Chris stormed into the Ascendants' archive, the air heavy with dust and secrets. His eyes scanned the ancient texts and relics, searching for answers to the whispers that had plagued him for years.
Then, his gaze settled on a worn, sealed letter tucked behind a faded tapestry. Breaking the seal, he read:
"To those I left behind, my death was a choice—not fate. I protect what matters from the shadows."
Chris's heart pounded. The weight of betrayal hit him hard.
"Valen... you're alive."
Suddenly, footsteps echoed behind him. Turning sharply, Chris found himself face to face with Valen, whose silver eyes held a somber truth.
Chris: "Why? Why fake your death and leave us all in the dark? You risked everything... everyone."
Valen: "To protect Aurelia and Hope. Sometimes the greatest battles are fought in silence."
Chris's expression twisted in anger and disbelief.
"You broke our trust."
"I did what I had to."
"Don't expect forgiveness—yet."