Volume 3 - Chapter 21 – Whispers of the Coming Dawn

Bernard stood in the courtyard of Evergreen’s mansion, the faint morning mist curling around the marble statues and trimmed hedges. The air carried the scent of damp earth and faint traces of floral perfume drifting from the garden beyond. Rows of armored men stood at attention before him, their breath visible in the crisp air.

Bernard’s sharp gaze swept over them, his voice cutting through the silence. “Is this everyone?”

The woman at the front of the formation—a tall soldier with short hair and a scar tracing her cheek—answered firmly, though a hint of unease lingered in her tone. “No, sir. There are a few more on their way. They were delayed, but they should arrive soon.”

Bernard gave a short nod, his gloved hand resting on the hilt of his blade. “Good. When they arrive, set out immediately. The goods should be ready by then.”

The woman hesitated, her eyes flicking briefly toward the mansion’s great windows. “And our payment? When will we receive it?”

Before Bernard could answer, a soft, elegant voice drifted from the garden path. “The payment is with the goods.”

Evergreen appeared from behind a wall of white roses, her long violet dress brushing the gravel as she walked. Her eyes were calm, but the faint smile on her lips carried the quiet authority that made her both admired and feared. “Once you secure the delivery, you’ll find your payment enclosed.”

The woman bowed her head, stepping back slightly. “Understood. We’ll depart as soon as the rest arrive.”

“Good,” Evergreen said, her smile widening ever so slightly. Then she turned her gaze to Bernard. “Come with me.”

“Yes, my mistress,” Bernard replied, bowing briefly before following her toward the mansion’s grand doors.

Inside, the air shifted. The scent of lavender oil and old parchment replaced the crisp outdoor air. The heavy door closed behind them with a muted thud, sealing the two within the quiet opulence of Evergreen’s private hall. They walked beneath crystal chandeliers until Evergreen sank gracefully into an ornate chair near the fireplace, the light dancing over her jewelry.

“How many have been transported so far?” she asked, her tone calm but her eyes sharp.

Bernard clasped his hands behind his back. “Around half. RUIN has been reclaiming many of the airships they lent to us nobles. It seems they’re preparing for something… significant. We’re left with only two or three ships, so transport is moving slower than expected.”

Evergreen leaned back slightly, her expression unreadable. “Ah, so I’m not the only one then. They’ve left me with just a single vessel. It seems Bernswick remains favored—he still keeps all his ships since he uses them to deliver his crops to RUIN. Let’s hope the goods reach their destination safely. ”Her lips curved faintly. “They’re of high quality. Losing them would be… inconvenient.”

A pause lingered between them, filled by the faint crackle of the fire.

Then Evergreen rose and stepped closer to Bernard, her movements slow and deliberate. She reached out, fingers brushing the collar of his uniform before sliding around the back of his neck. Leaning close, her voice dropped to a whisper that carried both command and temptation.

“Now come here,” she murmured, her breath warm against his ear. “Let’s have some fun.”

The pale glow of the Core’s light filtered through the window, painting soft blue patterns across the wooden walls as Ernest stirred awake. He blinked groggily, running a hand through his messy hair, then pushed himself up from the bed. The other bed across from his caught his attention—it was perfectly made, untouched. He sighed, his irritation already surfacing.

“Not again,” he muttered under his breath. “Don’t they know we’re supposed to head back to the ruins today?”

He swung his legs over the side and dressed quickly, his movements sharp and purposeful. The morning air felt cool against his skin as he stepped into the hallway. From the second-floor balcony, he glanced down into the tavern’s dining area below. There, at one of the wooden tables, Emma and Luke sat close together, chatting away animatedly. The golden light of the Core spilled through the tavern windows, reflecting softly off Emma’s hair as she laughed. Ernest noticed the spark in both their eyes and frowned deeply.

“Damn it,” he grumbled. “They’ve only known each other a few days, and she’s already love-struck.”

Descending the creaking stairs, Ernest approached their table, crossing his arms. His tone came out low and edged with irritation. “Emma, you know we’re leaving for the ruins after breakfast. Why didn’t you get any sleep?”

Emma blinked, momentarily confused. Luke turned to glance toward the window just as the Core’s light brightened the tavern interior. Both froze, realization dawning.

“Oh, shit,” Emma gasped. “Is it morning already? We must’ve completely lost track of time!”

She sprang from her seat and hurried upstairs, nearly tripping on the steps in her rush to pack. Ernest exhaled heavily, sinking into the chair across from Luke. He stared at him for a moment before speaking, his expression firm.

“My sister’s a good girl,” Ernest began. “And you—someone with no memories—when they come back, you’d better take responsibility if you pursue anything with her. It’s obvious she likes you… a lot.”

Luke’s lips curved into a small, sincere smile. “Don’t worry. For now, we’re just friends. But if something does happen between us in the future—memory or no memory—I promise I’ll take care of her.”

Ernest studied him for a few seconds, then nodded once. “Good. Because if you break her heart, I’ll break you.”

Luke laughed awkwardly, scratching his cheek. “Understood.” Then he stood abruptly. “I should get ready myself. ”He gave a polite nod and jogged up the stairs after Emma.

Left alone at the table, Ernest leaned back in his chair and exhaled, his irritation fading into mild amusement. That was when the innkeeper approached.

The woman was tall, graceful, with long white hair cascading down her back. She wore the traditional innkeeper’s attire—modest yet finely tailored, with lace trim along the sleeves and collar. Her presence carried a calm, almost motherly warmth.

“Breakfast is ready,” she said with a kind smile. “Care for some?”

Ernest’s expression softened immediately. “Yes, Lexy, please. And make it extra, would you? That dinner last night was delicious.”

Lexy chuckled softly, nodding before turning toward the kitchen. The faint sound of clinking dishes followed as she prepared the meal.

Ernest rested his elbows on the table, gazing out the window as the Core’s morning glow stretched across the land beyond. His mind wandered to the ruins they were about to revisit—what secrets might still lie buried beneath the stone and dust. A grin slowly crept across his face, anticipation gleaming in his eyes. Whatever awaited them, he was ready for it.

After breakfast, the group gathered outside beneath the pale light of the Core, which shimmered faintly through the trees that surrounded the secluded inn. The air was cool and quiet, the only sounds the distant chirping of morning birds and the faint rustle of wind through the grass. Ernest stood near the wagon’s hitching post with Emma and Luke, adjusting his cloak while Emma stifled a yawn and Luke rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Both bore the unmistakable signs of a sleepless night.

Toby stepped out of the inn, stretching his arms with a broad grin. “Well, well,” he said, eyeing the two of them. “Looks like me and Ernest will handle the driving while you two catch up on sleep. ”His laugh echoed across the small clearing, hearty and teasing.

Moments later, the sound of creaking wheels approached as a wagon rolled to a stop near the inn. An older man with neatly combed white hair and a refined mustache climbed down from the driver’s seat. His outfit was tidy and formal for someone working the roads—a dark vest over a white shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to show the wear of honest labor.

“All your supplies are packed and secured inside,” the man said with a courteous nod. “The movement sphere is fully fueled and calibrated. You should have no trouble heading out.”

Toby returned the nod appreciatively. “Excellent work, Bert. We’ll return once the supplies run out.”

Bert smiled faintly, stepping aside as the group loaded their belongings. Ernest and Toby climbed to the front seats, taking hold of the reins, while Emma and Luke settled in the back, exhaustion already pulling them toward rest.

The wagon began to move, its wheels crunching over the grassy soil as the faint hum of the movement sphere resonated beneath it, glowing with a soft blue light that shimmered through the morning mist. The inn faded slowly behind them, swallowed by the quiet wilderness that stretched endlessly outward.

Ahead lay open plains, tangled brush, and the untamed expanse that separated the edge of civilization from the forgotten ruins. The air grew still, filled with the distant cry of unseen creatures and the low whisper of wind sweeping across the land.

None of them spoke for a time. The world ahead was vast, wild, and full of secrets yet to be uncovered. Ernest leaned forward, eyes narrowing toward the horizon where the Core’s faint reflection met the rolling grasslands.

“Let’s see what truths are buried this time,” he muttered quietly.

The wagon pressed onward through the wilderness, carrying them toward the ruins—and whatever awaited them beyond the silence of the open plains.