The days following Atreya's awakening were anything but calm. He sat in the castle gardens at dawn, the air cool and fragrant with the scent of morning dew. In his hands, the Asura blade rested heavily, its surface dark and dull. Though the sword's weight hadn't changed, it felt heavier, as if it now bore the expectations of something far greater.
Atreya stared at his faintly glowing purple ring. It pulsed softly, like the heartbeat of a sleeping beast. The scholars had told him that a ring reflected the essence of its wielder, and his was unlike any they'd ever seen. Its color—dark, almost malevolent—seemed to unnerve them. Even Celeste, with her usual sharp confidence, had grown quiet when she saw it.
"You're brooding again," Celeste's voice broke the silence.
Atreya turned to see her approach, her emerald cloak trailing behind her. She carried a wooden tray with bread, cheese, and a steaming cup of tea. Placing it beside him, she crossed her arms and fixed him with an expectant look.
"Eat," she ordered.
Atreya gave her a faint smile but didn't move. "I've been thinking."
"Dangerous pastime," Celeste quipped, sitting beside him. Her humor didn't reach her eyes, though. "What about?"
"The sword. The ring. My family." His voice was steady, but there was a rawness to it. "Every time I look at this sword, it feels like it's watching me, waiting for something. And the ring… it feels like a piece of me, but also like it's not entirely mine."
Celeste tilted her head, studying him. "Power has a way of doing that," she said softly. "It doesn't just make you stronger—it changes you. And not always for the better."
He looked at her, surprised by the seriousness in her tone. "You sound like you're speaking from experience."
She hesitated, then looked away, her expression hardening. "I've seen what power can do. To people, to kingdoms. It's a burden, Atreya. One that doesn't get lighter."
Their conversation was interrupted by the distant sound of horns. Both of them stood, their attention snapping toward the city gates. A rider galloped into view, his horse foaming at the mouth from exertion.
"Message for the queen!" the rider shouted, his voice carrying through the courtyard.
---
In the throne room, Queen Lyanna read the scroll with a furrowed brow. The air was tense, the courtiers whispering among themselves. Atreya stood to the side, his sword strapped to his back, while Celeste lingered near her mother.
After a long pause, the queen spoke, her voice calm but commanding. "The neighboring kingdom has declared war. They claim our support of the Kerwin heir is a threat to their sovereignty."
The room erupted into chaos. Atreya felt the weight of a hundred eyes on him, their judgment palpable.
"They blame me," he said under his breath.
Celeste placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "This isn't your fault," she said firmly. "They've been looking for an excuse to attack for years."
Queen Lyanna raised a hand, silencing the room. "Prepare the defenses. Send word to our allies. We will not bow to threats." Her gaze swept over the room before settling on Atreya. "And you… must decide where your loyalties lie."
Atreya swallowed hard. The queen's words echoed in his mind as he left the throne room. Loyalties. He had lost his family, his home, and nearly his life. Now, this kingdom was under threat because of him.
Standing alone in the corridor, he clenched his fists. His ring pulsed faintly, as if responding to his turmoil. "If war is coming," he muttered, "then I'll make sure I'm ready."