Chapter 9 – The Gate of Sacrifice
The obsidian gate loomed like a mountain, black stone veined with fire, its surface alive with pulsing runes that writhed like living serpents. Every symbol seemed to whisper a truth Kael could not bear to hear.
Each step closer felt heavier, as though unseen chains dragged at his feet. The closer he came, the louder the voice of the Forgotten Realm grew, filling the air and the marrow of his bones.
"No power is free. No throne is unchallenged. To pass, you must surrender. What will you sacrifice, Kael?"
The gate shimmered, and with it came visions.
First, Lyra. Her face, pale and tearful, her hand reaching toward him. If you cross, you lose her.
The vision twisted, showing Serin, his friend's fierce loyalty burning like a torch. If you pass, he will fall.
And then, Elara, quiet but steadfast. Her voice echoed like a fading song. If you claim dominion, she will be the price.
Kael's chest clenched, breath ragged. "No… I won't choose them. Not them."
The Realm's voice was merciless. "Then what will you give? Power demands balance. For light, there must be shadow. For gain, there must be loss."
The visions shifted again. This time, it was himself. He saw his body lying broken, his spirit dissolving into nothingness. Your life for their safety. Your death for their future.
Kael staggered back, shaking his head. "There has to be another way!"
The ground beneath him cracked open, glowing with molten fire. From the chasm rose spectral figures—warriors, kings, mages—all who had stood here before. Their hollow eyes stared at him, filled with regret.
"You will sacrifice," one murmured. "Or you will fail as we did."
Kael's heart thundered. Doubt gnawed at him. He thought of the nights he had prayed for strength, the countless times he had sworn he would protect those he loved. Now the cost of that promise stood before him.
What is power worth if I lose everything I fight for?
And then, a softer whisper—his own voice, buried deep. If you truly want to protect them, then you must bear the burden alone. Give up what you fear most to lose.
Kael closed his eyes. His hands trembled, but not with fear—with resolve.
"I will not sacrifice Lyra. I will not give Serin or Elara to this Realm. If there must be a price… then let it be me."
The moment the words left his lips, the runes blazed brighter, flaring with fire so fierce it nearly blinded him. The gate quaked, splitting down the center with a roar like thunder.
From within, a light poured forth—terrible, beautiful, infinite. A presence beyond comprehension pressed against him, neither god nor demon, but something far older.
"So be it," the Realm intoned. "Step forward, and leave behind the man you were. What emerges will no longer be the Kael your world remembers."
Kael drew in a shuddering breath. His choice had been made. His path was no longer his own.
He stepped into the light.
The gate slammed shut behind him, leaving only silence.