Chapter Eleven: Cracks in the Flame

Night fell heavy over the Imperial capital. The arena had been evacuated, the Trial grounds sealed under “emergency repairs.” But within the old shrine that now served as their quarters, the twins sat in silence.

The room was dim, lit only by the faint pulsing of the silver embers resting in the twin scabbards beside them.

Kaede sharpened her blade. Ren sat by the window, staring out over the city, his jaw tight.

The silence stretched. Until Kaede finally said

“We weren’t supposed to both win.”

Ren didn’t answer.

She sheathed her sword, watching him. “You’ve been quiet since the fight.”

He spoke without turning. “I saw something… in the Trial. A version of me. Not a shadow, not a lie. Just… a possibility.”

“Same here,” she said softly. “A version of me who was willing to kill you.”

That made him look at her. His eyes were tired. Old, in a way no sixteen-year-old’s eyes should be.

“So now what?” he asked. “We keep pretending we’re stronger together, even when everything says we’re not?”

Kaede stood slowly. “We are stronger together.”

“The prophecy doesn’t agree.”

She walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Prophecies don’t have swords. We do.”

He looked down at her hand.

“Do you think we’ll have to fight each other in the end?” he asked, voice low.

Kaede didn’t answer at first. Then, with honest weight: “I think someone wants us to. I think this whole system Kanzuro, the Seers, the Trials they’re meant to break us apart.”

Ren turned to face her fully.

“And what if it’s me who breaks?”

She stared at him. “Then I’ll stop you.”

“And if it’s you?”

Kaede smiled faintly. “Then you’d better try harder than anyone else.”

Outside the shrine, in the shadows…

Aimi watched the window, her mask tilted slightly. She had followed them. Not for orders.

But for curiosity.

Two embers.

Two blades.

But only one throne.

She whispered to the darkness beside her. “They're not ready. But if one breaks… the other will shatter.”

The shadow behind her hissed in agreement.

Back inside…

Ren finally smiled, tired but real. “Whatever happens… I’m still with you.”

Kaede smirked. “You’d better be. I’m not babysitting a demon-possessed twin on my own.”

They both laughed.

For a moment, the world outside the prophecy felt far away.

But it was only a moment.

Because the Black Moon was rising.