The night was silent, but Ethan's heart roared.
Lyria was in the hands of the Empire, and every second she spent in their captivity fueled the fire inside him. The Rage Awakening had shown him the power he possessed—but this time, he needed control. Precision. Strategy. Heart.
Ethan approached the Imperial prison, hidden in the jagged cliffs beyond the northern border. The walls were thick with ancient runes, designed to suppress magic. Guards patrolled every corner, unaware of the storm coming.
"I'll get you back," Ethan whispered, feeling the Fate Mark pulse against his chest. "No matter what it takes."
With a surge of energy, he scaled the outer walls. Silver light enveloped his hands, forming blades sharp enough to slice through stone. Every step brought him closer to her. Every heartbeat whispered her name.
Inside the prison, Lyria struggled against her bindings, the magical restraints glowing with oppressive energy. She had tried to suppress the fear—but hope surged when she sensed him.
Outside her cell, the first wave of guards arrived. Ethan moved like lightning, dodging spells, striking with precision. Each attack carried the calm ferocity of someone who had accepted both power and responsibility.
"Stay calm," he muttered to himself. "One step at a time."
Finally, he reached Lyria's cell. The bindings were strong, but Ethan focused his energy, and the magic melted away like morning frost.
"Ethan…" Lyria breathed, tears in her silver eyes. "You came…"
"I promised," Ethan said, taking her hand. "No one touches you but me."
The alarm sounded. Reinforcements were approaching. Ethan and Lyria sprinted through the corridors, their path lit by the silver glow of his Fate Mark.
Outside, the night wind bit at their faces. Ethan turned to see the last wave of guards closing in. He smiled faintly, the calm of a storm before the final clash settling in.
"Let them come," he whispered. "They'll learn the price of touching what I love."
Above, the full moon shone bright, reflecting the bond between them. A choice had been made, a promise kept—and the journey was far from over.