Chapter 17: Diluc’s Relentless Chase

[ Diluc’s Perspective ]


The battlefield was littered with broken weapons and fallen intruders. The metallic scent of blood clung to the air. My sword was slick, its crimson sheen a grim reminder of the fight I had just finished.


Amid the aftermath, my eyes landed on Caelia and Sylvie. Though disheveled, they were unharmed. Relief washed over me.


He saved them... of course, he did.


Aren had always been calculating and swift, never faltering in the face of danger.


I moved toward the them, planning to regroup with Aren. But as I approached, the thundering clatter of boots echoed through the hall. Knights, led by the High Priest, appeared. Their pristine armor gleamed even in the dim torchlight.


"Duke Alaric sent us to secure the prince and princess," the High Priest announced with a grim expression.


I gestured toward Caelia and Sylvie. "They're here—safe."


The High Priest approached Caelia. "Your Highness, are you hurt?"


I said "We're fine, thanks to Aren."


But as I turned to point out Aren, my blood ran cold. He was gone.


I cursed under my breath. Where did you go, Aren?


"Where is Duke Alaric's son?" High Priest asked


I took a step toward the direction he might have taken, but the High Priest raised a hand.


"Prince Diluc, wait. We will search for him. Our duty is to protect your highness."


"I appreciate your concern," I said tightly, my voice firm, "but Aren is my friend. I'm going after him."


The High Priest's eyes narrowed. "That is reckless. Allow the knights to handle the search."


I clenched my fists. "With all due respect, I can't trust anyone else to bring him back. Aren saved them," I gestured to Caelia and Sylvie, "and now it's my turn to look after him."


The High Priest's voice grew sterner. "The situation is dangerous. You're jeopardizing your life unnecessarily—"


"Do you really think I care?" My voice sharpened. "I owe Aren, and I'll be damned if I let him face this alone."


The High Priest opened his mouth to respond, but an explosion rocked the hallway, and a new wave of intruders surged forward.


The knights moved to intercept them, their swords clanging against enemy steel.


I gritted my teeth. No time for this.


Without waiting for the High Priest’s approval, I darted past the chaos. One of the knights shouted after me, but I ignored it.


The High Priest's voice boomed, "Follow him!"


Several knights broke formation to pursue me, but they were quickly overwhelmed by the attackers.


I tightened my grip on my sword, determination blazing in my chest.


"I don't have time to waste," I muttered under my breath. "I have to hurry and find Aren."


---


[ Aren’s Perspective ]


My boots struck the stone floor in rhythmic beats as I ran down the dim corridor, my mind simmering with rage.


I won't let this slip.


They had interrupted my plans, dared to harm Sylvie—my valuable asset.


My teeth clenched. How dare they touch what belongs to me?


Sylvie is a tool, yes—but an irreplaceable one. No one threatened something I deemed useful without suffering the consequences.


The faint echoes of battle faded as I ventured deeper into the passage. Darkness loomed ahead, but I welcomed it.


The Eclipse Order... What is their true motive?


Their attack was calculated, not a random strike. I needed answers—and I intended to get them by any means necessary.


A flicker of light caught my attention further down the passage. My pace quickened, my senses sharp.


They'll regret ever crossing me.


To be continued..