Chapter 7: Ties That Bind

The morning air carried a crisp chill as Ezren stood before Kael Veyne, the Awakener Association emissary. The man's sharp blue eyes remained locked on him, scrutinizing every detail as if peeling away layers unseen by the ordinary eye.

Ezren's mind raced at Kael's words. "Your name appeared in the Rift's residual energy."

How?

The Riftborn had clearly been drawn to him, but for his name to surface in the energy left behind… It meant the Rift itself had acknowledged him.

Seraphine spoke first, her tone edged with caution. "The Association doesn't send an Emissary just to ask questions. You already know something, don't you?"

Kael tilted his head slightly, his gaze flickering toward her. "We have suspicions. And given your history, Seraphine Vael, I assume you do as well."

Ezren caught the slight shift in her stance—a flicker of tension. The two clearly knew more about each other than they let on.

Still, Ezren had no time for their veiled exchanges. His mind was set on one thing. "Why did the Rift react to me?"

Kael studied him for a long moment before speaking. "We don't know." His voice was measured, but the weight behind his words was clear. "That's why I'm here."

He stepped forward, reaching into his coat. A moment later, he pulled out a small metallic device, no larger than a palm, embedded with a glowing crystal at its core. With a flick, the device expanded into a circular formation, floating midair.

[Association Scanner – Rift Signature Analysis Initiated.]

The crystal pulsed once—then twice—before flashing red.

Kael's gaze darkened. "As I thought." He turned the device toward Ezren. "You have Rift Energy lingering on you."

Ezren's breath slowed.

He knew the Shadow within him wasn't normal. But this confirmed it. The Riftborn wasn't just drawn to him—he had some kind of connection to the Rift itself.

Seraphine muttered a curse under her breath. "This just got a lot worse."

Kael deactivated the scanner. "Ezren, I need to report this to the higher ranks of the Association."

Ezren's jaw tensed. "And what does that mean for me?"

Kael didn't hesitate. "It means you'll be watched. And, depending on what we find…" His expression was unreadable. "Your status as an Awakener may be re-evaluated."

Ezren clenched his fists. He had expected trouble, but the idea of being labeled an anomaly—of being hunted—sent a bitter taste into his mouth.

Seraphine cut in. "You're not branding him a threat, are you?"

Kael exhaled. "Not yet. That's why I'm here, instead of a high-ranking enforcer." He met Ezren's gaze. "But I need to know exactly what you are, Ezren. Because if the Rift recognizes you, it's only a matter of time before others do too."

Ezren's mind flashed back to the Shadow—how it had surged through him, how natural it felt.

Did that mean… the Rift wasn't just reacting to him?

Was he reacting to it?

A heavy silence followed. Then, Kael reached into his coat once more and pulled out a small badge, flicking it toward Ezren. He caught it instinctively.

[Awakener Association – Provisional Registry Clearance]

Ezren frowned. "What's this?"

Kael crossed his arms. "Your Temporary Hunter License allows you to take basic hunting quests. But after last night, it's clear you're dealing with something beyond that."

Ezren's grip tightened on the badge.

Kael continued, "This clearance grants you temporary access to Association-monitored areas. You'll be able to take on higher-level quests if needed—but it also means the Association is keeping an eye on you."

Ezren exhaled. A leash, then. One disguised as a privilege.

Seraphine scoffed. "How generous of you."

Kael ignored her. "I'll be in contact. But understand this—if another Rift forms, and your name surfaces again…" He let the words hang in the air.

Ezren met his gaze. "Then give me a real offer."

Kael raised a brow. "A real offer?"

Ezren's eyes didn't waver. "If I'm already involved in this, I might as well make use of it." He tossed the badge back to Kael. "If I take this, I want more than just 'clearance.' I want resources, information, access to your Rift investigations."

Kael caught the badge effortlessly, a glint of intrigue flashing through his expression. "You're bold."

Ezren shrugged. "I just don't like being a pawn."

Kael studied him for a moment, then let out a short chuckle. "Interesting." He turned the badge over in his fingers. "Very well. I'll relay your request to the Association."

Then, with an almost amused smirk, he tossed the badge back.

Ezren caught it.

"Consider this a test," Kael said. "If you prove useful, we'll talk about a real offer."

Without another word, he turned, mounting his horse. The rhythmic clatter of hooves faded as he rode into the distance, leaving Ezren and Seraphine standing in the quiet morning light.

Seraphine sighed, rubbing her temples. "Well, that escalated."

Ezren exhaled sharply, looking at the badge in his hand.

The Rift had recognized him. The Shadow had responded to him. And now, the Association was watching.

He wasn't just an Awakener anymore.

He was something unknown.

And soon, the world would know it too.