Kael couldn't help but glance at Eiran as they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the castle. There was something off about the mage. He spoke with such certainty, as though he already knew the outcome of everything he said. It unnerved Kael.
They entered the royal study, where Kael had summoned only his most trusted advisors in the past. Now, it was just him and a stranger who had claimed to know his darkest secret.
"I don't know who you think you are," Kael began, sitting down behind his desk and motioning for Eiran to take a seat. "But if you think you can come into my kingdom and demand my trust, you've gravely miscalculated."
Eiran didn't sit. He stood by the window, the moonlight casting a pale glow across his sharp features. "You have every reason to doubt me. But we're out of time, Kael. The curse is already spreading."
Kael stiffened. "How do you know that?"
"Because I can feel it. The magic is fraying," Eiran explained, turning toward Kael. "You can feel it too, can't you? The heaviness in your chest. The way the world seems to dim when you're alone. It's the curse, feeding off your isolation."
Kael clenched his fists. "And what do you know of isolation?"
"More than you can imagine," Eiran replied, his voice soft, almost melancholic. "But that's a story for another time. What you need to understand is that the curse isn't just a family affliction—it's tied to something much darker, something ancient."
Kael's brow furrowed. He wanted to dismiss the mage's words, but the truth gnawed at him. The curse had worsened recently. He could feel its weight growing heavier each day.
"How do we stop it?" Kael asked quietly, though he hated the vulnerability in his voice.
Eiran turned away again, his expression unreadable. "First, you need to understand the full scope of what you're dealing with. I'll need time to study it further—time we don't have if the rumors of war are true."
Kael's heart skipped a beat. "What rumors?"
"The kingdom of Vorthal is preparing for something. I've heard whispers among the mages there. They're moving troops along your borders. They know about the curse, Kael. They're waiting for you to fall."
Kael's blood ran cold. Vorthal had always been a threat, but if they knew about his weakness… it would be the end of Norvayne.
"I need you to trust me," Eiran said, his voice softening. "Together, we can stop this. But I can't do it alone."
Kael stared at him for a long moment before finally nodding. "You have until the full moon. If we're not closer to breaking this curse by then, you'll wish you'd never set foot in my kingdom."
Eiran gave him a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Then we best get started."