The Light Beyond emberveil

Betrayal in the Light

The warmth from the temple still clung to them as they made their way down the Ravenspire path. Even in the cool of evening, the scrolls they carried glowed faintly — not just from power, but from purpose.

Each of them felt it.

The light wasn’t just growing around them. It was growing within them.

They reached a clearing and built a fire. Jalen sharpened his blade out of habit. Mira read softly from her healing scroll, watching flowers bloom where her hands passed. Tovin stood alone, arm still wrapped in dark vines, reading his scroll like a silent battle.

And Ariah sat with the lantern in her lap, eyes closed. That night, they sang — softly, reverently — the same melody they had sung in the Valley of Silence. Their voices joined like threads weaving a prayer into the stars.

And that was when Rael appeared.

He stepped out of the trees, young, thin, with dark curls and a hooded cloak. His voice was low but warm.

“Is this the lightbearer?”

Jalen drew his sword instantly.

“Who are you?”

Rael raised his hands. “A traveler. I’ve followed the light for days. I saw the sky change over the temple. I felt it… inside.”

Ariah studied him.

There was a familiarity in his eyes — not danger, but deep weariness.

She stepped forward.

“Then come,” she said. “If you seek truth, walk with us. The road ahead is heavy.”