The Royal Council Hall was silent.
Aira stood in the center, crimson mark faintly glowing beneath her uniform.
"She is a threat," one elder declared.
"The Fallen Star once destroyed half the northern kingdom."
Prince Kael stepped forward.
"And yet she saved the academy."
Murmurs spread.
Suddenly—
The chamber doors exploded open.
A masked man walked in, black aura surrounding him.
"The Star has awakened," he said calmly.
"And so has its true master."
His eyes locked on Aira.
"Come with me, Vessel… or watch this kingdom burn."
The temperature dropped.
And Aira realized—
She wasn't the only one connected to the star.