One by one, the gem-born step forward to speak their oaths.

The ceremony has a rhythm. Each young person approaches the gem, places their hand upon its surface, and speaks the words that will define their path. The crystal’s light responds—glowing brighter with some, dimmer with others. Each oath is different, shaped by the speaker’s nature and calling.

Tommin goes early. His oath is loud, confident: a warrior’s promise to defend Eldermoor with strength and courage. The gem flares brilliantly for him, and the crowd cheers.

Sera’s oath is quieter. She speaks of truth, of knowledge, of protecting the city through understanding. The gem’s response is gentler—a steady pulse rather than a flare.

You don’t see Lira take her oath. She’s somewhere in the crowd of gem-born, lost among the purple robes.

And then it’s your turn.

The Elder’s attendants guide you forward. The gem looms above, its surface swirling with inner light. Up close, you can see it’s not smooth—patterns are etched into the crystal, symbols you don’t recognize but somehow almost understand.

“Place your hand upon the gem,” the Elder says. “Speak your truth.”

You reach out.

The moment your palm touches the crystal, the world changes.

Purple light, everywhere. You’re not in the ceremony anymore. You’re nowhere. Everywhere. Inside the gem and outside time.

A woman’s voice: “You came.”

You know her. You’ve seen her face in your dreams. Midnight blue robes. Silver-threaded hair. Seraphine.

“I can’t speak long,” she says. “He’s listening. He’s always listening. But you need to know—”

The purple light cracks.

“—the oath you speak isn’t just words. It’s a promise to the gem. To me. To everyone who sacrificed so you could exist.”

“What do I say?” Your voice, but not your voice. Speaking without a mouth.

“The truth.” She’s fading. The light is failing. “Whatever truth is in your heart. The gem will know. I will know. And together—”

A shadow moves behind her. Vast. Terrible. She sees it in your eyes.

“He’s found me. Speak quickly. Speak true. And remember: he cannot destroy what he cannot—”

The shadow swallows her. The light shatters.

You gasp, stumbling back from the gem.

The crowd is silent. The Elder stares at you. Everyone stares at you.

Your hand is still outstretched, and where you touched the crystal, a faint handprint glows.

“Speak,” the Elder says, and his voice shakes. “Speak your oath.”

The words come without thinking.

“I swear to seek what has been hidden. To face what others will not name. To carry the truth — no matter the cost.”

The gem blazes. Not bright—blinding. A column of purple light shoots into the sky, visible for miles. The ground trembles. The crowd screams.

And somewhere in the city, an explosion roars.