The Empress of Eden glances down at her feet, carefully descending the ramp to the second floor. She reaches the ground floor, standing at the center of the citadel hall. The open-roof design lets sunlight and rain mingle, blending nature's beauty with the comfort of home. Step by step, she pauses to acknowledge everyone in the hall.
"Good morning, everyone. I hope you rested well."
The assembly bows with half-sincere nods. Zenobios straightens his robe, raising a hand subtly, fingers curled as if holding a cup, signaling for water. One maid rushes to the kitchen, others wait, ready to assist. Beneath the second-floor corridor, behind the staircase, the hall hums with quiet activity for the simple task of fetching a glass of water.
Athanasia reaches her husband. Her gaze studies his face before offering a gentle smile. "What has you so worked up? Did something happen?"
Zenobios avoids eye contact, hands on his hips, sighing audibly.
"I don't know what to say… Really…" His voice is heavy, burdened by grief, eyes drawn to the floor.
"You can at least tell me, right? Is it serious?" Athanasia's tone is calm, probing. She senses the weight on him.
"Arcadia… has been attacked. Everything… obliterated. Erastos brought the news." His voice falters, pain threading through each word. Wrath bubbles, yet he restrains it, aware of her presence. For now, he buries the storm inside.
A frown crosses Athanasia's face. "So the hellspawn have struck back. Boldly." Her words are detached, almost whispered to herself.
A maid approaches with a skyphos filled to the brim, handing it to Zenobios. He drinks deeply, then catches sight of Areios among the warriors. Their eyes meet.
*Brother saw me… now is the time.* Areios thinks. He steps forward, intent on revealing the ominous dream about Vyrian to his elder brother.
Zenobios finishes drinking, places the cup on a bronze tray. The maid bows discreetly and withdraws.
"Good morning, Areios," Zenobios says. "Did you sleep well? How are you feeling? Sorry for all this disturbance."
"No, brother! Please don't apologize. All this is for Eden, for the holy war. How could I—" Areios begins.
Zenobios laughs unexpectedly, cutting him off. Areios frowns.
"Ahem," Zenobios clears his throat. "Thank you for your support. I expected nothing less." He rests a hand on Areios' shoulder, reassurance in his touch.
"I agree," Athanasia adds softly.
Zenobios shifts. "You wanted to say something, Areios? How long have you been here listening?"
"I came before the Arcadia news… I too have nothing to say about it," Areios admits, head bowed. "Perhaps I shouldn't have come home, should've stayed on Earth…"
"No, not at all," Zenobios interrupts. "Visiting lifts morale. Now, focus on resolving the problem rather than dwelling…" Emotion strains his composure.
Areios exhales. "Brother… I know this isn't the time, but last night—"
**EXPLOSION.**
A deafening blast rips through the hall. Limestone debris hurls from Zenobios' right, smashing them against the opposite wall.
Areios and Athanasia are struck on their left sides; Zenobios on his right. None cry out. None move. The boulder lands with molten edges from friction, lying atop them in immovable silence.
Erastos freezes, mind blank. Soldiers gape, comprehension suspended. Then, desperation shatters silence:
"ZENOBIOS!"
Erastos bolts, hands scrabbling against the boulder. Immense as he is, the Póthos renders him powerless. He screams, muscles burning, but the stone refuses to budge.
The soldiers recover, surging forward. Together, they press, yet the boulder remains stubborn. Hope wavers.
*I can't be weak now. NO!* Erastos grips tighter, veins bulging. Trembling with effort, he strains every fiber. The boulder shifts slightly. Fire ignites in his eyes.
"PULL, MEN, PULL! ALL YOUR MIGHT! YOUR LORD IS TRAPPED!" he roars.
A collective snarl answers him. Inch by inch, the boulder moves, revealing Zenobios, Athanasia, and Areios beneath.
Erastos shifts, barking orders. Three soldiers brace, using the wall for leverage. With a thunderous crash, the stone rolls away.
The men scramble to their masters. Female servants rush with aid kits, but Erastos halts them.
"These injuries are severe. First aid won't suffice," he commands.
Charis trembles beside Areios. "Master Erastos… His Majesty is badly injured! Please, let me help!"
Erastos quiets her with a look. She nods, swallowing her tears.
"Viktor!" he barks to a nearby soldier.
"Yes, my lord!"
"Fetch a medic, stationed outside. Hurry!"
"Right!" Viktor sprints to the main doors, only for them to burst open. A medic charges in, soldiers in tow, understanding immediately as Viktor gestures toward the three unconscious figures and the displaced boulder.