Chapter 78 – Verdict of Ashes

The chamber pulsed with silence. Shadows leaned forward from their thrones, their words slithering through the air.

“So be it, Kael. If you will not confess, then we shall decide.”

Twelve voices wove into one, echoing like a funeral bell.

Flames of judgment spiraled down from the ceiling, weaving a cage of silver fire around the dais. Its heat pressed against Kael’s skin, searing without burning.

Aria cried out, stepping forward—but the barrier snapped shut, casting her back.

“Kael!”

He raised a hand, eyes never leaving the Council. His chest felt heavy, but his voice carried like iron.
“Verdict or no verdict, you will not erase me.”

The shadows leaned closer.
“Erase? No. We shall bind. The world cannot carry you free.”

Suddenly, a voice shattered the chamber’s order:

“Enough!”

Every head turned. From among Kael’s allies, one stepped forward—cloak peeling away to reveal a face Kael knew too well.

It was Serin.

The friend who had sworn loyalty. The blade that had fought beside him.

Now, his eyes gleamed with cold resolve. “Kael should not exist… and I will be the one to prove it.”

Gasps echoed. Aria staggered back, betrayal twisting her features.

Kael’s blood froze, but rage burned hotter. “Serin…”

The Council’s shadows swelled, pleased. “At last, truth speaks.”

Serin lifted his weapon, its edge glowing with sanctified fire. “If he won’t confess, I’ll deliver the proof you seek.”

The dais erupted in chaos. The silver fire surged higher, walls trembling as if the chamber itself recoiled from what was about to unfold.

Kael clenched his fists. His choice was gone—forced from him by the very one he trusted most.

The Council’s verdict wasn’t words.

It was war.