The penthouse suite at the top of the Igan Tower was a fortress of glass and steel — a shimmering beacon of power overlooking the city's skyline. Yet inside, the atmosphere was colder than the winter wind that rattled the windows.
Ikris stood before the massive desk where his father, Elias Igan, awaited. The patriarch's presence was a silent storm — composed, unyielding, and filled with an undercurrent of barely concealed menace.
"You're late," Elias said, voice smooth as black obsidian.
"I had... business," Ikris replied, trying to keep his tone neutral.
Elias gestured to the chair opposite him. "Sit. We have much to discuss."
Ikris hesitated, then lowered himself into the chair. The city lights behind his father flickered and shimmered through the floor-to-ceiling windows like stars in a cage.
"Your training at Unit Obscura," Elias began, steepling his fingers, "is progressing as expected. But your... recent unauthorized access has complicated matters."
"I wanted answers," Ikris said, voice steady. "Answers about who I really am."
Elias's eyes narrowed. "You are the heir to the Igan dynasty. A man born into privilege, power, and duty."
"Or a boy who was kept in the dark about his own past," Ikris shot back. "Tell me about Emberseed."
The name hit Elias like a knife.
"The Emberseed incident is classified," he said coldly. "You were a child then, lost in your powers."
Ikris's fingers clenched into fists. "Lost? Or hidden? You knew everything. You knew about the orphanage, the memory locks, the experiments."
"Because some truths are too dangerous to reveal," Elias said quietly. "Your powers are not just fire—they are legacy. An inheritance forged in flame and blood."
"Legacy?" Ikris echoed. "What legacy? That I'm a weapon? A project?"
Elias's expression softened for a moment, almost human. "You are more than that. You carry the spark of the first Igan—Ignis Hex. The flame that built this dynasty."
Ikris's breath hitched. "Then why erase my past?"
"To protect you," Elias said firmly. "And to protect the family."
Ikris's eyes burned. "Protect by lying? By keeping me chained to a life I didn't choose?"
Elias rose, crossing to the window. "Power demands sacrifice. You wanted answers. Now you have them. But beware: the past is not always a path forward."
The room seemed to grow colder as Elias turned back.
"Ikris, the flame within you is not just a gift. It's a curse. It will consume or it will conquer. Only you decide."
Ikris rose, katana clutched in his hand.
"Then I'll decide."
The first spark of rebellion ignited in his eyes.