Icarus closed his eyes.
"Next time…" he whispered under his breath, the words vanishing into the wind like a quiet promise.
Meanwhile, in the capital—
Umbros moved swiftly through the hidden pathways, carrying Selene's unconscious form in his arms. Her body was pale, nearly weightless—like a candle on the verge of being snuffed out. With Abigel's command burning in his mind, he brought her to the only place left untouched by time—her old chamber in the palace.
"Sister…" Liam's voice cut through the mess as he entered.
The room hadn't changed. Every book, every brush, every piece of fabric remained as Selene had left it before becoming Duchess of the South. She had never returned. Until now.
Umbros stood like a silent shadow by the door—watchful, unmoving. He wouldn't leave her side. Not without Abigel's word.
Liam knelt by the bed, his hands trembling as he brushed a strand of silver hair from her face. The physicians had already examined her. Their expressions had said enough.
"She's lost most of her aura. It's best the Duchess rests now," they had said before quietly leaving.
Liam looked down at her.
"You were being stupid, Selene…" he muttered, voice thick with frustration. "Why would you try to face him alone?"
Selene's eyes fluttered open. Her voice came soft, nearly fading.
"I had to… before it goes after Aria."
Liam clenched his jaw. "And did it ever cross your mind what would happen if you didn't make it? I'm still alive, Selene. I can help you."
A faint smile curved her lips. "I know… But you are the future of this kingdom. I have to think twice."
Liam's gaze fell. His fists clenched as he fought to hold himself together.
"What's the point of a future… if I lose everyone I loved one by one?" he said quietly.
Selene turned her head slightly. Her voice was hoarse, but steady.
"A king must learn to stand alone. That's the weight you'll always carry… on your shoulders."
"But Selene…" Liam whispered, voice cracking. "You're still my little sister."
Silence settled between them, thick and heavy. No more words. Just the quiet understanding of two hearts that had endured too much.
Liam stood, brushing a final touch against her forehead before turning away.
Outside the door, Umbros waited.
"She's safe for now," he said. Then, without another word, he vanished back into the shadows—returning to his true master.
When Umbros returned to the North, Abigel was already waiting.
He didn't need words—Abigel's crimson eyes narrowed, having sensed everything the moment Selene vanished. Still, Umbros gave a full report. The air grew heavy with unspoken tension.
The moment Theo heard the details, he didn't hesitate. "I'm going to the capital," he said, rising from his seat with finality. No one dared question it.
"She's safer here in the North than anywhere else," he said calmly
As Theodore made preparations, Abigel turned his focus to Aria.
He quietly entered her room, where soft moonlight filtered through the curtains. The girl slept peacefully, her breath calm for once—no trembling, no cries. Abigel placed a hand over her forehead, just to be sure.
No nightmares tonight. His shadow aura wrapped around her like a second blanket, invisible to all but him.
He wouldn't let anything touch her. Not while she was under his protection.
The next morning, the Northern manor stirred quietly.
Lilly, holding a letter with a red wax seal, stood in the front hall with her bags packed.
"It's from my father," she explained to Aria. "The Count has requested I return to our family estate. Just for a while."
Her voice trembled, but she masked it with a smile. "You'll be alright here."
Aria gave a quiet nod and stepped away.
The snow outside the window glittered beneath the soft sunlight. Aria stood silently, watching it fall. Something felt…off.
Lilly had left that morning, hugging her tighter than usual. The maids wouldn't meet her eyes. And Uncle Theo didn't come back.
Everyone was hiding something.
The palace gates open.A cold wind howled through the hall as the Duke of the North entered, cloaked in storm-grey. His boots struck the marble like war drums, each step a declaration.
At the base of the staircase stood the Crown Prince. Liam's jaw clenched as their eyes met.
"You're late," Liam said sharply, voice taut with restrained fury.
"I'm here," Theodore replied, his tone like steel chilled in snow. "Where is Selene?"
"She's alive."
That was all that mattered. No greetings. No pleasantries. Only war waited on their tongues.
Theodore followed Liam through the shadowed corridors to the sealed wing—where time felt frozen. Inside, Selene lay motionless. Her skin was pale, her breathing faint. Beside her, the silver sword shimmered faintly—still singing from the battle.
Theodore stepped closer, something unreadable in his eyes. "Did Father know?"
Liam exhaled heavily. "Yes. And it's not good at all."
The air turned heavier as a darker presence entered.Caisson.The King himself.
His very presence shifted the atmosphere. He didn't need armour to look like a warlord—his power radiated in silence.
"Icarus filled me in," Caisson said, voice like thunderclouds before a storm. "We'll wait for the right moment to strike."
His gaze shifted to Selene, and his jaw tightened. "Ashkalon will no longer have any relations with us. As of today, they are enemies of the crown."
"We should've severed ties long ago," Theodore muttered, his fingers tightening near the hilt of his blade.
The room fell into a solemn silence.