Chapter 31: Whispers in the Flame
The courtyard was quiet.
Training dummies swayed in the breeze, scorched and sliced from hours of relentless practice. Andrew stood in the center, Ashren embedded in the ground beside him. Steam rose from his skin—sweat and mana mingling in a low haze around his form.
He had been pushing himself too hard.
But something inside him whispered: Not enough.
From the shadows near the temple walls, Mihai stepped forward, his cloak fluttering like smoke. "You're burning yourself out," he said calmly.
Andrew didn't look up. "I'm not strong enough yet. Not to face what's coming."
Mihai exhaled, voice distant. "You're not wrong. But strength without control leads to the same ruin you caused in the last life."
Andrew's jaw tightened. "I'm not him."
"Maybe," Mihai said. "But Ashren remembers. And the deeper you go, the harder it is to come back."
A Flame Rekindled
Later that night, the temple bonfires flickered with warm light as the month of rest continued. Students laughed, relaxed—feared less.
Andrew sat alone, watching the flames dance.
Kaelira approached quietly, holding two cups of steaming tea. "You've become… quieter."
He smirked faintly. "It's easier than pretending to be normal."
She sat beside him. "You're not normal, Andrew. But you're not a monster either. That sword might hold your past—but it doesn't define your future."
For a moment, Andrew let the words settle.
Then came the scream.
Ambush in the Dark
A figure collapsed into the courtyard—bloody, breathing hard. A messenger. "The outer village… attacked. By cloaked warriors. They moved like ghosts."
Andrew stood instantly.
"They're called the Hunters," Mihai said from the shadows. "Sent to provoke you. To test whether the hero can resist becoming the shadow."
Andrew gripped Ashren. "Then I'll show them what kind of shadow I've become."