The falling star did not strike the ground.
It stopped above the white tree, suspended in the fractured sky, its brilliance spreading through the branches like fire trapped beneath ice. The roots shuddered. Every leaf turned silver, and the key in Rin's hand grew so cold that he nearly dropped it.
"Who gave you permission to choose?"
The voice came from everywhere.
Rin looked up. "Nobody."
Kaelith glanced at him sharply, while Eryndor moved closer, his black mark pulsing beneath his sleeve.
Rin raised his chin.
"That's the point."
The star split open.
A figure descended through the light, dressed in robes that resembled layers of white feathers. A golden circlet covered his forehead, and thin chains hung from his wrists, each carrying a tiny bell. Yet the bells made no sound as he landed before the tree.
His eyes were completely colorless.
The air bowed around him.
Even Kaelith's expression changed.
