Abell woke before dawn.

  He'd barely slept. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw himself standing across from his mother with that sharp look in her eyes that said she wouldn't hold anything back.

  I won’t lose... I can’t.

  He threw off his blanket and sat up, wincing. His body ached from the fight with Torrin; both his ribs and shoulders ached. But he couldn't think about the pain today. If anything, it got him excited

  By the time the first rays of sunlight touched Iridius, Abell was already running. He used jogging to calm his mind and body. It was a Vespera family custom.

  The streets were usually empty this early. Only a few shopkeepers and vendors were opening their doors, sweeping the front. A baker and Mira, the tavern owner, waved as Abell passed, but he barely noticed. Today was all about the fight with Keeko.

  So if I do lose, I wonder what—

  He shook his head. No thinking like that

  He quickened his pace. The cool morning air filled his lungs hard, but his breathing was controlled. His muscles protested at first, but soon the ache faded into a dull hum.

  He ran past the market square and the smithery then past the edge of town where the forest began. The rhythm of his steps calmed him, steadied the chaos in his head.

  Then he heard footsteps behind him.

  "Morning," Torrin said, pulling up beside him.

  Abell glanced over, surprised. "Uh, Morning..."

  “What’s with that lame reaction?” Torrin asked.

  “I didn’t think we’d talk after yesterday,” Abell said, scratching his face.

  Torrin face-palmed. “Dude, you seriously need to improve your social skills,” he said. “After that, we’re good now, okay?”

  “Sure,” Abell replied, sheepishly

  "Anyways, I couldn't sleep," Torrin admitted. "Still sore from yesterday." He grinned. "You?"

  "Same."

  They ran side by side for a moment in silence, their breathing syncing.

  "So what's got you out here this early?" Torrin asked. "You training for something?"

  Abell hesitated.

  Should he tell him? I guess I can, we’re “cool” now, whatever that means

  "Actually... yeah. I'm fighting my mom tonight."

  Torrin stumbled, falling a bit behind Abell. "Wait, what? Miss. Keeko?"

  "It's a Long story," Abell said. "But basically, Hugo, that Luminary guy offered me a spot at the Academy’s entrance exams."

  Torrin's eyes widened. "Seriously?"

  "Yeah. But my mom said I have to earn it by beating her in a fight."

  "And if you lose?"

  Abell clenched his palms. "I'm not going to lose."

  Torrin processed this for a moment, then let out a low whistle. "The Academy. Damn." He looked at Abell with respect and disbelief. "So you're really leaving this place?"

  "If I win, yeah."

  Another stretch of silence passed as the sound of their footsteps, the distant call of birds waking in the trees.

  Torrin examined the forest around them. "It feels too quiet today," Torrin said, his tone more serious now. "Not one Malignant in sight"

  Abell frowned. "Yeah. That’s strange, especially in the forest."

  "My dad's been at the forge non-stop. Guards keep ordering more weapons. Swords, spears, arrows—everything." Torrin glanced at him. "Something's been happening around these parts, but no one knows what.

  "You think it'll reach here?" Torrin asked.

  Abell shrugged. "I don't know, but honestly, today I couldn’t care less. Only one thing is on my mind."

  They slowed as they reached the edge of the forest, both breathing hard. Torrin bent over, hands on his knees, catching his breath.

  "You’re so simple-minded, man, so tonight, huh?" Torrin said, straightening up. "Against your mom. That's insane. I’ll come watch."

  "If you want to go ahead."

  Torrin grinned. "Well, after yesterday, I know you've got a shot. You're tougher than you look."

  Abell smiled. "Thanks."

  "Just don't die, alright? I want a rematch someday."

  "Deal."

  They turned and started jogging back toward town, the sun rising behind them.

  After the jog, Abell parted ways with Torrin, heading back into town.

  His legs were tired, but his mind was still racing. He needed to eat something to clear his head before tonight. The marketplace was already busy with vendors calling out their goods, people haggling over prices, and the usual morning energy.

  Abell walked past the vegetable stalls, weaving through the crowd. Guards were positioned at every corner, more than usual. Their hands rested on their weapons, eyes scanning the crowd like they expected trouble.

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  A group of villagers stood near the fountain, voices hushed but urgent.

  "—heard it was Riverside this time," an older man said.

  "Another village?" a woman replied, shaking her head. "My cousin lives near there. Said the whole village was in ruins."

  "Malignants?"

  "That's what they're saying. But people are claiming it was different. It’s like the Malignants are being directed

  The hell? Abell slowed, pretending to examine a fruit stand while he listened.

  "Directed?" another voice scoffed. "Malignants don't work together. They're mindless, you old crone."

  "Shut up, that's what I thought too. But my cousin swore she saw them working in tandem.”

  A chill ran down Abell's spine.

  "Maybe it’s Fractured Dawn," someone whispered.

  "Don't be ridiculous," the older man snapped. "There’s no way they would come out here, and besides, they don’t attack villages."

  "That’s what you think, " the woman said. "Word is that they are finally beginning their big plan... Magnum Sacrificium.”

  “AHAHAHAHA.” The older man laughed. “Nice story, you old crone, maybe you should be an author.” He said, walking off.

  They must be really bored today. Abell sighed. Still, three villages were hit this month.

  Abell passed a family loading a wagon with their furniture, clothes, and supplies piled high. A young girl clutched a stuffed toy, eyes wide with fear.

  "We're leaving today," the father said to a neighbor. "I'm not waiting around to see what happens."

  "And go where? Hallion?"

  "Anywhere's safer than here."

  Abell stopped at Gilford's rice cake stall. The old vendor smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.

  "Abell! You here for breakfast?"

  "Yeah. Two solara rice cakes, please."

  Gilford handed them over, then leaned in. "Don't let all this talk scare you, boy. Your mother's kept this town safe for years. Whatever's happening out there... We'll be fine."

  Abell nodded, “Well, of course.”

  As he turned to leave, he saw it—a wanted poster nailed to a wooden post. The parchment was worn, edges curling, but the image was clear: shadowed figures in dark cloaks, faces obscured.

  FRACTURED DAWN

  WANTED FOR TREASON AGAINST EUDORA

  APPROACH WITH EXTREME CAUTION

  Abell stared at it. He'd seen the posters before, but never paid attention.

  Who are they? I wonder how strong they are?

  "Scary, isn't it?"

  Abell turned. Mira, the tavern owner, stood beside him with her arms crossed.

  "They say Fractured Dawn wants to destroy the Luminary Order and tear down everything the Liberator built." She shook her head. "I wish I could give them a piece of my mind, damn idiots."

  "You think you could take them?" Abell asked.

  Mira shrugged. "Of course I can, I used to be a warrior, ya know?"

  She walked off, leaving Abell alone with the poster.

  He looked at the shadowed figures one more time, then turned away.

  Eh, not my problem. Not today, but I hope I can fight them one day.

  Tonight, he had one fight. One goal.

  Everything else could wait.

  Abell spent the afternoon at home, trying to rest. He couldn't. Every time he sat still, his mind went back to the fight. He paced his room, checked his gear, and stretched his sore muscles. Nothing helped. The hours crawled by.

  HE heard a knock at the door.

  "Come in."

  Astrid stepped inside, arms crossed. She looked at him for a moment, then shook her head.

  "You look like a mess."

  "I'm fine."

  "I bet you can barely stand still," She leaned against the doorframe. "I heard from Torrin about tonight. You really doing this?"

  Tch..maybe I shouldn’t have told him

  "Yeah."

  Astrid studied him. "You've changed a lot recently, you know."

  Abell paused. I have?"

  "Yes, a lot ." She pushed off the doorframe, stepping closer. "You used to be so distant; now you talk to me easily and have become friends with Torrin and Misha."

  "I don’t know about all that," he blushed

  Astrid sighed. "Well, just... be careful tonight, okay? Your mom's not going to hold back. And you—" She hesitated. "You've been pushing yourself hard. I’ll be watching with Misha."

  Her too?

  "Good." She turned to leave, then paused at the door. "For what it's worth... I think you've got a shot," she blushed

  Abell looked up, surprised.

  She smiled slightly. "Don't make me regret saying that."

  Then she was gone.

  Abell stood there for a moment, staring at the empty doorway.

  I won't lose.

  I have to win, not for me but to honor the promise I made to her.

  I don’t like breaking any promises.

  He sat down on his bed, staring at the ceiling for a few moments. Then sprang up.

  “I’m ready.”

  Tonight. Everything changed tonight.

  The sun was setting by the time Abell arrived at the training grounds. Warm light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the clearing. The air was cool, still. Quiet, perfect for a showdown like this.

  Hugo was already there, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. He waved as Abell approached, “Don’t let me down, Bell.”

  Abell’s face twisted out of cringe. But unlike usual, he kept quiet.

  Torrin arrived next, followed by Misha and Astrid.

  They gathered at the edge of the clearing, speaking in low voices. Waiting.

  Abell stood in the center, alone. His hand rested on his side. His heart pounded in his chest, but his breathing was steady.

  This is it.

  The minutes stretched as the sun dipped lower, painting the sky orange and red.

  Then she emerged.

  Keeko emerged from the treeline.

  She walked with quiet authority, but the weight of her presence filled the clearing. The air itself seemed to shift as she approached.

  She stopped across from Abell, maybe twenty paces away.

  For a moment, neither of them spoke.

  "I’m surprised you actually showed up, kiddo," Keeko said finally.

  "Of course I did."

  "You understand what this means, right? If you lose, you stay here."

  "I won't lose."

  Keeko's expression didn't change. "We'll see."

  She rolled her shoulders, cracking her knuckles. The sound echoed in the silence, and the tension was building.

  Abell raised his hand. Golden light flickered around his palm, then solidified, his Luminous Blade materializing in a flash of radiant energy. The weapon hummed faintly, casting a warm glow across the battlefield.

  Hugo straightened up. His casual demeanor was gone, and his eyes sharpened, focused on the two of them. “C’mon, my protege, show me something exciting,” he whispered.

  Torrin held his breath. “So that’s his Lux in full form, huh.”

  Astrid crossed her arms, and Misha looked between them, looking nervous.

  Keeko took her stance: low, centered, hands open and ready.

  Abell mirrored her readiness, gripping his glowing blade with his left hand.

  The clearing fell silent. Just the sound of breathing and the faint hum of Abell's Lux and the slight rustling of bushes.

  Keeko's voice cut through the stillness.

  "Last chance to back out, Abell."

  "Not happening."

  "Hm." Her eyes narrowed. "Then show me what you got."

  For a second, neither moved.

  The tension peaked, one second, two seconds, three, four, five—

  Then Keeko's foot shifted quickly.

  Abell barely noticed it.

  And then she finally moved.