Chapter 24

[3 years ago]

“I’m sorry, I’m not going to be able to see you become the greatest fighter in the world. You’re going to have to do that by yourself,” Gabriel said as he used his fingers to move Kathrin’s hair to the side.

His eyes focused on her face as she slept peacefully under her warm blanket.

He stared at her for a couple of seconds, then got up from her bed and turned off the lamp that hovered above her.

He walked out of the room, shut the door, and Kathrin’s eyes opened. A sad expression grew on her face as she buried herself deeper in the warmth of her blanket. She knew something was wrong with her mentor but couldn’t tell what it was since he hid it so well.

***

[Present]

As Kathrin fell, Gabriel rushed toward her and caught her before she hit the ground. The glow from her hair faded away, and the bracelet she wore broke into pieces and dropped to the ground.

The other kids rushed toward Gabriel, and as they got to him, Ethan