Beneath the castle, in a chamber of cold stone and silence, torches burned with slow, flickering light. Their flames cast long, restless shadows that danced against the walls, whispering secrets the air dared not carry.
SFX: Crackle…
At the center of the room sat a man draped in royal black and gold, his crown gleaming faintly in the firelight. King Aldric rested his chin on his hand, his sharp gaze fixed on the figure before him.
Across the chamber stood Lucian — the High Inquisitor, robed in white and crimson, his posture calm and arrogant.
Lucian bowed slightly, his lips curling in a sly grin. "You summoned me, Your Majesty?"
The king leaned forward, his voice measured, quiet. "It's done?"
Lucian straightened, hands clasped behind his back, and that serpent's smile widened. "Dain is dead. The boy too."
SFX: Drip…
The echo of water falling into the silence made the words heavier.
The king exhaled through his nose, the faintest trace of satisfaction on his face. "Finally. That cursed man was useful… but he had long outlived his purpose."
Lucian chuckled darkly. "He was revered. A hero. His death will stir the people. But fear not, Your Majesty — I will ensure they believe he was a traitor."
The king waved his hand lazily, dismissing the matter. "Let the people mourn their hero. It changes nothing."
Lucian tilted his head. "And the woman?"
The king's expression hardened. "Mei… that woman has survived when she shouldn't have. She will die soon."
SFX: Creak… — his hand clenched on the armrest, knuckles whitening.
Lucian nodded calmly. "And what of the dragon?"
At the mention of Vael, the king's gaze darkened. "She is an abomination. A threat. I should have killed her long ago."
Lucian smirked, intrigued. "Then why didn't you?"
The king's jaw tightened. "Because she was useful. Her power kept enemies at bay. But now… she stands in my way."
SFX: Tap. His fingers drummed slowly, impatiently.
Lucian's grin widened. "So, you want me to deal with her too?"
The king's mouth curved slightly — a cruel hint of satisfaction. "Not yet. I want her to suffer first. I want her to know what it feels like to lose everything… just like Dain."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, amused. "You hold quite the grudge, Your Majesty."
The king's voice dropped low, venomous. "She was never meant to exist."
Lucian folded his arms, his tone playful. "And the boy?"
The king's eyes narrowed. "Reider…"
SFX: Crackle… The torches flared, their light flickering wildly.
Lucian waited, his grin fading into something colder.
The king continued, "He is the unknown factor. I had hoped he would die with Dain. But if he's still alive…"
Lucian finished the thought with a smile. "Then he will die soon enough."
The king's eyes narrowed. "He must. Whatever he is… he's dangerous."
Lucian tapped his chin. "Then why not let me handle it now? I have… effective means."
The king shook his head. "No. Not yet."
Lucian arched a brow. "Why wait?"
The king leaned back, a calculating gleam in his eye. "Because I want to see what he becomes first."
Lucian chuckled softly. "How delightfully cruel."
The king's voice turned to ice. "He must be erased — but not before I understand what he truly is."
Lucian bowed mockingly. "As you command, Your Majesty."
The flames flickered violently, shadows twisting over their faces.
SFX: Crackle…
Lucian straightened, his smirk returning. "Then let the games begin."
The king didn't respond — his eyes followed Lucian as the priest turned to leave.
SFX: Click… The sound of boots echoed against stone.
At the doorway, Lucian paused, glancing back. His voice carried a poisonous edge. "I will enjoy watching them fall."
SFX: Creak… Click…
The door shut. The king was left alone, his expression unreadable — half shadow, half smirk — as the fire burned low.
---
Scene Shift: Vael's Chambers.
The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm orange hue against the polished walls. Outside, the wind whistled faintly through the open window.
SFX: Hoo…
Reider sat beside the window, his gaze fixed on the sprawling city below. Moonlight cut across his face, sharp and expressionless.
Vael stood by the fire, arms crossed, the gold in her eyes catching the flame's reflection. "So… you've decided to go to this ancient land."
Reider didn't look at her. "Yes."
Vael frowned. "That place is a myth. It shouldn't exist anymore."
Reider turned his head, meeting her eyes. "Then why does the letter say otherwise?"
Vael's gaze fell to the crumpled parchment resting on the table — Mei's letter, still heavy with mystery.
She sighed, pressing two fingers against her temple. "Even if it does exist… it's dangerous. There's a reason no one speaks of it."
Reider's answer was flat, certain. "Danger doesn't matter."
Vael let out a dry, exasperated chuckle. "You're really your own kind of reckless."
SFX: Creak…
The door opened, and Mei stepped in. Her eyes were firm, but her shoulders tense.
Vael and Reider both turned as she placed the letter on the table.
"If you're really leaving," Mei said, her voice low, "take this."
Vael picked up the parchment again, scanning the words — "a land before time," "truth," "the Creator's mark."
She frowned. "Even legends don't speak this old."
Reider studied her, his tone even. "You're not coming?"
Mei's hands clenched. "No. My fight is here."
Vael glanced at her, then sighed softly.
Mei looked at Reider again — eyes burning with a pain only loss could bring. "I don't know who sent that letter, or why they're calling you there… but you need to find out."
Reider gave a slow nod — silent acknowledgment.
Vael crossed her arms, her voice softer. "You could still come. Revenge won't bring them back."
Mei shook her head. "No. I have to do this."
SFX: Crackle… Pop…
For a moment, only the fire spoke.
Reider finally said, "Then this is where we part ways."
Mei stepped forward, hesitating — then placed her hand on his shoulder. "Stay alive, Reider."
He didn't respond, but the faintest flicker of understanding crossed his eyes before she withdrew.
Vael stretched with an exaggerated sigh. "Well. Guess it's time we prepare to leave. Hope you're ready for a long journey."
Reider picked up the letter once more, eyes tracing its fading ink — a land before time… a mother unknown.
Mei turned to the door, pausing at the threshold. Her voice was quiet, brittle. "If you find her… tell her I hate her for abandoning you."
Reider said nothing. Vael glanced at him, curious, but his face revealed nothing.
SFX: Flicker… The candle's flame danced violently, a sign of the storm to come.
Vael clapped her hands together, breaking the heavy mood. "Alright. Enough brooding. We leave at dawn."
Reider stood, tall and unmoving against the pale glow of the moon.
Mei left the chamber, her shadow stretching long down the hall — a path of grief and vengeance.
On the table, a map lay open, marked with strange ancient symbols circling a place the world had forgotten.
Outside, thunder rolled across the clouds.
SFX: Rumble…
Far below, at the castle's private docks, sailors readied a ship — sails dark, waiting to carry them into legend.
The wind howled. The rain began to fall.
And with it, their journey began.
TO BE CONTINUED…