The Dragon King's corrupted form lurched toward the older Kane, golden light bleeding from fractured scales.
"Who dares enter my throne room?" His voice came distorted, layered with divine resonance that made the marble floor crack. "You think a fox can stand against gods?"
But older Kane didn't flinch.
He stepped closer to the shattering Heart, silver flames erupting around nine blazing tails.
Present-day Kane watched, breath frozen, as recognition flickered across Cyrus's bloodied face.
"You," Cyrus whispered, crimson eyes wide. "You came."
The older fox's amber gaze softened for just a moment, meeting Cyrus's.
"Always."
Then he turned back to the King, claws extending as he reached toward the fracturing crystal.
Is that really... me? Kane's mind reeled. My past life? Or something else?
The dragon beside him gripped Kane's wrist tighter.
