š Chronicles of the Watchers
Chapter 27: The Shadow in the Flame
The Sun-Throne chamber still stank of scorched stone. Smoke clung to the high priest's robes as he stood before the circle of lesser priests, their golden masks cracked, their chants broken.
"Kairo of no house," the high priest intoned, his voice shaking, "the fire chose you. You broke the chains of the condemned. A signā¦ or a curse?"
The council hissed with divided tongues.
"Blasphemy."
"A greater miracle than healing."
"He is Dawn-Bearer."
"He is Shadow-Born."
Kairo's wrists burned with raw marks where the throne's bindings had gripped him. He could still hear Azariel's laughter, echoing in his skull. He tried to still it, but the god's voice oozed through every crack in his resolve.
"Look how they tear themselves apart over you. Let them. They will kneel in time. You need only burn away their doubts."
Kairo closed his eyes. "Leave me."
"I cannot. I am you. And youā¦ are mine."
The high priest leaned close, so only Kairo could hear. "Do not think you rule your flame. The throne chose you, yesābut the throne can unmake you."
His masked eyes glinted. "Tomorrow, you will sit upon it again. Before the people. The city must see."
Kairo's heart lurched. A public display. A trial not behind golden doors, but before the whole of Kaelith. If he failedāor worse, if he lost controlāit would not be one prisoner who burned, but thousands.
That night, they locked him in the Dawn-Tower. Alone, save for the whisper that never left.
Azariel spoke again, softer this time. "They will parade you like a chained beast. But chainsā¦ break easily in fire. Do you want me to show you how?"
Kairo pressed his forehead to the cold stone wall. His hands trembled. He did not answer.
But the silence between them felt like surrender.
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ā” End of Chapter 27.