The sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the forest in hues of amber and crimson as Arin and Roderic returned to the safe house. Despite the day’s revelations, the air felt heavy with an unspoken tension. Arin's thoughts were a swirling chaos of fear, anger, and confusion. Every time he glanced at the shard in his pocket, it seemed to pulse, almost as though it were responding to his emotions.

“We’ll need to keep this between us for now,” Roderic said, breaking the silence. His voice was firm, but his expression betrayed his own unease.

“Why?” Arin asked, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “If the shard is so dangerous, shouldn’t everyone know?”

Roderic stopped walking and turned to face Arin. His eyes, usually steady and calculating, were filled with something Arin couldn’t quite place—was it fear? Regret?

“Because the more people who know, the bigger the target we paint on our backs,” Roderic said. “The Crestborne won’t hesitate to tear this resistance apart to get what they want. And right now, you’re what they want.”

Arin’s stomach twisted. He had been a nobody just weeks ago, a scavenger trying to survive. Now, he was the reluctant keeper of a power he barely understood, and it seemed like everyone wanted a piece of him.

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“Fine,” he muttered. “But if this blows up in our faces, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Roderic gave him a faint smile. “Fair enough. Let’s get back.”

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The safe house was quieter than usual when they arrived. Kaelith was seated at the central table, a map spread out before her. She looked up as they entered, her sharp eyes narrowing.

“Took you long enough,” she said, her tone more teasing than accusatory. “What’d you find?”

“Answers,” Roderic replied. “And more questions.”

Kaelith’s gaze shifted to Arin. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Arin dropped into a chair with a heavy sigh. “I think I’d prefer a ghost. At least they don’t come with existential dread.”

Kaelith raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. Instead, she tapped the map in front of her. “While you were off chasing mysteries, I found something interesting. Crestborne scouts have been spotted near the southern cliffs. They’ve set up a temporary camp, but it’s heavily guarded.”

“What are they guarding?” Roderic asked, leaning over the map.

Kaelith shrugged. “Could be nothing. Could be another shard. Either way, it’s worth checking out.”