Kael Aster Tower could not be seen from the streets. Not because it was hidden behind other buildings, but because the tower did not exist entirely in the human world. Its peak pierced a crack in the sky, while its foundation stood in the middle of an empty office building in downtown Arcapolis. From the outside, the building looked like an abandoned property waiting to be renovated. But when Kael led Alya through the main entrance, the building's floor changed into black stone. The peeling concrete walls turned into gray marble. The dead elevators lining the hallway lit up with blue light. Alya stopped in the doorway. “What is this place?” “Aster Tower.” “This isn't a tower.” “Not yet.” Kael walked toward the elevator at the far end. Its metal doors were covered in long scratches, as if something had clawed at them from the inside. Alya studied her hand. “Why hasn't this mark disappeared?” “A contract can't be erased.” “Can Seraphine still take my memories?” “Not as long as she doesn't touch you directly.” “But Raka is still bound to me.” “Yes.” “If he dies—” “You die too.” “If I die?” “Raka does too.” Alya stared at him. “So the two of us are trapped in a pact we never understood.” “Yes.” “And you still made that pact with me.” “I didn't know Raka would wake up this quickly.” “That isn't what I asked.” Kael pressed the elevator button. “I know.” The elevator doors opened. There were no floor buttons inside, only a large mirror covered in cracks. Alya's reflection appeared in it, but Kael's did not. Alya noticed. “Why don't you have a reflection?” “Because I'm not entirely alive.” “So you can die?” “Yes.” “And you're afraid?” “Yes.” Kael stepped into the elevator. After hesitating for a few seconds, Alya followed. The doors closed. The elevator began to rise. There was no sound of machinery. No vibration. Only the sensation of their bodies being pulled through extremely deep water. Alya stared at her reflection. Her face looked paler than usual. Behind her ear, a black line from the contract began to emerge. “Why didn't you tell me from the beginning?” “Tell you what?” “That you knew my mother.” “I already told you I was there when she died.” “That isn't the same thing.” “If I had told you from the beginning, you wouldn't have made the pact.” “Right.” “Raka would have died.” “So you deliberately hid it.” “Yes.” Alya looked at him through the mirror's reflection. “You always say you can't lie.” “I didn't lie.” “You just chose the parts of the truth that benefited you.” “That's how immortals survive.” “Don't compare me to you.” “That's precisely why I don't compare you to them.” “Who are ‘they’?” “People who won't stop until your blood opens the gateway.” The elevator stopped. The doors opened onto a balcony that could not possibly have been inside the building. The night wind blew hard. Below them, Arcapolis stretched as far as the eye could see. But the city looked different from up there. Between the glass buildings were glowing streets invisible from the ground. Hooded creatures moved among the crowds. Several flying vehicles passed silently overhead. Above it all, the great crack in the sky was widening. Alya stepped outside. “How many people can see this?” “No ordinary humans.” “Then what about me?” “You're not an ordinary human.” Alya turned sharply. “Don't talk as if I'm supposed to feel special.” “I never said you were special.” “Everyone in your world calls me the last guardian, or a key, or a door.” “Because that's what you are.” “I just want to save my little brother.” Kael looked at her. “That is what makes you dangerous.” Alya did not answer. At the far end of the balcony stood a massive door made of white metal. Its surface was covered in carvings of stars. In the center was an eye surrounded by a ring of fire. Kael stopped in front of it. “Behind this door is a sword storage chamber.” “A storage chamber?” “The sword can't be moved.” “Why not?” “Because it's more than just a weapon.” “Then what is it?” “A keeper of testimony.” Alya stared at him. “Testimony of what?” “The night your mother died.” Kael raised his hand, but before his fingers touched the door, footsteps sounded behind them. “Don't open it.” Alya turned. A man stood near the elevator. He looked about thirty years old and wore a long gray suit. His hair was white in front, while his eyes were a pale blue. A small hourglass-shaped earring hung from his ear. Kael immediately moved in front of Alya. “Darian.” “Kael.” The man gave him a faint smile. “It has been a long time.” “Not long enough.” Darian looked at Alya. “So this is the girl you've been hiding.” “I wasn't hiding her.” “You cut off every trail for twenty years.” “That isn't your business.” “Everything connected to the gateway is my business.” Darian shifted his gaze to the sky. “The crack has reached the eastern sector. Seraphine needs only one more pulse from the guardian blood.” Alya looked at him. “Who are you?” “The Timekeeper.” “The Timekeeper?” “Don't argue with his title,” Kael said. “Darian enjoys confusing people.” “I don't confuse anyone. Time has never been simple.” Darian walked closer. “Alya Prameswari, you have to leave.” “Why?” “Because the sword behind that door will not show you the truth.” “Then what will it show me?” “The thing you fear most.” Alya looked at the metal door. “I've seen plenty of things I fear tonight.” “Not yet.” Darian looked at Kael. “You shouldn't have brought her here.” “She asked for answers.” “Answers will kill her faster than Seraphine.” “At least this is her choice.” Darian gave a quiet laugh. “Choice. You still use that word after making a contract with a girl who knew nothing?” Kael stepped forward. “I warned you.” “And what are you going to do? Kill me?” Kael's shadow moved, but Darian merely raised one finger. Instantly, the shadow's movement stopped. Alya stared at Darian. “You can stop it?” “I can stop time for a few seconds.” “Why don't you stop Seraphine?” “Because time cannot stop someone who is already dead.” Alya furrowed her brow. “Seraphine is dead?” “She has been for two thousand years.” Darian looked at the crack in the sky. “Only her will walks this world now.” Kael looked even more tense. Alya turned to him. “Is that true?” “Yes.” “And you've served her all this time?” “I haven't served her.” “But you carry out her orders.” “Because I'm bound.” “There is always an excuse.” “Not every reason is a defense.” The words left Alya silent. Kael turned back toward the door. Darian drew a long breath. “Kael, if you open that door, the sword will recognize her blood. After that, Seraphine will know exactly where she is.” “Seraphine already knows.” “Not all of it.” Darian pointed to the mark on Alya's wrist. “Your contract conceals her presence. But the sword will pierce that protection.” Alya looked at Kael. “Open the door.” “Alya—” “I didn't come here to leave without answers.” “That sword could kill you.” “So could Seraphine.” “If the sword attacks, I might not be able to stop it.” “Then don't leave me alone.” Kael stared at her for a long moment. Alya quickly added, “Not because I trust you.” “I know.” “Because if I die, Raka dies too.” “I know.” Kael opened the door. The smell of old blood greeted them. Inside the room, there were no shelves or guards. Only a sword embedded in the stone floor. The sword was long and slender, with a dull silver blade. Dark red lines ran along its surface like blood vessels. There was no hilt. No sheath. The sword stood alone in the center of the room. Alya immediately felt the mark on her hand grow hot. “That sword…” she whispered. “Your mother's blood,” Kael said. Alya stepped inside. Kael followed her at once. Darian remained in the doorway. “If the sword calls your name,” he said, “don't answer.” “What happens if I answer?” “You'll see your mother's entire life.” “Isn't that what I want?” “You'll also feel her entire death.” Alya stopped. Kael looked at her. “Don't do this.” “Why?” “Because I'm in those memories.” “Good.” “Alya.” “I want to see it.” She walked toward the sword. With every step, the floor beneath her feet lit up. The sword began to vibrate. Red light flowed along its blade. Whispers rose from inside the room. At first, they were barely audible. Then they grew clearer. “Alya…” “Alya Prameswari.” Alya stopped directly in front of the sword. Kael grabbed her arm. “Don't answer.” The whisper changed into her mother's voice. “Sweetheart.” Alya closed her eyes. It had been years since she had heard that call. Not a voice from a dream. Not an imitation in a mirror. The real voice. The voice that used to wake her every morning. “Sweetheart, wake up. You'll be late for school.” Tears streamed down Alya's face. Kael tightened his grip. “Don't listen.” “That's my mother's voice.” “The sword is using her blood.” “Then it's real.” “Not all of it.” The sword whispered again. “Alya, take me.” Alya's hand rose. Kael caught her wrist. “No.” “You're afraid.” “Yes.” “I've never seen you afraid before.” “I'm afraid of watching you die.” Alya looked at him. Kael appeared startled by his own words. Darian, standing in the doorway, fell silent too. The sword in front of them began to shake more violently. Then the entire room changed. The stone walls vanished. Alya stood inside a burning house. Flames crawled along the roof. Smoke filled the air. She heard a small child's sobs. Raka. A woman ran down the hallway carrying baby Raka. Behind her, little Alya cried as she clung to her clothes. “Mom, why are we running?” “Don't let go of my hand.” The front door of the house flew open. Kael entered. He looked much younger, but his face was the same. In his hand was a bloodstained silver sword. Adult Alya watched from inside the memory. Her mother pushed both children behind her. “Take them,” Kael said. “No.” “The guardians will be here soon.” “I won't hand them over.” “I didn't come to kill you.” “You brought that sword.” “I brought it to sever the mark on Raka's body.” Her mother looked at baby Raka. “She found him?” “Yes.” “Then there's no time.” Kael stepped closer. “Give Raka to me. I'll get him out of the city.” “And Alya?” “She stays here.” “No.” “She doesn't have awakened blood. Seraphine won't find her.” “She is a guardian.” “She is still a child.” “One day, she'll open the gateway.” “I know.” Kael looked at little Alya. Then he looked at Alya's mother. “I can save one of them.” Alya held her breath. Her mother moved closer to Kael. “No,” she said. “You can save them both.” “Not if I take her with me.” “Then kill me.” Kael frowned. “What?” “Seraphine must not take my memories. If she reads my mind, she'll learn where they're hiding.” “Your blood will cling to the sword.” “Make sure the sword preserves my testimony.” Kael stared at her for a long time. “I swear I'll protect them.” “Not protect them,” Alya's mother said. “Don't let them fall in love with your world.” “I promise.” “That's not it.” The woman looked Kael straight in the eye. “Don't let my daughter fall in love with you.” Alya felt her body tense. Inside the memory, Kael lowered his head. “I will never do that.” Her mother smiled sadly. “All immortals say the same thing before they destroy someone's life.” She hugged little Alya one last time. Then she handed baby Raka to Kael. “Go.” Kael did not move. “Now.” “And you?” “I'll hold her off.” “Seraphine will kill you.” “Not if you kill me first.” Alya watched Kael raise the sword. But before the blade could pierce her mother's body, another voice came from outside the house. A woman's very gentle voice. “Kael.” Seraphine. She stood amid the flames, wearing a silver crown. “Don't kill her,” Seraphine said. “Bring her to me.” Kael froze. Alya's mother looked at him. “Now,” she whispered. Kael drove the sword into her. Alya screamed. The memory changed. Her mother did not fall. Instead, she gripped the blade and pulled it deeper into her chest. Her blood flowed along the length of the sword. At the same moment, golden light emerged from her body and entered little Alya's body. A mark appeared on little Alya's chest. The same mark as the contract mark. Then Alya's mother whispered to Kael: “Don't let them know that Alya is the door.” Kael pulled out the sword. The woman fell. But before her body touched the floor, Seraphine stepped forward and pressed a hand to little Alya's forehead. Adult Alya tried to move, but her body was beyond her control. Seraphine smiled. “Then I'll take the memories of you.” Black light covered Alya's mother's face. Kael moved. He swung the sword at Seraphine. The silver blade pierced the queen's shoulder, but did not wound her. Seraphine only laughed and hurled Kael through the wall. Then she looked at little Alya. “Sleep.” Little Alya fainted. The memory broke apart. Alya returned to the room in Aster Tower. She dropped to her knees. Kael was kneeling in front of her too. “Now you know,” he said. Alya looked at him, her breath trembling. “You didn't kill my mother.” “I was still the one who raised the sword.” “She asked you to.” “Yes.” “Why did you say you killed her?” “Because that's what I've always remembered.” Alya looked at the sword. “Seraphine didn't kill her?” “Not that night.” “Then what happened?” “After I got you both out, Seraphine captured her. She took all your mother's memories, then let her live without knowing who she was.” “Where is my mother now?” Kael fell silent. Alya grabbed him by the collar. “Where is my mother?” “In Elyndor.” “She's still alive?” “Yes.” Alya's world felt even more impossible. “My mother is still alive?” “Her body is still alive.” “What does that mean?” “Seraphine keeps her body in the Crown Tower. She has no memories, will, or voice. Only her blood remains.” Alya released Kael's collar. “And you knew all this time?” “Yes.” “Why didn't you ever take me to her?” “Because Seraphine was waiting for you to come. She wants you to open the gateway to save your mother.” Alya looked at the sword. “This sword preserves my mother's testimony.” “Yes.” “Can this sword free her?” “If you use it to sever Seraphine's bond.” “Then I have to take it to Elyndor.” “No.” “Kael.” “If you take that sword to Elyndor, Seraphine will get it.” “Then we'll bring my mother here.” Kael looked at her. “That's impossible.” “Why?” “Because your mother is no longer someone who can be saved.” Alya slapped him. The sound of the slap echoed through the room. Kael did not move. Alya struggled to catch her breath. “Don't ever say that again.” “I'm only stating the truth.” “No. You're saying what is easiest for you to accept.” Kael looked at her. Alya turned and walked toward the sword. This time, she did not hesitate. Her hand closed around a hilt that had not been there before. The silver blade began to shake violently. Warm blood flowed from her palm, but the sword did not reject her. Instead, the mark on Alya's wrist moved onto the sword's blade. Red cracks spread across its surface. Darian shouted from the doorway. “Let go!” Alya couldn't. The sword had fused with her hand. Inside her head, her mother's voice returned. *If you're holding this sword, it means Kael failed to protect you.* Alya looked at Kael. “Is that true?” Kael slowly rose to his feet. “The sword can't read the future.” “That was my mother's voice.” “The sword holds what remains of her consciousness.” The voice whispered again. *Kael will try to make you love him.* *He needs your love to break his curse.* Alya froze. Kael immediately realized what was happening. “Alya, let go of the sword.” “Is it true?” “Listen to me.” “Do you need my love?” Kael could not lie. The cursed blood in his neck began to move. “Answer me!” “I don't need your love.” The sword trembled. Kael fell to his knees. “I want it,” he continued. Alya stared at him. “And that's different?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because if I needed your love, I would force you. If I wanted it, I could still choose not to take it.” Alya gazed deeply into Kael's eyes. The sword suddenly tore free from her hand and fell to the floor. The red light went out. But before everything truly grew still, her mother's voice whispered one last time: “Don't trust him, Alya! He's already started to love you.” Kael closed his eyes. The crack in the sky widened. And from every corner of Arcapolis came the sound of the first bell. The gateway was about to open.