Veydrith did not hesitate. "The Heart of the Forsaken."

At his words, a flicker of uncertainty passed through the Goddess’s eyes. The artifact was powerful, but its misuse could awaken the God of Rebirth—a force capable of sealing her away for eternity. Still, she maintained her composed demeanor, masking her internal conflict.

"The Heart of the Forsaken is no mere tool," she said, her voice laced with caution. "If it is used improperly, the consequences would be beyond your comprehension."

Veydrith remained firm. "Then use it yourself. Reincarnate Zydeco with your power."

The Goddess exhaled slowly, weighing the risks. "To do so, a strong human sacrifice is required. Someone capable of withstanding the immense power without being instantly consumed."

A knowing smile crossed Veydrith's lips. "We have a candidate. Kael. If he undergoes rigorous training, he could potentially endure the ritual. His arrogance blinds him, but his potential is undeniable."

The Goddess considered his words carefully. Kael was ambitious, powerful, and easily manipulated. If trained properly, he could indeed serve as the vessel necessary to bring Zydeco back. And should he fail, he was expendable.

After a long pause, she nodded. "Very well. We shall begin preparations immediately. But know this, Veydrith—if anything goes awry, you will bear the cost."

Veydrith bowed slightly, concealing the smirk that threatened to break across his face. He had anticipated the Goddess's reluctance but also her desire to control the process. To her, Kael was nothing more than a tool, a pawn in a grander scheme. But to Veydrith, he was a means to an end.

As the conversation continued, the Goddess walked toward the large stained-glass window that overlooked her vast temple. The heroes she had summoned were still training below, unaware of the dark fate that awaited one of them. Her expression remained serene, her divinity untouchable, but within, a storm of thoughts raged.

She had underestimated Kieran Valdros. That mistake had cost her one of her strongest allies. If Kieran had grown strong enough to slay Zydeco, what other secrets lay hidden within him? Her magic should have been able to gauge his potential, yet he had eluded her sight, deceiving even her divine perception. That alone made him dangerous.

"Kael's training must be doubled," she finally said, turning back to Veydrith. "His body must be tempered beyond its limits. If he fails to survive, I will find another."

Veydrith nodded. "It will be done. And once Zydeco returns, Kieran Valdros will not stand in our way."

The Goddess narrowed her eyes. "You speak with certainty, Veydrith. Do not make the mistake of underestimating him as I once did. He is a loose thread that must be cut before he unravels everything."

Veydrith's smirk faded. The Goddess’s words carried an undeniable weight—Kieran was no longer an anomaly but a threat. And threats had to be eliminated.

With that, the Goddess turned away, her thoughts already shifting to the preparations for the ritual. Veydrith, too, left her chambers, his mind racing with the events that would soon unfold. The pieces were set, the game had begun, and soon, the world would tremble once more at the return of Zydeco.