Eclipse Requiem

The night was eerily **silent**.

Kael and Saren sat near the remains of a dying fire, their minds still weighed down by what had transpired. The assassin's words lingered in Kael's thoughts, a warning he couldn't shake.

*"You're not the only one changing."*

*"Others have had Fragments far longer than you."*

That meant one thing—he was already **behind.**

Saren threw a small rock into the flames, her expression unreadable. "You're thinking about what they said, aren't you?"

Kael let out a slow breath. "How could I not?"

"Yeah," she muttered. "We were already in deep before. Now? It's worse."

She wasn't wrong.

The Holy Order had always been after him because of the **Eclipse Seal**, but now? Now he had something **even more dangerous** inside him. Something **that others already possessed.**

He glanced down at his hand, watching small traces of **black and silver energy** flicker across his skin.

The power felt… **restless.**

As if it was waiting for something.

Or **someone.**

**Who else had Fragments?**

And more importantly…

**What were they planning?**

---

### **A Fateful Decision**

Kael stood up, stretching out his sore limbs. "We need to move."

Saren raised an eyebrow. "Where, exactly? We've been running blind for days."

"We can't just keep running," Kael said. "If what the assassin said is true, then there are others like me out there. And if they're ahead of me in power—"

Saren cut him off, her voice sharp. "Then what? You go looking for them? That's suicide, Kael."

He clenched his jaw. He **knew** that.

But they couldn't keep **reacting** to everything.

They had to take **control.**

Saren sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're seriously doing this, aren't you?"

Kael nodded. "I need to find out who these other Fragment wielders are. If I don't… I'll never stand a chance."

Saren muttered something under her breath before shaking her head. "Fine. But we do this my way—**smart, careful, and not rushing in like an idiot.**"

Kael smirked. "Wasn't planning to."

She snorted. "Yeah, sure."

---

### **A City of Secrets**

Their journey led them toward **Blackreach**, a sprawling underground city built into the cliffs of the **Veil Abyss.**

It was a place where **mercenaries, exiles, and information brokers thrived.**

If anyone knew about **other Eclipse wielders**, it would be here.

As they entered the city, the air was thick with the scent of **oil, metal, and burning incense.** The streets were lined with traders, mercenaries, and bounty hunters—all exchanging whispers and gold under the dim glow of lanterns.

Saren pulled up her hood. "Stay quiet. Let me handle the talking."

Kael gave her a skeptical look. "You? Talking instead of stabbing?"

"Shut up and follow me."

She led him through the maze of alleys until they reached a **low-lit tavern** nestled in the shadows of the city walls.

The sign above the door read:

**The Hollow Fang.**

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Sounds welcoming."

Saren pushed the door open. "It's not."

Inside, the tavern was packed with **dangerous-looking figures**—bounty hunters, rogue mages, and exiled warriors. The scent of **smoke and ale** filled the air.

At the far end of the room, a man sat behind a **massive stone table**, surrounded by armed guards. His **scarred face** and **gold-plated armor** marked him as someone important.

Saren leaned toward Kael. "That's **Rendain**. He deals in information. If anyone knows about Fragment wielders, it's him."

Kael nodded and stepped forward.

The moment he did, **Rendain's sharp eyes locked onto him.**

A slow smile spread across the man's face.

"Well, well," he mused, tapping his fingers on the table. "The Eclipse Bearer himself… didn't think I'd ever see you walk through my doors."

Kael's muscles tensed.

He had **never met this man before.**

And yet—

Rendain already **knew who he was.**

**This wasn't just a city of secrets.**

It was a city where **Kael was already being watched.**