Chapter 17: Weightless (Part 3)

The sky above was red.

Not with fire — with energy. Controlled, tethered, and bending to Braydon's will.

He stood in the center of a cracked stone circle, broken weapons floating in the air around him like satellites. Every piece spun slowly, weightless.

Riven stood on the edge of the platform, arms behind his back. Watching.

"You're learning," he said. "Faster than I expected."

Braydon didn't speak. His focus was locked on the final weapon — a rusted sword — which hung in front of him. Shaking slightly.

He reached out with his hand.

The blade trembled… then flew into the sky like a slingshot, vanishing into the clouds.

Riven smiled.

"Tell me something," Braydon said, voice steady.

"Anything."

"What happens if I go back to them like this?"

Riven's smile didn't fade.

"They'll fear you," he said softly. "Maybe even hate you."

Braydon nodded once. "Good."

He closed his fist, and all the floating weapons dropped at once — clanging across the stone with a final, echoing crash.

"I don't care if they fear me," Braydon said. "As long as I'm stronger than them."

Riven turned, the light in his eyes flickering violet. "Then you're ready for what comes next."