Chapter 6 — Chains of the Past

Kael returned to the castle that evening, the city’s lantern light casting long shadows across the stone streets.

He had no intention of seeking trouble — yet trouble had a habit of finding him.

Inside the castle, he made his way to Sophia, who was tending to minor magical chores in the inner halls.

“Sophia,” Kael began, his voice calm, “I need to know something. Can magic be dispelled… or curses broken?”

Sophia looked up, curious. “Depends on the magic, Kael. I can undo many simple curses and minor enchantments, but some things…” She trailed off, raising an eyebrow.

“I need to know about slave collars,” Kael said bluntly.

Sophia’s expression tightened slightly. “Slave collars? That’s… rare. Dangerous magic, often layered. Why would you—”

Kael waved a hand, cutting her off. “It’s nothing. Just something I’m researching.”

⸻

Later, he found Julius in the courtyard, practicing light sword movements.

“Hey,” Julius said, noticing Kael’s serious expression, “you look like you just saw a demon.”

Kael ignored him. “Slavery. In Elarion, how much do you know?”

Julius smirked. “Not much. It’s illegal. Been banned for decades. Any attempt would be punished severely. Why?”

Kael’s gaze hardened, and Julius caught a look in his eyes he had never seen before — cold, intense, determined.

“It’s fine,” Kael muttered. “Just something I read in the library.”

Kael approached King Reynard with calm confidence.

“I’d like permission to enter the royal library,” Kael said, “specifically the forbidden section.”

Reynard raised an eyebrow. “The forbidden section? That’s off-limits. Why would you—?”

Kael held his ground. “I need to research dispelling certain curses or magic… such as those used in slave collars.”

The king’s eyes narrowed, his presence almost suffocating. “No. That section is forbidden. Only I and Roland have access.”

Kael bowed slightly. “Understood.”

⸻

The Tavern

That night, Kael returned to the tavern. The streets were quiet, the city dimly lit by lanterns.

He slipped inside unnoticed, moving like a shadow.

Inside, he quickly navigated to the owner’s private room, finding the man counting coins. Without hesitation, Kael restrained him, tying his hands behind his back.

“Where did you get the slave collar?” Kael demanded. His voice was calm but cold — steel wrapped in silk.

The tavern owner sneered. “I don’t know what you’re—”

Kael’s eyes flicked to a glowing ring on the man’s finger. The faint aura told him the magic was active.

When the owner still refused to answer, Kael’s fist connected with his jaw.

The man didn’t scream.

Kael’s voice dropped low, deadly calm. “Scream, and you die. Now. Speak.”

Before the owner could respond, the tavern door burst open. Lyren had arrived.

The slave collar around her neck glowed ominously, runes shifting and writhing along her skin. Black veins pulsed beneath her neck as if the magic were feeding off her life.

Kael reacted instantly, chanting under his breath. A spell he had learned from Sophia’s teachings — an ice-binding spell — erupted from the wall.

Ice chains shot out, wrapping around Lyren and pinning her gently but firmly against the wall.

She gasped but did not resist. Kael studied the black veins, the glowing runes.

The tavern owner stammered. “I—I don’t—”

Kael struck him again, forcing him to his knees. Finally, the man blurted out everything:

Slave auctions operating in secrecy. Nobles buying slaves through invitations and bribes. Underground black-market deals. Passwords, locations, and times.

Kael nodded once. No further words were necessary.

He knocked the man out with minimal effort, then focused on the ring. With a sharp strike, it shattered. The magic binding the collar disappeared.

Lyren sagged slightly as the black veins faded, her breath coming easier.

The collar fell away, leaving only a faint mark on her neck.

Kael quickly located the slave contract the tavern owner had kept.

He burned it immediately, the flames consuming the evidence.

Lyren was finally free.

⸻

Kael’s mind raced. He studied the remnants of the collar.

These runes… they’re different. New. I’ve never seen magic like this in the library books.

The thought lingered in his mind. This wasn’t just illegal slavery — it was an organized system. Evolving. Dangerous.

Kael’s lips pressed into a thin line.

Trouble had found him again.