Chapter 21 — Kaelen Saves the Princess

The castle gardens were tranquil, the scent of blooming flowers drifting through the air. Princess Lysandra practiced her spellcasting, focusing intently on controlling the silver threads of magic that flowed from her hands. She was alone, unaware that danger was creeping closer.

From the shadowed treeline near the outer wall, a pack of Abyssal creatures had infiltrated the grounds, their glowing red eyes fixed on the princess. They had learned quickly, sensing vulnerability and opportunity.

Kaelen, ever vigilant, had been monitoring the area from a nearby tower. His golden eyes narrowed as he spotted the shadows slipping closer. Without hesitation, he descended into the garden, the Morphblade hidden under his cloak, ready to act.

Lysandra’s concentration was broken by a rustling in the bushes. She turned, just in time to see the creatures lunging toward her. Panic surged through her, and her hands flared with uncontrolled magic, sending a few creatures staggering back—but she was clearly outmatched.

Kaelen stepped into the open, calm and composed, his presence commanding. “Step back,” he instructed, his voice low but firm. “I’ve got this.”

The creatures advanced, claws extended and teeth bared. In a flash, Kaelen drew the Morphblade. It shimmered as it shifted seamlessly between sword and spear forms, meeting the first wave of attackers with perfect precision. Each strike was a blur, a combination of speed, observation, and exact replication of the monsters’ own aggressive movements.

Lysandra watched, astonished, as the masked master moved like a living reflection of the creatures themselves, anticipating every attack, countering flawlessly, and protecting her with unmatched skill.

One particularly large Abyssal lunged toward her, faster than the others. Kaelen intercepted it mid-air, twisting his Morphblade into a spear and striking the creature down before it could reach her.

“You’re… incredible,” Lysandra breathed, awe and relief mingling in her voice.

Kaelen stepped back, lowering his weapon. “This is why control and observation matter,” he said softly. “Strength alone will not keep you safe.”

The princess bowed deeply, shaken but grateful. “Thank you… Master Kaelen. I… I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Kaelen inclined his head slightly, his golden eyes meeting hers. There was a faint warmth in his gaze, though his demeanor remained calm and composed. “You must also learn to protect yourself. Courage and talent are powerful, but skill without understanding is dangerous.”

Lysandra nodded, determination sparking in her eyes. “I will train harder… I want to be strong enough to defend myself, and the kingdom.”

Kaelen studied her silently, sensing the potential, the fire within, and the bond forming not just as mentor and student, but as protector and the one he had saved. In that moment, he knew the princess’s destiny would intertwine with both the kingdom’s fate and his own.

Beyond the castle walls, shadows still lingered, and monsters would not stay defeated for long. But for now, in the quiet garden, the Mirrorblade had saved the princess—and in doing so, had begun a connection that would shape the coming battles, the kingdom’s future, and perhaps even matters of the heart.