The only thing capable of defeating power… was absolute power.
That was the truth Kael had come to accept—not just in this life, but from the lessons carved deep into his soul from the one before.
Status, titles, noble blood—none of it mattered when faced with raw, unshakable might. If he wanted to rise, to carve a place in this world, then he needed to reach that level.
And he knew who held the key to that path.
Nyx… The name echoed in his mind like a tantalizing dream.
Without realizing it, his arms moved faster, each swing more precise, more powerful. He was no longer thinking—he was driven. By the time his senses returned, the pile was finished, every log split and stacked.
"Finally done," Kael muttered, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow as he turned to glance at Alaric, who was still chopping nearby.
Alaric noticed and smiled warmly. "Good job, Kael. Go and take some rest. I'll finish the rest."
Kael nodded silently and made his way back to the house.
He washed up quickly before climbing the stairs and pushing open the door to his room.
And there she was.
Nyx.
She lay on his bed, relaxed and radiant, dressed in that same silky, seductive. Her emerald hair shimmered slightly, and her green eyes sparkled with a playful glint.
"Oh, you're back," she said, her voice light and delighted as she sat up slightly.
Kael smiled in return, but his mind wasn't swayed by her beauty this time. Not now.
"Nyx," he said, his voice steady, his eyes locked onto hers, "I have something I need to talk to you about."
Nyx tilted her head, intrigued. The seriousness in his tone, the unwavering focus in his expression—she knew something had changed.
She gave a small smile and patted the spot next to her.
"Go on," she said softly. "I'm listening."
Kael stood next to her, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made the air between them feel charged.
"I need power," he said, his voice low but firm. "Absolute power."
Nyx blinked slowly, her teasing smirk fading into something more serious. She leaned forward slightly, studying his face.
"Power, hmm?" she murmured, her voice almost a whisper as she leaned in closer, closing the distance between them. "Why now, Kael?"
Kael's gaze faltered for a moment, but his thoughts remained clear. He was given a second chance at life—an opportunity he couldn't afford to waste.
There was a deep gratitude within him for that second chance, but also a fire that burned for something more than mere survival. He wasn't here to simply exist. He wanted to do something—become something.
He looked down at his hands, his fingers curling into fists, his resolve growing with every passing second.
After a moment of silence, he spoke again:
"Fate has been kind to me," he said, "and I just want to repay fate by doing what I truly want. To become the strongest there ever will be."
His eyes locked onto hers once more, the intensity of his gaze speaking volumes.
Nyx remained silent for a long moment. Kael could her gaze on him, judging him, as if she were stripping him naked. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft yet full of something deeper.
"And what will you do with this power once you have it, Kael?" she asked, her eyes glimmering with a hint of challenge. "What does the strongest person in the world want?"
Kael took a deep breath.
"I'll do what I have always wanted," he said. "I'll be free. Free to live on my own terms, free from the judgment of others."
Nyx's eyes softened slightly, and for a fleeting moment, Kael could have sworn he saw something close to admiration in her gaze. But she didn't say anything. Instead, she just nodded slowly, as if considering his words carefully.
"You're ambitious, Kael," she said finally, a smile tugging at her lips. "But remember, power comes at a cost. And you have to be willing to pay that price if you want to truly rule."
Kael nodded, his expression hardening with determination. He was ready for whatever price needed to be paid. Whatever sacrifices he had to make.