[ Sylvie's perspective ]
The flickering torches in the corridor cast long shadows on the stone walls as I sat alone on the cold bench outside the chamber where the High Priest was healing Aren. I clenched my fists, struggling to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind.
The image of Aren’s bloodied body lingered in my memory. His pale skin marred with deep gashes, his clothes shredded by combat. What in the world had he faced? The questions gnawed at me, but I knew no one would give me answers—not Diluc, not even the High Priest.
Aren... you saved me again.
The memory of the grand ball surfaced. Darius had tried to cause a scene, dragging me into unnecessary drama. I could still see his smug face, thinking he had control over the situation. But then Aren stepped forward, offering me his hand without a word. We danced, silencing Darius and turning the entire hall's attention toward us. His mere presence had diffused the tension.
That wasn't the last time he stood by me.
During the Eclipse Order attack, chaos had erupted, and I was cornered by one of their intruders. Fear had gripped me as the man's blade gleamed under the dim moonlight. But before I could even scream, Aren appeared like a storm, cutting off the intruder’s arm without hesitation. His eyes were cold, devoid of any remorse, as though he had simply swatted away an insect.
I pressed my hand against my chest, feeling the erratic thud of my heart. Aren had never once asked for gratitude or acknowledgment. He simply acted.
That was why I had made up my mind.
No matter what happens in the future, I will always stand by Aren's side. I will become useful to him—no matter what it takes.
The sound of footsteps broke my thoughts. Diluc approached, his expression grim. I stood up quickly.
“How is he?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.
“The High Priest is doing everything he can,” Diluc replied. His gaze flickered briefly with unease, but he quickly masked it.
“There’s something strange, though,” he added.
“What is it?”
“The mage's body... it was gone.”
My heart skipped a beat. "Gone? But you killed him, didn't you?"
"I never even found him," Diluc admitted, his brows furrowing. "And there's more—something felt... off. But I can't put my finger on it."
A heavy silence hung between us.
I clenched my fists. Whatever secrets surrounded Aren, I would uncover them in due time. But for now, my priority was clear: Aren needed to recover, and I would ensure no harm ever came his way again.
Because I owed him that much.
------
[Inside the castle of Eldoria ]
The grand throne room of the Avalon Empire gleamed under flickering torchlight. Gold and crimson banners adorned the high walls, each bearing the empire’s sigil—a radiant sun crossed by a sword. The air was thick with authority and tension.
Emperor Regulus sat regally upon his throne, his presence commanding even without words. His golden robes shimmered, and his golden hair gleamed under the dim light. Despite his composed demeanor, his eyes held a sharp edge, as if reading every secret hidden within the empire.
A cloaked figure knelt before him, his face obscured by shadows.
"Speak," the Emperor commanded, his voice cold and steady.
The figure hesitated for a moment. "The mana affinity rite was attacked by the Eclipse Order, Your Majesty."
"And the damage?" Regulus's tone held a deadly calm.
"The High Priest and the knights managed to control the situation. Casualties were minimal, but..." the figure trailed off.
The Emperor's eyes narrowed. "But?"
"There was an... anomaly during the chaos," the figure admitted reluctantly. "A black fog enveloped Aren Wolfhart. At first, I thought it was Eclipse Order magic, but upon investigation, there was no trace of any known spell from their repertoire."
Silence fell between them, heavy and palpable.
"Black fog?" Regulus's voice was dangerously soft. "Do you believe this anomaly came from the boy himself?"
The figure shifted uncomfortably. "I cannot say for certain, but it seemed unnatural. I suspect it was a remnant of the Eclipse Order's interference."
The Emperor leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Perhaps... but the Wolfhart boy bears watching nonetheless. Keep him in check. I have no tolerance for uncertainty within my empire."
The figure bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty."
"And the leader of the Eclipse Order?" Regulus continued.
"He escaped, though severely injured. Alaric Wolfhart is in pursuit."
The Emperor's lips curled into a cold smile. "Good. Alaric rarely fails." He leaned back on his throne, his gaze distant. "The shadows are moving once again. This empire will not fall to chaos—not while I sit on this throne."
The figure vanished into the darkness, leaving the Emperor alone with his thoughts.
Regulus's voice echoed softly in the empty hall. "Black fog... a threat or a gift? We shall see."
To be continued
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