Felix dashed into the castle, following the echo of the scream. His boots thudded against the marble floor as he weaved through halls and corridors, chasing the sound. When he finally reached the commotion, soldiers stood in a half-circle, maids huddled in fear, and butlers whispered in panic.
Sylra spotted him. "Felix! Over here!"
Felix rushed to him, eyes scanning the crowd. "What happened? Why the scream? What's going on?"
Sylra looked grim. "Bad news. The maid said she walked around the corner and saw a group of men in soldier uniforms carrying Kaelan—unconscious—on one of their shoulders. They escaped through the window."
Felix's jaw dropped. "What? But I was just with him not even ten minutes ago! He came inside with guards—how was he alone? Where were they?"
Sylra nodded. "Those guards said the same thing. They didn't even see him leave their sight. The maid insists she saw fake soldiers grab him and vanish."
Without another word, Felix ran to the window. He glanced out, scanning the shadows, then muttered under his breath, "I know you're watching…"
A flutter of wings, and the Crow appeared on the windowsill.
"Caught again," it said casually.
Felix's voice was low and urgent. "I need a favor. Can you track those men down?"
The Crow tilted its head. "And what do I get in return?"
"Whatever you want," Felix said. "Just help me find them—fast."
The Crow gave a cryptic grin. "Remember… the answer is always at the beginning."
And with that, it soared into the sky.
Behind him, Sylra approached. "Who were you talking to?"
Felix turned. "Just... a helpful ghost. Don't worry. Let's focus on helping."
Back with the others, the butler stood at the center, barking orders. "Form search parties! Find Master Kaelan before the Duke hears of this. He's at the royal palace for the competition. If word gets out, this could escalate fast!"
Soldiers scattered in every direction.
Felix stepped up. "Can we help?"
The butler nodded. "It would be appreciated."
As the group moved out, Felix suddenly paused. "Wait! I forgot something. You guys go ahead—I'll catch up."
He slipped away and returned to the room where the incident had occurred. One maid was still lingering nearby.
He approached her calmly. "Mind explaining what you saw again?"
As Felix leaned in to listen, her eyes flicked to his chest—and without warning, she stabbed him with a needle.
"Wha—?" Felix gasped before collapsing, unconscious on the floor.
The maid stood over him, dusting her dress. "Stupid idiot."
A few figures stepped from the shadows—men dressed in soldier uniforms. One of them eyed Felix's still body.
"Who's this guy?"
"Just some nosy fool," the maid said dismissively. "I put him to sleep."
The soldier eyed her with suspicion. "You sure? You're not that good."
The maid narrowed her gaze. "You doubt my work?"
"Still..." the man muttered. "I'll check."
Maid annoyed, "what about If he is senseless, I'll get to kill you too.'
He knelt next to Felix and leaned in to inspect his face—only for Felix's eyes to snap open. A small smirk spread across his face.
"Boo."
The soldier stumbled backward in terror. "He's awake!"
Before he could react, Felix sprang up and drew his sword. Steel clanged as he launched a sudden attack. The soldier barely blocked in time, but Felix's movements were too quick, too fluid.
"Oh, I'm really liking this," Felix muttered, his eyes gleaming.
"You'll regret that," the man snarled, regaining balance.
Felix grinned. "Cocky. I like that."
He swung again—this time a feint. While the soldier focused on the strike, Felix reached to his belt with his off-hand, pulling out a small knife. In a flash, he drove it into the soldier's neck.
The man gasped, blood staining his collar. "C-Cheat…" he choked out, collapsing.
The others froze, their confidence evaporating. Their ally lay dead, and now Felix stood tall, blood on his blade, eyes burning with intent.
He looked like a predator.
The remaining men turned in panic, dragging Kaelan's unconscious body toward the window.
Felix bolted after them.
They reached the window just in time, hurling themselves out with Kaelan in tow. Felix skidded to a stop at the edge, watching them flee into the night.
A slow smirk crept across his face.
"Let the game begin," he whispered. "You started this… I'll finish it