Echoes of Fate

The world had changed.

Reinhardt and Selene emerged from the ruins, the air thick with the weight of what had transpired within the Nexus. The sky overhead was bruised with storm clouds, restless and watching. The very earth beneath their feet felt different—as if the balance of power had shifted.

Selene glanced at him, her eyes wary, searching. "Are you… still with me?"

Reinhardt flexed his fingers, the energy from the obelisk still humming through his veins. He felt stronger, but also altered, as if something ancient had embedded itself within him. He met her gaze, his voice steady. "I'm here."

But was that the truth?

They walked in silence, each step drawing them further from the ruins, yet neither could shake the sensation that something had followed them out.

In the Capital…

Far beyond the shattered temple, in the heart of the Empire, whispers spread like wildfire. The High Council stood gathered in the great hall, their expressions grim.

"The Nexus has awakened," one of the elder seers rasped.

A murmur swept through the room. Lords and generals exchanged glances filled with dread.

"The Marked One has made his choice."

A robed figure stepped forward, their voice calm but edged with steel. "Then we must act before the world falls into chaos."

The Council fell silent as the great iron doors swung open, revealing a lone warrior clad in silver and crimson. Scars marred his face, but his eyes burned with purpose.

Sir Aldric had returned.

"I will finish what I started," he vowed.

The storm had begun to gather.

On the Road to Varethas…

Reinhardt and Selene traveled in the cover of darkness, the distant lights of Varethas flickering on the horizon. A once-thriving city, now crawling with soldiers, mercenaries, and spies—all searching for the Marked One.

Selene pulled her hood lower. "They know."

Reinhardt tightened his grip on his sword. "Let them come."

Selene studied him carefully. His confidence had always been unwavering, but now there was something different—an edge, a quiet storm brewing beneath his skin.

The power of the Nexus had not left him.

As they neared the city gates, shadows shifted in the alleys. Eyes followed their every move. The streets of Varethas were alive with danger, and they were walking straight into its heart.

Selene exhaled. "This is only the beginning."

Reinhardt looked ahead, his voice calm but certain.

"No." His eyes flickered with the power still coursing through him.

"This is the reckoning."

The choice had been made.

Now, the world would bear witness to its consequences.