Kael’s words rang out, sharp and accusing, echoing through the cold, empty corridor as if the walls themselves wanted answers.
Commander Rael stopped walking. His back stiffened, his shoulders rigid like a man carrying both pride and shame at the same time. Slowly, he turned to face Kael.
The torchlight along the passage threw shadows across his scarred face, deepening the lines carved by years of battles. His eyes—usually stern but composed—burned with something Kael had never seen before.
“Do you really think I would waste my life lying to you?” Rael’s voice was low, almost dangerous.
Kael clenched his fists. “Then explain! All this time you told me I was chosen because of my Hakana, because I was the only one who could end this bloodshed. But now you’re saying you took me in becaus
