Kaelen leaned back against the soft humming surface of the Restoration Chamber, watching as the final diagnostic scans flickered across the displays. The sterile metallic scent of the chamber was sharp, grounding him in the present as he awaited the final word.

“You’re all set,” the assistant said, glancing at the readouts with a satisfied nod. “No lingering issues. You’re ready to go.”

Kaelen smirked. “I didn’t realize you were in such a hurry to get rid of me.”

The assistant raised an eyebrow, catching his tone. “Well, you do keep things interesting around here. But no, I’ll miss our little check-ins.”

“Careful now, people might start thinking you’ve taken a liking to me.”

She chuckled, not missing a beat. “I think I can handle the scandal. Besides, someone has to keep you in one piece.”

He gave a faint nod, his expression unreadable. “Appreciate it. But I’m harder to break than I look.”

The assistant studied him for a moment, sensing the layers behind his words but choosing not to press further. “Just be careful out there, Kaelen. You’re not invincible.”

Kaelen’s eyes flickered with the faintest trace of amusement. “Is that concern I hear?”

She shot him a playful glance. “Maybe a little.”

“Duly noted,” he said with a smirk before standing up. “I’ll try not to miss our next appointment.”

“I’m not joking, Kaelen. Be careful. My hands may be good, but even I can’t always work miracles.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Mara. But you know I like to keep things interesting.”

Mara crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly but with a hint of a smile. “Just don’t overdo it. I’d rather not have to patch you up every time you come back.”

Kaelen was just about to make his exit when the door slid open with a quiet hiss. Lyrian stepped in, his usual grin plastered on his face, eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Well, well, look who’s finally up and about. Almost thought we’d have to leave you in here, make you part of the decor.”

Kaelen smirked, pushing himself off the chamber’s cushioned surface and standing up, wincing only slightly as he tested his movements."You wish. I’m not giving you the satisfaction of redecorating."

Lyrian approached, hands shoved casually in his pockets. "Come on, let's get you out of here before you become too comfortable in this place. I’m sure you’ve got more pressing things to do... like drinking all my expensive liquor."

They both chuckled as Kaelen grabbed his coat, the familiar weight of it on his shoulders grounding him. It was easier, somehow, to focus on the present when Lyrian was around. His friend had a way of pulling him out of the darker corners of his mind.

As they stepped out of the chamber, Nyra and Jax appeared at the end of the hallway, making their way toward them. Nyra’s drones hovered silently around her, their faint glow casting a sharp contrast against her dark attire.

"Look who’s back on his feet," Nyra said. "Thought we’d have to keep you locked up for an entire week."

"Trust me," Kaelen replied dryly, "I’ve had enough of lying down."

Jax snorted, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Better you than me. I wouldn’t last a day in that chamber. Too quiet."

"Is that why you keep blowing things up?" Kaelen shot back, raising an eyebrow. "To avoid silence?"

"Hey," Jax replied with a grin, "I just like things loud."

The banter between them flowed easily, the tension that had been lingering in the air since the incident dissipating. It was comforting, this back-and-forth, a reminder that despite everything, they still had a rhythm.

But beneath Kaelen’s smirk, a heavy weight still pressed on his chest. The memory of the entity lingered, gnawing at the edges of his thoughts, and no amount of light-hearted conversation could completely banish it.

His gaze flickered briefly to Lyrian, and a question rose unbidden to his lips. "What’s going to happen with the Singularity?"

The shift in the conversation was immediate. Nyra’s drones paused in midair, and Jax’s smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression.

"We’re not sure yet," Nyra admitted, her brow furrowing slightly. "We only found out about it when the convoy was attacked. Our orders were to investigate what happened and protect the remaining tech."

"Yeah, it’s big, whatever it is. The Council’s keeping most of the details under wraps, as usual. But from what we’ve pieced together, it’s important. Really important." Jax added.

Kaelen kept his face carefully neutral, though inside, the guilt twisted deeper. He knew what had happened to the convoy, he had been part of the team that attacked it. But his friends didn’t know that. They couldn’t.

And Lyrian, standing so close, had no idea. The thought of lying to his best friend made his stomach turn, but what else could he do? If Lyrian found out the truth...

"I’m sure we’ll figure it out," Kaelen said, forcing a casual tone, though the words felt hollow. "Just another mystery to solve."

Nyra gave him a long look, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she could sense something wasn’t right, but she said nothing. Instead, she shrugged and nodded. "Yeah, we’ll handle it. We always do."

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, they reached the exit of Core’s towering buildings, where Lyrian’s sleek vehicle waited for them. Kaelen eyed the shiny craft, its streamlined design a sharp contrast to the rough battle-worn exterior he was more accustomed to.

Lyrian grinned as he gestured toward the vehicle. “Need a ride, or are you planning to charm your way through the city on foot?”

Kaelen raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Tempting. But I’d rather not give the entire city a show.”

Lyrian laughed, unlocking the vehicle with a wave of his hand. “Fair point. Get in then, before you start thinking you’re invincible.”

Kaelen slid into the passenger seat, shaking his head. “And here I thought you just wanted me around for the company.”

“Oh, I do. Who else am I gonna mock while I drive this beauty? You know you’re the only one who can take it.”

Kaelen smirked, leaning back in the seat as the vehicle hummed to life. “Lucky me.”

The ride was smooth, the city of Velithor gliding past them in a blur of neon lights and towering structures. Kaelen stared out the window, his thoughts distant as the city’s familiar hum filled the air.

"So," Lyrian said, breaking the silence, "they’re planning to start repairs on the Core's damaged sectors next week. Apparently, they’ve got some new tech lined up. Something to strengthen the defenses, make the place more secure."

Kaelen glanced at him, the corner of his mouth twitching in a half-smile. "They’re always working on something. It’s like they can’t leave anything alone for more than a day."

"True. But I hear this is next-level stuff. Might be worth checking out if you’re not too busy pretending to be a ghost."

Kaelen chuckled. "A ghost, huh?"

"Well, you’re good at disappearing when things get too serious."

"Funny. I was about to say the same about you."

Lyrian’s grin widened, but then he turned the steering wheel sharply, changing the route. "Actually, I’ve got a better idea than talking shop. We haven’t had a proper drink in... what, months?"

Kaelen smirked, glancing over at Lyrian. “You know, with everything going on, Andras could call us in at any moment. And as much fun as it sounds, I’m not sure showing up with you half-drunk behind the wheel is exactly mission protocol.”

“Half-drunk? Please, I’m a professional.”

Kaelen raised an eyebrow. “Right. Because nothing says ‘ready for action’ like a pilot who might need a breathalyzer before a battle.”

Lyrian let out a laugh, accelerating the vehicle with a dramatic flourish. “Relax, Kaelen. I’ve only been drinking water today. Mostly.”

“Comforting,” Kaelen replied dryly, leaning back in his seat. “Guess we’ll see if you can make it in one piece without turning this mission into your personal demolition derby.”

Lyrian grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, I’m dead serious. You’ve never seen me after three drinks. My reflexes are lightning fast. Too fast, really. Makes dodging obstacles a real thrill.”

Kaelen gave him a sideways glance, his smirk widening. “Actually, I have seen you after three drinks. You were probably too drunk to notice, but trust me, the only thing fast about you that night was how quickly you passed out.”

Lyrian chuckled, shaking his head. “Details, details.”

“Are we really doing this?”

"Oh, we’re doing this." Lyrian winked.

The vehicle came to a stop in front of a worn-down tavern, its faded sign barely visible under the dim streetlights. The evening air buzzed with the hum of conversations, the streets alive despite the late hour. People milled about, their clothes reflecting the struggles of Shadefall’s poorer district. Some huddled in small groups, exchanging quiet words, while others moved quickly, keeping their heads down. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of stale ale and the unmistakable feel of tension that never quite left these streets.

Kaelen stepped out of the vehicle, scanning the area. Even though the streets were bustling, there was an edge to the crowd, a wariness in their eyes, a subtle shift in the way they moved, always aware of the danger lurking in the shadows. Flickering lights barely held the darkness at bay, and the air was heavy with the remnants of magic.

The sign above the door flickered weakly, barely legible, but Kaelen recognized the place instantly.

Lyrian hopped out, stretching as he glanced around. "Ah, Shadefall. Always such a charming place."

Kaelen followed, his gaze drifting over the familiar streets. "Still standing. Barely."

Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, the atmosphere heavy with the scent of alcohol and the faint hum of magic that clung to the edges of the room. The patrons were a mix of regulars and newcomers, their faces shadowed, their voices low. The bartender barely glanced up as Kaelen and Lyrian took their seats at a corner table.

"Two drinks, strong," Lyrian ordered, then turned to Kaelen with a grin. "Figured we’d start strong."

Kaelen smiled, though his thoughts remained clouded. "Always do."

As the drinks arrived, they fell into an easy rhythm, talking about old times, about the missions they’d been on, and the people they’d lost along the way. But the conversation inevitably turned to the present, to the growing tension between Aether and Core.

"The incident with Andras’s mission... it’s changed everything," Lyrian said. "Whatever balance we had, it’s gone. We’re on the edge of something big, Kaelen. And I don’t know how it’s going to end."

Kaelen swirled his drink, the liquid catching the light. "And you’re worried about me."

"You’re not in a good spot. Both sides are gunning for something, and you’re stuck in the middle."

"I’m used to it."

"That’s the problem," Lyrian said quietly. "I don’t know how long I can keep you safe. Not with what’s coming."

Kaelen glanced at his friend, feeling the weight of those words. Lyrian had always been the one to pull him back, to keep him grounded, but now... now even he sounded unsure.

"I can handle myself," Kaelen said, though he wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince Lyrian or himself.

Lyrian studied him for a long moment, then sighed. "Maybe. But whatever happened during that day, the Entity... it’s still haunting you. I can see it."

Kaelen tensed, his grip tightening on the glass. "I’m fine."

"No, you’re not. Talk to me. Whatever it is, I’m here."

For a moment, Kaelen considered opening up, letting the truth spill out. But then he remembered the attack, the convoy, the entity and the lies he was already keeping. He couldn’t drag Lyrian into that. Not yet.

Lyrian, sensing the hesitation, pressed forward. “Come on, Kaelen. You can’t just brush off what happened three days ago. I need to know.”

Kaelen’s gaze flickered to the side, his voice calm but guarded. “It’s not important. I handled it.”

Lyrian’s eyes narrowed, his tone more cautious. “Was it like last year?”

Kaelen hesitated for a beat, then shook his head slightly.

“No. Last year was... different.” Kaelen’s expression hardened, his voice dropping slightly. “It’s close, I guess, but this time—" He hesitated, as if weighing how much to reveal. "It hit harder. More personal. Like something out there knew me. The pull into the darkness wasn’t random. It felt... familiar. But stronger. And a hell of a lot more dangerous.”

“Do you even have any idea what’s happening to you? Are there... symptoms? Vivid dreams? Anything like that?”

“No more than usual. But that doesn’t mean I’m ignoring it. I just haven’t figured it out yet.”

Lyrian’s eyes narrowed, his concern barely hidden beneath his usual bravado. “Well, just... don’t shut me out, okay? We’ll figure this out, but not if you’re handling it alone.”

Kaelen gave a short nod, glancing off to the side. “I’m not shutting you out, Lyrian. I just... don’t have answers yet. And until I do, I don’t want to drag you or anyone else into it.”

Lyrian huffed, his expression softening. “You know that’s not how this works, right? We’ve been through a lot together. Whatever’s going on with you, we’ll handle it together. Like always.”

Kaelen smirked slightly, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. “Yeah, I know. Just don’t get too attached.”

Lyrian grinned, shaking his head. “Too late for that, you idiot. Someone’s gotta keep you from blowing yourself up.”

Kaelen laughed, the tension easing just a bit. “I seem to remember you being the one always playing with fire.”

Lyrian raised an eyebrow. “Well, someone had to make things interesting. Admit it, your life would be boring without me.”

Kaelen’s smirk widened, a glimmer of nostalgia in his eyes. “Wouldn’t be the same, that’s for sure.”

“I knew it!”