Threads of Fate
Chapter 33: Threads of Fate
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Council's Gambit
The grand obsidian chamber was colder than before, an unnatural chill that seeped into the bones. The dim glow of the sconces flickered, their light unable to push back the encroaching darkness. The figures seated around the long table were tense, eyes shifting from one to another as silent schemes brewed beneath calm exteriors.
Overseer Vareon Dreykar sat at the head of the table, his fingers tapping in slow, deliberate rhythm. His gaze swept across the room, reading the subtle shifts in posture and expression from the other council members.
"Selene has awakened her bloodline potential," Vareon announced, his voice carrying the weight of inevitability. "Her abilities now stretch beyond mere silk threads. Fate and shadows now dance in the hands of the Warden of Shadows."
Murmurs broke out.
"Fatebound Threads?" Lady Mirena's eyes sharpened like a predator spotting prey. "Do you understand what that means, Vareon? He can influence probability, alter outcomes — he may as well be tampering with destiny itself!"
"Perhaps it is time we considered more... decisive measures," Rael hissed, his earlier fear replaced by seething malice. "A leash may no longer be enough. We should clip his wings before he flies too high."
Eldrin Greyvein, the Martial Saint, sighed as if bored of the discussion. His eyes opened, revealing the sharp, steely gaze of a man who had seen countless wars. "Every time you mention leashes, Rael, I'm reminded of a man who tried to tame a thunderbeast. He succeeded... until it struck him down with the very storm he sought to control." He leaned forward, his aura pressing down like a mountain. "If you go after him, Rael, make sure your will is stronger than his. Otherwise, you'll be the one on your knees."
Tension spiked. Rael's hands trembled with barely restrained rage, but he bit his tongue.
"Enough," Vareon declared. His eyes glowed faintly, a quiet warning to all present. "We do not act in haste. Control can be achieved without force. What is a beast without prey, after all?" His gaze shifted to Mirena. "Set the stage. Offer him something irresistible. Power, knowledge, or perhaps something far more personal."
"Personal, you say?" Mirena's lips curled into a sly smile. "I believe I know just what to offer."
The council's plotting continued, whispers like the rustle of unseen spiders.
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A Quiet Moment
Back at camp, Kai sat alone on the outskirts, watching the last flickers of firelight. Soldiers laughed and shared stories in the distance, their hearts lighter after the victory. But Kai remained still, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of distant flames.
Selene hung above him, her body resting in a web spun between two trees. Her new silver-hued carapace shimmered under the moonlight. Her eight eyes watched him, unblinking.
"Do you regret it, Master?" Selene's voice echoed softly, almost motherly.
"Regret what?" Kai asked without looking up.
"Walking this path," she replied. Her threads swayed gently in the night breeze, catching the moonlight like threads of silver silk. "Becoming someone who walks in the shadows. Someone constantly watched, hunted, and envied."
Kai closed his eyes, leaning back against the bark of a tree. He let the silence linger.
"Regret is for those who stop moving forward," he finally answered, his voice low but firm. "I chose this path. I won't stop just because the road gets rough."
Selene regarded him with quiet pride. "Then I will spin the threads of fate in your favor, Master. No shadow, no council, no predator will escape my web."
Kai smirked. "That's why you're my first."
Her eight eyes glowed faintly in response, like stars in the night sky.
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A Sudden Arrival
The quiet moment was shattered by rapid footsteps. From the path leading to the camp, a figure approached. The soldiers on watch tensed, but when they saw the emblem on the approaching figure's cloak — the Bloodmoon insignia — they lowered their weapons.
Elara Bloodmoon strode into view, her silver hair wild from the journey. Her Moonshadow Panther moved silently at her side, its amber eyes fixed on Kai. The soldiers watched her with awe and a bit of unease, knowing full well who she was.
Kai remained seated, but his eyes opened, meeting hers. He didn't move, didn't speak, just watched her approach.
"Resting already, Warden?" she asked, tilting her head. "I thought you'd be strategizing for your next big performance."
"Unlike you, I don't fight battles to impress people," Kai replied, his gaze steady.
Elara raised a brow, her lips curling into a faint smile. "No, you fight them to win. A better motive, I'll admit." She crouched in front of him, her eyes studying him like a puzzle she hadn't solved yet. "I wonder, though. Are you really fighting for yourself? Or for her?"
Her eyes flicked toward the distant encampment where Kai's sister, Lina, rested.
Kai's eyes narrowed, his fingers curling slightly.
"You like to talk big, Bloodmoon," he said calmly, but there was an edge to his voice. "Careful you don't get tangled in my web."
Her grin widened, sharp as a predator's. "Oh, I'd love to see you try."
For a moment, neither spoke, their eyes locked in silent challenge.
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System Upgrade: Beast Synergy
That night, the system's familiar hum echoed in his mind once more.
[ Beast Synergy Upgrade Unlocked ]
[ New Feature: Beast Synergy — When beasts of the same master fight together, their synergy increases. As synergy grows, shared abilities and unique combo skills become available. ]
Kai's eyes shot open. "Shared abilities?"
He brought up the system menu, his heart racing with curiosity.
[ Beast Synergy Details: ]
Synergy Rank: Level 1 (0%)
Shared Ability: None (Locked at Rank 1)
Combo Skills: Available upon reaching Rank 2 Synergy.
"Combo skills…" he muttered. "So, I can combine their powers in a single strike?"
His mind whirled with possibilities. What could Yami and Nyx accomplish together? Yami's venom mixed with Nyx's lunar magic? Or Selene's Fatebound Threads wrapped in Yami's poisonous mist?
A slow grin spread across his face.
"Let's see how long it takes for the world to catch up."
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Lina's New Companions
Meanwhile, in the heart of the camp, Lina sat cross-legged near a small fire, her new comrades sitting around her. Each one bore the scars of battle, but their eyes were sharp with determination.
Her Ice Fox lay curled at her side, its cold aura keeping the fire's heat at bay. Beside it sat her healer-type tree beast, its tiny leaves glowing faintly as it hummed softly, healing minor wounds. Her newest beast, the Fenrir-bloodline wolf, lay beside her, its silver fur shimmering like moonlit frost.
Her companions spoke freely, warriors bonded through shared struggle. There was Korin, a fiery-haired lancer with a beastly lion companion; Myra, a soft-spoken woman with a hawk-like beast perched on her arm; and Falen, a scarred veteran whose war bear lumbered behind him, its eyes watching everything.
"You've done well, Lina," Korin said, his eyes filled with respect. "Not many could tame a beast of Fenrir's blood."
"I had help," Lina replied, stroking the wolf's fur. Her thoughts drifted to Kai, her brother. "Besides, I have no intention of falling behind him."
Myra chuckled. "Then you'll need to push harder. Your brother's been making waves. Even the council's started watching him."
Falen grunted. "Let them watch. If they move on him, they'll regret it."
Lina's gaze sharpened. "They will," she said firmly. Her eyes flickered with frost. "Because I'll be watching them too."
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End of Chapter 33