The void stretched endlessly. A cold abyss where no sound, no breath, no life existed.
Kol drifted, weightless, yet bound by unseen chains. Shadows coiled around him, their whispers threading through his mind.
Then—footsteps.
A slow, deliberate sound, each step echoing through the emptiness.
Kol turned, his black eyes narrowing.
From the darkness, a figure emerged. Cloaked in shifting shadows, wreathed in an aura of pure malevolence.
The Devil.
He stood there, watching Kol with an unreadable gaze, his form flickering like a dying ember.
"You," the Devil murmured, his voice a rasp of amusement.
Kol didn't answer.
A smirk curled the Devil's lips. "Good."
The abyss trembled. The whispers grew louder.
"Your journey is not over, Kol Vaelros."
Kol's hands clenched. "I never thought it was."
A deep, rumbling chuckle. "Then you already understand. The war you fought was only a prelude. The real battle has yet to begin."
Kol remained silent.
The Devil's gaze burned into him. "You must seek the Witches. They will guide you."
Kol frowned. "What do they know?"
The Devil tilted his head. "Everything."
The shadows surged. The world blurred. The abyss shattered—
And Kol awoke.
Kol's eyes opened to the golden rays of dawn filtering through the windows. The scent of the sea carried through the open air, the sound of waves crashing in the distance.
He exhaled slowly.
The Devil's words lingered.
He had to find the Witches.
But not yet.
Pushing himself up, he left his room. The others were already gathered outside, their voices carrying in the morning air.
Elizabeth turned as he approached, a bright grin on her face. "Finally awake? I was starting to think you died in your sleep."
Kol raised an eyebrow. "You'd know if I did."
Orin smirked. "Not wrong."
Lisa stepped beside Kol, tilting her head. "You alright?"
He met her gaze. "Yeah."
Lisa studied him for a moment but didn't push.
Elizabeth clapped her hands together. "Alright, enough standing around. We need a break. A real one."
Dain crossed his arms. "What do you have in mind?"
Elizabeth grinned. "The beach."
Orin blinked. "The beach?"
Jacob scoffed. "You're joking."
Elizabeth shrugged. "We've been fighting for centuries. We deserve one day to act normal."
Valen smirked. "She's got a point."
Lisa smiled. "I think it's a great idea."
Kol exhaled. "Go ahead. I'll meet you there."
Lisa frowned. "Why?"
Kol turned away. "There's something I need to do first."
Before she could question him, he was already gone.
The hidden temple of the Witches was draped in shadows, the air thick with power.
Kol stood before them, his expression unreadable.
The lead Witch stepped forward. "You have come."
Kol's gaze darkened. "I need answers."
The Witch nodded. "You seek the path to the God Realm."
Kol crossed his arms. "Tell me."
She stepped closer. "You will travel to Mount Union. At its peak lies the gateway."
Kol's eyes narrowed. "travel?"
The Witch shook her head. "You may only teleport to the base. The climb must be done on foot."
Kol frowned. "Why?"
"The Gods do not allow shortcuts."
A pause.
Then—the Witch's gaze turned sharp.
"A warning, Kol Vaelros."
He tensed.
"The flow of time in the God Realm is unlike your own. Days may pass for you, but years could pass elsewhere. The Gods will test you. If you fail…"
The air grew heavy.
Kol's jaw tightened.
"And the Gods themselves?" he asked. "What should I expect?"
The Witch's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"That answer… will reveal itself soon."
Kol held her gaze for a long moment. Then, without another word, he turned and vanished.
When Kol arrived, the others were already there.
The sun hung high, the waves glittering like shattered glass. Laughter filled the air as Orin and Valen argued over a game of strength, Elizabeth lounged beneath the shade, and Jacob and Brad trained in the sand.
Lisa sat at the water's edge, watching the ocean.
Kol approached.
She looked up, smiling. "You made it."
Kol nodded, sitting beside her.
For a while, they said nothing. Just listening to the waves, the distant voices of their friends.
Then, Lisa spoke.
"…You're different."
Kol didn't look at her. "I know."
Lisa hesitated. "What happened?"
Kol's fingers dug into the sand. He could tell her everything. About the Devil. About the battle. About what he had become.
But instead—
"I won."
Lisa watched him carefully. "And what did it cost you?"
Kol exhaled. "Everything."
Lisa didn't flinch. She didn't look away.
Instead, she reached out, gently taking his hand.
"You're still you," she murmured.
Kol met her gaze.
As the sun began to set, the air shifted.
The Witches appeared in an instant, their black robes rippling against the wind.
Everyone tensed.
The head Witch's gaze found Kol.
"It is time."
Kol stood.
The others followed.
The Witch turned to the group. "You cannot all go."
Silence.
"The God Realm is not meant for mortals. Only Kol can survive it. Perhaps Lisa as well. But the rest of you—" She shook her head. "You would die before reaching its gates."
Lisa's heart clenched. "Then I'll go with him."
Kol's expression darkened.
"No."
Lisa's eyes widened. "Kol—"
He turned to her. "You're staying."
Lisa clenched her fists. "I can handle it."
Kol's voice was firm. "I'm not risking it."
Lisa's lips parted, but she saw it in his eyes.
There was no changing his mind.
The Witch spoke again. "You must leave at dawn. The journey will take days, even at your full speed. It is the tallest mountain you'll ever see."
Kol nodded.
No hesitation. No fear.
Lisa lowered her gaze. "…Fine."
Kol reached out, brushing his fingers against hers. "I'll come back."
Lisa swallowed hard. "…You better."
Morning came too soon.
Kol stood at the edge of the portal, the wind howling around him.
Orin, Valen, Elizabeth, Jacob, and Lisa stood behind him.
No words were spoken.
Then—Kol stepped through.
When he emerged, he stood at the base of a towering mountain.
Mount Union.
The peak was hidden beyond the clouds. The path ahead was endless.
Kol took a deep breath.
Then, without looking back
He began to climb.