(Fifteen minutes earlier…)
(Lady Elira’s Chamber)
A quiet knock echoed through the chamber.
The sound broke the fragile silence of the room. Leo’s crimson eyes slowly lifted toward the door, suspicion flickering within them.
“Who could it be…” he murmured.
A faint glow shimmered around his body as he quickly activated a disguise spell, masking his true appearance.
His gaze shifted to the bed.
“Mother,” Leo said quietly but firmly, “activate your disguise spell.”
Eva gave a small nod. A thin veil of magic wrapped around her body, concealing her true identity.
Alex walked toward the door with cautious steps. He paused briefly before opening it.
Outside stood a servant holding a tray of food, with a maid quietly standing beside him.
The servant bowed deeply.
“His Majesty has sent food for Lady Elira.”
Alex studied them for a moment before stepping aside. “You may enter.”
The servant walked in and placed the tray neatly on the table while the maid followed behind him, setting down water and a glass of juice.
The servant picked up the juice and approached the bed. “Lady Elira, please drink it.”
Elira nodded faintly and accepted the glass. She raised it toward her lips.
“MOTHER, STOP.”
Alex’s voice sliced through the air like ice.
Elira froze mid-motion, the glass hovering just inches from her mouth.
Alex’s eyes had turned cold. “You think you can fool me with your disguise?”
For a moment, the room fell silent. Then the servant smiled.
A slow, amused smile. “I guess I failed.”
Magic surged violently around Alex’s hand. Without hesitation, he thrust his palm forward. A blast of magic shot toward the servant.
But the attack vanished. Absorbed.
Alex’s eyes widened. “What…?”
He attacked again. And again. Every spell was swallowed as if it had never existed.
Alex’s heart began pounding. Something was terribly wrong.
He turned to Elira urgently. “Mother! Run! Go to father!”
Elira immediately rose from the bed and rushed toward the door. But before she could reach it—A hand suddenly grabbed her hair.
“Ahh—!”
Her body jerked backward violently as pain tore through her scalp. The maid held her tightly, her grip merciless.
“My lady,” the maid said calmly, “where do you think you are going?”
Alex’s expression twisted with fury. “Don’t touch my mother!”
He stepped forward—
SHLK!
The sound of steel piercing flesh echoed through the chamber. Alex froze. A sword had erupted through his abdomen from behind. Blood slowly dripped down the blade.
His body trembled as the strength drained from his limbs. Slowly, helplessly, he fell to his knees.
Elira’s scream tore through the room. “LEO!” Tears streamed down her face as panic consumed her.
“Let him go!” she cried desperately. “Who are you?! What do you want?! I will give you anything—just don’t hurt my child!”
The servant slowly pulled the sword out of Alex’s body. Blood splattered across the floor.
He turned and walked toward Elira. When he reached her, he gently lifted her chin with a single finger, forcing her to look at him.
A cruel smile stretched across his face. “Looks like you didn’t recognize me, my lady.” His eyes gleamed with mockery. “Let me help you remember.”
A pulse of magic rippled through his body. The servant’s appearance shattered like broken glass. His true face emerged.
Elira’s eyes widened in horror the moment she saw him. “No…” Her voice trembled. “Why are you here… Velco?”
Velco’s smile deepened. “You’re calling me by my name, Lady Eva.”His tone turned cold. “You should show me some respect.”
Suddenly, he turned and drove the sword straight into Leo’s leg.
“AHHH!” Leo cried out as pain shot through his body.
Velco looked down at him with utter contempt. “Without your powers, you’re nothing but a useless child.”
Elira collapsed to her knees, sobbing. “No… Prince Velco, please… tell me what you want! Just don’t hurt him!”
Velco slowly turned back toward her. A sinister smile curved his lips. “Lady Eva… will you give me what I ask for?”
She nodded desperately. “Yes… I’ll give you anything.”
Velco leaned closer to her ear. His whisper was cold. “I want you to give me… .”
Elira blinked in confusion. “What…?”
Velco chuckled softly. “Why are you looking at me like that?” His fingers tightened around her arm. “You said you’d give me anything. What I want… is .” His eyes gleamed darkly. “So come with me.”
Elira clenched her fists, tears falling freely. “Fine… take me.” Her voice trembled. “But don’t hurt him.”
“Mother, don’t listen to him!” Leo shouted weakly from the floor. “He can’t do anything to me!”
Velco slowly walked toward Leo and crouched down in front of him. “You’re still breathing…” He tilted his head slightly. “I thought I stabbed your vital points.”
His lips curved into a mocking smile. “You really do take after your father.”
Suddenly, Velco grabbed Leo by the jaw. Before Leo could react, Velco pulled out a small bottle filled with dark liquid. He uncorked it and shoved it into Leo’s mouth.
Leo struggled violently, trying to resist. But within seconds— His body went limp. Velco tossed him aside like a broken doll.
Elira screamed. “What did you do to him?!”
Leo lay motionless on the floor, blood pooling around his body.
“Leo… Leo answer me… please…”
But he didn’t move.
Velco grabbed Elira’s arm and pulled her toward the glowing magic circle forming beneath his feet.
“Now…” His voice was smooth and cruel. “Shall we go, Eva?”
Before stepping into the portal, he turned toward the maid.
“Go… and take care of The Emperor for me.”
The maid bowed. “As you command your Highness.”
She left the chamber.
The teleportation circle flared brightly. Velco stepped inside, dragging Eva with him.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Just before the light consumed them—
Leo’s fingers twitched. His eyes opened slightly.
Blood filled his mouth as he whispered weakly. “M… moth… er…”
But it was too late. The circle flashed. And Prince Velco disappeared… taking Eva with him.
Silence swallowed the chamber. Only the slow sound of blood dripping onto the cold floor remained.
__________________________________
(Fifteen Minutes Later)
(Lady Elira’s Chamber)
Eyan’s voice trembled as he looked down at leo. “Leo… where is your mother?”
Leo’s eyelids fluttered weakly. His breathing was shallow, every breath sounding like it scraped through his chest. “H—he… took m—mother… w—with h—him…”
Eyan’s heart skipped. “Who took her?”
Leo coughed weakly, blood spilling from the corner of his lips. “P—prince… V—Velco…”
Eyan froze. “Velco…?”
The name fell from his lips like a curse.
Leo suddenly coughed again, a small spray of blood staining Eyan’s sleeve. Only then did Eyan truly look at the child in his arms.
His body was covered in wounds. Stab wounds. Blood-soaked cloth. Bruises.
Eyan’s eyes darkened. “Did he do this to you?”
Leo nodded weakly. “Y—yes…”
For a moment, the air in the room grew unbearably heavy.
Eyan’s jaw tightened. “Come out, boys.”
The shadows beneath his feet rippled like dark water. From within them, the wolves slowly emerged. Talon. Fen. Mara. Their glowing eyes immediately fixed on Leo.
“Treat his wounds.”
The wolves approached without hesitation. They gently began licking Leo’s wounds, their tongues glowing faintly with healing magic.
Within seconds, the torn flesh began knitting together. Blood stopped flowing. The deep cuts slowly closed.
Once Leo’s body had healed, the wolves turned toward Eyan and licked the wound on his side as well, sealing it effortlessly.
But something was still wrong. Leo lay completely limp in his arms. No movement. No response.
Eyan’s breathing became uneven. He looked toward Luca, his voice cracking slightly. “Luca… what’s happening to Leo?” His grip tightened unconsciously. “Why isn’t he moving?”
Luca immediately stepped forward and sat beside them. His expression turned serious as he placed two fingers over Leo’s heart.
Seconds passed. Then Luca’s face darkened. “It’s a poison....A strong one.”
Eyan’s head snapped up. “Poison?”
Luca looked toward the knights standing nearby. “Call the physician here. Now.”
The knight immediately rushed out of the room.
Luca glanced back at Eyan. Eyan was staring down at Leo’s small body, his eyes trembling. For the first time, Luca saw it clearly. The emperor was on the verge of breaking.
“Eyan,” Luca said firmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Get hold of yourself. Nothing will happen to him.”
Gently, he took Leo from Eyan’s arms and placed him on the bed. Then Luca opened Leo’s torn shirt. The moment the fabric moved aside—
Everyone froze.
Leo’s chest was covered with spreading black veins, crawling across his pale skin like living shadows.
Luca’s expression changed instantly. “It’s spreading so quickly…” His voice grew tense. “We don’t have much time.”
Luca activated his magic. A soft golden glow formed around his hands as he placed them on Leo’s chest, trying to suppress the poison.
The magic poured into Leo’s body. But nothing happened. The black marks continued spreading.
Luca clenched his teeth. “Damn it!”
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway. The physician rushed into the chamber, breathless.
Luca immediately turned toward him. “Come here—fast. It’s poison. Treat him immediately!”
The physician hurried forward and examined Leo carefully. His brows furrowed. He quickly pulled several small glass bottles from his bag and poured their contents into a bronze bowl, mixing herbs and tonics together.
A bitter medicinal scent filled the air. Once the mixture was ready, he lifted Leo’s head slightly and poured the medicine into his mouth.
Everyone waited.
The room was silent except for Leo’s faint breathing. After a few moments, the physician stepped back.
“I have given him the strongest antidote prepared by the royal apothecary.”
Eyan spoke slowly. “Will he recover?”
The physician hesitated. “The poison has been slowed… but it had already begun spreading through his blood.” He looked at Leo’s still body. “If the heavens show mercy, the medicine will cleanse it.”
His voice grew quieter. “But until the poison leaves his body… the young boy may remain trapped in a deep, unnatural sleep.”
Luca frowned. “A sleeping state?”
Aranel covered her mouth as she began to cry
The physician nodded. “Yes. His body will live, his heart will beat… but he may not awaken for some time.”
Eyan’s voice turned cold. “How long?”
The physician lowered his head respectfully. “That… I cannot say, Your Majesty. It could be days… months… perhaps longer.”
The chamber fell silent.
Eyan stood beside the bed, staring at Leo’s motionless body. The child looked so small against the vast sheets, his pale face frighteningly still. The faint rise and fall of his chest was the only sign that he was still alive.
Eyan’s jaw slowly tightened. A storm of emotions raged inside him—fear, helplessness, guilt. And rage. Uncontrollable rage.
Without saying a word, he turned and walked out of the chamber.
“Eyan!” Luca’s voice echoed behind him. “Where are you going?!”
But Eyan did not stop. He did not even turn around. His steps were steady, heavy, filled with deadly purpose.
__________________________________
(The Banquet Hall)
The grand hall was still filled with nobles and guests who had been attending the royal banquet. Conversations hushed the moment the emperor stepped inside.
Eyan walked straight through the hall, his expression cold and unreadable.
Hans hurried toward him, panic written across his face. “Your Majesty, what happened—”
Eyan cut him off. “Hans.” His voice was quiet. “Call the Imperial Knights.”
Hans blinked in confusion. “Sire?”
“Gather them in the palace courtyard immediately,” Eyan said. “Tell them to wear their armor and prepare for battle.”
The words struck the air like thunder.
Hans’s eyes widened. “Y—Your Majesty…?”
Eyan’s gaze snapped toward him. For a moment, Hans felt his entire body freeze. Those eyes… They were burning with something terrifying.
“Did you not hear my command?”
Hans immediately bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty!”
He hurried away without another word.
__________________________________
(The Imperial Chamber)
Eyan entered his chamber and slammed the doors shut behind him. Without hesitation, he began removing his imperial robes. The rich royal garments fell to the floor one after another. Silk. Gold. The symbols of peace. They meant nothing now.
Eyan walked to the large chest beside the wall and opened it. Inside lay a set of black imperial armor. War armor. He began putting it on piece by piece. Metal plates locked over his chest. Arm guards. Shoulder plates.
The chamber door suddenly burst open. Luca rushed inside, breathing hard. He froze the moment he saw Eyan.
“Eyan…” His eyes widened. “What are you doing?”
Eyan continued fastening the armor straps without looking at him.
Luca stepped closer. “Don’t tell me you’re starting the war right now.”
Eyan finally answered. “Yes.”
The single word fell like a blade. Luca stared at him in disbelief.
“Have you lost your mind?!” His voice rose in anger. “The army isn’t fully prepared! Half the weapons we ordered haven’t even arrived yet. The troops need time to organize!”
Eyan suddenly turned. His eyes were blazing. “Then what should I do?” His voice thundered through the chamber. “Wait two more days?”
Eyan stepped closer, his gaze locking with Luca’s. His eyes looked almost… mad.
“He took Eva.” His voice dropped into a deadly whisper. “I don’t know what he might do to her.” His fists clenched. “And because of him… Leo is lying there between life and death.”
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Eyan’s voice became colder. “So don’t stop me, Luca.”
Luca stared at him. Then he let out a long breath.
“Fine.” He turned toward the armor rack. “Then I’ll wear my armor too.”
Eyan’s voice cut through the room instantly. “No.....You’re not coming.”
Luca turned back. “What?”
“Stay here,” Eyan said firmly. “Look after Leo. And The palace.”
“But—”
Eyan’s voice exploded with authority. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”
The command left no room for argument. Luca stood frozen.
Eyan finished putting on his armor. The final piece clicked into place. He picked up his sword from the table. The blade slid from its sheath with a sharp metallic sound.
Without another word, Eyan turned and walked toward the door.
__________________________________
The imperial courtyard had become a sea of steel.
Hundreds of Imperial Knights stood in perfect formation beneath the dark night sky. Torches burned fiercely along the palace walls, their flames reflecting against polished armor and sharpened blades.
The air felt heavy. Unsettling. No one had ever seen such a sudden call to imperial army. War orders in the middle of the night.
Then the great palace doors opened.
CLANG.
The sound of armored footsteps echoed across the courtyard.
Eyan stepped out. Clad in black imperial armor, he looked less like a ruler and more like a conqueror stepping onto the battlefield. His long cloak dragged behind him as he walked toward the raised platform before the knights.
The soldiers immediately knelt. “Your Majesty!”
Their voices thundered together.
Eyan stopped before them, his cold gaze sweeping across the army. The courtyard fell into absolute silence.
Then he spoke.
“The war begins now.”
The knights stiffened.
Eyan’s eyes burned with fury. “The Dravareth Empire has committed a crime that cannot be forgiven.”
His voice hardened. “Tonight, their prince infiltrated my palace.” His hand slowly closed into a fist. “He attacked my family.” His jaw tightened. “And he took… my wife.”
The courtyard fell silent. The knights looked at each other in confusion. One of the commanders cautiously stepped forward.
“Your Majesty… forgive my words… but…” He hesitated. “We were not aware that Your Majesty had married.”
The air grew tense.
Eyan’s gaze turned cold as steel.
“Yes.” His voice was sharp. “I am married.”
A ripple of surprise passed through the knights.
Eyan continued. “Her name is Eva... She is the Empress of Velmoria.....And she is carrying my child.”
Shock spread through the courtyard. Anger quickly followed. Their Empress had been abducted. While she was pregnant.
The knights’ expressions darkened with rage.
Eyan’s voice became colder. “Prince Velco took my wife from this palace like a thief in the night.” His eyes burned with murderous fury.
“So tonight…” His voice rose like thunder. “We march west.”
A battlefield map was placed before him. Eyan pointed at it sharply.
“The Dravareth Empire lies to the west.” His finger moved across the map. “Our empire stands in the south.”
His armored finger struck the mountain pass. “The first division will move through Iron Ridge Pass and destroy the western fortress.”
His hand shifted north. “The second division will march through Blackwood Valley and seal the northern escape routes.”
Finally, his finger pressed against the symbol of the enemy capital. “I will lead the main army directly to the capital.”
The knights listened silently.
One knight stepped forward. “Your Majesty… when we reach the capital… do we continue the attack until their king surrenders?”
Eyan slowly lifted his head. The fury in his eyes was terrifying. “Surrender?”
He let out a humorless laugh. “No....This is not a siege.”
He drew his sword. The blade flashed under the torchlight. “This is an ambush.”
The knights straightened.
Eyan’s voice became merciless. “Surround the capital....Destroy every soldier they send.”
Then his voice dropped into something far darker. “And when their gates fall…Make sure no one escapes.”
A deadly silence filled the courtyard.
Eyan’s next words were pure wrath. “I want their armies wiped out....Their nobles....Their commanders....Their royal guards.”
His voice hardened further. “Leave no survivors.”
The knights erupted with fury.
“For the Emperor!”
“For the Empress!”
Eyan stepped down from the platform and mounted his warhorse. The massive black stallion reared slightly before charging forward.
The imperial gates opened. War drums began to thunder across the palace. The army began its march toward the west.
At the very front rode Eyan. His cloak whipped violently behind him as the cold wind struck his face.
His eyes were locked on the distant horizon where the Dravareth Empire waited.
His voice was low, filled with deadly promise.
“Wait for me, Eva…”
His grip tightened on the reins.
“I’m coming...”
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