I sat there, still reeling from everything Kael—the so-called Gamekeeper—had just unloaded on me. My head was pounding, but not in the normal "too much information" way. It was more like every single word he said was settling somewhere deep in my bones, making me feel heavier and lighter all at once.
I stared at him across the table, his light blue hair catching the dim light from the single lantern in the safe house. It wasn't fair that someone could look that otherworldly while dropping world-shattering truths like they were casual gossip.
"So… what happens now?" I finally asked, my voice low. I wasn't sure I actually wanted to know the answer.
Kael leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing in that way that made it feel like he was staring straight through me. "Now," he said slowly, "things become… delicate. Until you know exactly what you are—what species you belong to—you won't be able to wield your true powers. But…" He hesitated, and for some reason that pause made my skin prickle.
"But what?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"But now that you have part of Vaelthor's energy inside you, you also carry some of his powers."
I blinked at him, leaning forward. "Wait, his powers? You mean the same Vaelthor you've been warning me about this whole time? The same guy that—oh, I don't know—tried to suck the souls out of humans for power?"
Kael's mouth twitched like he was trying not to smile. "Yes. That one."
"Well, that's just great," I muttered, rubbing my temples. "And you're telling me this like it's supposed to be good news?"
"It is," he said, almost too calmly. "Because you are the only one who can control him now."
I froze. "Control him? As in…?"
"As in, he can't fully act without you. Your bond—though unintentional—means that his energy is tethered to yours. He can't take complete form or wreak havoc unless…" Kael's gaze hardened, "…unless our elder brother is found."
My brain stuttered over the words. Elder brother. That mysterious, powerful missing sibling he had mentioned before. Somewhere in all of this chaos, there was still another piece of the puzzle walking—or hiding—out there.
I leaned back in my chair and let out a long, shaky breath. "Great. Just fantastic. So basically, I'm stuck with a chunk of some interdimensional soul-stealing maniac's power inside me, I can't fully use my own powers because I don't even know what I am, and the only thing stopping him from turning the world upside down is some long-lost brother you still haven't found. Did I get that right?"
Kael gave a single, solemn nod. "Exactly."
I laughed, but it came out hollow. "Wow. Love that for me."
The weight of it all pressed down on me again. "You don't get it, Kael. I can't deal with all of this right now. I still have so much to do—"
"I'm aware," he cut in. "But—"
"No," I said sharply, leaning forward. "I mean I can't. I still have my own revenge to carry out."
His head tilted slightly. "The mayor."
"Yeah," I said, my jaw tightening. "The mayor. That's my mission, Kael. My focus. You drop all this cosmic family drama on me, and sure, it's… horrifying, but I can't just drop everything and become your chosen savior."
Kael studied me for a long moment, then said, "I can help you with that."
I shook my head immediately. "No."
His brow furrowed. "No?"
"I said no," I repeated firmly. "This is my revenge. My plan. My hands." I jabbed a finger into my chest. "If I let you do it, it won't be mine anymore."
He sighed, leaning back. "Harper, you're being stubborn."
"Stubborn? No. I'm being me. And right now, 'me' is a girl who's had her life ripped apart, trapped in some insane supernatural game, told she's carrying the power of a soul-thief, and oh, yeah—still has a score to settle."
For the first time since he arrived, Kael looked… almost sympathetic. Almost. "I came because I needed your help," he said finally. "And time is running out."
I met his gaze, steady and unflinching. "I wish I could help you, Kael. I really do. But I can't—not until I settle my own problems first."
There was a tense silence. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Very well. I'll come back when you've dealt with your revenge."
"Good," I said, trying to ignore the heavy knot in my stomach.
He stood, his tall frame casting shadows across the room. "Wake Luna," I said suddenly, "and free Chris and Hay."
He glanced back at me, expression unreadable. "As you wish."
With a flick of his hand, I heard movement from the adjoining room. Luna's muffled groan carried into the air, followed by Chris and Hay's soft, relieved voices.
Kael looked back at me one last time. "Don't take too long, Harper. The moment you're ready, find me. Or…" His eyes glinted, "…I'll find you."
And before I could respond, he was gone—lifting off into the night sky, his pale hair catching the moonlight until he disappeared entirely.
I sat there for a moment, my fists clenched, my heart pounding. My world was tilting more with each passing second, but one thing stayed clear in my mind.
The mayor was going to pay.
No matter what.