Azalor staggered backward, eyes locked on the spectral figure looming before him.

  The apparition's voice echoed like thunder through the ruined citadel:

  "If you touch this child again...

  I will turn you into a legend—

  A whispered tale told in fear."

  Azalor summoned a violet aura, defiant.

  But the specter raised a single finger.

  A crimson beam, wrapped in white magic, erupted from its hand—striking Azalor and hurling him into the stone wall. The storm began to fade. The winds softened. The rain slowed.

  The specter vanished.

  The child collapsed, unconscious.

  Azalor rose, wounded and furious.

  "Damn you...

  You cursed child..."

  The boy stirred, eyes fluttering open.

  Azalor raised his hand, cloaked in violent shadow.

  "I'll bind you with the darkest enchantments..."

  The boy fell into sleep.

  A portal shimmered into existence.

  Azalor stepped toward it.

  "Let's see what these fools—

  The remnants of the Luminous Tree—

  Think they're doing.

  I'll return for you soon..."

  He vanished. The portal closed.

  —

  Outside, Varon and Faisal clashed beneath the fading storm.

  Batalos glanced upward.

  "Is it over?"

  He launched black fire toward Fares, who countered with a flurry of punches. Batalos deflected with shadowflame.

  —

  At the gates of Aurik's royal palace, Prince Asser stood before his people.

  "Kasrahh, go inside.

  I'll handle this."

  Kasrahh hesitated.

  "Brother... don't hurt yourself."

  Asser smiled faintly.

  "Don't worry."

  Inside the palace, chaos reigned.

  Dais gripped Kasrahh's hair, lifting her from the floor.

  "You've become...

  Annoying, princess."

  She struggled, tears streaming.

  "Let me go!"

  Outside, Asser addressed the frightened crowd—just as Jabir arrived with Sylvanas, Fouad, and Kasser.

  "Your Majesty," Jabir said.

  "We're here to help."

  Asser's eyes flared.

  "You came to steal Aurik's wealth.

  And brought assassins with you!"

  "Asser," Jabir whispered urgently,

  "There's no time for this.

  Your people need you.

  Calm them."

  Asser raised his voice.

  "You don't tell me how to lead my kingdom!"

  Jabir shook his head.

  "I don't know what happened to you...

  But you've become a foolish boy."

  "What did you say?!"

  Guards drew their blades, surrounding Jabir's group.

  Asser turned to the crowd.

  "People of Aurik!

  I understand your fear.

  The unnatural pace of these events is alarming.

  But I assure you—we are working to protect you.

  Everything is under control."

  A villager shouted:

  "Control?

  Look at the storm!

  If we do nothing, we'll drown!"

  A royal advisor whispered in Asser's ear.

  Asser raised his voice again.

  "It's the Mage Guild!

  We're arresting them for illegal experiments that caused this chaos!"

  Jabir's eyes widened.

  "Asser... is that really you?"

  "Silence!"

  The crowd murmured. Confusion spread. Some stared in disbelief. Others turned away.

  Guards blocked the people. Asser retreated into the palace.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Jabir stood stunned.

  "You're under arrest, merchant," a guard said.

  "Me?

  Are you sure?

  Is it because I'm too handsome?"

  Fouad snorted.

  "You're insane."

  Sylvanas smiled faintly.

  "We're in trouble."

  Jabir gripped his weapon.

  "Why?"

  A nervous guard replied:

  "You're accused of treason.

  Of aiding the strange group roaming Aurik's corridors."

  "Treason?

  I don't belong anywhere.

  I'm just a humble merchant."

  Karras muttered:

  "You're a lunatic."

  Fouad laughed.

  "Why are you so harsh?"

  A royal guard stepped forward.

  "You and your caravan will come with us.

  You're linked to the outsiders."

  Jabir raised an eyebrow.

  "Huh?"

  From the distance, Mulham and Jawaher approached.

  Mulham struggled to keep pace.

  "Wait!

  I told you to stay inside!"

  "Jabir! Sylvanas!"

  Jabir grinned.

  "Why are you here?

  Want to see me dragged to prison?"

  He laughed loudly.

  Jawaher reached them, breathless.

  "I hope so."

  Jabir laughed again.

  Sylvanas grabbed her hand.

  "Why did you come?

  I told you—"

  "There are things you both need to know."

  She turned to Fouad.

  "You!

  You're the scoundrel who attacked us in the Valley of Wonders!"

  "Scoundrel?!"

  "You ugly traitor!

  What are you doing here?

  We don't have the child—leave!"

  Sylvanas chuckled.

  Jabir sighed.

  "He's here for the boy.

  I'll explain everything later.

  But first—why did you come?"

  Mulham arrived, panting.

  "I'm too old for this..."

  ******************

  The Rain Ends - A Warrior's Name

  At the shattered gates of Aurik, the battle raged on. But the storm had begun to fade. The rain softened. The winds grew still.

  Varon fought with ruthless speed. Faisal blocked each strike, but his strength waned.

  "I'll give you a warrior's death," Varon said coldly.

  He drove his blade into Faisal's chest. The old guard collapsed, blood spreading across the stone. His breath came in shallow gasps.

  Varon stood over him. From the homes nearby, children wept. Women clutched their loved ones. Guards and villagers stared in stunned silence.

  Across the field, Batalos unleashed a searing bolt of fire—striking Fares in the heart. The royal guard fell, blood trailing from his mouth.

  Batalos approached, sneering.

  "You're smiling?

  Looks like the Lebsius plague got you...

  Just like your poor king."

  He laughed, loud and cruel.

  Varon sheathed his sword and looked toward Batalos.

  "Are you done?"

  "I'm done!" Batalos shouted.

  Varon watched him approach—his clothes scorched, his face bruised.

  "He taught you a lesson."

  "Shut up, idiot."

  The rain still fell, but gently now.

  Then, the child Faisal had protected ran forward, sobbing. He threw himself over the fallen guard's body.

  "No... no... this isn't right..."

  Batalos laughed again.

  "Pathetic.

  Want to join him?

  I'll give you a funeral worth remembering."

  His hands ignited with red flame.

  "Let's burn you both together."

  The child crawled backward, terrified.

  Batalos hurled the fire—

  But Varon vanished, reappearing between the child and the corpse. He deflected the blast with his sword.

  The child stared, wide-eyed.

  "What's wrong with you?" Batalos snapped.

  "Have you lost your mind?"

  "Don't do that again," Varon said.

  "You respect your enemies.

  You don't strike those who can't defend themselves."

  Batalos scoffed.

  "Spare me your pathetic morals."

  Varon turned his back to the child.

  "Your hero was strong.

  He nearly had me.

  If I hadn't been careful...

  I bet he was terrifying in his youth."

  He walked away.

  "Wait!" the child called.

  "Who are you?"

  Varon paused.

  "Me?

  I'm Varon.

  A warrior who defeated your champion.

  Remember my name—so you'll know he didn't fall to a common man."

  The child threw a bracelet toward him.

  Varon caught it.

  "What's this?"

  "A gift.

  I was going to give it to him..."

  He looked at Faisal's body.

  "But now it's yours.

  I'll make a better one for my hero."

  Varon stared at the bracelet, his back still turned.

  "Why..."

  The child looked at the dark aura surrounding Varon.

  "You saved me."

  He ran to his mother.

  Varon's eyes widened for a moment. Then he walked on, silent, sheathing his blade.

  "We need to move," Batalos said.

  "Yes. Let's go, fat one."

  "Don't provoke me."

  "Terrifying," Varon muttered.

  The rain had stopped.

  *************

  The Fading Light - Shadows Within Aurik

  Inside the palace, Dais dragged Kasrahh by her hair, shoving her into her chamber and locking the door behind them.

  His voice was cold.

  "Listen, you little nuisance...

  We seek peace.

  We aim to spread prosperity.

  And you-

  You spread rumors that now echo in every home."

  Kasrahh lay on the bed, trembling.

  "You're lying...

  You don't want peace.

  There's something wrong...

  Something you can't hide..."

  A knock at the door.

  Dais straightened, his demeanor shifting.

  He opened it.

  Asser entered, breathless.

  "Kasrahh... I've managed to-

  What's going on?

  Why are you crying?"

  He turned to Dais.

  "Your Majesty," Dais said smoothly,

  "The princess was distraught over your safety.

  I was simply calming her.

  Clearly, she cares deeply for you."

  Asser nodded.

  "Very well.

  Proceed with the arrests.

  Detain the remaining members of the Mage Guild."

  "Of course, Your Majesty."

  Dais bowed and left-his eyes lingering on Kasrahh with a chilling glare.

  "Asser..." Kasrahh whispered.

  "I've calmed the people.

  They told me the storm was caused by the Mage Guild.

  Unauthorized rituals...

  Another reason I must-"

  "Are you sure?" she asked.

  "Sure of what?"

  "Of everything that's happening?"

  Asser closed his eyes, inhaled deeply.

  "You again...

  We've discussed this."

  -

  Inside the Mage Guild, Dais barked orders.

  "Guards! Arrest everyone.

  Leave the High Commander to me.

  I want a word."

  The guards moved swiftly. The mages offered no resistance.

  -

  Outside, Jawaher spoke with Jabir and the others.

  Jabir rubbed his temples.

  "Ah...

  I hate these diplomatic games.

  It all makes sense now.

  Prince Asser-he's not himself.

  He doesn't see.

  He doesn't hear.

  He's being manipulated... and doesn't even know it."

  The guards hesitated, unsure.

  "You know I won't allow myself to be arrested," Jabir said.

  "If you fight me...

  You'll die.

  I hate violence...

  But..."

  "Are you threatening us?" one guard asked.

  Jabir sighed.

  "Are you threatening me?

  Is this how you treat a humble, handsome, charming merchant?"

  Jawaher groaned. Sylvanas smirked.

  "I want to stab myself," Fouad muttered.

  "Are we really here to fix this?" Karras asked.

  "Of course, dear," Jabir replied.

  "But we must proceed carefully."

  He turned to leave.

  "Let's go.

  I see the full picture.

  But storming the palace now would be reckless.

  It could trigger disaster."

  "Then we go at night," Mulham said.

  "Quietly.

  Two of us sneak in-find Princess Sarah.

  Maybe confront Asser with proof."

  "Kasrahh might be in danger," Jawaher said.

  "We need to hurry."

  "Don't worry," Jabir replied.

  "The traitor inside won't harm her.

  He doesn't want Asser's attention.

  That's exactly what we want."

  He continued.

  "A guard told me where the boy is.

  He's near the outer walls of Aurik.

  The strangers are keeping him there."

  "I'll go," Fouad said.

  "Don't be foolish," Jabir snapped.

  "If you want to die, go ahead.

  But we need a plan.

  We may face masterminds there.

  They want something from the boy."

  "Faisal's scouts tracked the storm's origin to him," Jabir added.

  "They're trying to do something to him."

  "What do they want?" Jawaher asked.

  "Control," Sylvanas said.

  "My grandmother told me to protect him.

  I don't know why...

  But I trust her."

  "We faced one of those strangers," Fouad said.

  "He called himself part of the Black Order."

  "The Black Order?" Jabir echoed.

  "Yes.

  He said the boy is a key...

  To something they need."

  "Then we plan tonight," Jabir said.

  "We'll meet at Mulham's tavern.

  Prepare yourselves."

  Fouad stood.

  "I'm going to the Mage Guild."

  "Are you insane?" Mulham asked.

  "They're arresting everyone.

  You're an assassin.

  You'll be hunted."

  "I don't care.

  I have a message to deliver."

  "Fine," Jabir said.

  "But be careful.

  Get in, deliver it, and get out."

  "This merchant makes sense," Karras said.

  "Good luck, you filthy lunatic," Jawaher muttered.

  Jabir grabbed her arm.

  "Enough. Let's go."

  Mulham laughed.

  "Sorry. I lost myself."

  "Do you think we'll succeed?" Sylvanas asked.

  "Don't worry," Jabir said.

  "I have a plan.

  A good one.

  We'll finish it at the tavern."

  -

  Varon and Batalos arrived at the Mage Guild.

  "So... Dais wanted us here," Varon said.

  "Finally," Batalos muttered.

  -

  Jabir looked to the sky.

  The stars were dim.

  "So the Luminous Tree has fallen...

  That's disappointing.

  I'm sorry, Sylvanas.

  If I'd known...

  You'd have seen me fight there."

  Sylvanas gazed upward.

  "It's alright.

  My grandmother sent me here to protect me."

  Jawaher pointed.

  "The green comet...

  Something's wrong.

  Last night it pulsed with light.

  Now...

  It's fading."

  Jabir entered the tavern.

  "Let's move quickly."

  ***************

  The Promise Beneath a Broken Sky

  In the princess's chamber, Kasrahh stepped onto the balcony, her gaze fixed on the night sky.

  "Asser... look at the stars.

  Something feels broken.

  The sky is dim... scattered...

  Like..."

  Asser joined her, arms crossed.

  "You never stop talking about these things.

  How many times must I ask you to speak with reason?"

  Kasrahh leaned her head against his shoulder.

  "You're my brother.

  I can speak to you however I wish...

  Even if it's from my foolish heart, right?"

  Tears began to fall.

  "What's wrong?" Asser asked.

  "Don't be afraid.

  I told you—I calmed the people."

  Kasrahh shook her head.

  "It's not that...

  Do you remember Father?

  He used to say Silva's sky reflects its strength.

  When the stars shine, our kingdom grows stronger...

  More beautiful...

  Father..."

  Asser took her hands gently.

  "I remember.

  I'm just trying...

  Not to destroy what he built.

  What remains of him."

  Kasrahh nodded.

  "I know.

  Can I ask you something?"

  "If it's about the Mage Guild..."

  "No.

  It's Laika.

  Please... speak to her."

  "I can't.

  I've ordered their arrest."

  "For me..."

  Asser sighed.

  "Fine.

  Just for you.

  But don't sneak out of the palace again."

  "I promise."

  "Good.

  No more tears.

  I'll bring you the sweets you love.

  Wait here—I'll speak to the High Commander."

  "Laika..."

  "Yes. Laika."

  Kasrahh smiled and hugged him.

  "Thank you."

  Asser smiled, patting her head.

  "I must go now."

  "I'll be waiting!"

  He walked to the door, paused.

  "When I return...

  I want you to tell me why you were crying."

  Kasrahh's eyes widened.

  "It's..."

  "When I come back, I'll bring Sarah with me."

  "Really?!"

  "Yes."

  —

  Prince Asser gathered his royal guards and headed toward the Mage Guild.

  A royal advisor approached.

  "Your Majesty, there's no need to go yourself.

  You may be putting yourself at risk."

  "Risk? Why?

  Are they resisting?"

  "No... but..."

  "It doesn't matter.

  I want to ensure the arrests are proceeding smoothly.

  I need to see it myself."

  The advisor's expression shifted. He whispered to a stranger in the shadows.

  —

  Inside the Mage Guild, Dais stood before Varon and Batalos, addressing the guards and mages.

  "Behold my finest warriors.

  Travelers who've survived brutal wars.

  They're here to defend me."

  He turned to Varon.

  "I want you to guard Princess Kasrahh.

  She needs you."

  Dais winked.

  A mage shouted:

  "You bastard!

  If you touch her—!"

  A bolt of lightning shot from his hand.

  Dais deflected it effortlessly, then struck the mage across the face.

  "Look at you!

  You've lost your minds.

  He's her personal guard."

  "Arrest him," he ordered.

  Guards seized the mage.

  Varon nodded and left for the palace.

  "Batalos, come with me," Dais said.

  "Of course," Batalos replied, bowing.

  —

  In her chamber, Laika stared at the paintings. One depicted the legendary sorceress Layla. Another, King Caesar. A third showed the three royal children—Sarah, Asser, and Kasrahh.

  She stepped onto the balcony, eyes on the dark sky. The green comet was fading.

  "I can't believe this...

  We created the storm, Asser?

  Without a chance to explain?

  Without defending ourselves?

  And now... we're being arrested."

  She clutched the portrait of King Caesar.

  "I promised him I'd protect them.

  Me and the Guild...

  Without harming them.

  Let them do what they will."

  Her voice trembled.

  "I watch my people taken...

  And I do nothing.

  I don't even fight for them."

  She held the portrait close.

  Then—a knock at the door.