"You want to know what happened in the arena," I say clearly. "You want to know what I am. I'll tell you. But first, you need to understand what Thorne was really doing here. What he was preparing for."
Looks of disbelief and anger are shared among the council. An older man in blue robes speaks “Professor Thorne has been an outstanding member of faculty for many years. We do not appreciate accusations against him without proof.”
The recording crystals floating around the chamber pulse with light, capturing everything. I take a deep breath and feel my friends' presence behind me, solid and unwavering.
“That is the proof.” I state, pointing at one of the crystals. My voice carries with a power that surprises even me. I hear a scoff from the council but can’t place who it came from.
Before I can get another word out, Lady Virath interrupts. "Enough. We will review the crystals and reconvene in three days time." Her tone brooking no argument.
Frustration bubbles up, and my shadows react instantly - Bob actually looks offended while Patricia's note-taking becomes distinctly aggressive. But when Aspen puts a calming hand on my shoulder, I keep my mouth shut. Mouse presses against my leg, a low growl building in his throat.
Lady Virath's dismissal is clear, but as we turn to leave, I catch Malrik’s gaze lingers on the empty chair, a flicker of something sharp—calculation, or maybe recognition—crossing his silver eyes.
Chapter 73
Kaia
The Chamber's doors close behind us with an echoing finality. My wings shift restlessly, responding to my unease, while my shadows cluster close. Bob maintains what he probably thinks is a subtle defensive formation, his shadowy form darting between positions like surveying the battlefield.
"Well," Finn says, breaking the tense silence, "that could have gone worse."
"How exactly?" Torric growls.
"They could have tried to arrest us. Or exorcise us. Though honestly, I'd love to see them try to exorcise Bob. He'd probably organize their banishing circles more efficiently."
The shadow in question straightens importantly, and I have to bite back a laugh despite the situation. But before I can respond, a figure emerges from a shadowed alcove.
"Kaia." Lira's voice is quiet but urgent. "All of you. Come with me. Quickly."
Something in her tone makes my shadows tense. Even Finnick's usual chaos stills as we follow her down a narrow corridor I've never noticed before, away from the main halls.
The passage opens into a small circular chamber, its walls covered in softly glowing runes that pulse faintly in rhythmic patterns, as though alive. The symbols shimmer with hues of gold and silver, casting ethereal reflections that dance across the smooth stone floor. The air hums with quiet power, each rune exuding an aura of ancient purpose, amplifying the gravity of the moment. Lira touches one and the entrance seals behind us, the magic humming with ancient power.
"We don't have much time," she says, turning to face me. Her silver eyes fixed on where my wings pulse in that other plane. "The board will review the crystals, but Lady Virath... she's not looking for answers. She's looking for confirmation."
"Of what?" Malrik asks sharply.
"That Kaia is exactly what she fears. What Alekir has been waiting for."
The name sends a chill through me. The Heart of Eternity almost vibrates in response, and another memory surfaces—my mother's voice, low and melodic, singing ancient lullabies about warriors who walked between realms. Her tone was both soothing and powerful, each note wrapping around me like a warm embrace, filling me with a sense of safety and awe.
"The Heart," I whisper, my fingers finding the amethyst at my throat. "It's not just for my protection, is it?"
"No." Lira's expression softens with something like grief. "Your mother—Solveig—she knew this day would come. The Heart wasn't just protecting you, Kaia. It was preparing you."
Malrik hums quietly with the knowledge he was right.
Dammit.
A hand squeezes my shoulder in comfort. I’m not even sure who it is, but I know I can’t dwell right now. I shake my head as if clearing my thoughts, looking back at Lira. “For what?" But even as I ask, I feel the truth settling into my bones.
"The Valkyrie weren't just warriors," Lira explains. "They were guardians of the gates between realms. Every door, every threshold where one world bleeds into another—they kept the balance."
"Until Alekir," Malrik says, his silver eyes sharp with understanding. There's something in his voice—a weight of knowledge that makes my shadows stir uneasily.
"Until Alekir," Lira confirms, and the name seems to darken the very air. "He didn't just want to cross between realms. He wanted to break down the walls completely. To let chaos reign."
Mouse growls softly, and my shadows coil tighter. Bob forms what looks like a battle plan in shadowy script, while Patricia's note-taking becomes almost frantic. The newest shadows, barely formed wisps of darkness, press closer to their more experienced siblings, seeking reassurance.
