C҉R҉O҉W҉ | ᴍᴄᴜ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

XIII - 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫

THE FIRE STILL CONTINUED TO BRIM casting only the subtlest light against the stone walls. The grandeur of the ceremony had faded, the ancient hall falling into a silence. Nothing but the whisper of the air and the burn of the torches.

Y/N stood alone in the center of the ceremonial circle, the broken chains at his feet. His figure was silhouetted against the light, motionless. As if carved mural from the ground.

Gabriel approached, his footsteps echoing softly. 

"Y/N. . ." Gabriel called, breaking the stillness like a stone thrown into still water, "What's bothering you?"

Y/N turned slowly to face him, his expression shadowed and troubled.

"I. . . I have sacrificed so much just taking this mantle." Y/N confessed, his voice low and strained, "Not out of desire for power, but from necessity. Yet, I cannot help but feel that I have betrayed more than just Azrael's trust. . . but my own heart."

He shook his head, clenching his eyes at a thought.

"W-What if the visions are wrong? What if everything was just inevitable to happen. What if this is the very sole reason why he went through that dark path I saw?"

Gabriel listened, his gaze steady and understanding. He stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Y/N's shoulder.

"Betrayal implies deceit for selfish gain. . ." Gabriel spoke softly, "What you have done is an act of sacrifice. You have taken on a burden so others may not have to. Even if it means standing apart from those you care about."

Y/N's gaze dropped to the ground, his thoughts swirling with the images of the ceremony.

Rhe fear in Azrael's eyes, the uncertainty in those of his followers.

"But was it my burden to take?" Y/N asked, jaw tightening, "Azrael found his purpose by chasing this. The title I wear now is the same title he has fought for his entire life. I have seen the conviction in his eyes. By stepping forward, have I not stolen his destiny?"

"Destiny is not a path laid out by birthright alone, but by the actions and choices of the individual. Azrael's journey does not end here, nor does your usurping of a role change his value to the Hrafn Voktere or the world."

Y/N considered Gabriel's words.But, the solace was small comfort against the gnawing regret for the brotherhood he felt slipping away.

"They all kneeled. . . but knowing our nature, I doubt everyone believes. I believe some did it out of fear." He mused, "How can I lead those who may never see me as their rightful guide? How can I mend the fracture I have caused?"

Gabriel sighed, a sound heavy with the wisdom of years and the burdens of leadership he too had borne, "Leadership is not solely about being chosen or accepted at the outset but about proving one's worth through actions. Trust is earned, Y/N, not bestowed. You will have to earn theirs, just as you have had to earn your place here. . . every step of the way."

Silence fell between them, heavy and contemplative.

With a final glance at the broken chains at his feet, Y/N stepped forward, out of the ceremonial circle and made his way out.

Gabriel watched as Y/N walked away, a solemn look on his eyes before a heavy sigh escapes his lips.

"Lead the way." He whispers to himself, watching as the doors shut.

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F I V E Y EA R S A G O