Mirael unleashed his strongest wind spell, sending a powerful blast that scattered the gremlins into the trees. Some slammed against but more kept coming, crawling out from the shadows. They were hopelessly outnumbered.
The gremlins advanced, eyes glowing with hunger, claws raised to strike.
Then suddenly they stopped.
A guttural growl rippled through the pack. They clawed at the earth in frustration, but not a single one dared step forward.
Mirael quickly helped Lady Rose to her feet.
"What's happening?" she asked, breathless and wide-eyed.
Mirael scanned the area, then spotted massive rocks encircling them, each etched with runic symbols. There was a faint white line on the ground, enclosing them like a barrier.
"I think... they can't cross this line," Mirael said, eyes narrowing. "I think it's some sort of protection ward."
Just then, a voice called out from the trees behind them.
"I was wondering what the commotion was about. But to think I'd find unexpected guests…"
They turned to see an old woman step from the shadows. Her green robes shimmered faintly in the moonlight, and her white hair was braided with vines and tiny bones.
"You must be tired and hungry from your journey," she said with a slight smile. "Come. Join me for dinner."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and began walking into the deeper woods.
The two exchanged glances.
With no other choice, and the threat of the gremlins still snarling behind the line, they followed.
Elery walked cautiously through the underground tunnel. The air was thick with ash, and the walls bore blackened scorch marks, charred reminders of a fire. Her steps echoed faintly against the stone.
Suddenly, a wisp of smoke shaped like a human figure darted past her.
Startled, she gasped. "What was that?"
Without thinking, she followed the figure deeper into the tunnel. The passage opened into a wide chamber, its stone pillars cracked and broken, the scent of burnt flesh still lingering in the air.
"This place..." Elery whispered. A hint of familiarity struck her as she looked around.
In the center of the chamber, the smoke figure knelt, trembling with grief over a charred body. Though it had no face, the sorrow and rage emanating from it struck Elery with chilling clarity.
"Seraphyne..." the figure wept. "I promise you... I will avenge you... for those who betrayed you."
A memory struck her. It was the place the shard showed her last time.
Then a voice broke the silence.
"Oh my... what are you dong here? You shouldn't be here."
Elery turned sharply. From the path she took, she saw a man in the dark. He had the horn of a goat, wings of a crow, and tail of a snake. She cannot see his face but his eyes glowed in the dark.
"Who are you?!" she demanded.
The man did not answer and continued to walk towards her. Elery stepped back and raised her voice. "Ignis Orta!"
Flames leapt to life on the torches lining the tunnel. But with a single flap of his wings, the figure unleashed a powerful gust, snuffing out the flames in an instant before it could reach him. Elery covered her face with her arms from the strong wind.
"I am the Lord of this world, and soon, you all shall bow before me," the horned man declared. With another powerful flap of his wings, a violent gust of wind surged forward.
"My Lady!"
Elery jolted awake, gasping. Greta hovered beside her, eyes full of worry.
"My Lady, you were groaning in your sleep. I tried to wake you."
"It… it was just a dream," Elery murmured, trying to collect herself.
She sat up slowly, her body trembling.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Greta asked.
"Yes," Elery replied with a weak smile.
She tried to stand up but fell on her knees.
"My Lady!" Greta rushed to support her.
Elery leaned on her. "I'm fine… I just feel drained."
Despite her fatigue, they got ready for their class. As they walked down the corridor, Greta beamed with excitement.
"This is our first class together! I feel like I've known you forever."
Elery blinked at her. "Have you heard about me and my sister?"
"Well…" Greta scratched her cheek, suddenly flustered. "My older sister's a huge fan of Princess Liora. Kind of like… a stalker, but not in a creepy way! She really admires her. So I heard a lot about the both of you."
Does she know everything about Liora? Elery thought.
"Oh! And did you know Princess Liora's best friend teaches at the Lyceum?"
"My sister's best friend?"
"Yep! And she's going to be our first instructor," Greta said with a bright grin.
In the Headmaster's study
The usher entered, hesitating before speaking. "Headmaster, my sister asked me to make a request on her behalf."
"That's rare. What would your sister possibly ask of me?" the Headmaster said, setting her quill down.
The usher glanced away, visibly awkward. "She's asking on behalf of someone else. Marquess Rue Mallory and his knight, Sir Conrad... they want to enter the Lyceum."
The Headmaster's brows lifted. "The same Rue Mallory accused of killing the emperor?"
"Yes, Headmaster," she replied with reluctance.
"So... he seeks asylum," he said, folding his hands under his chin, eyes narrowing in thought.
"You don't have to listen to my sister's request, Headmaster," the usher said apologetically.
"I don't mind two more students," the Headmaster replied calmly. "This is a good chance to learn what truly happened at the palace. Let them take the Ordeal of the Chosen."
"Thank you, Headmaster." The usher bowed and left the room.
As the usher exited, the Headmaster stood and walked toward the large ornate mirror standing against the chamber wall.
"Velas Unthar," she spoke clearly.
The mirror shimmered, transforming into a swirling portal revealing a passage beyond. Without hesitation, she stepped through and emerged in a dimly lit underground tunnel.
As she reached the chamber at the end of the tunnel, she went to the big shard that's floating at the center of the room. She reached out, attempting to touch it but a burst of electricity repelled her hand. Instead, she extended her palm and poured mana into the shard.
The scenery inside the chamber changed as if it was restored before it was burnt. The Headmaster sat on the chair as she watched the image of two children playing together in the room that the shard is showing.
At the Imperial Palace
The council members and the imperial family gathered at the throne room. Today is the day the Imperial Executer will arrive to announce the emperor's will.
"The Imperial Executer has arrived!" a guard announced as the grand doors opened.
An elderly man entered, dressed in ceremonial robes embroidered with the golden insignia of the Empire. With slow, deliberate steps, he walked down the center aisle and bowed before the Empress and Crown Prince Caleb.
"We've all been waiting for your arrival," the Empress said with a gracious smile. "The throne has been empty since the emperor's passing. The empire needs a new ruler."
She was eager to see her son crowned. Though the emperor's seal had yet to be found, she was confident. Caleb is the crown prince. Everyone expected his ascension.
The Executor unrolled a scroll, his voice solemn. "I come today to deliver the final will of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Willard el Avira, before the imperial family and the esteemed council."
All eyes fixed on the scroll as he began to read.
"I, Emperor Willard el Avira, hereby name my heir and only successor, Crown Prince Caleb el Avira.
However, in the event of my untimely death by unnatural causes, and should I perish before the formal passing of the crown, then the succession shall pass to the bearer of my imperial seal.
Whoever they may be, regardless of blood, title, or past transgressions, they shall be pardoned.
This is my will."
The room erupted in murmurs. Whispers filled the air like smoke. Many had assumed the matter of succession was clear.
The Empress's smile stiffened. Her hands clenched, nails digging into her palm.
"Even in death, you still continue to torment me." she thought bitterly.
The Executer closed the scroll.
"Since His Majesty was killed, the latter condition of the will shall take effect," he announced solemnly. "Succession shall go to the one who bears the imperial seal."
One of the council members raised a question.
"Does that mean anyone can become the emperor as long as they have the seal even if they're not a member of the imperial family?"
"Yes," the Executor replied without hesitation.
A wave of murmurs rippled through the council. Several members exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with interest.
Greedy vultures, the Empress thought coldly. How dare you entertain the idea of coveting the throne.
"I shall officiate the coronation myself and ensure that the emperor's will is carried out to the letter," the Executor continued, turning to face the imperial family. "Do you have the seal?"
The room fell into a heavy silence.
The Empress smiled, masking the tightness in her chest. "Of course," she replied smoothly, refusing to show any weakness. "However, it is not currently in my possession. It is with Duke Vane."
She turned to Duke Vane, who blinked in surprise but quickly caught on.
"I took the seal and hid it in a secure location," Duke Vane said calmly. "In case Marquess Rue and his conspirators tried to seize it."
"Then I will return in one week, after the emperor's funeral," the Executor said. "I expect the seal to be presented then."
"Of course, Imperial Executor," the Empress replied with a slight bow.
The Executor bowed in turn and left the throne room, followed by the council members except for Duke Avaris and Duke Vane.
Once they were alone, Duke Avaris turned to the Empress. "Do you actually have the seal?"
"Of course, my Lord. We'll show it when the time comes," Duke Vane answered quickly on her behalf.
Duke Avaris raised a brow. "To think the emperor would add such a condition...it seems he anticipated that something will happen to him."
The Empress narrowed her gaze, picking up the implication in his tone.
"It's likely that Marquess Rue knew of the will," she said smoothly. "That's why he killed the emperor and sought the seal."
Caleb stood abruptly.
"I shall return to my chamber," he said, voice strained, and left the room in haste.
Duke Avaris sighed, then looked at the Empress. "You're not just an empress but also his mother. The prince has just lost his father."
With that, he turned and followed after Caleb, leaving the Empress alone with Duke Vane.
She stared at the door through which her son and the duke had exited, then turned to Duke Vane.
"Any news about the seal?" she asked quietly.
"None yet," Duke Vane admitted. "I don't believe Sir Garran knows where it is."
The Empress's expression darkened. "Then what do we do now? We need it within the week. If the nobles suspect the seal is missing, they'll tear each other apart to seize the throne."
Her voice sharpened.
"Question Sir Garran again. He's our only lead. It's impossible that he knows nothing. Do whatever it takes. Bring me the seal before the week ends."
Duke Vane bowed. "As you command."
Duke Avaris stepped into Caleb's chamber.
"Are you not going to talk to me, my little prince?"
Caleb turned around at the familiar voice. "Grandfather…"
He walked into the duke's arms, embracing him tightly.
"I'm sorry. I just... I have a lot on my mind."
"That's fine," Duke Avaris said gently, patting his back. "Come, let's have some tea."
They sat at the table, the warm steam rising from their cups. Caleb stared into his tea in silence, clearly troubled.
"Something troubling you?" Duke Avaris asked softly. "You know I won't breathe a word to anyone."
Caleb hesitated, then spoke, voice quiet and conflicted.
"It's just... I can't shake the feeling that mother had something to do with father's death. I know the evidence points to my brother but... something feels wrong."
Duke Avaris took a sip of tea, considering his words carefully.
"It's not unnatural for you to feel that way. You've seen what your mother is capable of. But I truly don't believe she would go so far as to kill your father. She wasn't always like this."
Caleb clenched his jaw. "I know. It started after she met Duke Vane. That man twisted her. She changed after he came into her life."
"Your mother never had good judgment when it came to men," the Duke said with a wry smile. "But I'm glad you didn't inherit that flaw."
Caleb looked at him, surprised. "I thought you hated her for choosing my father."
The duke shook his head. "No, Caleb. I hated myself more for failing her after your grandmother died. I was never good with words, never good at comforting her. All I could do was try to support her the only way I knew how. And back then... I thought letting her choose for herself was what she needed."
He paused, his expression wistful.
"It was a terrible marriage but despite everything, I'm thankful because it gave me a handsome grandson. All I ever wanted was to see her happy. And now... her happiness lies in seeing you on the throne."
He reached out, placing a hand on Caleb's shoulder.
"So don't worry about the will. No matter how things turn, we'll make sure your future isn't stolen."
"What if I don't want to become emperor?" Caleb asked, his voice low and uncertain.
The Duke froze. He hadn't expected that question.
"What would make you happy, then?" he asked gently.
Caleb smiled faintly as an image of Lady Cecilia surfaced in his mind. "I want to be with the person I love."
But the smile quickly faded. "But all I can offer her is the throne. Our marriage was arranged after I asked mother for it when I was a child. I thought that maybe, if we spent more time together, she'd learn to love me."
His voice turned bitter. "But I know she's in love with someone else."
The Duke's gaze softened. "If staying with you doesn't make her happy... will you let her go?"
Caleb lowered his head, covering his eyes with his hand as though trying to shut out the weight of those words.
"I don't think I can bear it. I can't let her go."
The Duke was silent for a moment, memories surfacing of a younger Empress begging him to support Willard's rebellion against his brother, all for love.
"You are indeed your mother's son," he said with a faint, melancholic smile.
And I pray you don't share her fate, he thought to himself.
Their moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. A servant entered, carrying a small box and handed it to the Duke.
"What's that?" Caleb asked.
The Duke smiled and offered the box to him. "A gift."
Caleb opened it, revealing a finely crafted dagger. Its blade was flawless, and between the blade and hilt sat a striking red gem, glowing faintly like embers.
"I've never seen a gem with such a deep shade of red," Caleb said, admiring it. "It's exquisite. Thank you."
"I was just as mesmerized," the Duke replied. "I found it by chance while hunting in the duchy's forest. Oddly enough, the blacksmith couldn't work the gem, it wouldn't melt, wouldn't shape. So we set it into the blade as it was."
"I think it's more beautiful that way," Caleb said, still gazing at the gem.
As he held the dagger, the gem shimmered faintly.