Ayden ran.
Faster than he thought he could.
His heart was pounding—not from fear, but from the power.
It surged beneath his skin like fire and starlight, a force screaming to be used.
Kael was beside him, her feet barely touching the grass as they raced through Edenvale Park in the early dawn.
"Again," she commanded. "Channel it—don't fight it."
Ayden skidded to a stop and thrust his hand forward.
For a moment… nothing.
Then—BOOM—a burst of radiant light exploded from his palm, cracking the earth and scorching a nearby bench.
Kael winced, shielding her eyes.
"That was better," she said. "But you're still letting your emotions override your focus."
Ayden panted. "Maybe because I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that I might be some kind of half-star hybrid!"
Kael gave a small smile. "Technically, you're a human conduit for celestial force. It's rare. Dangerous. And illegal in my realm."
He frowned. "Why?"
"Because mortals weren't built to hold the light. They break."
---
Meanwhile – Lucien's Dream Trap
That night, Ayden dreamed.
Or thought he did.
He was standing on the rooftop of Edenvale High—except the stars above twisted, and the moon bled black ink.
Lucien was there, waiting.
"So this is the vessel they chose," he said, voice echoing unnaturally.
Ayden stepped back. "This isn't real."
Lucien laughed. "It's more real than you think. Dreams are the cracks in the celestial wall—perfect for slipping in."
Ayden raised his glowing hand. "Back off."
But Lucien only grinned. "She didn't tell you everything, did she?"
Ayden hesitated.
Lucien circled him like a wolf.
"She told you she saved your life. But not what it cost. Not who had to be sacrificed to bend the Law."
The wind howled. Ayden's chest tightened.
"She gave up her wings," Lucien whispered. "But she also gave up… someone else's fate. Someone who was meant to live in your place."
Ayden gasped. "You're lying."
Lucien smirked. "Am I? Then ask her—who died so you could be marked?"
---
The Truth Unravels
The next morning, Ayden didn't speak as Kael walked beside him to school.
Not until they reached the old vending machine by the gym.
"Who did you sacrifice?" he asked quietly.
Kael froze.
He turned to face her. "To save me. Who was supposed to die instead?"
Kael looked away, her golden eyes dimming.
"There was a girl," she said at last. "A runaway. Same age. Same time. She was supposed to die. But I saw you—and I chose differently."
Ayden's heart ached. "So you stole her fate and gave it to me?"
Kael nodded. "And for that, I was cast down."
He backed away.
"I didn't ask for this," he said.
"No," Kael whispered. "But you were worth it."