The gates of Helios Gate closed behind them with a thunder that echoed through the fortress.
Inside the wall, the world felt different.
Safer.
But only slightly.
Word had already spread.
Hunters gathered in the courtyard stared openly as Patrol Seven crossed the stone.
Blood.
Burns.
Broken armor.
And Kael walking at the center of it.
Commander Rhyse met them halfway across the yard.
His expression was carved from iron.
"Report."
Elara gave it.
Brief.
Precise.
Rhyse listened without interruption.
But when she finished, his gaze shifted to Kael.
"You spoke with the ancient."
"Yes, sir."
"What did he want?"
Kael hesitated.
Elara noticed.
"So did Rhyse.
Finally Kael answered.
"Me."
Silence settled across the courtyard.
Rhyse studied him for several seconds.
Then he said one word.
"Quarantine."
The courtyard erupted in protest.
Bram stepped forward immediately.
"Commander, that's not—"
"Enough."
The single word snapped like a blade.
Rhyse gestured to the Luminary attendants waiting by the archway.
"Take Mercer below."
Kael didn't fight it.
Elara did.
"He stays under Sentinel authority."
Rhyse's eyes hardened.
"Captain Vance, you will stand down."
For a moment it looked like she might refuse.
Malik put a hand on her shoulder.
"Not here."
She exhaled slowly.
Then stepped back.
Kael followed the Luminary adepts through the archway without looking at anyone.
The heavy iron door shut behind him.
For the first time since the bite, Kael was alone.
And the hunger inside him stirred.