36

*Mature Content Warning! - Read At Your Own Discretion*

~Vaela

Keo finally lets go of me, but I don't stumble too far.

"I think it's obvious what I'm here for," he says, looking around the cave, clearly dissatisfied with whatever he finds lacking.

Hale shakes his head. "So you're serving him?"

"I serve no one, but myself. But where he happens to succeed, as do I." Keo spreads his arms out, smirking. I can imagine how such a smile has disarmed many in the past.

But I see the cruel intentions behind it.

"Hale...What's happening?" I question.

Keo turns his attention to me. "I'm here to warn you, Vaela."

"About what?"

"Your existence is poisoning the very fabric of this fragile realm. And where this realm faces its demise, other's do also," he explains, a tight smile upon his face.

He's clearly suggesting that one of these other realms he speaks of is where he originates from. I suppose that explains why he is so ardently pursuing me.

"Trust me, I don't want to be this way," I grit out.