[Kael — Cathedral Ruins]
Smoke clung to his cloak like ash to a god's tomb. His feet crunched over broken glass and scorched bones. The square was silent.
Because they had all fled.
Even the Seraph-Knights.
Kael hadn’t chased them.
He didn’t need to.
They were already broken. Not by steel. But by memory.
[System Sync: 95%]
[Corruption: 68% — Tethered to Arin’s presence]
[Soulthread Status: Shared Pain Stabilized]
He turned, his arms cradling Arin’s unconscious body. Her pulse flickered, her breath shallow but steady.
And behind him… Selis.
Blood down her temple. Kneeling. Hands shaking.
She looked up at him, and for once… there was nothing in her eyes.
Not rage. Not loyalty. Not longing.
Just exhaustion.
“You could’ve let her die,” she said quietly.
Kael didn’t answer.
“Y
