Seren POV“How long,” the unseen voice whispered, “will choice survive when war learns its name?”I did not answer it.I knelt instead.The ground was still warm beneath my palms, ash clinging to my skin, blood soaking into soil that had already seen too much of it. Around me, survivors moved in slow, stunned patterns. Some cried openly. Others stood too still, eyes hollow, as if motion itself might break them.This was the cost they warned me about.Not theory. Not philosophy.People.A young boy hovered near the edge of the clearing, clutching a knife far too big for his hands. His eyes never left Kairos. Not with fear.With calculation.That frightened me more.I rose slowly and approached him, keeping my hands visible.“What’s your name?” I asked gently.He swallowed. “Tarin.”“Tarin,” I said, lowering myself to his level, “you can put the knife down. No one here will take anything from you.”He did not move.“They killed my uncle,” he said flatly. “He said the council lies.”My c
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