Eclipse Requiem

The black crystal pulsed faintly, nestled among the remains of the beast. It was small—barely the size of Kael's palm—but the **power radiating from it** was undeniable.

Saren eyed it warily. "That thing… is bad news."

Kael stepped closer, his body instinctively **drawn** to it. His own Fragment—the one embedded in his soul—**reacted** to its presence. He could feel the energy pulling at him, like two pieces of a puzzle trying to connect.

He swallowed hard. "It's another Fragment."

Saren scowled. "Yeah, and the last thing we need is more of those making you lose control."

She wasn't wrong.

Ever since Kael's Eclipse Fragment had awakened, he had been struggling. **Flashes of memory that weren't his. Power that surged beyond his control. The constant feeling that something—or someone—was watching him.**

And now… this.

Another piece of the mystery.

Another **risk.**

Kael reached out.

"Kael—wait!" Saren grabbed his arm. "What if it corrupts you?"

He hesitated. "We can't just leave it."

Saren's expression darkened. "Then let me take it."

Kael blinked. "What?"

"You heard me." Saren crossed her arms. "If you absorb another one of those things, there's no telling what'll happen. I'll hold onto it."

Kael clenched his jaw. The thought of letting her take it felt… wrong.

Not because he didn't trust her.

But because deep down, his **Fragment wanted it.**

*Take it. Grow stronger. Survive.*

Saren must've seen the conflict on his face. "Don't let this thing control you, Kael."

He let out a slow breath.

Then, with great effort—he stepped back.

"Fine," he muttered.

Saren carefully picked up the crystal, wrapping it in cloth before slipping it into her pouch. "There. Now let's get out of here before something else shows up."

Kael nodded, pushing aside the uneasy feeling gnawing at him.

For now, the Fragment was safe.

But a **part of him** couldn't help but wonder…

Had he just made a mistake?

---

### **Rendain's Price**

When they emerged from the ruins, Rendain was waiting, a smug grin plastered on his face.

"Well, well," he mused. "You're still alive. I'd say that's impressive."

Saren rolled her eyes. "We did your job. Now give us the information."

Rendain chuckled. "Impatient, aren't you?" He leaned forward. "Very well. I promised you knowledge, and I always keep my promises."

He snapped his fingers.

One of his guards approached, handing over a **rolled-up parchment.**

Kael took it, eyes scanning the contents.

As he read, his hands tightened.

**There were five other Fragment wielders.**

Each one **scattered across the continent.**

Each one **growing stronger.**

And at the bottom of the list—

**One name stood out.**

A name Kael **knew.**

His breath caught. "This… can't be right."

Saren peered over his shoulder. When she saw the name, her eyes widened.

Rendain smirked. "Surprised?"

Kael clenched his fists. "If this is true… then one of the Fragment wielders is—"

Rendain raised a hand. "Ah, ah. No spoilers." His grin widened. "Now, what will you do with this information, Eclipse Bearer?"

Kael didn't answer.

Because in that moment—

Everything had changed.