We stood beneath the Universe Tree's human form.
No threats. No pressure. No story demanding action.
That was when it spoke.
Kael it said gently,
there is something you never learned.
I looked at it. Unlikely.
It smiled not amused. Patient.
You understand power.
You understand absence.
You understand endings.
Its eyes reflected countless worlds.
But you never learned how to remain.
I was silent.
Nyx listened carefully.
Selene held her breath.
Vorin didn't interrupt.
The Tree continued:
When you step back existence survives.
But when you step too far away
It paused.
existence forgets why it should continue.
For the first time, I felt something unfamiliar.
Not fear.
Not doubt.
Responsibility without dominance.
So I shouldn't rule I said slowly.
And I shouldn't disappear.
The Tree nodded.
You should stay present.
Nyx smiled softly. That sounds like friendship.
Selene added Or guardianship.
Vorin crossed his arms. Or just living.
I exhaled.
I see.
sat beneath the Universe Tree, not as an Architect, not as an answer.
Just as Kael Veyris.
And for the first time in eternity
I stayed
without needing to change anything.