Chapter Twenty – The Awakening Ties

After Asrael's rebellion, the ruins were strangely quiet. His remaining strength was still crackling in the air, causing a static charge that made Selene's arms stand. Bound by something neither of them quite understood yet, they stood in the middle of it all.

The weight of what had just happened weighed down on them more forcefully than before, even though the links were gone, broken into nothingness. Asrael's silver irises continued o flare into the strong intensity, and his breathing was labored. Selene could see the war raging beneath his skin, the weariness in his posture.

She swallowed hard and took a hesitant step forward. "Asrael?"

His gaze snapped to hers, wild and untamed for a moment before recognition softened the edges of his features. He didn't speak, just exhaled slowly and closed his eyes, as if trying to steady himself.

Selene reached out, her fingertips brushing against his wrist. "Hey… You with me?"

His muscles tensed at the contact, but he didn't pull away. Instead, his fingers curled around hers, grounding himself. "I'm here."

She searched his face, looking for any signs of pain. "What happened back there?"

Asrael hesitated, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Something woke up inside me." His voice was low, contemplative. "That power… it felt ancient. And for a moment, it felt like it wasn't just mine."

Selene's chest tightened. "You think it was me?"

"I don't know," he admitted. "But I felt you. Your presence. Your light."

A shiver ran down her spine. Their connection—it had always been intense, but now, it felt like an unspoken bond had latched onto them, entwining their fates even deeper.

The realization settled between them, unspoken yet heavy.

🔥 A Truth Unveiled 🔥

The delicate moment between them was broken by a quiet, purposeful clap that reverberated though the ruins.

Another person stepped out of the changing shadows, and Selene turned sharply, her pulse thumping. In the contrast to the other being , this one was tall, dressed in robes of deep blue, and had piercing silver eyes that stared at Asrael with a look that was uncannily similar to amusement.

The stranger said in a silky voice, " Well done." "I had my doubts, but you still amaze me."

Asrael tensed, his whole body going into protective position. "Who are you?" 

The figure tilted his head slightly. "A messenger. A harbinger, if you will." His gaze flickered briefly to Selene before settling back on Asrael. "You're awakening, Forsaken One. And that is… problematic."

Selene felt a cold rush of dread. "For whom is it problematic?"

A slow, knowing smile curved the stranger's lips." For people who prefer that you stay in the dark."

The Importance of Fate

Asrael balled his fists. 'I've had enough of being a pawn.'

The stranger clasped his hands together and moaned ,"Ah.' "You say that now, but tell me—do you even know what you are?"

Asrael faltered for a fraction of a second. It was small, barely perceptible, but Selene saw it. She saw the hesitation, the doubt creeping in.

The stranger took a step forward, lowering his voice to something almost coaxing. "Power without purpose is chaos, Asrael. And right now, you are little more than an untamed storm. But I can offer clarity."

Selene stepped in front of Asrael, her protective instincts flaring. "We don't need your clarity."

The stranger's silver eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, but you will."

With that, the shadows swelled around him, swallowing him whole until there was nothing left but the lingering chill of his presence.

🔥 A Path Unknown 🔥

Selene exhaled sharply, her nerves still buzzing. "Well, that wasn't ominous at all."

Asrael ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. "I hate riddles."

She turned to him, searching his face. "Do you believe him?"

His jaw tightened. "I don't know. But I do know that whatever this is… it's not over."

Selene nodded, determination hardening her expression. "Then we fight. Together."

Their hands found each other again, fingers interlocking. A silent vow passed between them. No matter what came next, they wouldn't face it alone.