Chapter XXV

(6 Years Ago)

Year 2048

Moonlight filtered through the narrow window, casting intricate patterns across the scattered tomes and crumpled notes on Yoki's desk. Sleep eluded him. He stood by the window, pressing his forehead against the cool glass, his gaze wandering over the sprawling Academy. Its spires pierced the star-strewn sky, silent guardians of secrets he was determined to uncover.

"Not everyone is as they seem." Indigo's words lingered, a haunting melody in his mind. Her intense gaze stirred a restless energy within him as if her warning had unearthed an unsettling truth just beneath the surface. Questions swirled in his thoughts like autumn leaves caught in a gust, but the answers remained just out of reach.

A faint rustling behind him drew his attention. Turning, Yoki noticed an envelope that hadn't been there before, resting atop his journal. His pulse quickened.

The hell?

The seal bore an unfamiliar insignia—a crescent moon. He reached for it, the parchment feeling cool against his fingertips as he unfolded the note. The elegant script unfurled like a serpent across the page:

"The shadows know your name. The threads are weaving. Choose your path wisely."

A chill crept up his spine, the words coiling around his thoughts like tendrils of mist. Who was watching him? And what path were they urging him to choose? The silence of his room deepened, pressing in on him as though unseen eyes were bearing down.

Yoki sank into his chair, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows along the walls. He traced the edge of the note, his mind a tangled web of apprehension. The runes he'd been studying—symbols that once seemed distant—now felt more significant, like threads of a larger tapestry he was only beginning to perceive.

Outside, the first blush of dawn stained the horizon with hues of lavender and rose. He would be late with his training with Indigo if he didn't leave soon. Putting on his Cloak and Newsboy Cap and grabbing his satchel, he strode out of his room into the boy's hall, out into the common room of the Umbra dormitory, and ventured across the campus clutching his campus, etching his way toward the Colosseum.

──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ────

As he entered the dining hall, the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sharp, bitter tang of brewing coffee greeted him. His stomach responded with a low rumble, a reminder of his neglected hunger. The hall buzzed with energy—students chatting animatedly, the clatter of utensils, and bursts of laughter creating a lively atmosphere in contrast with Yoki's own emotions.

"Yoki! Over here!" Enrique's voice cut through the din, brimming with its usual enthusiasm.

Yoki spotted his friend at a long wooden table near the windows, sunlight casting a warm glow over Enrique's curly hair. Waving back, Yoki weaved through the crowd and slid into the seat opposite him.

"Morning," Yoki greeted, attempting a smile.

Enrique raised an eyebrow. "Looks like someone had a late night—or perhaps an early morning. Studying or sneaking around?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Yoki retorted, reaching for a piece of toast. His training with Indigo had remained a secret, something suggested by Indigo herself. It wasn't that Yoki didn't trust Enrique; Yoki was just a bit afraid of Indigo, after all…

"Keeping secrets now, are we?" Enrique feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "I thought we were friends."

"Maybe I'm just trying to maintain an air of mystery," Yoki said, though his thoughts were elsewhere.

"Well, your 'mysterious' dark circles are quite the fashion statement," Enrique teased, gesturing at Yoki's eyes.

Yoki chuckled despite himself. "Touché."

Enrique launched into a tale about a mishap in his Alchemical Principles class yesterday as they ate. Yoki and Enrique had been roomed together and had many classes together, but it would've been abnormal for everything to be scheduled the same. Strangely enough, classes were constantly changing in times throughout the week, professors dictating the following day when the class would be. It stayed the same in terms of who was in the class, but the times changed based on the professor's availability, it seemed.

"So there I was, trying to add just a drop of flux reagent," Enrique said, his eyes widening as he held up his fingers barely an inch apart. "And suddenly—BOOM! The whole table just—"

He threw his hands into the air, mimicking an explosion, complete with a BMFFF of sound effects.

Yoki's laughter broke free. "You're kidding! What did Professor Aldric do?"

"Oh, you should have seen his face!" Enrique contorted his expression into a mix of shock and horror, his voice going higher. "He looked like he couldn't decide whether to scold me or run for cover."

Yoki chuckled, shaking his head. "You really have a knack for chaos, you know that?"

"Hey, it's all part of the learning process," Enrique said, grinning broadly. "Besides, what's alchemy without a little risk?"

Yoki's smile was contagious from Enrique's own. The weight on his shoulders lifted, if only for a moment, and he allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things would turn out alright.

"By the way," Enrique said between bites, "I'm meeting up with the twins and Daniel later for some training we did when we were younger, before The Academy. You should join us."

"The twins?" Yoki asked, his interest piqued.

"Hannah and Helena," Enrique clarified. "Though calling them 'twins' doesn't quite capture it. They're like fire and ice."

"I've seen them but have yet to really talk to them. What's the deal?"

"Hannah's the studious one—organized, precise, a bit intense. Helena's... well, she's a whirlwind. Unpredictable but fun."

"They sound intriguing," Yoki mused.

"You have no idea," Enrique replied. "So, you in?"

Yoki considered the offer. Amidst his newfound studies of the likely relationship between runes and the enigmatic compass, perhaps some normalcy would help Yoki come back and look at things from a new angle—after his research today, of course. "Yeah, count me in."

"Excellent! East field after midday classes," Enrique confirmed, clapping him on the shoulder.

The ten-minute bell rang, signaling the start of classes soon, and Enrique and Yoki departed separately.

Yoki left the dining hall, the lively chatter fading behind him as he went outside. He took out his compass and whispered, "Library." The needle spun briefly, then shot to his lower left, pointing the way. He followed the direction, turning down various winding trails and paths that crisscrossed the campus.

Eventually, he reached the grand entrance of the library. He paused for a moment before shaking his head and sighing. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the doors open and stepped inside. The familiar scent of parchment and aged leather wrapped around him immediately, calming his restless thoughts.

He moved between rows of towering shelves, the echo of his footsteps lost in the endless library space. Yoki hadn't even explored more than a quarter of the library's allowed plebes area. Finally, Yoki reached the secluded corner he'd discovered just yesterday, a patch of sunlight falling across the polished table. Yoki shrugged off his satchel and pulled out his notes, spreading them across the table as he sat. The sunlight warmed his face, and he let out another small sigh, settling into the comfort of the library's quiet.

Yoki pulled his notes off the table and spread them out, his gaze falling on a particular rune—a swirling mark etched with interlocking lines that he'd struggled to decipher the day before. He traced its curves with his fingertip, brow furrowed as he whispered the symbols aloud. "Fyrnäshta... convergence of parallel planes," he muttered.

He flipped open one of his books where he had marked the end of the reading he'd done the day before, eyes skimming the dense text. "In instances of planar divergence, the fyrnäshta can stabilize local disruptions... but only if counter-balanced by the glyph of undæri," he read aloud, the complexity of the phrasing almost baffling. He scribbled notes quickly in the margin—something obviously forbidden—his quill scratching against the parchment, the words a flurry of half-formed thoughts.

Yoki glanced back at the rune, squinting as he tried to picture the concept of parallel planes—each layer existing on its own yet brushing against the others, like veils that shifted and folded. He let his eyes drift over the surrounding text, deciphering dense lines filled with strange phrases: "The convergence of the ingrained sunderglyph is related to how it flows, maintained through harmonization of opposing energies, lest the fabric of reality fray at the seams." His brow furrowed deeper, fingers trailing over a diagram depicting multiple overlapping circles, each inscribed with more minor runes.

"If the fyrnäshta stabilizes divergence," he whispered, tapping the parchment, "then undæri must bind... but how?"

He flipped a few pages, chasing the answer. Hours slipped by unnoticed, the world beyond the library fading into nothingness. The hush of the space, the scent of ink, and old parchment wrapped around him like a cocoon.

"Lost in study again, are we?"

He looked up to find Lila standing across from him, her emerald eyes shimmering with quiet amusement. The soft glow from the high windows highlighted her deep brown skin, and a small, knowing smile curved her lips.

"You could say that," Yoki replied with a weary grin. "I'm starting to think this place is designed to keep me lost.""

"Maybe you're not supposed to find your way out," she mused, sliding into the chair across from him. "Maybe the library is where you need to be.""

He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Or maybe it's hiding something worth finding."

Always searching, aren't you?" she said, her tone softer now, though her gaze flickered with something almost like worry. She traced a finger along the spine of one of Yoki's books. "But not every secret is meant to be found, Yoki. Some things are better left alone.""

"Is that a warning?" Yoki asked, his voice barely above a whisper, catching the shift in her tone.

"Call it advice," she said, her eyes meeting his steadily. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing. It can lead you down paths you might not be ready for."

Yoki studied her, noticing the tension in her posture—her fingers tapping lightly against the table as if betraying inner turmoil. "You look like something's bothering you."

She hesitated, her gaze drifting to a nearby window where students milled about outside, below the elevated portion of Yoki's secluded study spot. "Do you ever feel stuck between two different worlds?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Interesting.

"Sometimes," he admitted, caught off guard by the Painkiller. "Why do you ask?"

Lila sighed, vulnerability slipping through her composed exterior. "I believed knowledge was the ultimate goal—that understanding hidden truths would bring enlightenment."

Yoki leaned forward before asking, "What changed?"

Her eyes met his, a flicker of pain evident. "Some truths carry burdens heavier than ignorance."

He waited, sensing she had more to say.

"There's a group," she continued cautiously, lowering her voice. "They call themselves the Veilseekers."

"Veilseekers?" Yoki repeated, the unfamiliar term stirring curiosity. "Who are they?"

"They're students and even some faculty who believe the Academy is hiding deeper secrets—access to forbidden magicks and knowledge," Lila explained. "They seek to pierce the rift between our world and others, where the power of Tearings originates from—from Noctisanguis."

Yoki felt a chill. "And… you're involved with them?"

"Briefly," she admitted, shame flickering in her eyes. "I thought they could help me understand the mysteries that eluded me. But their methods are dangerous—reckless."

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"What do they want with me?" he asked, a knot forming in his stomach.

"They've taken an interest in you," she said. "Your affinity for runes, your Nightwalker abilities. The rumors of the Painkiller's return and you leading them to him—they believe you could be the key to unlocking the pathways they seek."

He leaned back, absorbing the weight of her words. "Why tell me this?"

"Because I don't want to see you pulled into something you don't understand," she replied earnestly. "They're not what they seem."

Yoki's mind raced. The cryptic notes and the sensations of being watched began to align. "I received a note," he revealed, retrieving it from his pocket and handing it to her. "I think it's from them."

She read it, her expression darkening. "I didn't know they reached out already."

"What should I do?" Yoki asked, dread filling him.

"Be cautious, and don't engage with them," Lila advised. "And... perhaps confide in someone you trust."

He thought of Lucia, of Enrique and Daniel. Could he involve them in this? Should he tell Indigo? Surely, she wasn't a part of this Veilseeker's group.

"Thank you, Lila," he said sincerely. "For warning me."

A small, sad smile touched her lips. "I just hope it's not too late."

Before he could respond, the bell chimed softly, signaling the next round of classes in ten minutes. Lila stood, her movements graceful but with an edge of tension. Yoki had skipped Calculus III—he hadn't seen the point in sitting through a lecture that would only confuse him, opting to teach himself later, as he would be doing regardless.

"Take care," she whispered, her eyes lingering on his a moment longer, something unspoken in her gaze. Her fingers brushed his briefly as she rose, and Yoki felt a strange warmth radiate from her touch—a warmth that lingered longer than it should have.

As she walked away, her hips swayed with a fluid grace that made it impossible not to notice. There was an allure to her—something deeper than mere interest—that pulled at him. He swallowed, his gaze lingering on her until she disappeared from view. It wasn't just her beauty, though that certainly didn't help; it was a longing that made his chest tighten.

Yoki found himself drawn to the sway of her movements, the way her eyes seemed to promise more. His feet almost moved of their own accord, ready to follow, but Lucia's smile came to him—soft and kind, like a tether pulling him back from the edge. He breathed, shaking his head as if to clear a spell.

The paths outside blurred as he forced himself toward Runes's class, a class he definitely wouldn't want to skip. He exited the library, jogging to get to class on time, all while his heart wrestled with conflicting emotions. By the time he slipped into his seat in Runic Hall, Professor Aelwyn's voice was already a distant hum, lost beneath the chaos in his mind—he was, unsurprisingly, late.

Glyphs filled the pages as Yoki took his seat and opened the Intro to Runes textbook on the table, but they were nothing more than shapes under his absent gaze. Lila's eyes, Lucia's laughter—they danced in his thoughts, drowning out everything else. His pen scratched mechanically, writing words that would mean nothing to him later, the storm inside him leaving no room for anything else.

"Mr. Yoki," Aelwyn's sharp tone cut through his haze. "Perhaps you can enlighten us on the consequences of misaligned convergence points in a spatial matrix?"

He blinked, scrambling for an answer. "A misalignment could destabilize the matrix, leading to spatial distortions or collapse," he replied, hoping he sounded confident.

Aelwyn regarded him critically. "Correct. See that you remain present. Distractions are a luxury we cannot afford."

"Yes, Professor," Yoki murmured, feeling his cheeks warm.

A soft chuckle drifted from his left. He glanced over to see Hannah observing him. Her heterochromatic eyes left eye green and left eye blue, reflected mild amusement.

As class ended, Yoki found himself walking alongside her.

"Rough day?" she inquired, her tone neutral yet not unkind.

"Just a lot on my mind," he admitted.

"Distractions can hinder progress," she noted. "It's important to prioritize."

He offered a rueful smile. "Sound advice. I'll try to keep that in mind."

They walked in silence for a moment, the corridor bustling around them.

"Enrique mentioned training," Yoki suddenly said, somewhat uncomfortable at the silence. I'm looking forward to it."

"Good," Hannah replied, expression stoic. "Your skills would enhance our group's dynamics. I've seen you fight, you're a good fighter."

"High praise coming from you," he remarked, remembering Enrique mentioning how she came into school known as the only Shifter of the plebe class—the only Tearing class stronger than Nigthwalker's, meant to keep people like Yoki in check.

She raised an eyebrow. "I don't offer praise lightly."

"Then I'll strive to live up to it."

A faint smile touched her lips, breaking her stoic expression. "See that you do. I'm actually heading out now; come with me."

Yoki nodded, falling beside her as they walked through the bustling corridor outside the Runic Hall. The students around them were caught up in their own conversations, the chatter blending into a background hum. Yoki stole a few glances at Hannah as they walked, noting how her eyes were focused straight ahead, her expression somewhat emotionless. Something about her stoic resolve drew him in, wanting Yoki to unravel the person she seemed to be hiding within.

The sun greeted them as they stepped out of the building and headed to the east field, where the midday sunlight bathed everything in a rich, golden hue. The warmth of the sunlight mixed with the crisp breeze of the day, carrying the scent of Autumn's fallen leaves. Hannah's stride was purposeful, her gaze set on the training grounds ahead, and Yoki matched her pace, the quiet between them more comfortable than before.

As they approached, Yoki noticed Daniel off to the side. His usually quiet demeanor focused as he worked with arcs of electricity sparking between his palms. His concentration was intense, and every spark was deliberate, and Yoki could see how his jaw tightened as he controlled the current.

On the east field, Yoki's eyes caught sight of Enrique, his fingers flicking subtly as stones floated and twisted through the air, forming intricate patterns. The rocks moved gracefully as if they were an extension of Enrique himself, each motion precise and deliberate. Yoki couldn't help but be captivated by the effortless display of control.

──── ∗ Yesterday Evening ∗ ────

"Remember what I told you during our last session?" Indigo's voice echoed across the training square. Yoki stood before her, her eyes sharp and assessing as she explained. "Earthworkers are connected to their elemental affinity like an extension of themselves—effortless, like another limb. But for you, it's not that simple. It's like trying to graft something external onto yourself. Nightwalkers have the potential to mimic abilities more easily from other Tearing classes, but it takes a lot more effort and a much higher Sphaerem cost. It won't come easy, Yoki."

She had paused, then given him a half-smile. "But you're lucky. Nightwalkers are the most adaptable. If you work hard enough, you can learn almost anything."

───────────────────

"Showing off again?" Yoki called out.

Enrique grinned. "Just keeping sharp. Can't let you surpass me."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Yoki replied.

Helena bounded over, her raven-black hair flowing freely, her left eye blue and her right eye green, opposite Hannah's. She was taller than Hannah, who was already tall, making her well over six feet. "Well, if it isn't the shadow master himself," she declared. "Ready?"

"Always," Yoki said, matching her grin.

She conjured a small flame, twirling it between her fingers. "Think you can keep up?"

"Save the theatrics for the exercises," Hannah interjected, approaching with measured steps. "We have a schedule."

Helena rolled her eyes. "Schedules are so limiting."

"Structure breeds efficiency," Hannah retorted, though a hint of warmth softened her tone.

Yoki shrugged off his cloak to reveal his more athletic clothing for the training. Daniel stared at Yoki wide-eyed while Enrique giggled like a schoolgirl at Daniel's expression. It seemed that the twins were not as impressed as the boys.

"You're massive! How in the world did you get so built! You're almost as big as the twins!"

"Stop with the glaze, Daniel," Enrique said.

"It's not that impressive," Helena said, getting out of her cloak. She was—ginormous and in a way that was entirely of muscle. Hannah took her cloak off; the athletic wear underneath showed her ridiculously sculpted body.

By sanguis, these twins are no joke!

They began training, practicing basic grappling maneuvers that incorporated their elemental abilities in simple ways. Hannah directed them, her commands clear but encouraging, her gaze sharp as she evaluated their efforts.

"Alright, let's get to it now that we're warmed up. Yoki, you're up first. Focus on using your strength and speed to keep Helena off balance," she instructed.

Yoki squared off against Helena, who moved with catlike grace, her raven hair flowing as she attempted to dodge his advances. He lunged forward, using his raw strength to grapple her. Helena summoned small bursts of flame at his sides, trying to throw him off, but Yoki's focus remained steady. He moved with lightning-fast speed and brute strength, his grip unyielding as he tackled her to the ground.

"Good, Yoki," Hannah called out, nodding approvingly. "Remember, you won't always be able to rely on elemental manipulation, so your physical abilities are crucial."

Next, Enrique and Daniel paired up, Enrique manipulating stones beneath Daniel's feet to keep him off balance. At the same time, Daniel focused on small, controlled arcs of electricity, aiming to disrupt Enrique's movements. Hannah watched, her eyes flickering between them.

"Stay grounded, Daniel," she advised. "Use the terrain to your advantage, and don't let Enrique dictate your movements."

The training continued. Each rotated through different grappling exercises, incorporating their elemental affinities in small, controlled bursts, all designed to keep the other off balance. The drills were simple, but the intensity of their focus brought them together as a unit, each learning from the other's strengths and weaknesses.

"Not bad," Helena admitted, brushing the sweat from her forehead as they finished. She finished another round with Yoki, who was now panting, too. You might just keep up with us, Yoki."

It'd been a while since Yoki had been given such a physical challenge. Yoki grinned, still breathing heavily. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Your coordination is improving," Hannah observed. "We'll need that for what's ahead."

Yoki's brow furrowed. What did Hannah mean by needing coordination for what's ahead? Was there something specific she knew that he didn't? He needed to find out if it was a general comment or if he was missing some crucial information.

"Anyone else starving?" Helena asked.

"Absolutely," Enrique agreed. "Dinner awaits."

They started walking back, their steps in sync, Enrique's easy laughter breaking the quiet of the evening. Yoki shrugged off Hannah's comment. The bond between the group shared a sense of purpose that needed no words. Yoki could tell they knew each other from the way they spoke to each other informally, speaking about little things—classes, the upcoming training, anything but the weight that lingered beneath their day.

They headed straight for a table by the dining hall's windows. The rich aroma of roasted vegetables wafted over them, making Yoki's stomach growl in anticipation.

"So, Yoki," Helena began. "What's your story?"

He chuckled. "Nothing extraordinary. Just trying to find my place here."

"Come on, there's got to be more," she pressed.

Hannah intervened gently. "Not everyone wishes to share their past."

Yoki offered her a grateful glance, not expecting the intervention to come from her. "It's not that interesting, really," he lied.

"What about you, Hannah?" Daniel asked suddenly. "What drives you?"

She considered his question. "Knowledge is power. I aim to understand the intricacies of the Tearing world."

Just like Lila.

"Ambitious," Enrique noted.

"Ambition fuels progress," she replied.

Helena grinned a playful glint in her eyes. "She has these grand ideas about changing the world, and in the most peculiar ways too."

Hannah shot her a sideways glance, her lips twitching into a smirk. "And you, of course, just want to set everything on fire while I do it."

As the evening wore on, he contemplated sharing his concerns after they finally got to eat. The cryptic notes, the Veilseekers' interest in him—it was too heavy a burden to carry by himself, further prompted by Lila's urge to have him tell someone.

"There's something I need to tell you all," Yoki began hesitantly.

Their heads turned toward him in unison, brows furrowed and eyes searching. Concern softened their gazes while curiosity sparked beneath the surface—each of them silently awaited him to continue.

"I've been receiving these notes," he continued, pulling the latest one from his pocket. "I think someone—or some group—is targeting me."

Helena took the note and read it carefully. "This is serious," she said softly.

"Any idea who it might be?" Daniel asked, his usual levity replaced with concern.

He took a deep breath. "Have you heard of the Veilseekers?"

Daniel's eyes widened. "The Veilseekers? They're a secret group—rumored to be into forbidden magicks. Not just rumors, either. I've heard whispers of them trying to access restricted knowledge."

"They've taken an interest in me," Yoki said, his voice quieter. "And I don't know why."

Hannah leaned in, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Because you're different, Yoki. They must see something in you—something they think can help them."

"Well, they're not getting you," Enrique said firmly, a defiant edge to his voice as he joined in. He slapped a hand on Yoki's shoulder. "Whatever they're after, I won't let them mess with you."

The others nodded in agreement. A warmth settled in Yoki's chest, gratitude softening his tenseness. "Thanks, guys. This means a lot."

Hannah frowned, her gaze shifting to the note. "But we need to be smart about this. If they're as dangerous as I've heard, confronting them head-on would be reckless."

Yoki nodded. "Yeah, I know. I just didn't want to keep it to myself."

Enrique gave him a reassuring grin. "We'll figure it out together. Always."

They shifted their conversation, voices lower as they discussed possible strategies. Hannah suggested they inform a trusted faculty member, while Daniel brought up finding older students who might have dealt with the Veilseekers before. Despite the fear lingering in the back of his mind, Yoki felt lighter just talking about it with his friends—his new friends.

As the group finally parted ways after dinner, the chill of uncertainty still lingered within Yoki, but it was tempered by a renewed sense of purpose. His doubts were still there, but now, there was some optimism to face them with. When Yoki returned to his with Enrique, he found another envelope on his desk—the same crescent moon seal.

"Another note!" Enrique exclaimed.

Yoki's stomach clenched. He broke the seal, his heart pounding as he read the words inside:

"Your friends cannot save you. The veil will be pierced."

A chill rippled through him, the weight of the words pressing down like an unseen force, leaving his chest tight with unease. But he steadied himself, and the support from his friends grounded him. He wasn't alone anymore.

A soft knock pulled him from his thoughts. Enrique looked up, standing by Yoki, but Yoki crossed the room first and opened the door to find Hannah, her expression unreadable.

"I wanted to check in. Samantha knows me and allowed me to see you, but I should leave soon. I don't want her getting in trouble for letting me into the Umbra dormitory," she said simply. Samantha was the Umbra house leader, a firstie—fourth-year senior—this year.

Wordlessly, he stepped aside to let her in. "They sent another note," he said, handing it to her.

Hannah's eyes scanned the words, expression unreadable. "They're escalating," she muttered, her gaze meeting his.

Yoki let out a shaky breath. "I don't know what to do, Hannah. I just... I feel like I'm in over my head."

Hannah placed a firm hand on Yoki's arm, her eyes locking onto his. "We'll figure it out, Yoki. Enrique can vouch for this, but the whole group is here for you if you ever need our help."

"Thank you, Hannah."

She gave him a slight, reassuring nod and left. Enrique glanced over at Yoki, concerned, but he said nothing. Yoki returned to his desk, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He grabbed a scrap of parchment, his hand steady as he penned a note to himself:

"I am not alone. I choose my own path."

He placed it on the windowsill, a small but fierce declaration against the Veilseekers looming over him. Fear gripped him, thick and unyielding. It had been his shadow at Stonegate, a force he had battled and subdued as he carved his path to power. But it had returned, raw and relentless, seizing him at the lapis cruciatus and sinking in, leaving him fractured, a piece of himself forever unhealed. Yet he refused to let any faceless threat cow him—not now, not after everything he'd survived.

For those who linger, I'm waiting. Let those bastards make their move—they have no idea who they're dealing with.