The atmosphere inside the sacred sanctum shifted dramatically as I moved forward for the mana rite. The High Priest's voice reverberated through the hall, signaling my turn.
“Step forth, Aren Wolfhart.”
Every gaze fixated on me. The earlier tension caused by Sylvie’s unprecedented display had barely settled. Now, all eyes were on the youngest heir of the Wolfhart family.
I walked to the center, indifferent to the murmurs of nobles speculating about my potential. Even as they whispered doubts, I could feel their curiosity burning.
The High Priest inclined his head. "Focus your mana and let it reveal your affinity."
I extended my hand, focusing inward.
The familiar sensation of mana surged through my veins. For a brief moment, everything seemed normal. But then—
A dense black fog seeped out of the ground around me. At first faint, it swirled gently like smoke. But within seconds, it thickened, darkening and spreading rapidly across the hall.
“What is happening?!” someone exclaimed.
The audience erupted into chaos.
“Is that... his magic?”
“No, this can’t be magic. It’s unnatural!”
The High Priest’s composed expression faltered. Priests exchanged nervous glances as they muttered incantations to dispel the fog, but their efforts were futile.
Amid the commotion, my gaze flickered to Father.
Unlike the others, his expression was different—not confused but sharp, calculating. His eyes glinted with recognition.
He knows.
The fog grew darker, swirling with a malevolent energy that sent chills down my spine.
My breath quickened as realization dawned.
That night... It wasn't a dream. That shadowy figure—it was real. He gave me power, and this fog... it's because of that power.
Just what did he give me?
The fog thickened further, shrouding the entire sanctum in darkness. I could hear gasps and cries as panic spread among the nobles.
Then, a cold, commanding voice echoed through the hall.
“The sun sets for rebirth, and we are the eclipse — only through chaos can true order bloom.”
A figure emerged from the shadows, clad in dark robes adorned with the symbol of a black eclipse. His presence exuded danger.
“We are the Eclipse Order,” he declared. "And today marks the beginning of true salvation."
Behind him, more figures materialized, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. Without warning, they launched their attack.
Screams filled the sanctum as nobles scrambled to escape. Blood stained the marble floor as chaos erupted.
“Protect the prince and princess!” Father’s voice boomed with authority.
Knights sprang into action, forming a protective barrier around Caelia and Diluc. Father’s gaze hardened as he drew his sword.
“Leave the leader to me,” he commanded before vanishing into the darkness, pursuing the robed figure.
I clenched my fists, frustration boiling within me.
Sylvie!
My eyes scanned the chaos, searching desperately for her. The fog and mayhem made it impossible to see clearly.
Where is she?
Panic gripped me as I pushed through the crowd, but she was nowhere to be found.
The darkness thickened, and the screams grew fainter.
To be continued...
[ Sylvie, where is she? I hope She is okay.]
[Are they here to kill prince?? ]
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