Little time.

It was a crazy thought, but Cassian knew there was no other reason for him to be here. Fear built up inside him, clawing at his chest, suffocating him with a single, relentless question.

What if?

But he would not have to wait long.

The large door swung open, two figures walked inside. The people they had been waiting for had arrived.

After everyone bowed and greeted the Emperor and the head of the church, they returned to their seats, the vast and exquisite hall settling into a heavy silence.

The Emperor's voice filled the space, firm and absolute. "We have gathered you all here for what you must already suspect. After all, you are all intelligent." He paused, turning his gaze to the old man beside him. "So, my old friend Olfred, choose the one who is to continue the legacy."

Cassian's body trembled with anxiety. Though the old man had yet to look at him, Cassian could feel his overwhelming presence pressing against his very soul. This was not the same man he had met in the garden. Then, he had spoken to him like a grandfather. But the one standing before him now was something far beyond his understanding.

And then, Olfred spoke.

His voice was tranquil, low yet clear, a sound that should have been difficult to hear but instead rang in the minds of all present.

"My children, after much thought, we have reached our decision. The one who will guide the future and know the past has been chosen."

The room remained silent, anticipation tightening the air. Who would it be? Victoria? Escobar? Someone of lower status, perhaps?

Then, Olfred spoke the name that sealed Cassian's fate.

"Cassian of House Agua Clara, come forward. You are to guide the next generation."

All gazes fell upon him—the young man whose face was still stained with blackened blood, whose once-pristine white clothes bore the same taint. Cassian felt helpless under the weight of their stares. The attention of so many powerful figures pressed down on him, making him nauseous.

But with the last of his strength, he stood and walked toward his once-grandfather.

Stopping a few meters away from the Emperor and Olfred, he placed one hand on his chest, the other behind his back, and bowed.

"Great Emperor, Light of the Empire. All-Knowing Grandmaster. I am here to answer your call."

He forced his voice to be smooth, hiding any trace of fear.

"Raise your head, child."

Cassian obeyed, locking eyes with Olfred once more.

Tears were falling down the old man's face.

"You know why you were called?"

"I do, Master."

"Do you accept to follow our path, young one?"

Cassian dropped to one knee. "I accept to guide the future and know the past."

I don't want it.

"You are young, younger than any before you, but we know you are the right choice."

Don't make me do it.

"It is an honor to serve—not only the Church but the Empire, Master."

"Give me your hand, child."

Cassian hesitated, staring at the old man's outstretched hand. The white tunic, the silver hair and beard that came with age, the wrinkled face and hands—he looked every bit the wise and gentle sage. But those glowing golden eyes made him seem more like something divine.

To the onlookers, it was an image of benevolence—a mighty being bestowing wisdom upon a worthy successor.

But to Cassian, taking that hand meant death.

Not a physical death. Something worse. The death of himself as Cassian.

He hesitated for a few seconds. But still, he did it.

Something moved from Olfred's palm into Cassian's body, crawling through him until it reached his mind.

"Cassian… from this moment, you shall be known as Cassian de Lux. May our future be bright like the heavens and caring like the dark."

Cassian repeated the words, then turned and walked back to his seat. Eyes followed his every move—some filled with envy, others with anger—but he paid them no mind. The fear inside him was greater than their petty emotions.

The meeting continued, shifting to the never-ending war between Ventes, Tricous, and Raumhant.

"What of the Kingdom of Panzen? Are they still selling dragons to any of them?"

"No, they have stopped. Raumhant attempted to buy, but they refused, stating they would not be selling to this war."

"And Queen Grace? Does she still ask for support?"

"No, Your Majesty."

They spoke of politics until the once-bright red flames in the chandeliers dimmed to a warm orange. Finally, the Emperor stood from his throne and walked out, Olfred following close behind.

With their departure, the others also began to leave. Some attempted to speak to Cassian, but he ignored them.

I probably have no time.

If Olfred had already chosen him, it meant the old man knew his death was near. And when that happened, Cassian would inherit the Eyes.

Stepping outside the cathedral, he took in the sight of the bustling streets. People walked by, continuing with their lives as if nothing had changed.

I envy them.

A foolish thought. Anyone who could hear his mind would call him a fool.

Is a great honor! they would say.

Such an honor to give up his memories and life for a noble cause. To die at nineteen and live through the lives of those long gone.

Waking up today had been a mistake.

With that, he turned, making his way to the only person who could make him feel better.