Kael sat on a moss-covered rock outside the guild hall, the sun dipping low in the sky and casting golden rays across the vibrant world of Erendath. He watched as guild members trained in the distance, their laughter ringing out, but inside, he felt a storm brewing.
He remembered what transpired between him and Varin after their secret training session ended.
As they emerged from the hidden tunnels and into the pale morning light, Varin's voice broke the silence one last time, softer now, almost reflective. "Remember, Kael. This power of yours? It doesn't belong to you alone."
Kael frowned, turning to look at him. "What do you mean?"
But Varin only gave him that cryptic smile again, his eyes dark and knowing. "You'll understand soon enough."
Kael's heart pounded as he walked away, the unspoken question lingering in his mind.
What did Varin mean by that? And who—if not him—was the true owner of the power inside him?
The answers felt just out of reach, buried in the shadows where even Varin's truth couldn't—or wouldn't—reach.
The dark whispers of the void were growing louder, and Kael knew he was running out of time.
Just then, Lira approached, her brow furrowed with concern. "Hey, Kael, you alright? You've been a bit quiet lately."
He forced a smile, but it felt heavy on his lips. "Yeah, just… thinking about everything that's happened. The Darkspawn, our last battle…" He paused, searching for the right words. "Sometimes, it feels like I'm not ready for what's coming."
Lira sat beside him, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "None of us are. But we're in this together. Remember the bandit camp? You led us through that, and we came out stronger. You've got this!"
Aleck joined them, overhearing the tail end of their conversation. "What's this about not being ready?" He crossed his arms, his tone teasing but supportive. "Kael, you've already proven yourself more than you know. You're a key part of our team."
Kael looked at his friends, feeling a warmth spread through him. "It's just that… sometimes I can't shake the feeling that my past is holding me back. I was weak in my old life, and now, what if I'm just pretending to be strong? What if I fail everyone?"
"Don't let your past define you," Aleck replied firmly. "You're not that person anymore. This world gives us the chance to start fresh. Embrace it!"
Lira added, "You've already changed so much, Kael. Look at how far you've come. Every challenge has made you stronger. You should embrace that!"
Kael felt the weight of their words settle over him, both comforting and unsettling. "But what if I can't keep up? What if I let you down when it really matters?"
"Kael, we trust you," Lira said softly. "You've grown stronger lately. We believe in you. I- believe in you!"
In that moment, a flash of memory struck him—his past life, filled with moments of loneliness and despair. He could almost hear the echoes of his old self whispering doubts. You're not good enough. You'll always be weak.
But as he sat with Lira and Aleck, he realized those voices were fading. They were replaced by the camaraderie he had found in the Ascendants, the bonds that strengthened him. He took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs, and looked at his friends. "I want to use my past as motivation, not a crutch. I want to protect you all."
Aleck smiled, clapping Kael on the back. "Then let's train harder. We'll face the Darkspawn together. You're not alone in this, remember that."
"Yeah!" Lira chimed in, her competitive spirit flaring. "And I expect you to keep up with me, Kael. No slacking off!"
Kael chuckled, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "I'll do my best. Just don't leave me behind, okay?"
With newfound determination, Kael stood up, feeling the weight of his past lighten. He was ready to embrace his identity, to fight not only for himself but for the friends who believed in him.
The sun dipped below the horizon, and as twilight enveloped the world, Kael felt a flicker of hope igniting within him. He was no longer just a lost soul; he was Kael Relan, a member of the Ascendants, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Kael resolved to use his past as motivation, embracing his new identity while solidifying the bonds with Lira and Aleck.