The sun filtered through the sanctuary windows, but Kael felt none of its warmth. His right eye still burned faintly, as if the Eclipse were sitting just behind the iris, watching through him.
He splashed cold water on his face.
He didn't remember waking up.
He didn't even remember walking to the basin.
His breath stiffened.
A blackout.
Not long… but long enough to terrify him.
---
The Morning Training
Aria and Riven were already waiting in the courtyard. When Kael stepped outside, Aria's smile faltered.
She saw it.
The flicker in his eye—like a dying star.
ARIA (quietly):
"…Kael? Are you okay?"
Kael forced a nod.
His voice sounded normal.
But inside, he couldn't feel his own heartbeat fully. Like someone else was tapping the rhythm.
KAEL:
"Just tired. Let's begin."
They sparred lightly, but Kael's movements were too sharp, too aggressive, too fast. Aria blocked a strike—only to feel his energy pulse with an unfamiliar rage.
RIVEN:
"Kael—stop. You're attacking like you're possessed."
The word hit him like a blade.
Possessed.
Kael blinked—and suddenly the courtyard shifted.
Then it was dark.
Then bright.
Then Aria was beside him, shaking his shoulder.
ARIA (panicked):
"Kael! KAEL! You blacked out again—what's happening?"
He hadn't felt it.
Hadn't sensed it.
Hadn't even seen the time between.
His right hand trembled…
But it wasn't fear.
It was hunger.
---
Inside Kael's Mind
A whisper rose, smooth and cold.
ECLIPSE:
"Did you enjoy that? Your body responds beautifully when you let go."
Kael grabbed his head, teeth clenched.
KAEL:
"Get out. GET OUT!"
The ground shook with a burst of unstable energy that pushed Aria back a step. Shadows curled around his arm—like smoke, like claws.
Just for a moment…
His right hand moved without his permission.
Two seconds.
But undeniable.
And Kael felt it—
The Eclipse was testing boundaries, pushing deeper, strengthening the crack in the inner seal.
---
Aftermath
Kael collapsed to his knees, breathing like he had run for miles. Aria knelt beside him, tears forming.
ARIA:
"Kael… you're losing control. We need help. We need a cure… or something."
KAEL (whispering):
"No… we don't need a cure."
He lifted his glowing eye toward her.
KAEL:
"I need to learn how to fight something inside my own soul."
The Eclipse laughed softly, echoing through his skull.