Kael walked slowly toward Aeron, his steps heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. The air between them was thick with tension, the battlefield still buzzing with the remnants of dark magic. Aeron stood motionless, his sword at his side, his face etched with a mixture of disbelief, anger, and something deeper—betrayal."You came back," Aeron said, his voice cold and low. "Why?"Kael paused, looking down at the ground. He could feel the darkness inside him, a quiet hum beneath the surface, but it no longer screamed for control. The power was his now—at least for the moment—but the consequences of his actions were more apparent than ever. Bodies lay scattered across the field, innocent lives destroyed because of his ambition. Aeron's question wasn't just about why Kael returned; it was about why he had let things come to this."I had to," Kael answered, his voice softer than before. "I didn't know… I didn't understand what I was unleashing. I thought I could control it. But I was wrong."Aeron's eyes narrowed. "You didn't understand?" he repeated, incredulous. "You brought a monster into this world, Kael. You tore the kingdom apart, betrayed everything you once stood for. And now, you think words can fix this?"Kael shook his head. "No. Words won't fix anything. I don't expect forgiveness, Aeron, and I don't deserve it. But I've come back because I have to make things right. I can't run from what I've done."Aeron's grip on his sword tightened. "And how do you plan on making it right? By using the same power that nearly destroyed everything?"For a moment, Kael didn't respond. The truth was, he wasn't sure how he could make things right. His power was immense, but it had already caused so much destruction. Could it be used to rebuild, or was it destined to bring only ruin? He met Aeron's gaze, knowing that this was only the beginning of a long and painful journey."I don't have all the answers yet," Kael said slowly. "But I know I can't fight this alone. The darkness I summoned is still out there, lingering, and there are others—forces older and more dangerous than what we faced. They'll come, and they'll try to claim this world for themselves. I need your help, Aeron."Aeron's face darkened, and for a long moment, he said nothing. Then he laughed, a bitter sound that echoed across the battlefield. "Help you? After everything you've done, you expect me to just stand by your side like before? You're delusional, Kael."Kael took a step forward. "I don't expect you to trust me, but I don't want the world to burn. Not anymore. We need each other. You and I—we've been through too much to let this end in ashes. You know that."Aeron's expression wavered for a split second, but the anger in his eyes remained. "You brought this on yourself, Kael. Everything that's happened, the rebellion, the death—it all started with you. Do you really think you can just walk away from that?""No," Kael admitted, his voice hoarse. "But I can try to fix it. I'm willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost."Aeron looked down at his sword, silent for a long moment. The tension between them was thick, like the final breath before a battle began. Then, with a heavy sigh, he sheathed his weapon."I don't trust you, Kael," Aeron said, his tone flat. "But if what you're saying is true, then there's a fight coming—one we can't ignore. I'll help, but don't think for a second that this is about redemption. You don't get to be the hero in this story. Not after what you've done."Kael nodded. "I don't want to be the hero."Aeron stepped closer, his eyes cold and unwavering. "Good. Because when this is over, I'm going to make sure you pay for everything."Kael swallowed hard but held Aeron's gaze. "I wouldn't expect anything less."