Chapter 74: Kael’s Secret
Lirian wiped at her face, exhaustion and grief seed down like a heavy cloak.
The golden glow of the butterflies still flowed faintly around her, telling her of sacrifice and responsibility that was now placed on her shoulders.
Kael cleared his throat awkwardly, kneeling beside her.
"Okay, so... I have a confession to make," Kael said, scratching the back of his neck.
Lirian looked up at him, frowning. "What is it now? Don’t tell you’re so secret guardian too."
Pedro raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Kael. What have you been hiding, hmm? Is it that you’re secretly a prince of a lost kingdom? Or maybe you’re just really bad at cards?"
Kael gave Pedro a glare. "I’ll ignore that last part. No, it’s... well, it’s a little more complicated."
Lirian sighed, her patience was already wearing thin. "Kael, just spit it out."
Kael hesitated, then let out a long breath, sitting cross-legged in front of her.
"All right, here goes. I’m not exactly... who you think I am. I’ve been around a lot longer than I’ve let on."
"What does that an?" Lirian asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I’m 213 years old," Kael admitted.
The cave fell into stunned silence.
Pedro broke it with a loud snort.
"Yeah, right. You don’t look a day over 25. What’s your secret? Magical skincare?"
Kael gave him a flat look.
"I’m serious, Pedro. I’m not exactly mortal. I was... well, let’s just say I was part of the first generation of mages born after the crystal created this world. Back then, I swore an oath to protect the balance of mana. And, uh... I also happen to be Gabriel’s godfather."
Lirian blinked, her jaw dropped to the ground.
"You’re what?"
Kael held up his hands.
"I know, I know. It’s a lot to take in. But yeah, I’ve known Gabriel since the day he was born. Elira asked to watch over him and guide him if anything ever happened to her. I failed her, though. When ylo’s forces ca for the crystal, I couldn’t protect anyone...and the sa with his castle."
Pedro whistled, leaning back on his heels.
"Well, that explains why you’re so annoyingly cryptic all the ti."
Kael stared at him.
"I prefer ’strategically mysterious.’"
Lirian shook her head, still trying to understand this new information.
"So you’ve been pretending to be... what? A wandering rcenary?"
Kael shrugged.
"It’s easier that way. If people knew who I really was, they’d start asking questions. Questions that could lead ylo’s spies straight to . Staying under the radar has kept alive this long."
"But why didn’t you tell us sooner?" Lirian asked, sounding frustrated.
"If you knew Gabriel’s story, why didn’t you say anything?"
Kael looked down.
"Because I didn’t know if you were ready to hear it. You’ve been through so much already, Lirian. I didn’t want to pile more onto your shoulders until I was sure you could handle it."
Lirian scoffed. "Well, congratulations, Kael. My shoulders are officially overloaded now."
Pedro crossed his arms.
"So, if you’re Gabriel’s godfather and this ancient protector of mana, do you have a brilliant plan to get him out of prison? Because I hate to break it to you, but we’re kind of out of ti."
Kael nodded slowly, his eyes went to the crystal.
"I’ve been thinking about that. Raphael is the key. If we can get him on our side, we’ll have a chance."
Lirian frowned. "You heard what Elira said. Raphael hates . He’s not going to listen to anything I say."
Kael leaned forward, intensifying his jaw.
"You don’t have to make him like you, Lirian. You just have to get him to doubt ylo. If we can plant even the smallest seed of doubt in his mind, it could weaken ylo’s control over him."
Pedro rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"And how do we do that? Raphael’s not exactly the ’sit down and have a chat’ type."
Kael smirked faintly.
"No, he’s not. But Raphael craves power, and he fears being outmatched. If we can make him believe that ylo sees him as expendable, it might be enough to shake his loyalty."
"And how do we make him believe that?" Lirian asked skeptically.
Kael grinned.
"Leave that to . I’ve spent two centuries perfecting the art of manipulation."
Pedro snorted. "That’s reassuring."
Lirian hesitated.
"Even if we manage to turn Raphael, how do we get Gabriel out? He’s locked in a prison that’s probably surrounded by ylo’s forces."
Kael turned serious again.
"There’s only one way to get him out: we need to create a distraction big enough to draw ylo’s attention elsewhere."
Pedro raised an eyebrow. "You an blow sothing up?"
"Exactly. But not just anything. ylo’s forces have been gathering near the old ruins of the Obsidian Spire. If we can make it look like we’re planning an attack there, it’ll force him to redirect his troops. That should give us just enough ti to break Gabriel out."
"And how do we break him out?" Lirian asked.
Kael reached into his coat and pulled out a small, intricately carved crystal. "This. It’s a teleportation shard. I’ve been saving it for an ergency. Once we reach Gabriel, we can use it to get him out."
Pedro frowned. "And what happens to us?"
Kael hesitated. "We’ll have to fight our way out."
Lirian stared at him, her heart sinking. "This plan... it’s insane."
Kael smiled faintly. "Welco to the world of heroics."
Pedro clapped his hands together. "Well, I guess it’s settled, then. We blow up so ruins, trick Raphael, and save Gabriel. Easy, right?"
Lirian shook her head, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "You’re both crazy."
Kael stood, offering her his hand. "Maybe. But sotis crazy is exactly what we need."
Lirian took his hand, pulling herself to her feet. The weight on her shoulders hadn’t lessened, but for the first ti, she felt a spark of hope.
"Let’s do this," she said, hardening her voice.
"That’s the spirit! Now, let’s go save a prince and annoy the heck out of a dark sorcerer."
As the three of them made their way out of the cave, Lirian glanced back at the crystal.
No matter what happened, there was no way to return to her previous life, but she could save her life and hopefully, Gabriel’s in this.
"Gabriel, we’re coming for you!"
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