The sky cracked like glass.
High above the world, in a realm hidden between time and silence, the Veil Beyond Veils began to thin. Stars blinked out — not because they died, but because something greater was waking behind them.
And in the center of it all, the old thrones shook.
> The gods of the shadows... were stirring.
---
Return to the Hall of Chains
Jayden stood once more in the Hall of Chains, the Hollow's deepest chamber — a prison-turned-sanctuary where secrets were buried.
Before him floated the three God Marks:
The Fang of Dominion
The Flame of Truth
The Eye of Mercy
Each one pulsed as if sensing him.
Nyxa's voice whispered beside him. "Few ever touch one. None touch all three."
Jayden didn't move. "I don't want power."
Nyxa nodded slowly. "Then maybe you're ready."
---
Across the Divide: Seraya's Choice
Seraya stood before a broken gate in the ruined city of Lirien. Around her, ancient runes lit the stone like veins.
The creature behind her spoke: "You only need to say the words, and the Temple of the Shattered Flame will rise again."
She was silent. Then:
"I don't want a throne. I want the truth."
The ground trembled in response.
"You'll get both."
---
The First God Appears
Back in the skies over Graveton, the clouds exploded into violet lightning.
A figure emerged — immense, cloaked in burning shadows, a face of mirrors and mouths.
> A god.
Not like the old myths. This was no merciful maker. This was judgment wrapped in form.
Kaelric dropped to his knees. Others screamed. Some simply vanished.
But Jayden… stood.
"You're late," he said.
The god tilted its head.
> "You remember us."
"I remember you tried to break me before I was born."
> "We did not break you. We forged you."
---
Dialogue of Fire
Jayden raised his voice. "You chained her. You chained me. And now you want what? Loyalty?"
The god laughed, and every tree for miles withered slightly.
> "We want nothing. We simply came to watch your kind burn… or ascend."
Jayden stepped forward. "Then watch closely. Because I'm not like before."
He drew his power — not from the gods, not from the Hollow — but from himself.
Golden light mixed with black flame. Truth and shadow, intertwined.
> Balance.
---
Seraya's Counter
In her temple far away, Seraya felt it — a call in her blood.
She slammed her hand on the altar. "Jayden… wait for me."
From the ruins, wings of crystal and smoke burst from her back.
> She was rising, too.
---
The Prophecy Unfolds
As the god hovered over Graveton, a second voice echoed from the Tower of Whispers:
> "One shall burn for peace. One shall bleed for war."
> "And when their paths meet again… the gods shall fall."
The god's laughter stopped.
Jayden's glow intensified.
And far away, Seraya soared toward him — faster than light, faster than fate.
---
Message to the Reader
> You may feel the powers above you — society, systems, people who try to decide your worth.
But remember: gods may rule from above, but they fear the ones who rise from below.
You are not powerless.
You are awakening.