Kael strolled absently through the Academy's parks, Liam’s parting words echoing in his mind.

  Whoever has taken an interest in me doesn’t intend to harm me. At least not yet, he concluded, though tension still coiled in his chest. It can’t be the King. A man with that kind of power wouldn't need someone like Liam.

  Still, the list of possibilities refused to shrink: The princess? The Vice-Headmaster. Or someone else entirely.

  I don’t have enough information.

  He slowed down when he realized where he was: a small hill near the outer wall of the academy. Beyond it, the borders of the Empire stretched into the distance. Towering mountains rose against the horizon like sleeping giants: silent and immovable.

  "It doesn't matter anyway," Kael murmured, his expression darkening. "If I'm leaving the Empire soon."

  But the thought refused to settle.

  Could I really do that? Leave everything behind? Leave Lia? Leave Zaros?

  He despised what the Empire stood for. He understood the Unspoken’s resolve. But was their fight truly his?

  Beyond the borders, he would find answers about his past and himself. Yet, those answers demanded a price: his present.

  Kael exhaled shakily. "I guess there's no turning back now."

  Maybe it would be easier for them if he disappeared. They could live ordinary, happy lives. Lives untouched by the chaos that followed him. If his presence only promised tragedy, then distance might be mercy.

  He sat down, his gaze fixed on the mountains. They seemed to call to him, to the unknown beyond the Empire’s reach. They tugged gently at the anchor that still bound him to this place.

  He remained there for a long time. Even when the sun’s warmth faded and the cold of the approaching night crept into his bones, his gaze never wavered.

  Only when his breath became visible did he finally rise, shivering beneath his robes, and head back.

  By the time he reached the building that housed Professor Nora’s office, night had fully claimed the Academy. Lanterns flickered along the path, their dim light barely pushing back the darkness.

  Kael knocked and entered upon Nora’s quiet summons.

  As always, the professor was seated at his desk, absorbed in paperwork. The room was heavy with the scent of herbs and minerals, which was strangely calming.

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  Kael took his usual seat and waited.

  Minutes passed before Nora set his pen aside and filed away his documents. Only then did he look up and give Kael a brief, acknowledging glance, approval without warmth.

  "Now," he said evenly, "let us begin our second lecture."

  "Professor," Kael interjected politely, "may I ask a question first?"

  Nora paused, then nodded.

  "I wanted to ask about something I heard during my meeting with the Unspoken—"

  The sharp crack of Nora’s hand striking the desk cut him off.

  "I do not want to hear anything about your meeting with them," he snapped.

  Kael froze. He had never heard such anger in his teacher’s voice.

  Nora noticed his reaction and leaned back, exhaling slowly. “I apologize for my tone,” he said at last. "But I will repeat myself. I am not one of them. I do not identify with them.”

  He folded his hands. "I only assist them where our interests overlap. Nothing more. Personally, I despise them, but that is not a discussion meant for you."

  Kael opened his mouth, but Nora raised a hand.

  "If you insist on speaking about them," he said calmly, "this lecture ends now."

  Kael clenched his jaw, then nodded.

  "Good," Nora replied. "Did you reflect on what I told you last time?"

  "Yes," Kael replied, his voice steady. "I went to the library. I tried to find answers on my own.”

  He explained his conclusions: the King’s limited presence, the growing control of the Order, and the internal origins of past rebellions.

  Nora listened without interruption.

  “Not entirely accurate,” he said once Kael had finished speaking, “but impressive, given the information available to you.”

  He studied Kael’s expression. “Yet something still troubles you.”

  Kael hesitated. Then the words broke free.

  “Why me?”

  His voice wavered. "Why do I have a power that no one else has? Why don't I remember my past? Why does it feel like my life is slipping away without my consent?"

  The final question fell as a whisper.

  Nora did not interrupt. He waited.

  When Kael fell silent, Nora’s gaze sharpened.

  "I can't answer most of your questions," he said quietly. "This time, I wish that I could."

  Kael tensed.

  “But I do know this,” Nora continued. "Your existence is a variable. Unforeseen yet impossible to be accidental."

  Kael frowned. "I don't know what that means."

  "It will."

  Nora exhaled. "Your ability came into existence when the first Mystery was solved, when the first Word began to lose its power. What you wield is its reflection. It's not identical, but it's born from the same absence."

  Kael’s eyes widened.

  "Then, does the Word that vanished have something to do with seeing the future?"

  Nora raised an eyebrow. "Time," he murmured. "A terrifying power. Fortunately, it no longer exists.”

  Kael barely heard him.

  "Does that mean," he asked slowly, "that every time a Mystery is solved and a Word is destroyed, I gain something new?"

  Nora did not answer immediately.

  "That is what I expect," he finally said. "Now you understand why the Unspoken seek you."

  A chill ran down Kael’s spine. “Then why doesn’t the King know this? If he did, I’d be dead.”

  Nora’s expression softened just slightly.

  "Someone once told me," he said, "that a person would appear who could reshape the world."

  He leaned forward. “The only question is whether you will correct it or destroy it.”

  "That doesn't answer my question," Kael said firmly.

  Nora held his gaze. "Only this, then: Your fate and Astra's are far more intertwined than you realize."

  Kael bristled. “Professor—”

  “The lesson is over,” Nora interrupted. “Next time, meet me in the garden I showed you. We will begin learning how to bypass your backlash.”

  He stood. "Your power may be vast, Your body is not.”

  Kael rose, his anger simmering beneath his resolve. Nora always stopped just short of the truth.

  Still, when he left the office, his steps were steady.

  Now I’m sure. There is no turning back."