The words cracked into sobs. Moe's chest heaved, but he forced the final plea through his tears:
"My hero… save us…"
Silence pressed against the chamber, the weight of prophecy and history settling like an immovable mountain. Kaen, Toren, Lys, and Kiro stood frozen three young hearts and one cursed soul all of them wide-eyed, as if they too could feel the invisible current of fate winding its way around Khael. Even children, untouched by legends, knew instinctively: this moment was sacred.
Khael stepped forward. He did not tower over Moe, he knelt. The Dragon Knight lowered himself until their eyes nearly met, his presence humbling yet impossibly kind. His gaze carried centuries, the sorrow of endless battles, yet also the warmth of an unyielding fire.
"I won't fail you…" he said softly, the words like a vow etched into the marrow of the world.
Inside, his thoughts stirred like storm winds.
