in that burning prison of light, a single thought anchored him:
Liora. Selene. I will not be lost to them.
The chant grew louder, shaking the chamber.
Kairo closed his eyes, whispering to himself as the fire threatened to consume him.
"I am Kairo. Not theirs. Not his. Mine."
And though the throne blazed brighter, a crack of defiance split through its light.
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⚡ End of Chapter 23.