Episode 10: "Fractures and Flames"
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INT. INFIRMARY – EARLY MORNING
Kael lies unconscious on a cot, his chest slowly rising and falling. The aftermath of the Veil attack has left the infirmary crowded. Lana sits at his side, eyes rimmed with sleepless exhaustion. Her hand hovers over his, fingertips occasionally brushing his skin, like she's afraid letting go will break something.
GRAYSON (O.S.) He's stable. For now.
Grayson enters from behind the curtain, holding a steaming mug. His coat is scorched, blood dried on the sleeves.
LANA He fought himself last night. Literally. And won.
GRAYSON It won't be the last time. The Veil is experimenting—testing his limits. That shadow doppelgänger was phase two. The next breach... won't be a test.
Lana's voice lowers.
LANA The diary said something. About sacrifice. That the Rift can only close when the Anchor... breaks.
Grayson freezes.
GRAYSON You're not supposed to read that far.
LANA Too late. What does it mean? What happens if I fracture?
Grayson looks at Kael, eyes unreadable.
GRAYSON It means the academy's greatest weapon has a built-in expiration date.
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INT. SHADOWBOUND HALLS – LATER
Students whisper as Lana walks by. Rumors spread fast—about her, about Kael, about the attack. Rhea catches up to her, falling into step.
RHEA Nice job making yourself the hero of the hour.
LANA I'm not trying to be anyone's hero.
RHEA You just keep ending up in Kael's arms by accident?
Lana stops.
LANA If you have something to say, say it.
RHEA You're changing him. That's the truth. But you're also getting pulled in. And if you break, Kael breaks.
Lana's eyes flash.
LANA Then maybe help me hold the line, instead of dragging me away from it.
They stare each other down. Then Rhea turns and leaves, fire in her step.
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INT. HEADMASTER'S OFFICE – EVENING
The Headmaster stands before a magical projection of the Veil. Lightning arcs through the swirling crimson mass. Elder Thane enters, nodding to the Headmaster.
THANE The Gatekeepers are restless. Some are demanding the Key be turned over to the Council.
HEADMASTER Kael is not a weapon. Not yet.
THANE Then you better ensure he doesn't become a threat either. The balance is slipping.
He throws a file on the desk. Inside: a photo of Kael mid-battle, eyes pitch black.
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INT. FOREST CLEARING – NIGHT
Kael wakes up alone in the middle of a glowing rune circle. His breathing is ragged. Shadows stir at the edges of the woods. Lana approaches, her hands glowing with tether magic.
KAEL Why are we out here?
LANA Because you needed to be reminded that you're still in control.
She tosses him a training blade. He frowns.
KAEL You brought me out here to spar?
LANA No. I brought you here to fight me.
Kael blinks.
LANA (firm) I'm not your enemy. But I need to know how deep this goes. If I can pull you back from the brink, even when you're fighting me.
They circle each other. Kael hesitates—but then the Mark flares. He lunges.
They clash. Light vs shadow. The forest trembles. Every blow Lana lands is wrapped in tethered magic. She's not trying to win—she's trying to connect.
LANA You're not the Mark. You're Kael. You're the boy who helped me find my voice when I got here. You're more than this curse.
Kael roars—but then collapses, the darkness draining from his eyes. He's shaking. Lana catches him.
KAEL (choked) I don't want to become something no one can save.
LANA (soft) Then stop trying to do it alone.
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INT. SHADOWBOUND LIBRARY – MIDNIGHT
Rhea stands in front of a sealed case: Relics of Forbidden Magic. She speaks a code word under her breath. The glass vanishes. Inside is a pendant pulsing with crimson energy.
VOICE (O.S.) You're finally ready to do what must be done.
She turns. The robed figure from the Headmaster's office steps from the shadows.
RHEA Kael won't survive this without help.
ROBED FIGURE Or without a backup Anchor.
Rhea takes the pendant, eyes glowing faintly.
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INT. DORM HALLWAY – LATER
Kael and Lana return from the forest. They walk in silence.
KAEL What if the diary's right? What if being near me is dangerous for you?
LANA Then I'll choose to be in danger. Because every time I see you fight back, it reminds me why you're worth it.
Kael stops. Lana looks up. Their kiss this time is slower. Stronger. Real.
Unseen, Rhea watches from the shadows, clutching the pendant.