The sky of Aerethys was always blue.
Not the gentle blue of peace—but the sharp, endless blue that reminded everyone how far they could fall.
Kael Ardyn stood at the edge of Driftport, watching a floating island glide overhead like a silent god. Chains of light anchored it to the sky, humming softly with Astra energy.
"Still staring?" an old voice rasped behind him.
Kael didn't turn.
"If I look long enough," he said, "maybe it'll drop."
Eldran laughed. "Careful. The sky doesn't forgive jokes like that."
A siren suddenly screamed.
Kael's head snapped up.
A skyship tore through the clouds—its hull burning, sails shredded. Shadowed figures leapt from it, weapons glowing with corrupted Astra.
Raiders.
People screamed. Guards ran.
Kael moved before thinking.
He always did.
As one raider landed in front of him, blade raised, Kael felt something ignite in his chest.
Not fear.
Recognition.
The air shattered with light.
A second presence appeared beside him—a girl in silver armor, eyes wide with shock, hair flowing like moonlight.
Their gazes locked.
The world stopped.
Astra surged—wild, violent, beautiful.
"What are you?" she whispered.
Kael had no answer.
Only this certainty:
From this moment on,
the sky would never be the same.