Ren Zian didn't flinch.
Kael's silver armor glinted under the light of the floating constellations that shimmered above the Astral Garden. His presence exuded calm menace — the kind of confidence that came from already having tasted power.
Three pacts. Ren noted the arcane symbols etched into Kael's gauntlets. One burned like molten metal, another pulsed with blue energy, and the last had a ghostly gleam, almost translucent. Fire, lightning, and... spirit?
Kael raised a brow. "You don't look like much. I thought the gods' wildcard would be... taller."
Ren offered a half-smile. "And I thought the gods would send someone who didn't need to talk himself up."
Kael's smirk didn't falter. "This garden is sacred. Only one of us walks out with a bond. And I intend to leave with it."
The veiled woman—Seris—watched in silence from the lotus steps. Her presence, ethereal as ever, felt like judgment.
Ren stepped forward, feeling the Astral Garden respond. The vines quivered. The petals trembled. Magic here didn't just observe—it reacted.
"Then let the garden choose," Ren said.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "So be it."
The two men moved at once. Not like mortals. Not like warriors. But like divine forces unleashed.
Kael's gauntlet flared, summoning a blade of lightning. Ren dodged, sliding over starlit moss, countering with a strike infused by flame remnants—Lyra's gift still burning faint in his soul.
Their clash sent a shockwave through the celestial vines. Energy crackled. The garden pulsed.
Kael pressed forward, using his superior pact arsenal to keep Ren off balance.
"You're reckless," Kael hissed. "No technique. No discipline."
Ren's lips bled, but his eyes held fire. "No leash either. I fight for them. Not the gods."
He feinted, spun behind Kael, and drew upon something deeper. Not flame. Not time.
Emotion.
Pain. Longing. Rage. Hope.
The garden responded.
Silver vines surged up, wrapping around both men.
Kael growled. "What is this?!"
Seris stepped forward, her veil fluttering. "The garden has decided. Only the one whose heart bleeds may earn the Astral Pact."
Ren gritted his teeth, heart pounding. The vines around him loosened. Kael's remained tight—constricting.
"NO! I earned three pacts! I am chosen!" Kael roared.
Seris touched Ren's chest. "You lost everything... and still chose love."
Light burst from her hand. It poured into Ren's chest—searing, cold, eternal.
[System Notice: Astral Pact Acquired — Affinity: Soul Memory — Skill Unlocked: "Reverie Bind"]
Kael screamed as he was flung from the garden, the gate sealing behind him.
Ren collapsed, gasping.
Seris knelt beside him, her voice faint. "There's still time to change fate, Zian... but your pain will only grow."
The Astral Garden faded.
Ren awoke in Nyelle's arms.
And Lyra... was breathing again.