The Godslayer's Return

Twenty Five: The Scarlet Brand

Night had fallen like a shroud over the ruined valley. The fires of the battle still smoldered in the distance, but the sky, black and gold from divine fury had gone silent again.

Kael sat alone on a jagged cliff above the ravaged forest, his cloak torn, his sword driven point-first into the earth beside him.

The sigil on his arm pulsed faintly, the red glow fading and flaring like a wounded heartbeat.

Aelira was asleep somewhere below, exhaustion finally dragging her under. He’d told her to rest. She’d argued, of course, until her body gave out.

Now, only Kael and the quiet remained.

The System had been silent for hours. No flickering screens, no cold voices offering quests or warnings. For the first time since his awakening, the world was still.

He thought it might almost be peace until the air rippled.

A shadow peeled itself from the night behind him.

“Impressive,” the masked man said, voice smooth and amused. “I half expected the Envoy to erase you completely.”

Kael didn’t look b