The wind crawled over Noctera, the stony city nestled on the northern edge of the Mystra Realm. Horse hooves clacked across old roads, and market stalls buzzed with dull noise. This urban shell hadn't changed in two years—but Kev had.
He stood atop a crumbling spire, cloak snapping behind him, red eyes scanning the city he once called home. His shadow writhed faintly beneath his boots, whispering silent warnings only he could hear.
Noctera didn't know it yet, but something ancient had returned.
"I know you're watching," he muttered.
He stepped into the shadow, vanishing like smoke.
***
Far away beyond snow-drenched mountains, rivers of glowing mana, and forested fortresses stood the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Mystra. And within its towering obsidian citadel, behind layers of enchantments and old secrets, Collen Koran sat.
One of the Three Kings of the Koran Clan, he stared out from his throne-like seat. A long, curved scar ran down his neck—a mark from a forgotten war. He radiated calm, but the air around him trembled with something darker.
A kneeling messenger spoke low. "The boy has returned to Noctera. Two years passed… but the system clocked ten."
Collen's eyes narrowed slightly. "So he chose the Adventurer's Path."
Another voice emerged—a young man in crimson robes, bearing a snake tattoo down his arm. Dorrell, one of Collen's two disciples, stepped forward.
"Shall I move, Master?" he asked.
Collen did not answer at first. He opened a scroll—drawings of Kev as a child.
"We were careless," Collen murmured. "Now he walks again. Stronger. Sharper. And he'll seek answers."
He handed the scroll to Dorrell. "Find him. If he bows, control him. If he resists…" A cold pause. "Use him."
Then dorrell ask who he is and then pressure decended upon him with cracked voice he spoke "I apologize for asking Master" "know ur place" said Collen.
***
Meanwhile, Kev sat across a robed figure in a ruined tower at Noctera's edge. The stranger's face was hidden, but his voice slithered like mist.
in front of d robed man was about 40 more people it was obvious that a battle had happened.
"They know," the man whispered.
"I figured," Kev replied, calmly sharpening a black dagger. "How long do I have?"
"They've sent someone. One of the King's pets."
"Dorrell?" Kev asked. "He's not subtle."
The stranger leaned forward. "And you? Are you ready?"
Kev's red eyes flickered. "If I must raze this city to reach the gate, so be it."
Silence.
Then the stranger slid a vial across the stone. "A burst of Ether. Won't last long—but long enough to escape."
Kev didn't touch it. "I'm not escaping."
***
That night, a whisper swept through the city. Dorrell had arrived.
He walked openly—tall, armored, with beasts swirling beneath his cloak. He didn't hide. He wanted to be seen.
The city did not yet know it stood between two storms.
High above, Kev stood at the peak of a shattered bell tower, eyes locked on the man who'd been sent to collect him
His voice echoed in the dark:
"If they want me… they'll have to bleed for it."