Chapter 535: To Heal Fate
A hand on my shoulder brought me back from the brink of despair. "Xiviyah, what’s happening?" Luke’s voice was urgent, laced with concern. "Something... changed. I think I can feel remnants approaching."
I sniffled, wiping the tears from my cheeks. "They’re hurt, Luke," I said. "Hurt, alone, and betrayed. I knew something was wrong with this realm, but I didn’t expect it to be so... dark."
He was quiet for a moment, then his hand squeezed my shoulder comfortingly. "Does this change anything?"
I bit my lip, my tail twitching as I considered the implications. After a long pause, I shook my head. "No," I admitted, "but it’s going to be harder than we thought. There are many remnants, some of which are ancient and powerful. Maybe even stronger than the one in the cathedral. Their cry for vengeance is stronger than their desire to see this place healed."
His face hardened, but he nodded resolutely. "I’ll take them as they come."
I wondered if that would be enough, but then an idea sparked in my mind, calming my anxious tail.
From the moment I entered Haven, I had been unable to summon Fable. Whatever darkness held sway over the realm had suppressed our bond, preventing him from hearing my call. But that had changed the moment I connected with Haven. Now, my bond with Fable pulsed brightly. I could feel his worry and dismay, and I wasted no time waving my staff and summoning him.
Luke flinched back, raising his sword defensively, as a golden portal swirled open beside me, and Fable leaped through. The first thing my wolf did was bound to my side and check me over, circling and sniffing me until he was satisfied I wasn’t hurt. Then, he nuzzled his head against my chest and licked my cheek.
"Stop that!" I giggled, pushing him away playfully. "We can cuddle later..." I glanced at Luke, who was staring intently and coughed, blushing slightly. "Er, I mean, please be serious."