VALERIE:Bonds of Fate

Days blurred into one another as the preparations for confronting the Rift grew more intense.

The Sanctum's halls were filled with the steady hum of magic, the creak of ancient mechanisms, and the hurried footsteps of Keepers working tirelessly.

Every corner seemed charged with anticipation, but Valerie found herself standing on the outside, quietly observing it all from a distance.

Her place in the grand scheme of things was still unclear, and the feeling of being sidelined was growing heavier with each passing day.

Keira's presence was like a shadow that loomed over her. Veader, too, seemed more distant, his eyes often flickering to Keira for confirmation, approval, or direction. It was as if Valerie had become invisible in a world that demanded perfection.

Tonight, however, something felt different. The air in the Sanctum was thick with a new energy. Valerie could sense that they were nearing the moment of action. The Rift's power was growing stronger, and Veader had called a final meeting before their next move.

Valerie made her way to the central chamber, her heart pounding in her chest. She had spent the last few days reflecting on what Sky had said: to make them see her, to make them recognize that she was more than just a pawn in this unfolding war.

But with every passing moment, the path to earning their respect felt more and more elusive.

When she entered the chamber, she was met with the usual scene. Keira and Veader were at the head of the table, discussing strategies with the others.

Sky, as usual, was lounging in a corner, half-paying attention. But no one acknowledged Valerie as she walked in.

Her breath caught in her throat. It was as though they didn't even see her. Keira was speaking, her voice commanding and confident, her eyes never once leaving Veader's as she outlined the final steps to contain the Rift.

Veader nodded occasionally, but his focus was wholly on Keira. Valerie couldn't remember the last time he had looked at her like that.

Frustration bubbled inside her, raw and sharp. She couldn't stand the way they acted as if she wasn't there. She had a place here, didn't she? Why did it feel like her presence was just an afterthought?

The silence stretched on, and Valerie could feel her frustration boiling over. Without thinking, she stepped forward.

The room froze.

Valerie raised her hand.

Every gaze shifted toward her. Keira's eyes narrowed slightly, an unreadable expression on her face. Veader's gaze met hers for a split second, but it was brief—almost dismissive.

"You have something to say?" Keira asked, her tone cool but with a hint of challenge.

Valerie's heart raced, but she refused to back down.

"I've been here, haven't I? I've been part of this since the beginning. And yet, every time we meet, it's like I'm invisible."

Her voice cracked, and she quickly regained composure.

"I'm not just here to follow orders. I'm here to help."

For a moment, there was silence. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. Valerie's pulse thrummed in her ears, and her fists clenched at her sides.

Keira was the first to speak, her voice smooth but cutting.

"The Rift is a threat unlike any we've encountered. This is not a game, human. You have no idea what you're asking. We still haven't figured out why you're here. "

"I may not have the experience, but I have something you can't deny," Valerie shot back.

"Didn't they say I have a connection to the Rift? If you'd just let me help, maybe I could—"

"You don't know the first thing about the Rift," Veader interrupted, his voice cold, his tone sharper than usual.

His gaze didn't meet hers this time, instead focusing on the table in front of him.

"This isn't about you and the connection anymore, it's about survival."

Valerie's chest tightened at his words. They stung more than she expected. She wanted to argue, to insist that she wasn't just some human who had been tossed aside. But a voice inside her told her to stop. If she pushed too hard, if she kept demanding attention, she might push them all away.

"I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"But I have to try."

Sky stood from the corner, his usual playful demeanor gone. He walked toward her, his expression more serious than she'd ever seen it.

"You have to understand, Valerie. This is bigger than any of us."

He looked at Veader, who hadn't shifted his gaze from the table, and then back at her.

"They're not ignoring you because you don't matter. It's because they're too focused on what's coming."

Valerie met his eyes, the weight of his words sinking in. But the frustration didn't abate. It had festered inside her for days, and she couldn't just let it go anymore.

Keira's voice cut through the moment like a blade.

"This is not the time for self-doubt, human. You can either stand with us or fall behind."

Her eyes flicked over to Veader as she spoke, seeking his approval.

Veader finally looked up, his gaze briefly meeting Valerie's. There was something in his eyes, but it was hard to decipher.

"Keira's right," he said, his voice soft but resolute.

"Focus on what's important. We don't have the luxury of doubt, our time is running out."

Valerie's heart sank.

She turned away, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her hands trembled, but she gripped them into fists, refusing to show weakness.

With one last glance at the room, she walked out, the door slamming behind her.

In the silence of the hallway, Valerie felt the weight of her own emotions crashing against her. She had spoken up—finally—but it had come at a cost and now the fractures between her and the Keepers were deepening.