Shadows of Ascension

81. The Path Left Behind

Aiden hugs Riona back, holding onto the warmth of someone who still sees him as the person he once was. 

Luca watches with a small smile before turning away, giving them space. 

Aiden breaks the hug, his body feeling heavier than ever. He sits down, staring at the sand beneath him. 

"I killed someone," he says quietly. "I will stop trying to get stronger. My journey ends here." 

Riona’s eyes widen. She kneels beside him and places her hand on his. 

"So… you’re abandoning your dream?" 

Aiden pulls his hand away and turns his back to her. His voice is distant. 

"It’s all I ever wanted… but if it comes at the expense of other lives, then I don’t want it." 

Riona looks at him, searching for the right words. Something—*anything*—to make him feel better. 

"Well…" she hesitates. "Is it true what Luca told me? That your shadow powers are dangerous? That… they caused this?" 

Aiden takes a breath. "I can use a tiny amount of my powers. But to unlock more of it, I need to let it consume me. Then I become able to tame it." 

Riona listens carefully as Aiden continues. 

"So I did that… and I lost myself. I don’t remember anything at all from the battle after the power took over. But what I do remember is the feeling of darkness and rage inside me." 

Riona stands up, her expression full of concern. "I’ll be here if you ever want to talk." 

She turns and walks toward the other side of the cave, her back now facing Aiden. 

"Wait!" 

Aiden’s voice stops her. 

They both turn at the same time, locking eyes. 

"I…" Aiden struggles to speak. 

"What is it?" Riona asks gently. 

He hesitates, then shakes his head. "...Nothing." 

He sits down again, lost in his own thoughts. 

— 

Every night that passes, Aiden sits alone, gazing at the stars. 

The desert sky is clear, and he can see the constellations perfectly. 

"What is my purpose?" he wonders. 

The stars do not answer. 

— 

Morning comes again. 

Six days have passed since Kylian died. 

Luca and Riona wake up, stretching and preparing to leave. 

"Alright!" Luca says, full of energy. "I’m all healed up. Time to move on! We don’t want to stay in the lawless area much longer, right, Aiden?" 

Aiden doesn’t reply. 

Riona steps forward. "Come on, Aiden. Get up. It’s time to continue our journey." 

Aiden remains still. 

"I thought I already told you," he says, his voice emotionless. "I am not going to continue. My journey is over." 

Silence. 

Luca and Riona exchange shocked glances. 

"Aiden… you're just throwing your dream away?" Luca asks. 

Aiden clenches his fists. "I don’t want people to get hurt because of my stupid dream." He looks down. "Besides… what if I lose control again? What if, next time, I don’t attack an enemy? What if I turn on you?" 

Silence hangs heavy between them. 

"What if I hurt you next time?" Aiden’s voice cracks slightly. 

Riona steps closer. "Aiden…" 

"You two can move on without me," Aiden says firmly. 

"I won’t allow you to do this," Luca says, his voice steady. "At least come with us for a little longer. Let’s leave the lawless area first. Then you can decide. If you stay here, the other hunters might find you." 

Aiden looks at them both. He thinks about it. 

Finally, he sighs. 

"Very well," he says. "I will come with you. 

"But after that… it’s over for me. I will quit being a hunter."