"Yeah, I figured that much when she sprouted wings and ruined someone's sense of balance." The chaos mage gestures vaguely. "But, y'know, details would be great."
I don't answer. The path ahead shifts, the air lighter, the corruption thinning. The sanctuary's magic hums beneath my skin, calling me forward.
Malrik's grip on Kaia tightens. "And once we're inside? How do we fix this?"
I exhale, the weight of centuries pressing down on me. "We find out why this is happening now. And then…" My eyes drop to Kaia's unconscious face. "We see if she remembers."
Malrik and Finn exchange a look, but before they can push further, the air shifts again. The shadows ahead flicker, and then, finally, the sanctuary appears, its crystalline structures gleaming against the corruption that surrounds it. As we approach, more shadows pull free from the realm to join us, each one carrying memories that make my chest ache.
Revna meets us at the barrier, her phoenix fire casting warm light across the corrupted ground. Her eyes widen at the sight of Kaia's wings, understanding dawning in their amber depths.
"The Heart calls them," she says softly as another shadow forms. "Just like before, when the balance started to shift."
Corruption pulses darker beneath her skin. A growl builds in my throat. "We need to get her inside. Now."
As we pass through the wards, the whispers begin. Survivors emerge from their homes—shifters, mages, souls I've gathered from across the realms. They line the crystal-lit streets, their voices carrying centuries of hope.
"The Valkyrie returns," someone breathes, and the words ripple through the crowd like wind through leaves. "She's come back to us."
More shadows form with each step toward the castle, drawn by her presence and the murmured prayers of the watching crowd. Each one feels like a memory given form, warriors I watched fall, healers who gave their last breath, guardians who held the line until the very end.
The chaos mage moves closer, his wild magic settling into something protective. His fingers brush against her wing, a gesture so familiar it makes my vision flash gold with rage. "Not that this isn't impressively dramatic," he says, "but she's getting worse."
He's right. The corruption spreads faster now, black veins creeping up her neck despite my attempts to slow them. Her wings shudder with each labored breath, and the shadows surrounding her ripple with shared distress.
"Almost there," I promise, though I'm not sure if I'm reassuring her or myself. I remember the old phrase, the one Solveig used to whisper when the world still made sense: when shadow and light become one, the gates shall remember their purpose.
Malrik's expression darkens as we climb the castle steps. "I grew up here," he says softly. "Before the corruption—before everything twisted—it was the most beautiful place I'd ever known."
"It will be again." The words carry more weight than I intend. Another shadow forms, this one bearing the essence of a guardian I lost in the first wave of corruption. "If we succeed."
Finn looks between us. "Anyone want to share with the rest of the class what exactly is going on here?"
But before I can answer, Kaia's wings flare with sudden light. The corruption recoils as more shadows surge into being around her—dozens now, each one carrying a piece of what was lost. The crowd below gasps in wonder, and I feel the ancient magic stirring beneath our feet.
For the first time in centuries, I dare to hope.
"Get her inside," Revna orders, her phoenix fire already blazing. "I'll hold the barriers."
As we carry her through the castle doors, I try not to think about how many times I've seen hope crumble in the face of corruption. But watching these shadows… her shadows move in perfect unity, seeing the way even the strange drifting wisp seems drawn to her light...
Maybe this time will be different.
It has to be.
The fate of all realms depends on it.
Chapter 12
Malrik
Malrik
The castle's halls echo with whispered prayers, but all I can hear is Kaia's labored breathing. Black veins spread across her skin like spiderwebs, and my chest tightens at their familiar pattern. I've seen this before, not just when it started creeping across her skin at the academy, but years ago, watching it consume my father. The memory hits harder now that I understand what it was, what it meant.
I won't let her be taken. Not like the corruption took them from me.
My fingers tighten around Kaia's hand as we follow Kieran deeper into the sanctuary. Each step stirs memories I've spent years burying, running these halls as a child, hiding in alcoves I once thought were secret, trailing my fingers along walls thatseemed to pulse with life. Before the corruption drove us out. Before everything changed.
