PTE

he fire crackling in the hearth cast a comforting light on the room. Xanthos was nowhere to be seen, but Galen knew his friend had likely gone to clear his

ce broke into a fond smile as he rose from his seat to greet the old man. It was Archivist Orion who h

think it's time we got to the bottom of what's been going on. Fire such as Xanthos described do

vealing his upper shoulder. On his skin, a intricate Mark glowed with a soft, ethereal light. The Mark resembled a stylized

rk. His face set in a determined expression, he leaned forward, hi

eep sigh. "What does it mean?" he asked, his

likely made a pact with one of the Twelve," he said, his voice barely above a whispe

he archivist's words. "The Twelve?" he r

ifts to those who seek their favor. But such gifts come at a steep price, Galen. And I

d a dire picture. "How does the Empire know about me

t, I fear they will soon be on you like hawks. They will stop at n

n. "Can't we fight them off?" he asked,

e died trying. The Empire's power is too great, their reach too far. The best thing

felt a cold dread creeping up his spine, threatening to consume him. The thought of

ns I'll have to leave everything behind... incl

rstanding. "Your Gifts make you a target, Galen. Especially untrain

"What if I kill someone while I'm on

's eyes and said, "I can give you something to help you, Galen. A dampener o

s the Deep, to the Rebel Kindred. Arcturus, their leader, will take y

ve to leave behind everything he knew and loved, and embark on a perilous journey to save his own life. Th

thin him. Why had his powers suddenly burst forth with such violence? Which of the Twelve had Marked him, and why

art ached at the sight of his friend, who was fully dressed in his makeshift armor, his two swords sheathed at his

with unspoken emotions, and Galen knew that this might be the last time they would see each other for a long time. H

his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm s

is eyes. "You've always protected me, Xanthos," he replied, his voice barely

ittersweet reminder of the friendship they shared, and the uncertain future that lay ahead. Xanthos replied

des, on my journey to the Deep, the sword skills you've taug

t skip a beat. Galen's eyes were glowing a deep orange, like fiery bulbs. Xanthos's frown deepened, and he took a cautious step back, his hand instinct

he tent, his face etched with urgency. "Our scouts have sighted the First File, mer

ain-like bracelet around his wrist. The chain glowed blue as it locked into place. Gal

where, people turned to stare, their faces set with a mix of fear and awe. And then, a

ll of life, now seemed cold and calculating, her gaze fixed intently on Galen. Xanthos felt a chill run down his spine as

ting on the pommel of his sword. A low, threatening tone crept into her voice as she spoke, "Xan

ounded. The camp members were frozen in fear, unable to make any sudden movements lest they be cut down by the Imperial soldier

is arm, holding him back. Xanthos, meanwhile, whispered urgently, "Run, Galen! Get out o

g with disdain. "You really think you can take on the First File? We'll cut you down before you even have a

the forest. He didn't dare look back, fearing what he might see. The sound of lightning booming beh

al soldiers. Despite being outnumbered, he managed to take down two of his attackers, but the rest soon overwhelmed him, pinnin

the soldiers holding him down, but they were too strong. The other members of the First File

detached. Xanthos's eyes flashed with defiance, but before he could speak or pro

s dancing in her eyes. She quickly suppressed the emotion, her expression hardening into a mask of Imperial discipl

to the forest. Elara turned her attention to the remaining campers, her eyes blazing with a fierce int

been watching her. The sound of his screams was cut short as his body crumpled to the ground, lifel

eaving the forest where Galen had disappeared. She waited, her patience a cold, calculating th