The fire crackled softly in the corner of the small living room, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. The old house felt colder than usual tonight.
Aslan sat in silence at the worn wooden table, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white.
Across from him, his grandfather, Kael Veil, watched him with sharp, storm-grey eyes — eyes that had seen more battles and betrayals than Aslan could imagine.
The silence stretched.
Finally, Kael spoke, his voice low and rough, like stone scraping against stone.
"Even if you knew where he was… even if you knew who he was… you couldn't bring him back, boy."
Aslan's head snapped up, eyes wide. "What do you mean? He's my—"
"Your father," Kael interrupted, his gaze hardening. "But that doesn't matter. You're not strong enough to face his hatred."
Aslan's heart twisted. "Why would he hate me?" His voice cracked slightly. "If I tell him I'm his son—"
Kael slammed his hand down on the table, cutting him off. The fire in the hearth flared for a heartbeat.
"Because to him," Kael growled, "if he couldn't be the Heaven-Blessed Protector, then no one should. Not me. Not you. And if the Heavenly Flame chooses you…"
He leaned forward, eyes like steel. "He'd kill you, Aslan. Or worse. The hate in him… it runs deeper than blood."
The room fell silent again. Aslan's mind raced, heart pounding in his chest. It didn't make sense. His father — a man he'd never met, never known — wanted him dead, simply because the heavens had chosen Aslan instead.
"Why?" Aslan asked quietly, staring at the floor.
Kael leaned back, folding his arms. "Your father… Darius… was everything I ever hoped for. Talented. Disciplined. I trained him to inherit the Heavenly Flame — just as my father trained me. But when the heavens remained silent… when they passed him by…"*
The old man's face darkened. "He couldn't accept it. He vanished. Fell into darkness. And now… he walks beside the enemy — wielding the Dark Stone, corrupted by pure evil."
Aslan's throat tightened.
Kael stood, his voice firm, unwavering. "That's why you'll train."
"Train?" Aslan blinked.
Kael nodded. "The time has come. The Heavenly Flame has chosen you. And I will forge you into something strong enough to survive your father's hatred."
The words settled over Aslan like a heavy cloak — frightening, overwhelming… but somehow, beneath the fear, a small ember of determination sparked to life.
He stood, his fists loosening.
"Then teach me," Aslan said quietly. "Train me like you trained him."
Kael's eyes softened — just for a moment. Pride, pain, and regret all flickered across his face like the dying light of the fire.
"I will," Kael promised. "But this time… I won't fail."