CHAPTER 37: SOMEONE IS WATCHING YOU

"Several." Aurelius’s tone became carefully neutral. "The Cathedral of First Light in the capital’s heart. though it’s primarily dedicated to the War God and might not be suitable for your particular patron. The Ruins of Divine Convergence in the eastern mountains, where representatives of all gods once gathered for great councils. The Moonwell Shrine, sacred to Artemis. And others."

’Could I visit one of these places?’

The question hung in the air like a blade balanced on its edge. Aurelius studied Jack with the intensity of a jeweler examining a particularly complex gem, and Jack forced himself to remain still under that scrutiny.

"Eventually," the chosen one said finally. "Such pilgrimages are privileges earned through service and demonstrated loyalty. The crown cannot simply allow chosen ones to wander freely. Too many enemies would love to capture or eliminate assets of your caliber."

Jack felt his heart sink, but pressed on. ’How would one... earn such privileges?’

"Through integration," Aurelius replied, moving away from the altar to lean against a weapon rack containing spears that seemed to be forged from crystallized lightning. "By proving that your loyalty to the realm supersedes personal desires. By demonstrating that you understand the larger picture of what we’re trying to achieve."

He gestured around the chamber, encompassing the arsenal of legendary weapons. "Every artifact here was carried by someone who started where you are now.

Confused, angry, desperate for answers. But they learned. They grew. They became something greater than their individual desires."

’And if they hadn’t learned?’

Aurelius’s smile was sharp enough to cut. "Then their weapons wouldn’t be here, would they?"

This wasn’t just a display of power, it was a trophy room. Every blade, every bow, every enchanted implement represented a chosen one who had either learned to serve the crown or died in the attempt.

’I see,’ Jack said quietly.

"I hope you do." Aurelius pushed away from the weapon rack and returned to his chair, settling into it with feline grace. "Because I’m going to offer you something that very few chosen ones receive. a choice."

Jack’s senses caught the shift in the room’s atmosphere. Whatever was coming next would be important.

"The traditional method would be to assign you a handler, restrict your movements, and gradually condition you to accept your new role through a combination of rewards and punishments. It’s effective, but crude. And given your particular explosive potential it might prove counterproductive."

Aurelius steepled his fingers, amber eyes never leaving Jack’s face. "Instead, I propose we treat you as the intelligent young man you clearly are. You will be given considerable freedom within the palace. Training with masters who would normally teach only the nobility. Access to libraries containing knowledge that kings would kill for. The finest food, clothing, and accommodations available in the known world."

’In exchange for?’

"Your word that you will not attempt to escape or harm palace personnel. Your participation in training exercises designed to help you control your abilities. Your cooperation in demonstrating your abilities for the king and his advisors." Aurelius paused, letting the weight of the offer settle. "And your patience while we arrange for your family to visit."

Jack’s carefully maintained composure nearly cracked. ’My family?’

"Your father has already requested an audience to discuss your situation. King Eric has graciously agreed to receive House Kaiser at court. They should arrive within the week." Aurelius’s smile was pure predator now. "I thought you’d be pleased."

The trap was elegant in its simplicity. Jack’s family would come to court, where they would be honored guests and hostages. Any attempt at escape or rebellion would put them in danger. Meanwhile, Jack would be surrounded by luxury and given gradual access to the things he wanted most: knowledge, power, and eventually the chance to commune with his god.

All he had to do was surrender his freedom and accept his role as a weapon in service to the crown.

’That’s very generous,’ Jack managed, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his chest.

"I think so." Aurelius leaned back, radiating satisfaction. "Of course, if you prefer the traditional approach, that can be arranged as well. But I suspect a young man of your intelligence would find such methods distasteful."

The sparks dancing between Jack’s fingers were getting harder to control. His emotional responses wanted to lash out, to reject this golden cage with all the fury he could muster. But his rational mind understood the mathematics of his situation. Aurelius held all the cards, and the stakes were higher than just his own life.

’I accept your offer,’ he said finally.

"Excellent." Aurelius clapped his hands together, and the sound echoed through the chamber like a gunshot. "We’ll start your training tomorrow."

He stood, signaling that the meeting was coming to an end. "For now, return to your quarters and rest. The next few weeks will be challenging, and you’ll need your strength."

Jack rose as well, noting how his legs felt unsteady beneath him. The weight of what he’d just agreed to was settling over him. ’Lord Aurelius, about visiting those sacred sites...’

"Patience, young Jack." The chosen one’s smile was indulgent, like a parent explaining delayed gratification to a child. "Such privileges are earned through demonstrated loyalty and capability. Prove that you can be trusted with small freedoms, and larger ones will follow."

"How long might that take?"

Aurelius considered the question with theatrical thoughtfulness. "That depends entirely on you. Some chosen ones earn pilgrimage rights within a year or two. Others..." He shrugged eloquently. "Others never quite manage to prioritize the realm’s needs over their personal desires."

The message was clear: cooperate completely, or never see freedom again.

Jack inclined his head in what he hoped looked like acceptance. ’I understand.’

"I believe you do." Aurelius moved toward the chamber’s entrance, gesturing for Jack to follow. "Oh, and Jack? A word of advice. The other chosen ones will be watching you carefully, evaluating whether you’re a potential ally or threat. I suggest you make a good impression."

They reached the massive oak doors, and Aurelius paused with his hand on the handle. "Sera in particular can be... volatile when she feels threatened. It would be unfortunate if there were any misunderstandings during your integration period."

Jack felt a chill that had nothing to do with the palace’s temperature. ’I’ll keep that in mind.’

"See that you do." The doors swung open silently, revealing Lyra waiting in the corridor beyond. Her silver hair caught the crystal light, and when she looked at Jack, her winter-pale eyes held something that might have been sympathy.

"Lyra will escort you back to your quarters," Aurelius said. "Your formal training begins at dawn. I suggest you get some rest."

Jack stepped into the corridor, feeling the weight of the golden cage settling around him with each footstep.

Behind him, the weapon chamber’s doors closed with a whisper of displaced air, sealing away the arsenal of legends and the man who ruled through fear dressed as generosity.

"How did it go?" Lyra asked quietly as they began walking.

Jack glanced at her, noting the genuine concern in her voice. ’About as well as could be expected.’

"He offered you the choice, didn’t he? Freedom within constraints, in exchange for cooperation."

’How did you know?’

Lyra’s smile was sad and knowing. "Because he offered me the same thing, once upon a time. The golden cage is always more appealing than iron bars."

They walked in silence for a moment, their footsteps muffled by the impossible luxury of the carpet. Finally, Jack asked the question that had been burning in his mind since the meeting began.

’Does anyone ever really earn those privileges he talked about?’

Lyra was quiet for so long that Jack began to think she wouldn’t answer. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Define earn," she said. "And ask yourself what kind of person you’re willing to become to get what you want."

They reached his door, and Jack paused with his hand on the crystal handle.

"Get some rest," Lyra advised. "Tomorrow, you begin learning what it really means to be a chosen one."

Jack entered his chamber and closed the door behind him, sealing himself into luxury that felt more like a tomb with each passing moment.

He had accepted the golden cage, and now he would have to learn to live within its gilded bars. But as he settled onto the impossibly soft bed, one thought burned bright in his mind like a candle flame in darkness.

Every cage had a key. He just had to figure out where Aurelius kept his.

[Jack.]

The system’s voice sounded almost panicked.

’What is it?’

[Someone is watching you. Something that shouldn’t be able to penetrate Draven’s protection.]

Jack’s blood ran cold. ’What do you mean?’

[I mean we’re not alone in here anymore.]