Book One: Rise of the Demonborn
Chapter 10: No Redemption, No Mercy
---
Kael stood still beneath the dead trees, wings folded against his back, eyes cold.
His sister—Elaena—stood across from him, her hands open in peace.
She looked like someone torn in half: part warrior, part child. Her voice had trembled when she spoke of unity, of hope, of changing Therrow.
Of *saving humanity*.
But Kael didn't move. His face unreadable. His eyes flat.
Then, finally—his voice, low and without a trace of warmth:
"You are not my sister."
Elaena flinched.
"I am," she whispered. "Kael, please—"
"No," he said. "You were touched by them. I can feel it."
He raised a hand, and black mist swirled around her like chains.
Elaena struggled as the corruption binding her became visible—a thin, silver brand glowing on her spine.
Kael's jaw tightened.
"Human magic," he said. "You let them mark you."
"I didn't know!" she cried. "I—I was dying, and they saved me—"
"They *chained* you," he hissed. "Just like they did to me. But unlike you… I broke mine."
She stepped forward. "Please, Kael—don't do this."
He stared at her, silent.
Then he spoke:
"You're already dead."
---
In one movement, Kael raised both hands.
The spirits of House Varnem surged forward—twelve wraiths with horns and burning eyes. They circled Elaena like wolves, but Kael held up a single finger.
He stepped toward her alone.
"I warned you. You should've stayed buried with the rest."
"Kael, I'm your sister," she said, tears on her cheeks. "You once held my hand when we hid under the stairs. When they hit you, I—I screamed for you."
Kael's expression never changed.
"That Kael died," he said. "Burned in their fires. Drowned in their cruelty."
He leaned closer.
"I am not your brother. I am their *consequence*."
---
He placed his palm on her forehead.
A black sigil bloomed beneath her skin, burning through her illusion of life. Her body stiffened—her scream caught between realms.
But Kael didn't flinch.
Nyzereth's voice filled his ears: "Mercy is a myth. Erase the stain."
With a single word, Kael severed her soul.
Her body collapsed—lightless, empty.
But he didn't destroy her.
He *trapped* her—her spirit locked in a crystal vial, still awake, still aware.
"For betrayal," he said coldly, "you will *watch* the end."
He turned to his wraiths.
"We move at dawn. Therrow will fall."
---