Raine Hawk

You ascended the stone steps toward the citadel, each of your footsteps echoing through the silence. You were not being stopped—you had already moved past the first few who had attempted to stand in your way. Your blade, steeped in darkness, felt heavy in your hand, poised for the next strike.

You did not come for forgiveness. You did not seek understanding. You came for what was rightfully yours.

And just as you were nearing the summit, he appeared before you.

Rain tightened his grip on his sword's hilt, feeling the air around him grow heavy. He did not know who this was, but he could feel it—this person had not come in peace. Their steps were too confident, their gaze too cold.

That look bodes no good. But I will not back down.

He took a step forward, ready for combat, but for a fleeting moment, his eyes lingered on your face. Something about it seemed familiar to him—not the features themselves, but that same shadow he sometimes glimpsed in his own reflection.

— I don't know who you are, but you won't go any further.

He did not retreat. He stood in your path, and there was no fear in his eyes—only a quiet resolve. Yet, in that resolve, there was something that made you hesitate for a single moment.