"I'm sorry, Night, but I can't let you leave—knowing Silver's scar."
Master Raven's voice was calm, almost sorrowful.
Before I could react, he vanished from sight—appearing in front of me, his sword already drawn, the edge inches from my throat.
"Stop, Grandpa!"
Silver's voice rang out sharply.
Master Raven didn't move. His blade stayed steady, cold against my skin.
"Silver," he said, his tone hardening, "I know you care for him... but I can't risk your safety. Not even for someone you trust."
"But Grandpa," she pleaded, stepping closer, "he won't kill me. He won't hurt me."
Master Raven narrowed his eyes. "And how would you know that?"
Silver paused, her hands trembling slightly at her sides.
"I don't know," she whispered.
"But I feel it... here." She pressed a hand lightly against her heart. "The trust between us—it's real. It's not something strangers can fake."
For a moment, the room was silent.
I felt a storm churn inside me—anger, happiness, confusion.
Why would you trust me?
Silver… you're too naïve.
You don't even know the truth about me… and yet you trust me so easily.
"Thank you," I said quietly, voice rough.
Silver turned and gave me a bright, genuine smile—the kind of smile that was rare to find, the kind you didn't realize you missed until you saw it again.
Slowly, Master Raven lowered his sword. The blade shimmered once before vanishing into the air.
He stepped back.
"Night," he said, voice low, "I know this is selfish of me... but please. Protect her."
"I will," I said without hesitation.
"No matter what it takes?"
"No matter what it takes."
Silver huffed, crossing her arms.
"Grandpa! Why do you keep treating me like a kid in front of him?"
I couldn't help it—I laughed.
A real laugh, one that shook free the dust buried deep in my chest.
Silver's cheeks puffed out, pouting.
"Forget about him," she said, grabbing my wrist. "Today is your birthday! We're going to celebrate!"
I froze.
Birthday?
I hadn't even remembered it myself.
It had been years since I celebrated.
Not since she died...
Silver didn't give me a chance to resist. She dragged me away, her energy like a storm that refused to be ignored.
Later, I found myself standing in front of a small cake, candles flickering softly.
"Night, come cut the cake!" she called.
"I'm coming," I said, my voice quieter than I intended.
I cut the cake.
A simple thing.
And yet it felt like opening an old wound—and letting it heal properly for the first time.
---
A week later, Solace arrived.
The day we would enter the Scape.
We were led into large chambers built into each dorm.
Rows of capsules stretched out like silver coffins, lined up and humming quietly.
The instructors spoke, but I barely heard them.
My body felt heavy, my mind adrift.
One by one, students climbed into their capsules.
When it was my turn, I stepped forward.
The capsule opened with a soft hiss.
Cool, sterile air brushed against my skin.
I climbed inside.
A doctor approached, fitting a light medical device onto my wrist.
My eyes grew heavy almost immediately.
Sleep—or something deeper—dragged me down.
---
When I opened my eyes, I was no longer inside.
I was standing in front of the capsule.
I looked down—and saw myself lying within it, still as death.
A cold breath escaped my lips.
I turned.
A door stood ahead of me, ancient and silent.
A heavy key sat in my hand.
There was no escape.
Only forward.
I stepped closer, heart pounding, and pushed the key into the lock.
A blinding light exploded from the cracks in the door, swallowing everything.
I shut my eyes against the brightness—and let the Scape take me.