Lisa stood patiently as her maid dressed her in a black-and-white polka-dot dress adorned with a blue bow, that very bow Lisa had insisted on, determined to keep something from the dress Scry had given her. The maid set Lisa’s old blue dress aside for washing.

  As Matilde, her longtime personal maid, tended to her, Lisa’s spirits wandered about the room, except for Shelly, who slept soundly on a cushion where Lisa had left him. Rufus darted through the air, opening drawers, his eyes gleaming at the sight of fine clothes and glittering jewelry.

  “Who would’ve thought the master I chose was rich? I’ve struck gold! Finally, a life fit for a king!” Rufus laughed until a sharp whip-like sound cut him over his buttocks.

  Max had lashed the poor lion’s backside with his scaly tail. “Fool! Your greed shames us. We’re here to protect this precious child, not revel in her wealth!” he growled.

  The maid chuckled softly as Lisa turned, her smile bright and innocent. “It’s fine, Max. Leave him be. What’s mine is yours. We’ll be together forever, after all.” Her words were pure, but Rufus frowned. Damn her innocent heart…

  “Forgive me, Master. I’ll learn to control myself. I won’t embarrass you again,” Rufus muttered, pouting.

  “You have interesting new friends,” Matilde said with a laugh, finishing Lisa’s hair.

  “Thank you, Matilde. They’re my new family!” Lisa beamed, but the spirits felt the sadness hidden deep within that smile.

  Matilde understood. She had cared for Lisa for eight long years. Kneeling, she embraced the girl tightly. “You still have family here, my child,” the older woman whispered, her eyes glistening.

  Rufus broke down completely, rushing to hug Lisa’s head. “Master, Rufus is here! He’ll always be here!” he sobbed.

  “He’s a big softy after all,” the wyrm chuckled, joining the embrace. Meanwhile, Shelly stirred and floated toward Lisa, the tiny tree on his back swaying gently as a soothing melody drifted through the air, a song that spoke of spring, youth, and warmth.

  Wyrm wiped his own tears. “Damn you, turtle… and your Song of the Mother Earth…”

  The song was a special ability of the turtle; he could calm anyone and bring out their true feelings as if a mother was cradling them for the first time.

  Lisa and Matilde wept openly now. “Lisa, my child… I thought I’d never see you again. I still don’t understand why you all had to leave so suddenly.”

  “Matilde… I missed you so much. I never thought I’d see you, or Uncle Barnacus, again.”

  And so, the four of them stood together, crying their hearts out. Only Shelly smiled, gently waving in the air rhythmically with the melody.

  ***

  Kai and his group followed Zara, who knew the castle like the back of her hand, when the sound of crying reached them. Kai rushed ahead, his eyes already glowing with draconic power, aura flaring as if ready to strike, only to stop at the sight before him.

  Four figures stood together, weeping openly, while a gentle melody of nature filled the room, wrapping everything in serenity. The scene pierced Kai’s heart. Lisa and her spirits crying, the music burrowing deep into his soul, it shattered him. Memories surged: the creation of the Thalunids, the tender love of the Wolf Mother, his own parents’ embrace. It all broke him, and tears began to fall.

  Behind him, the others fared no better.

  “What is this cursed music? It’s making me remember my damn mother, the day she left me in the snow…” Umbra wiped her tears angrily.

  Hearing her, Lucius sobbed harder. “I can relate…” he whispered through trembling lips.

  “I didn’t even have a mother,” Zara added, voice cracking as tears streamed down her face.

  Only Xarion cried in silence. Scry, however, stormed into the room, rushing toward the turtle spirit and slapping his shell. His own tears flowed unchecked.

  “The hell are you doing, you crazy turtle? You want the whole palace crying all night?” Scry shouted as Lisa and Matilde turned toward the new group of mourners.

  “Sometimes letting it all out is good,” Shelly replied calmly, then returned to his spot and curled up to sleep.

  “Damn spirit…” Scry cursed, only to be grabbed by Lisa. “Hey, Uncle Scry, don’t bully Shelly, okay? He only tried to help,” she scolded gently.

  Matilde wiped her face and smiled warmly. “You must be Kai. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for saving my Lisa.” She bowed deeply.

  “It’s okay, raise your head. Who could leave such a cute child in a dark prison anyway?” Kai said, shooting a sharp glance at Scry, who scrunched his nose in guilt.

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m still grateful,” Matilde added softly.

  “Brother Kai! This is Matilde, she’s like my second mother!” Lisa cried, leaping into his arms.

  Kai lifted her easily and smiled. “Nice to meet you. Well… shall we go?”

  Everyone wiped their faces and followed him out, everyone except Shelly, who stayed behind, preferring the quiet.

  ***

  As night fell, Theodor soared through the skies at top speed toward Fallhaven, Nerva close behind astride his gryphon. Clinging to Nerva for dear life was a scrawny human artisan, sobbing in terror at the thought of falling.

  “Man up, fool!” Nerva chuckled, amused by the man’s trembling grip.

  They reached the outskirts of Fallhaven, where the teleportation circle to Paleria shimmered faintly in the moonlight. Theodor’s mount landed with a piercing screech, startling nearby guards who rushed from their quarters, weapons drawn, only to freeze when they saw their king.

  Dropping to one knee, they shouted in unison, “We greet the Sun of Fallhaven!”

  “Yeah, yeah, cut the nonsense,” Theodor said with a wave of his hand. “We’re building another teleportation circle here, a little farther from the existing one. Help this man set everything up; he’s already got all the materials.” He pointed toward the artisan, who was hunched over and vomiting beside Nerva’s gryphon. The beast screeched proudly, as if mocking the poor man, while Nerva laughed. “This one’s weak as a hatchling.”

  “Hey, magetech guy, what was your name again?” Theodor called out.

  The man wiped bile from his lips, still shaking. “That was… very fast. To go from Rond to Fallhaven in two hours… I’ll be damned,” he whispered, dazed.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  “My name is Therry, sir,” he finally managed.

  “Alright, Therry, it is. Help him with everything and keep an eye on him,” Theodor ordered the guards. “If he does anything suspicious, beat him up and call me.” He grinned.

  Nerva squeezed the man’s shoulder and whispered, “You’d better behave. He means it.”

  Therry twitched and paled. “Sir, I have no such intentions! My only goal in life is to master travel through space across all of Sacra!” he declared, as if swearing to the heavens.

  Nerva and Theodor chuckled, then leapt onto their mounts. Dust swirled as they took off toward the palace, the cry of Theodor’s two-headed Ni echoing through the night, announcing their return.

  ***

  The two men landed in the front yard of the royal palace. Servants rushed forward, bowing low.

  “Thank you for your help today, Ni. Go rest and eat!” Theodor said, patting both heads of the majestic Twinheaded hawk before turning to the servants. “Take Nerva’s gryphon to the stables for now. Ni can find his own way.”

  The servants nodded and led the gryphon toward its pack while Theodor and Nerva strode into the palace.

  Barnacus awaited inside, bowing deeply. “Welcome back, sirs. Glad to see you in one piece. Is everything done?” His voice carried the desperate hope that this ordeal was finally over.

  “It’s done. Rond is no more; it’s part of Fallhaven now,” Theodor replied curtly.

  Barnacus exhaled in relief. “Thank you, sir. Finally, I can rest.”

  “Hah! Don’t count on it,” Nerva said with a half-serious grin. “You’ll be in charge of renovations and planning for the new district. And Zenith might complain about us taking over Rond.”

  Barnacus stiffened. “What new district? Why Zenith?” He was completely lost.

  Theodor clapped him on the shoulder as he passed. “Leave that for tomorrow. Tonight, we celebrate. Nerva, let’s clean up and put on something nice.” Without waiting, he dashed upstairs.

  Barnacus blinked. “He’s… oddly in a good mood,” he whispered.

  Nerva sighed and followed. “He’s in love, it seems,” he murmured.

  Barnacus froze. “In love? With whom?”

  “With a Divine Beast,” Nerva chuckled as he ascended the stairs.

  Barnacus twitched violently. “But… that’s impossible! It would be scandalous!”

  “Siiiiir Theodor! Wait a moment… Siiiiir!” Barnacus shouted, running upstairs in a panic.

  ***

  The main dance hall of the palace was alive with music and chatter, filled with nobles and influential figures of Fallhaven.

  ? Kai and his group stood off to the side, looking slightly out of place.

  “I’ve always hated these events. Everyone here is so fake,” Zara muttered under her breath, her eyes sweeping the crowd with disdain.

  Umbra and Scry, on the other hand, were thoroughly enjoying themselves, at least when it came to the food. They were busy devouring pastries and roasted meat when a young noble approached Umbra with a confident smile.

  “Hello, my lady. I don’t believe we’ve met. You look absolutely delightful. Would you honor me with a dance?” he asked, certain she would agree.

  Umbra turned to him mid-chew, her dark eyes cold. “Go away. You’re disturbing me.”

  Scry snorted and popped another pastry into his mouth.

  Nearby, Lisa tugged on Kai’s sleeve and whispered, “That’s Cousin Jake. He’s always causing trouble for Uncle.”

  Kai nodded, quickly understanding what she meant. The man’s stiff posture and the vein pulsing at his temple spoke volumes about his bruised ego.

  Kai was about to step forward when Lucius caught his arm. “Don’t get involved. He’s the closest male heir to the king, the son of the king’s uncle. Nothing good will come of this.”

  Lucius knew noble politics better than anyone and was determined to keep Kai from making a scene.

  “Thanks, Lucius, but I don’t care about titles. If they mess with my family, they’ll regret it.”

  “Just… let her handle it, okay? There’s etiquette here. Making a scene after being turned down is frowned upon,” Lucius insisted.

  Kai sighed. “Fine. Let’s see what happens. But if he tries anything, I’ll break that straight nose of his.”

  Lucius loosened his collar, already stressed about what was coming.

  The silver-haired noble frowned. “Perhaps you didn’t understand me. I am the king’s closest cousin. You should think carefully. Someone as beautiful as you belongs at my side.”

  Umbra slammed a pork chop onto the table and fixed him with a glare. “A mere Apprentice dares to mate with me? Boy, you must be insane. Leave now, before I beat you into the ground. The food is getting cold.”

  Jake’s composure snapped. He grabbed Umbra’s arm roughly. “Listen, you wench! Who do you think you are? What house do you come from?”

  Umbra’s lips curled into a smirk. “From the House of Silvers. Now go.” She used Kai’s Earth surname without hesitation.

  Kai overheard and chuckled. She’s growing fast. She even remembered my last name.

  The noble scoffed. “Never heard of it, and you dare deny me? You’re coming with me. Now!” His voice rose, drawing the attention of nearby guests. Conversations faltered as heads turned toward the brewing storm.

  Umbra finally cracked. Mana seeped through her dress like smoke, shadows curling at her feet. Her tail slid into view, and wings burst from her back; thankfully, the gown’s open design spared it from tearing apart.

  She seized the man by the throat, her nails lengthening into razor-sharp claws. “What did you say? I’m going where? And who’s going to make me? You?” Her grip tightened, cutting off his breath.

  Guards rushed in, spears leveled at her. “Put him down, beast!” barked an older man, his face twisted with rage and contempt.

  Umbra scoffed and dragged a claw across Jake’s neck, just enough to draw blood. “I could snap him in half. Try me, old man!” Her voice thundered through the hall.

  The music died. Silence swallowed the room.

  “You’ll die tonight, beast!” The elder unleashed a Mid-Master Knight’s aura and charged, greatsword raised high.

  Before he could strike, Kai was there, his draconic form blazing to life. One punch to the gut sent the man hurtling across the hall, crashing into the wall with bone-shaking force. The palace trembled.

  “This is what happens when you let peasants into high circles,” Lucius muttered under his breath.

  Zara smacked him on the head. “You know damn well who started this, you foolish boy! It’s about time you realized these nobles are nothing but spoiled brats!” She cursed and shadowstepped to Umbra’s side.

  “Let him go, girl. It’s not worth it.” Zara placed a hand on Umbra’s arm. The two had grown close over the months, closer than anyone Zara had ever known. Sisters in spirit, bound by battles and shadows.

  Umbra growled but hurled Jake into the cluster of guards. “Stay out of my way. I don’t give prey a second chance!” Her wings and tail melted back into darkness.

  Zara exhaled in relief. Only Kai remained tense, his draconic hands clenched, eyes blazing like molten lava. His royal aura writhed around him like a storm of violet water.

  Jake staggered to his feet, clutching his throat. “Who let these savages in? I’ll kill him myself!”

  “I DID! NOW SAY THAT AGAIN!” A roar split the hall.

  Theodor and Nerva strode forward in regal attire, Theodor’s simple golden crown gleaming beneath the crystal lights overhead.

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