Breaking the Chains of Dust

In his past life, Kaelan's bondmate Lyra held the Gate of Ascension open for her old flame, Javier, dooming a generation. She poisoned Kaelan on the eve of his Archon breakthrough, and he woke back at the moment she blocked the Gate. This time, he lets her have her way and departs, releasing his power to summon the Celestial Ordeal.

Without him, Lyra's arrogance grows unchecked. When Javier finally arrives, the strained Gate shatters, trapping the realm's Archmages on the Celestial Stairway. As the strongest being left, Lyra tours the land with Javier, pillaging the great orders' vaults. But Kaelan once swore an Unbreakable Vow never to harm her, and with an hour left before his trial, she demands his soul-bound Prismatic Celestial Jade for Javier.

Separated from the Jade, Kaelan dies. Lyra offers only a wisp of her power to keep him alive, while Javier performs tearful humility. Kaelan faces a bondmate who would trade his life for another's comfort.