Chapter 3: The Warning

The moon hung low over Velheim like a quiet sentinel, casting pale light over the rooftops. Inside the abandoned warehouse, the silence was thick. Aether stood before the four people who would become his first real allies—again.

"I know this sounds insane," Aether said, his voice steady but low. "But I'm telling you the truth. Five years from now, this kingdom will fall. Everything we know will be turned to ash."

Viktor, the scholar with ink-stained fingers and tired eyes, folded his arms. "You're saying you've seen the future?"

"I lived it," Aether replied. "I was there when the Sovereign Empire marched through our gates. I watched Velheim burn. I saw friends die. I died."

Darius, the ex-knight, scoffed. "You expect us to believe you came back from the dead?"

Aether turned to him, meeting his eyes. "You died defending a gate that never should've been left open. You were betrayed by men you trusted. You died a hero—but in silence. Your name was buried."

Darius stiffened. He hadn't told anyone the details of his disgrace. The fact that Aether knew them said more than any speech ever could.

Lena, leaning casually against a pillar, eyed Aether curiously. "Okay, so let's say you're telling the truth. Why now? Why us?"

"Because in the past, no one listened. This time, I'm starting early. I want to stop the empire before they reach our gates. And I can't do it alone."

Selene had been quiet until now. "You didn't tell me any of this," she said softly.

"I couldn't," Aether said. "You wouldn't have believed me. Would you?"

She frowned but didn't answer.

Viktor exhaled slowly. "Assuming we believe you… what's the first move?"

Aether stepped forward, eyes focused. "We uncover the traitors before they move. We secure Velheim's defenses. And we stop the Black Herald."

Lena blinked. "The what now?"

Aether's jaw tightened. "A man—no, a monster. He appears just before the empire strikes. He's not human. He walks in shadows. Commands corrupted soldiers. In the last war, we didn't know he existed until it was too late. But this time, I'll find him first."

The silence stretched. Then Darius stepped forward. "If there's even a chance you're right… I'll fight. Just tell me where to start."

Viktor gave a tired shrug. "Guess I'm in. The world's going to hell either way."

Lena smirked. "If I die, it better be interesting."

Selene still hadn't said anything. She walked up to Aether, close enough to look him in the eyes. "Don't lie to me again," she said. "If we're doing this, we do it together."

Aether nodded. "Together."

---

The Next Day – Royal Archives

Velheim's Royal Archives were massive—rows upon rows of ancient scrolls, records, and forbidden tomes. Aether moved through them with Viktor by his side.

"We're looking for anything on pre-Sovereign magic," Aether whispered. "Especially mentions of shadow entities, curses, or military anomalies."

Viktor raised an eyebrow. "You're being unusually specific."

"I have my reasons."

Hours passed as they searched. Dust clung to their hands. Candlelight flickered as they flipped through forgotten pages.

And then—

"Here." Viktor held out a brittle scroll. "This is old. Really old. Mentions a figure called 'The Herald of Ruin.'"

Aether leaned in, reading the faded ink.

'He walks in silence, where light dies. A servant not of gods, but of endings. He brings rot, corruption, and with him, the ruin of all thrones.'

Viktor looked up. "That sound like your guy?"

Aether nodded. "That's him."

"But this is ancient. Like, pre-kingdoms ancient."

Aether's voice dropped. "He's not just a soldier. He's something else. And he serves someone—or something—older than the empire. If we find him, we learn who's pulling the strings."

Viktor swallowed. "And if he finds us first?"

Aether didn't answer.

---

Meanwhile—Elsewhere in Velheim

In a quiet alley on the edge of the noble district, a shadow moved.

Two guards on patrol turned the corner. One of them froze. "Did you hear that?"

A whisper. Not words. Just breath.

They drew swords.

Too late.

A hand like smoke gripped the first man's throat, lifting him off the ground. His scream never came. His skin turned gray, then black, crumbling like ash.

The second guard ran—tripped—screamed.

The shadow bent over him.

A voice, dry and cold: "Velheim... must fall."

Then silence.

---

That Night – Royal Gardens

Selene found Aether sitting alone on a marble bench. He was staring at the stars.

She sat beside him. "You've barely spoken since the archives."

Aether didn't look at her. "The Herald's already here. He's started moving."

Selene tensed. "How do you know?"

"There were two patrolmen found dead near the noble district. Drained, like husks. Same way he killed in the past."

Her voice dropped. "What do we do?"

Aether finally turned to her. "We warn the king. We start preparing. And we find out who brought him into Velheim."

Selene hesitated. "And what about… us?"

Aether blinked. "What do you mean?"

She looked away. "You're different. Distant. Like you're carrying a war on your own. I want to help, but I feel like you're always ten steps ahead—somewhere I can't reach."

Aether stared at her, the girl who had died in his arms in the last life. The girl he had failed.

"I'm scared," he admitted. "Not of dying. Of losing people again. Of losing you."

Selene didn't respond right away. Then she took his hand.

"Then don't shut me out."

He nodded slowly, gripping her hand tighter.

In the shadows, something watched.