Got it—you want it smoother, simpler, like
Adrian didn't sleep.
He stayed by the window, staring out at the city lights, replaying Veyr's words over and over in his head.
It recognized me too.
That didn't make sense.
It shouldn't make sense.
What are you hiding? Adrian muttered.
But no answer came.
Not from the mark.
Not from the shadows.
Not from anyone.
The next morning felt colder than usual.
Adrian stepped into the training hall and immediately noticed something was off.
Kai was already there.
So was Veyr.
And neither of them looked like they planned to leave.
Okay, Adrian said, walking in slowly. Did I miss something?
No one answered.
The air felt tense.
Heavy.
Like a storm about to break.
Adrian sighed.
Right. I'll just stand here then.
Kai finally spoke.
You talked to him last night.
It wasn't a question.
Adrian shrugged.
Yeah.
Kai's gaze sharpened.
What did he say?
Adrian glanced at Veyr.
You want to tell him, or should I?
Veyr didn't move.
It doesn't matter who says it.
A pause.
The truth doesn't change.
Kai's expression darkened.
Then say it.
Silence.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Veyr stepped forward.
The entity we faced
He looked directly at Kai.
It's not new.
Adrian crossed his arms.
Yeah, I figured that part out.
Veyr continued.
It existed before.
Kai's eyes narrowed slightly.
Go on.
Veyr didn't hesitate.
The last Core wasn't the beginning.
That made Adrian frown.
Wait—what?
Kai's voice dropped.
Explain.
Veyr's gaze stayed steady.
There have been others.
Silence filled the room.
Adrian blinked.
You're saying I'm not the first?
No, Veyr replied. You're just the latest.
That didn't sit well.
Not at all.
Adrian let out a breath.
Okay. I really don't like that.
Kai didn't react the same way.
His expression had gone completely still.
How many? he asked.
Veyr shook his head.
Unknown.
A pause.
But enough to establish a pattern.
Adrian ran a hand through his hair.
Great. So I'm part of a long line of people who lose control and die.
No one corrected him.
Because that's exactly what it sounded like.
Kai stepped forward slowly.
Why didn't you say anything before?
Veyr met his gaze.
Because it wouldn't have changed anything.
Kai's voice hardened.
It changes everything.
A pause.
"You knew what we were dealing with.
Veyr didn't deny it.
Yes.
Kai clenched his fist.
And you stayed silent.
Veyr's tone didn't shift.
I was waiting.
"For what?" Kai snapped.
To see if he was different.
Silence.
Adrian frowned.
You could've just asked.
Veyr glanced at him.
That wouldn't prove anything.
Adrian scoffed.
You're really annoying, you know that?
Veyr didn't respond.
Kai turned away slightly, his expression tight.
The last Core
He paused.
He didn't know either.
Adrian looked at him.
You never told him?
Kai didn't answer.
But that
Was enough.
Adrian let out a slow breath.
So he went in blind.
Kai's voice was quiet.
Yes.
Adrian's chest tightened.
And you expect me to just be okay with that?
Kai looked at him.
No.
A pause.
But I expect you to survive it.
That was honest.
Brutally honest.
Adrian shook his head slightly.
You really don't make this easy.
Kai didn't respond
Veyr spoke again.
There's more.
Adrian groaned.
Of course there is.
Veyr ignored that.
The entity didn't just recognize Adrian.
A pause.
It recognized me.
Kai's gaze snapped toward him.
Why?
Adrian looked between them.
Yeah, I'd like to know that too.
Veyr was silent for a moment.
Then
Because I've faced it before.
The words landed hard.
Adrian blinked.
Wait… what?
Kai's expression darkened.
Explain.
Veyr's voice lowered.
Not directly.
A pause.
But close enough.
Adrian frowned.
You're being vague again.
Veyr exhaled quietly.
The last Core
He hesitated slightly.
He reached the same point you did.
Adrian's chest tightened.
The breach.
Veyr nodded.
"Yes."
A pause.
And something answered him.
Silence.
Adrian felt a chill run down his spine.
The same thing?"
Veyr met his gaze.
Yes.
The room felt colder.
Heavier.
Real.
Adrian looked down at his wrist.
The mark pulsed faintly.
So this thing
He swallowed slightly.
It's been doing this over and over.
Kai's voice was low.
"…Yes."
Adrian clenched his fist.
"…And we're just… next."
No one argued.
---
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Adrian let out a quiet breath.
"…Alright."
Both of them looked at him.
Adrian lifted his head.
His expression steady.
"…Then we break the pattern."
Silence.
Kai watched him carefully.
"…It won't be that simple."
Adrian shrugged.
"…Nothing ever is."
He glanced at Veyr.
"…But you said it yourself."
A pause.
"…What if I'm different?"
Veyr didn't answer immediately.
Then—
"…Then everything changes."
Adrian smiled faintly.
"…Good."
Because that was enough.
---
The tension didn't disappear.
The danger didn't fade.
But something shifted.
Slightly.
For the first time
This wasn't just about surviving.
It was about ending something that had been going on for far too long.
Adrian looked at both of them.
So?"
A small pause.
"…Are we doing this or not?"
Kai stepped forward.
We are.
Veyr didn't move.
But his voice came just as steady.
We are.
Adrian nodded once.
Good.
Because now
It wasn't just his fight anymore.
It was theirs.
And this time
It wouldn't end the same way.