Serena’s face lit up like a star against the night sky, her gentle blue eyes widening with joy at Aiden’s words. A radiant smile curled her lips, untainted by doubt. "Really, Aiden? Even though I was a bit clumsy with my footwork and sword handling?"

  Aiden chuckled, shaking his head. "Yes, you were clumsy. And no, you weren’t very good with the sword." He reached out and playfully tapped her nose before pulling back. "But that’s expected—it was your first lesson. Your strikes weren’t precise, and you used too much force when it wasn’t needed."

  Serena’s smile wavered as she lowered her gaze, her cheeks turning pink—not from shyness, but embarrassment. "Oh… I see…"

  Aiden immediately felt a pang of guilt. He had always been blunt, but seeing her expression now, he wished he had softened his words. "Sorry," he murmured, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  They walked together in silence toward Noah’s Mansion, passing by maids and butlers going about their duties. At the sight of them, the servants halted briefly, bowing in respect. It was a routine display of reverence—for Aiden Noah, the youngest son of Duke Caden Noah, and Serena Enid, the youngest daughter of Duke Ramiro Enid.

  Yet, Aiden’s thoughts were elsewhere.

  'The end of Eden will come in twenty-two years.’

  The weight of that knowledge settled over him like a phantom shadow. He glanced at the towering wooden doors of the mansion before them.

  'I am eight years old… and so is Serena…'

  He knocked twice before pushing the doors open, stepping into a grand yet familiar space. His father, Caden Noah, sat in a lounge chair, his usual composed demeanor cracked by a twitch of his amber eyes. The fingers of his right hand drummed impatiently against the polished surface of the square table, while his other hand rested beneath his chin, propped up by his palm.

  "You bastard…" Caden hissed, though his voice carried more irritation than hostility. "You dare use one of your most important pieces to lure and trap me?"

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  Across from him, Duke Ramiro Enid merely smirked. His cold blue eyes, void of warmth yet sharp with amusement, met Caden’s glare with indifference. Arms crossed over his chest, he replied smoothly, "‘Dare’ is a strong word, my friend. I would say I’m simply using a strategy to deal with someone who holds the advantage on the offensive."

  Caden scoffed, exasperation evident in the way he ran a hand through his shoulder-length red hair, its natural black highlights catching the light. "I’ve had enough of this. You’re too good at this game—it’s infuriating."

  Ramiro chuckled, raising a single hand. With a snap of his fingers, the solidified magic chess pieces between them dissolved into shimmering particles, fading from existence.

  Aiden watched the exchange with little interest, his thoughts still heavy with the burden of foresight.

  'With this much time… it should be enough. Enough to regain my former power. Enough to help Serena grow…'

  Taking a few steps forward, he came to a stop between the two noblemen. His gaze flickered toward Serena, expecting her to be beside him as she had been just moments ago.

  But instead—

  She stood behind him.

  Her small fingers trembled as they clutched the fabric of his shirt, as if seeking refuge. As if she was afraid.

  Aiden’s expression softened.

  'For now… I must free her from the shackles of guilt and fear that bind her. I must help her develop the strength she has yet to see in herself. Because one day…'

  His fingers curled into a fist at his side.

  'She must become the hero that Eden needs.'