Chapter 7. Welcome, Kairen

A second. Two. Three.

Kairen burst out of the poisonous dust.

Hajar’s silhouette became clear again—massive and terrifying.

Attacking head-on is a stupid idea… he thought, feeling his heartbeat accelerate.

Damn it! He’s attacking!

Hajar spread his wings—huge, like the shadow of a great wind swallowing everything before Kairen. A blinding motion, darkness mingled with the slick gleam of his skin—and at the same time, a strike of his tail.

Kairen was thrown toward the edge of the platform, nearly suspended over the abyss, whose cold pierced straight to the bone.

The metal beneath his feet screeched under the strain.

Hajar gave him no time to recover. He lunged to finish him, making a final deadly move—his maw opening wide, filled with the stench of death.

Kairen unleashed HEYKA.

A protective aura flared around him, strong and cold like stone walls.

But… it wasn’t enough.

Hajar broke through his shield. His claws crushed Kairen’s body, every movement becoming unbearably heavy.

His breathing quickened. His heart pounded wildly. Pain shot from his shoulders to his chest.

Hajar’s jaws drew closer.

Kairen smelled slime and dust. He felt fear—fear that wanted to swallow him alive.

You can’t give up… he whispered to himself.

One more moment—and the world could end.

A moment—and Hajar’s maw exploded into pieces. The upper half of his body tore apart, leaving only the lower half behind.

Everyone present stared, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Who did that? Was it Kairen?

Kairen lay on the platform, in shock himself. His heart hammered wildly. His body trembled.

And someone nearby was whistling.

Someone else? Who is standing on the platform?

“What is this performance for?” a cold, sharp voice rang out. “Decided to put on a show?”

Kairen turned his head.

A man stood before him. An unknown man. A powerful aura enveloped everything around him.

“Istar…” Meira whispered.

“Who gave you permission to kill a young man for entertainment, hm?” Istar’s cold voice pierced the bodies of everyone present.

“Watch your words!” one of the Conclave finally gathered his courage.

“Know your place, or you will face punishment,” another judge added, trying to retain control of the situation.

Istar laughed—loud, clear, unsettling.

“Are you serious?” His laughter rang like cracking ice. “Which one of you actually believes that?”

In the next instant, he stood beside one of the judges. Face to face. Istar’s icy eyes pierced through the judge—and everyone else.

“Why so quiet? Hard to breathe?” he asked coldly.

“Then don’t.”

He said it even more quietly—but his voice suffocated, made even the strongest tremble.

The Conclave froze. Everyone understood that the one standing before them was not merely a young man; they all knew what he was capable of—and that made it even more frightening.

“We are the law! Order stands because of us! Only we decide what is truth and what is not!” one of the judges shouted from behind Istar, choking on fury.

Istar did not even turn around.

“So your confidence lies in the fact that I won’t touch you?” he said calmly. “You think something protects you?”

He slowly raised his hand… and placed a finger against one judge’s forehead.

The hall grew so silent that the faint dripping of water into the abyss below could be heard.

“What do you think would happen if I released heyka… at a single point?” Istar asked quietly.

The judge did not blink. His lips trembled. Everyone around stood frozen—even Meira could hardly believe what she was witnessing.

“I’ve always wondered what goes on inside your heads,” Istar gave a faint smile. “And now I have such an opportunity.”

The judge’s face twisted in terror. His body began to shake.

Istar lightly flicked his finger against the man’s forehead.

“Leave. Now.”

The Conclave exchanged glances. They could not tell—was this a bluff? Or a real threat?

“How dare you speak to us like that?! We are the Honored Conclave!” another tried to regain his voice.

Istar cut him off sharply.

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

His heyka slowly spread through the hall. Not as an explosion—but as pressure. Invisible, yet crushing chests and bending knees.

“Do not make me kill you.”

The cold in his voice cut through everyone like a blade.

And that was enough.

However much they tried to preserve their dignity—they stepped back. Then they walked away quickly. And then almost ran, like rats that had sensed a fire.

“You won’t get away with this!” someone shouted in parting.

“I’ll manage,” Istar replied indifferently.

Silence.

For several seconds, Meira stared at him as if seeing him for the first time.

“So the message reached you?” she asked more quietly. “I thought you’d ignore it.”

“Not in time,” Istar sighed. “I was busy.”

He looked at her.

“Meira… why didn’t you bring him to me immediately? You do love making things complicated.”

“I didn’t know they were this…” She swallowed her words. “Unhinged.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

His eyes slid to Kairen, who was still lying on the platform, not fully comprehending what had happened.

Istar lightly jumped down, landing almost without a sound.

He stepped closer.

“Though…” he glanced at the remains of Hajar. “In a way, this is even good. You’ve awakened.”

Kairen looked at him, still breathing heavily.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Istar said calmly. “My name is Istar. Let’s skip the formalities.”

He extended his hand.

Kairen stared at it for several seconds.

The hand was not trembling. It was calm. Confident.

Kairen slowly rose… and shook it.

“I’m glad you arrived without any extraordinary incidents,” Istar said lightly, as if he hadn’t just scattered the Conclave. “Come. I’ll introduce you to someone.”

He gave Kairen a friendly pat on the back.

“You coming?” he glanced at Meira.

“Seems so,” she answered with a faint smile.

“Wonderful.”

Who is he?..

Thoughts buzzed in Kairen’s head.

What is even happening? Is this a joke? Someone’s performance? Or have I simply gone insane?

The Conclave had just tried to execute him.

And now those same people had fled like frightened children.

They really wanted to kill me… But why?

He had never wanted to go to Arvendal. And it seemed—not without reason.

Istar led them up the stairs. The Stone Hall of Five remained behind—cold as a tomb.

When they stepped outside, Arvendal’s air felt warmer. The noise of the city washed over them like a wave.

The hall guards tried to block their path.

“Stop—”

They never finished.

Istar did not even slow down. He merely let his gaze slide over them.

A moment later, the guards swayed… and collapsed unconscious.

Kairen watched silently.

“Who is he?..” he asked Meira quietly.

“A friend,” she replied briefly.

“Did I miss something?” Kairen grimaced. “Because I don’t understand anything at all.”

Meira fell silent for a second.

“I don’t understand everything either,” she admitted honestly.

Kairen exhaled heavily.

Istar walked ahead—calm, relaxed, as if all of this were a trivial matter.

Yet there was something different about him: a certain lightness, a strength that gave hope and confidence.

A hidden strength.

Warm and at the same time cold.

And that, too, was frightening.

“Don’t lag behind,” Istar tossed over his shoulder.

The Upper City—a quiet part of Arvendal where the stone is lighter and the air seems cleaner.

That was where Istar brought them.

Ahead rose the Aldkrain family estate—massive gates, carved balconies, blue banners bearing the family crest.

“How’s old Kagrim doing?” Istar asked casually, without stopping.

Kairen blinked. The name was familiar… but why was he asking him?

“Still the same rude blockhead. And, surprisingly, still alive,” Meira replied, casting a sideways glance at the confused Kairen.

“Why didn’t you answer my messages?” she suddenly added, no longer joking.

Istar sighed, as if the question were more difficult than the Conclave.

“I… was embarrassed to reply. After your confessions.”

Meira stopped abruptly.

“Don’t push me.”

She stepped right up to him. Her gaze—sharp, threatening.

“You’re so close…” Istar tilted his head slightly. “Can you feel how my heart’s racing?”

He lightly took her hand.

“It’s not beating at all,” she replied dryly, not looking away. “Do you even know what love is, Istar?”

For a moment, silence hung between them.

“Hard to say,” he smiled faintly.

Kairen stood aside, watching them, feeling out of place in this strange conversation.

What’s going on between them?..

Meira sharply pulled her hand away.

“You always turn everything into a game.”

“Because life is far too dull without one,” Istar answered calmly. “Come. I’ll treat you to tea… and hugs.”

Tch… the look on Meira’s face showed she was already tired of his games.

He headed toward the gates.

Kairen lingered for a second.

Old Kagrim… the Aldkrains… the Conclave…

Istar…

What have you pushed me into, Kagrim…

They entered the estate.

The spacious main hall shone with the warm light of crystal chandeliers. The marble floor reflected every step they took, as if the house itself were watching its guests.

Along the walls hung portraits of the Aldkrain ancestors—stern faces, cold eyes, gazes that seemed to weigh anyone who crossed the threshold.

A maid stood near the staircase leading to the second floor.

“My lord, shall I escort the guests?” Her voice was even, calm, and remarkably pleasant.

Istar stopped.

“Celia? And why are you here? Is Father already back?”

“No, my lord. He ordered that I come to the estate together with Laen,” she spoke smoothly, her words nearly gliding soundlessly.

“I see… wonderful,” Istar smiled faintly. “Perfect timing. I’ll introduce you to my brother.”

He looked at Kairen.

“Brother?..” Kairen repeated quietly.

“Follow me. Laen’s in the garden, right?”

“Yes, my lord.”

Istar turned to Meira.

“Escort Lady Meira to the guest hall. And prepare some tea… and something sweet.”

“As you wish, my lord.”

“Don’t be shy, Meira,” Istar lightly pushed Kairen forward while smiling at her over his shoulder. “I’ll be back soon.”

“You are unbearable…” she exhaled with mild irritation, though there was no real anger in her voice.

“This way, my lady,” Celia said gently.

Meira cast a brief glance at Kairen.

Concern for him was clear in her eyes.

He followed Istar down a long corridor lined with tall windows overlooking the garden.

“Why do I need to meet your brother?” Kairen finally asked, trying to hide his nervousness.

“Why?” Istar shook his head. “Don’t ask stupid questions.”

They stepped into the garden.

It was unbelievably beautiful: sunlight played across the leaves of the trees, and flowers bloomed in bright colors that seemed to shimmer with a golden hue.

“Laen, you hear me? There you are,” Istar lifted a light-haired head that stood out among the flowers.

As if playing, he lifted Laen by the collar like a kitten.

“Meet him,” Istar said, looking at Kairen. “This is my brother, Laen.”

“Laen?” Kairen repeated quietly, uncertainly. “Nice to meet you…”

“Put me down, brother!” Laen grumbled.

“Say hello,” Istar said, still holding him despite his displeasure.

“Fine. Hi. Happy now? Now let me go!” Laen pushed himself away like an annoyed kitten.

“Alright,” Istar smiled and carefully set him down. “Well then… boys, I’m glad you’ve become friends. I won’t disturb you.”

Istar turned and walked off, but Kairen immediately moved after him.

“No, you go there!” Istar stopped him and turned him back toward Laen. “Have fun!”

“But I—”

“I said—have fun!” Istar cut him off sharply, though with a faint smile.

Kairen lowered his shoulders, but inside he felt that refusing Istar was almost impossible.

Laen had already turned back to examining the flowers.

Kairen took a deep breath, barely holding back the trembling in his chest.

“Nothing to be done…” he muttered to himself and slowly walked toward Laen.

“What are you doing?” he asked, trying to compose himself.

“What does it look like?” Laen looked at him coldly, as if testing his limits.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Laen added with a barely noticeable smile.

“Yeah…” Kairen shrugged, feeling that any words right now were unnecessary. “Why did I even ask…”

“So is this your hobby?” Kairen forced a smile and continued.

“Are you always this boring?” Laen added, his displeased gaze fixed on Kairen.

Alright… bad idea, Kairen thought.

“Why do you accept behavior like that?” Laen continued. “You’re too soft…”

“Huh? I’m just polite,” Kairen replied, trying not to give in to the tension.

“And what has that given you?” Laen raised a brow. “Nothing… So just be yourself! You see your friend… What’s his name?”

Kairen turned his head back—and froze.

Levan stood behind him.

His heart clenched, and confusion rolled through him.

“How are you?..” Kairen whispered. “Where have you been all this time?”

“I’ve always been beside you,” Levan answered quietly.

Kairen could not believe his eyes. His mind had not yet processed what he was seeing.

“Now I understand,” Laen said, standing up and looking directly at Kairen. “Why my brother brought you here.”

“What did you see behind me?” Laen asked, fixing his gaze on Kairen.

Kairen stood in confused silence, trying to find the words.

“People I don’t know…”

“And why do you see them the same way I see your friend?” Laen asked coldly, yet with curiosity.

Kairen did not know what to answer. He simply stood there.

“The answer is obvious,” Laen continued, leaning slightly closer. “You’re the same as me. We see the dead… We are called Tenaru — those who see the dark world.”

Kairen stood, stunned.

He slowly shifted his gaze to Levan, trying to comprehend the meaning of those words.

“That can’t be…” he whispered.

“You’ve only just realized?” Levan smiled sadly and quietly. “I’ve been gone for a long time.”

Kairen’s eyes filled with tears.

They rolled down his cheeks, carrying pain and confusion with them.

He remembered everything he had tried to forget—the pain, the loss, the emptiness.

And all those feelings returned.

He would have to accept them.