Kai stood by the window.
Haven stretched out before him.
Alive.
Bright.
But it didn't feel safe.
It felt controlled.
"…so this is the world now…" he muttered.
A voice behind him—
"…only part of it."
Kai turned.
Riven leaned against the wall.
"…there are others?"
"…different Havens," Riven said.
"…different leaders."
Kai frowned.
"…and enemies?"
Riven's gaze darkened slightly.
"…Devourers."
A pause.
"…and something worse."
Kai's chest tightened.
"…like what Vlad said…"
Riven didn't confirm.
But he didn't deny it either.
"…what's the goal then?" Kai asked.
"…survive?"
"…control," Riven replied.
"…understand your Echo."
"…or be consumed by it."
Kai exhaled slowly.
"…that's not much of a choice."
"…it never is."
Silence filled the room.
Kai clenched his fists.
"…then I'll get stronger."
Riven's gaze sharpened slightly.
"…why?"
Kai didn't hesitate.
"…so I don't lose anyone else."
A pause.
"…and so I can find out what really caused all this."
Riven watched him carefully.
"…that path won't end well."
Kai met his gaze.
"…I don't care."
A distant alarm suddenly echoed through the city.
Sharp.
Urgent.
Kai turned toward the window.
"…what now?"
Riven pushed off the wall.
"…your first real test."
Kai's heart started pounding.
That feeling—
Returned.
Multiple presences.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
"…Devourers…?"
Riven shook his head slightly.
"…worse."
Kai's eyes narrowed.
"…then let's go."
Riven turned toward the door.
"…try not to break this time."
Kai followed.
And this time—
He wasn't running.
Because now—
He understood what he was fighting.
And more importantly—
What he could become.