Queen Witch...Or...You know
"Kaelon Virex," she replied, stepping forward, her voice a low purr. "Wearing that battered charm like it'll keep you safe."
"You're not the woman I recall according to files," he said.
She reached up and untied the clasp of her robe — let it fall open just enough to reveal the spiral tattoo running from her collarbone downward, pulsing gently beneath her skin."I'm not a woman anymore," she smiled, tilting her head. "Not just one, anyway."
"What the hell is this place?"
She stopped in front of him."A sanctuary. A second chance. A crucible for those too wild to be ruled... and too precious to be wasted."
"You left your family, Kael. You abandoned blood. But now blood brings you back. The Spiral calls you home."
Red mist curled from her mouth with every breath. The chamber echoed with soft moans, muffled weeping, and the low chant of Zae who stood vigil by the altar."He's here… he's so close…"
"You used her."
"You won't shoot me. Not yet. You want answers. You want closure. You want—"
Her fingers traced her own lips.
"—someone to finally understand what it's like to burn and never be consumed."
"The spiral can save you, Kael. Azis… sees something in you. Something I overlooked."
And she kissed him."That's what makes you perfect," she whispered.
"Get. Out. Of. My. Head."
And then she turned… and began to walk toward the stairwell."If you want her," Zori said gently, "you'll have to come to the center of the spiral."