Time didn't move in Lydia.
It simply lingered — caught in a loop of light and sound that never aged, never faltered.
The city outside Nhilly's window shimmered beneath the same golden haze it always had, unmoving and pristine. Even the wind outside was quiet, as though it too was part of the stage.
Nhilly stood before the mirror, shirtless, studying his reflection.
His body hadn't weakened. The muscle he'd gained through a month of intense training had remained, his physique unchanged despite four months of stillness in a cell. His skin was pale but unmarked, his strength untouched.
He ran a hand along his arm and laughed quietly.
"Even stagnation can't decay perfection. Guess I'm as fake as the rest of this place."
He turned from the mirror, towelling his hair lazily, eyes hollow yet glinting with faint amusement.
A knock came at the door.
"My lord," came a cautious voice. "The war council awaits your presence. His Majesty requests you attend the preparations."
Nhilly didn't respond at first. He stared at the sunlight that refused to move, the world outside still as glass.
"Let them wait," he said at last. "A grand entrance always deserves timing."
He took his time dressing — deliberate, unhurried. Every button, every fold of fabric felt like a costume piece being fitted.
When he was done, he stood before the mirror once more.
"Smile," he whispered. "They love smiles."
And he did.
A perfect, gleaming grin.
By the time he reached the grand chamber, the meeting was already underway. The thick double doors muffled the voices beyond — Kael's calm command, Celeste's soft conviction, Eli's faint, impatient sighs.
Nhilly waited just long enough for the tension to settle before pushing the doors open himself.
The council turned.
Light spilled across the polished floor as Nhilly strode in, confident, calm, his steps echoing through the room. The king sat at the head of a long oak table, flanked by advisors and generals. Kael, Celeste, and Eli stood among them — the final three "heroes."
Nhilly bowed low, one hand pressed to his chest, the smile unwavering.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty," he said smoothly. "Forgive my delay — reflection is a divine duty I've come to take seriously."
The king blinked, startled but visibly relieved. "Hero Nhilly. You seem… recovered."
Nhilly's grin widened. "The gods work swiftly when their actors forget their lines."
A few of the advisors chuckled. Others nodded approvingly, mistaking his words for humble reverence.
He took his place among the others, standing tall, hands behind his back.
"May I say," he continued, "your council's guidance shines ever bright. It is a blessing to serve such wisdom in these trying times."
The king inclined his head, pleased.
Across the table, Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
Celeste smiled faintly. To her, Nhilly's words sounded genuine — his charisma finally returning after months of grief.
Eli, though silent, tapped his fingers against the table, his jaw tense.
Maps and markers littered the table — miniature soldiers marking the Lydia-Wyre border. The air was thick with talk of the coming war.
"The Wyre forces have advanced again," said the king's advisor. "In the past four months, they've reclaimed two border fortresses. If we do not act, they'll reach the capital within weeks."
Kael leaned forward. "Our information is limited. We still don't know what caused the disappearance of Seris's battalion."
One of the generals cleared his throat. "We can't afford to wait. The gods have blessed us with four remaining heroes. With their strength leading the charge, victory is assured."
Nhilly's grin didn't waver. "A splendid plan. We'll march first — just as Lady Seris did."
Celeste's breath caught, her face paling slightly. "Nhilly…"
He raised his fist proudly. "To march before the army, to shield the people from despair — that's what heroes are born for, isn't it? A noble death to bring divine triumph."
The room erupted in cheers.
The generals nodded, satisfied.
Even the king smiled proudly.
But Celeste… gagged faintly, covering her mouth.
For a brief second, she thought she saw something behind Nhilly's smile — something empty, cruel, rehearsed. Then it was gone, and he was just her friend again, smiling for the kingdom.
Kael said nothing.
His expression was unreadable.
"Your courage honours Lydia," said one of the advisors, bowing deeply. "Your spirit is an inspiration to us all."
Nhilly nodded, serene. "The gods have spoken through you, good sir. To die for their light is a privilege."
Eli's fist tightened under the table. "A suicide charge isn't privilege. It's madness."
Nhilly turned his grin toward him. "Madness? Maybe. But the gods do love passion."
No one laughed.
When the discussion ended, Nhilly stepped forward again and bowed before the king.
"I also owe Your Majesty an apology," he said, his tone soft and solemn. "For my behaviour four months ago. I was… unwell. My grief for Lady Seris blinded me. I acted without grace."
The king's expression softened. "You were mourning, Hero. The loss of a comrade is no small wound."
Nhilly smiled wider, head bowed low. "Indeed. But the gods remind us — even sorrow must serve the story."
Kael's jaw clenched.
Celeste smiled sadly. "He's trying," she whispered under her breath.
Eli just looked away.
As the council adjourned, the king dismissed them with blessings. The nobles left, whispering excitedly about "Hero Nhilly's return" and his newfound devotion.
Only the heroes remained with Arielle, who lingered at the doorway.
She hesitated before approaching Nhilly, her expression almost human. "Hero Nhilly," she said softly, "are you… feeling alright?"
He tilted his head, that same charming grin stretching ear to ear. "Never better. The gods have granted me clarity."
Her hands fidgeted at her sides. "It's just… you seem different. Lighter, somehow."
Nhilly laughed — gentle, polished, cold. "Faith does that. You should try it sometime."
She smiled nervously. "Perhaps I will."
As she turned to leave, Kael's eyes followed her. The way she moved — the faint tremor in her hands — made something twist in his gut.
When she was gone, he spoke quietly. "You're scaring them."
Nhilly's grin never faltered. "Good. Fear keeps the audience awake."
Celeste frowned. "Kael, stop. He's finally happy again."
Kael didn't look away from Nhilly. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Nhilly chuckled, adjusting his gloves. "Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm just playing my part just like Seris did."
He turned toward the door, pausing only once to glance back at them — his voice smooth, almost playful.
"The war's in two weeks. Try to smile when we die, won't you?"
And with that, he left — whistling softly down the hall, the sound fading into the still air of the palace that never changed.