The Words Only Blood Could Hear
As the Great Hall remained frozen in silence, as ghosts faded and candles steadied, Keith alone felt it—
A presence that did not leave.
Not sound.
Not movement.
But thought.
His mind went still.
"Child of my blood… listen."
Keith's breath hitched—but he did not look up.
He already knew.
"In every generation after me, the dragon blood slept."
"None awakened it. Not one."
Keith clenched his fist slightly.
"You are different."
Images flowed—ancestors, warriors, lords, brilliant mages… all human.
Powerful.
But incomplete.
"You awakened the blood… but not yet the heart."
"Your Mana Heart remains sealed."
Keith nodded silently.
He had felt it.
That barrier.
That almost.
Then Temar's presence shifted—gentler now.
"The necklace you wear…"
Keith's fingers brushed instinctively against the pendant resting beneath his robes.
"I placed two things within it, long ago."
Confusion flickered through Keith.
"One… is for you. When the time comes, it will answer."
A pause.
The kind that carried regret.
"The other…"
The words slowed.
He felt something ancient—guilt.
"Please… tell her I am sorry."
Keith's heart tightened.
Her?
Before he could ask—
"Not yet. You will understand."
The presence hardened slightly, becoming resolute.
"A single drop of your blood—true blood, bearing dragon genes—"
"will awaken the necklace."
A final warmth wrapped around Keith's soul.
Not command.
Not pressure.
Only faith.
"You have surpassed even my hopes, Keith Argus Runcandel."
"Walk forward. Awaken when you are ready."
And then—
The connection severed.
The last of the ghosts vanished.
The Great Hall breathed again.
Keith remained kneeling for one heartbeat longer than necessary.
Then he stood.
His hand closed around the necklace beneath his robes.
Two secrets.
One for him.
One apology waiting across time.
Rias glanced at him, sensing the shift.
Susan watched him carefully.
Daphne, Astoria, Cassandra felt it—something had changed.
Keith lifted his gaze toward the enchanted ceiling.
Not now.
But soon.
The dragon heart would awaken.
And when it did—
The world would feel it.