Night had already claimed the plateau when Thalen awoke. Moonlight filtered through the shattered ruins, glinting against the new blade's script. He drew it from his belt and held it toward the sky. The markings glowed faintly silver shifting to violet as if sensing the moon's pull. A whisper in his mind: "You are no longer hidden."
He knelt and pressed the steel to the ground. He was alone, yet not. Memories surfaced of the Foundry's fire, Varos's trials, and every vow written upon this blade. The planet felt distant here: wind, stone, and emptiness. No distractions. Only his breath and heartbeat.
He spoke aloud: "I am Thalen of Reuven. I carry no lies." The blade pulsed stronger, humming like a heartbeat of its own. He nodded. "I am ready."
