Present Day
Lira stood in a dark chamber within the Ashen Circle's Citadel, her arms crossed as surveillance of Kael played on a floating screen.
He had changed.
Harder. Colder. Stronger.
And the Heaven Breaker System had fully awakened inside him.
"He's alive," she whispered. Not with regret. But with something darker—fear.
Director Sorn entered behind her.
"I told you he was dangerous," he said. "You should have made sure he died that night."
Lira didn't reply.
Because deep down, she hadn't wanted him to.
Because some small, stubborn part of her had hoped—
Hoped he would rise.
Hoped he would come for her.
And maybe, hoped he would make her pay.