The training yard's silence lingered long after Arhaan's departure. Disciples whispered in awe and terror, their eyes glued to the shattered tiles and the trembling form of Kael, who now seemed less like a wolf and more like a beaten dog.
But higher eyes had seen everything.
---
The Summons
By nightfall, Arhaan was summoned.
The Council Hall loomed like a mountain of jade and stone, its doors carved with celestial runes that glimmered faintly under moonlight. Inside, the elders sat in a half-circle, robes flowing like rivers, their presence pressing down heavier than storms.
Arhaan entered slowly, chains faintly hidden under his sleeves, his body still weakened. He bowed but did not kneel.
At once, voices rose.
"He humiliated Kael before the entire sect!"
"Those chains—unnatural, unholy! A threat to balance!"
"If we let this continue, he will outgrow even us."
---
The Debate
Elder Harkon, the sharp-eyed traditionalist, slammed his staff.
"We should not fool ourselves. This boy's power does not belong to mortals. He is a seed of calamity. Either bind him now, or cut the weed before it grows."
Others nodded grimly.
But then, Elder Lysara, the silver-haired mistress of the Healing Halls, raised her voice.
"And yet, who broke the Binding Trial's curse after centuries? Who revealed flaws in heaven's so-called order? If the heavens fear him, perhaps it is not because he is wrong—but because he is right."
The hall split in two, voices clashing like storms.
---
The Verdict Looms
Finally, the Grand Elder spoke. His eyes were like ancient glass, holding centuries of burden.
"Arhaan," he said, voice heavy.
"You stand at the edge of divinity and disaster. Some say to shackle you, some to slay you. Tell us… why should we let you remain?"
The hall grew deathly silent.
Arhaan lifted his head, eyes glowing faintly with crimson light.
"Because I am not your enemy," he said steadily.
"But if you chain me again, if you force me to bow to heaven's will—"
The chains flared faintly, rattling with suppressed fire.
"—then you will learn that heaven is not the only one I can defy."
The words hung like thunder. The council chamber shook.