The fire had burned down to glowing red coals.
Daniel was sitting on a log. He was a vigilant guardian, protecting his 'little brother.' Bran lay on the ground, wrapped in a thin blanket.
His breathing was slow and steady, the rhythm of deep sleep. But Bran was not asleep. Inside his mind, he was wide awake.
He was replaying everything that had happened in the last few days, savoring every moment of Daniel's confession. SSS-Grade. Soul Assimilation.
He closed his eyes tighter and let his mind drift back. He went back to the beginning. He went back to the day this whole thing started.
Flashback
On the day of the awakening, thousands of aspirants were looking at their Databands. Some were cheering with joy. Others were crying in despair.
Bran stood in the middle of the crowd. He looked small. He looked terrified. He was chewing on his fingernails.
