Page 149 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

Frustration and curiosity wrestled before The Warrior forced out his next question. “Can I… can I speak to Ansel?”

“Ahh.” A hum of sorts. “A loyal soul, that one. He wasn’t particularly happy to see me.”

The Warrior chuckled. Before he could ask again, the dimensions between them merged and Ansel appeared beside him in the form Aren would know best. Aren was on his feet before the Being could speak, both souls solidifying enough to crash into a hug they clearly needed.

“I’m sorry,” they both spoke at once.

Aren shook his head—even his light-made body looked bewildered as he took in the unblemished form of his friend. “It wasn’t supposed to be you.”

“Destiny is relative,” Ansel countered, and the Being agreed. “Cyrus needed time, and Freya deserves the peace he promises.”

The Warrior understood, but even here in this infinite peace, he loathed the concept of existing without him again. The Being remained silent as decisions were minted, the ropes of fate solidifying gold and glowing.

“You’re going back,” Ansel noted.

“Are you?”

“He cannot,” the Being warned gravely.

“Why?” Aren demanded, looking now to the Being.

“His vessel was irreparably severed.”

“You can do all things.”

“I can,” the Being agreed.

“But you won’t.”

“The mortal world requires balance. Another must fall in his stead.”

“And if I return?”

“She’s already paid the price.”

“She who I loved most?”

The Warrior got the distinct impression the Being nodded, though the form remained too bright to properly comprehend.

“I’ll stick around,” Ansel promised when Aren’s resolve didn’t waver. “See it through.”

“You do not deserve to be trapped,” The Warrior answered. “Find peace, Ansel.”

His brother snorted, shaking his head. “I will when you do, old man.”

“You’re just going to… linger?”

“Look for me where the light touches the earth. When you need it most, you’ll find me there.”

“But you’ll move on?”

“When it is finished. I need to see this through,” he repeated.

The Warrior understood that more than most. He nodded. “Until the end, brother.”

“Until the end,” Ansel agreed.

He turned back to the Being. “Is there more I should know before I return?”