Prelude To The Chaos

"You did the right thing, son."

Admiral Zach spoke, his tone stiff but not unkind. He wanted to place his hand on Rey's shoulder, but a single glare from the latter made him stop midway.

Rey didn't respond to his words.

He didn't feel like he'd done the right thing at all. He turned back into his room, closing the door behind him.

Seraph stood there, her golden eyes calm and steady.

"You didn't hesitate," she said softly.

Rey looked at her, his jaw clenched. 

"Don't mistake my actions for trust. This isn't over."

Seraph smiled faintly, her expression unreadable. 

"No, it isn't."

********

The following weeks were a blur of battles, relentless grinding, and an ever-growing sense of purpose. Rey pushed himself to the limit, taking down base after base belonging to the Dragon Emperor's forces.