Kael had spent years trapped in the unknown, his past a fragmented puzzle. But now, with the journal in his hands, the truth had revealed itself.
The Nightfall Syndicate had tried to shape him into a weapon. They had failed.
Now, he had a name. Vaelin Dusk.
And he would find him.
A Trail of Shadows
Kael wasted no time. The Obsidian Veil held vast resources—hidden maps, secret informants, and the knowledge of the underground world. But even here, Vaelin Dusk's name was rarely spoken.
That alone confirmed one thing—he was dangerous.
Kael approached the only person who might have answers.
The Keeper's Price
In the depths of the Veil's archives, The Keeper of Secrets waited, as if he had expected Kael's arrival.
"You seek a ghost," the Keeper murmured, his voice ancient. "One that even the Syndicate fears."
Kael placed the journal on the table. "I want a location."
The Keeper studied him. "And what will you offer in return?"
Kael's eyes darkened. "His head."
A pause. Then, a thin smile. "Very well."
The Keeper reached into the archives and withdrew a worn parchment. On it, a map with a single marking—a hidden stronghold in the ruined city of Noctharis.
"Vaelin Dusk was last seen here," the Keeper said. "If he still lives, that is where you'll find him."
Kael took the map without hesitation. The hunt had begun.
Into the Ruins
The journey to Noctharis was perilous. The city had long been abandoned—a place of death, haunted by the remnants of war. But Kael moved through the ruins with silent precision, his senses heightened.
Then, as he neared the stronghold, he felt it.
A presence. Watching.
Kael drew his daggers.
A whisper of movement. A blur in the darkness.
Then—an attack.
Kael barely dodged as a figure clad in black lunged from the ruins, a blade slicing through the air where his throat had been.
Kael countered instantly, his dagger clashing against his attacker's. Sparks flew.
The assassin moved like liquid shadow—fast, precise, skilled.
Kael gritted his teeth. Who was this? A guardian? A killer?
Then, the assassin spoke.
"You should have stayed dead, Kael."
The voice was familiar.
Kael's breath hitched. A memory stirred—one he didn't recognize, but felt.
This assassin… knew him.