The spark that repels us.

cute and every stride deliberate. Arin, the pupil Shen had selected to go with him, kept pace with almost unsettling

ssion?" Arin asked, his voice a quie

as determined to obtain the formula an

elieve it to be that basic? Shen only sends two of us unl

ns. His attention was on the current work, the actions he would do, and

In its middle stood a small cabin, its wooden walls aged. Rising from th

his voice tinged with expect

otsteps were silent on the soft ground as he moved forward. Arin followed, hi

nned and vanished into the darkness, leaving Kels by the front door alone. Breathing

of rustling, then sighed

tle equipped; a single table and chair dominated the middle, and shelves along the walls were filled with

e calm but firm, "You shouldn't have come here."

shing in the firelight. The

years of effort and suffering, far older than Kael had anticipated. Sti

e soul rebirth formula is not just a recipe." That is a weight

ke," Kael said, his grip tighte

. Kael whirled, his heart pounding as Arin staggered into the room clutchi

is voice strained. They

e healer observed them, his face expression unr

o survive, you will listen to me." "More than you might thi

y of their circumstances. From outside, the sound of approaching foo

aid, his hold on Kael's arm getting s

e felt the weight of choice. The Dark Sect taught detachment, ruthlessness, and obedience as well as de

e battle that ensued was savage and disorganized; the chamber spun with blood and steel

ries when the dust fell. Over them, Kael stood with his chest heaving and his bla

trength," he replied. "But strength devoid of direction is useless. If you reall

r's words combined with the memories starting to surface left him whir

, couldn't. N

rned to Arin to get him upright. "This isn't over," he

ly as Kael and Arin vanished into the wilderness, staring down the conce

er its secrets had