Kasrahh looked at Jabir, her voice soft with memory.
"I haven't seen you in so long, Jabir...
It's comforting to have you here—standing with us, after everything."
Jabir smiled gently.
"I know.
But we don't have much time.
I need to understand what's happening."
Kasrahh drew a deep breath.
"It's my sister... Sarah.
I haven't seen her in ages.
Whenever I ask her attendants or the royal advisors, they say she's busy...
That she doesn't want to be disturbed."
Jabir tilted his head, thoughtful.
"And?"
"Sarah used to listen to me—especially when I noticed something strange.
Especially about the advisors."
"The royal court?" Jabir asked.
Kasrahh nodded.
"Yes."
"That's odd.
I remember Princess Sarah as warm and sociable.
Maybe she's grieving your father's disappearance? Changed by sorrow?"
"No... I don't believe that.
They've confined her to her chamber.
She used to challenge the court constantly—
She defied the military, forced the retirement of the old guard,
Opposed the abandonment of magic.
She was the one who refused to expel the Mage Guild from the palace.
And Asser... he always stood by her."
Sylvanas frowned.
"They're forcing her to stay in her room?"
She glanced at Jabir.
He nodded, eyes narrowing.
Kasrahh continued.
"Then suddenly... she vanished.
And all the orders she once opposed—
Were issued in her name.
When I asked to see her, they refused.
Said she was too busy.
That my presence would disrupt her plans."
She looked down.
"They told me my words were meaningless.
That I was a distraction."
"I told Asser," she added.
"He tried to see her too.
But the advisors and servants turned him away.
When I spoke of it, he told me I was thinking with my heart, not my mind.
That Sarah had no time for us."
Jabir's voice was low.
"That's... a stretch.
How did they fool your brother?"
Sylvanas nodded.
"It doesn't add up."
"Asser has a kind heart," Kasrahh said.
"But he carries the guilt of our father's disappearance.
He's trying to hold the kingdom together...
But he doesn't see that he's dragging it toward ruin."
She looked out the window.
"When Father was alive, I'd walk the streets and feel the city breathe.
I could hear laughter behind the walls.
Now... the homes are full, but the silence is heavy."
"I understand," Jabir said softly.
"Yes," Sylvanas added.
"I've felt it too.
Even the guards... they're fools."
Jabir raised an eyebrow.
"Ahem—
I mean... poorly trained," she corrected.
Kasrahh smiled through her tears.
"It's the first time someone's agreed with me.
Thank you."
Sylvanas gestured toward Jabir.
"You're not alone, Kasrahh," he said.
"Not in this golden palace of cakes and daily feasts."
Kasrahh laughed.
"You're an idiot."
"Now," Jabir said,
"Tell me about your father."
Kasrahh's face darkened.
"There's a catastrophe the court buried.
Laika tried to warn Sarah and Asser.
She told me—before everything changed.
They call it... the Crimson Catastrophe."
"The Crimson Catastrophe?" Sylvanas echoed.
Kasrahh nodded.
"There was to be a royal summit—
Between my father and the King of Leona.
A powerful alliance was forming.
But strangers intervened.
They slaughtered his guards...
Mages from the Guild...
And poisoned his mind."
"He began to weaken.
Slowly.
We were just teenagers—we didn't understand.
He coughed blood...
But he smiled through it."
"Your father was a legend," Jabir said.
"A titan."
"Yes," Sylvanas added.
"My grandmother told bedtime stories about King Caesar.
When pirates attacked a Qawstal village,
She called for help.
The king came alone.
Faced an entire fleet.
With a single swing of his blade,
He set the sea ablaze—
And walked away."
Kasrahh wiped her tears.
"Thank you... both."
"They're arresting the Guild now," she added.
"Even Laika."
"Laika?" Jabir's voice rose.
"That's madness.
She was your father's most trusted ally.
What's happened to Asser?"
"He doesn't know.
The court controls him."
A knock at the door.
"My lady?" Varon's voice.
Jabir leapt through the window. Sylvanas followed, whispering:
"If you want to convince your brother—
And all else fails...
Take him to the cellar.
Show him the symbols.
Even a fool will understand."
Kasrahh nodded.
"Thank you..."
Sylvanas smiled and vanished into the night.
Kasrahh opened the door.
"Asser?"
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Varon bowed.
"Apologies, my lady.
You were expecting the prince."
"Who are you?"
"Your new personal guard.
Varon."
"I didn't ask for one.
I'm fine on my own."
"Forgive me, Princess.
It was Prince Asser's order."
"My brother?"
She sighed.
"Very well, Varon.
You may enter.
I'm... afraid, anyway."
"Of what?"
"The head of the royal court.
He's cruel.
He pulled my hair—
Hard.
I know what he's after."
"I promise, my lady.
That won't happen again."
"I hope not.
My crimson hair...
It's like my mother's.
And my grandmother's—Layla the Legend.
I won't let anyone defile it.
Do you understand?"
"Completely."
That night, the green comet blazed once more.
Kasrahh stepped to the balcony.
"Varon!
Look at the sky!"
He joined her, eyes lifting to the heavens.
The comet shimmered—brilliant, defiant.
Kasrahh's voice was soft.
"The darker the sky becomes...
The more precious the smallest light.
Even in the worst of nights—
Something still dares to shine."
Varon stared at the comet, then into her eyes.
"It's beautiful," he said, his voice low.
*********************
The Ember and the Message - A Night Before the Summit
Inside the chamber, Prince Asser stood before Laika, the High Commander of the Mage Guild.
"Why did you do it?" he asked.
"Do what?" Laika replied calmly.
"The storm. The black sky.
Do you hate us that much?
I never expected this from you.
I thought you put the kingdom first...
Even after we pushed you out of the spotlight."
Laika's voice remained steady.
"Yes, Your Highness.
I know.
And I do put the kingdom first.
I put all of you first.
That's why I must tell you—
We did not create the storm.
We did not darken the sky."
Asser stared at her, disbelief in his eyes.
"Asser...
I mean, Prince Asser...
You know our magic ignites and illuminates.
We do not shroud the heavens.
We light them.
We guide with them."
Silence hung between them.
"Do you want me to help you with anything," Laika asked,
"Before I'm taken to the cell?"
"Actually...
Princess Kasrahh asked me to check on you."
Laika raised an eyebrow.
"Kasrahh?
You mean... Princess Kasrahh?"
"Yes," Asser said, glancing at the paintings.
"You won't be arrested today.
Tomorrow—after one final meeting."
Laika blinked.
"A meeting?
You're including me?"
Her expression shifted.
"I must decline, Your Majesty."
"It's an order, Commander.
Tomorrow, you'll attend the summit—
Prince Lucas of Leona will be present.
We'll discuss cooperation between our kingdoms.
I may need you...
Even if you've worked behind my back with your mages."
Laika clenched her fist.
"Understood, Your Majesty.
I'll attend.
After that..."
"Kasrahh cares for you deeply.
I may pardon you—for her sake."
Laika offered a sad smile.
"Kasrahh..."
Asser turned to leave.
"Your sister...
Princess Kasrahh...
Protect her."
"I already have," Asser said, passing Dais and Batalos.
"I've placed the finest guards with her."
Laika watched Dais smirk as he followed the prince.
"Let's go," Asser said.
"We have much to prepare for tomorrow."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Dais replied.
The door closed.
Then—a thud at the balcony.
Fouad crashed down, landing on his head.
Laika turned, her hand glowing with molten fire.
"Are they really trying to assassinate me like this?
What a fool..."
Fouad brushed dust from his hair.
"Apologies for the dramatic entrance, Commander Laika."
He looked up—and froze.
"I didn't expect the High Commander to be...
This beautiful.
I thought I'd meet a terrifying old crone."
"What are you babbling about, novice assassin?"
"For your information, I've crossed the Valley of Wonders dozens of times—without dying."
"Then luck is your only ally."
"Seems beauty comes and noble manners go."
Laika raised her hand again.
"Give me one reason not to incinerate you, oh noble gentleman."
Fouad raised both hands.
"Peace!
I came with a message—urgent and important.
From Viola, one of your mages.
She gave it to me before surrendering herself.
She asked me to deliver it directly to you.
And here I am."
Laika took the message.
She read.
Her eyes widened.
"By the stars..."
*************
Under the Green Comet - The Night Before the Summit
Laika's hands trembled.
"King Caesar...
The child...
He's arrived.
What we waited for...
Has come.
Your sacrifice was not in vain."
Fouad watched her quietly.
"I expected that reaction.
Everyone who reads the message either cries... or shakes.
I bring bad news, it seems."
Laika turned to him.
"Who is your commander?"
Fouad stepped back.
"I'm an assassin.
That information is—"
"Information?" Laika interrupted, stepping forward.
"Is that a joke?"
"Well... he's Jamih
I mean—I lead myself.
I mean..."
"Who is it?" she demanded.
"Alright, alright...
I think it's...
The foolish merchant. Jabir."
Laika's eyes widened.
"Jabir?
He's here?"
"Yes.
He came looking for the boy—after helping him escape... from us."
Laika smiled faintly.
"That reckless child...
His pure instincts have earned him powerful allies... without even knowing it."
She paused, then looked at Fouad.
"What's your name, foolish assassin?"
"Foolish? That's rude.
I'm supposed to be the bad one—and you the polite one."
"Silence.
Answer me."
"Silence? Answer me?
That's contradictory—"
Laika raised her hand. Molten fire danced across her palm.
Fouad flinched.
"Fouad.
My name is Fouad...
Son of Kasser."
Laika's expression shifted.
"Son of who?"
"Kasser.
The assassin Kasser.
I know... it's not exactly honorable."
Laika struck him across the face. He fell to the floor.
"Idiot.
Your father was a hero of this kingdom.
Be proud of him."
She handed him the message.
"Take this to Jabir.
Tell him Laika wants him to gather men and be ready.
Our signal will be a firebolt in the sky.
When you see it—enter together."
Fouad walked to the balcony, paused.
"I'm sorry...
For mocking my father.
I didn't know."
"It's alright," Laika said.
Fouad leapt—and landed with a groan.
"Ow... I'm hit..."
Laika chuckled, covering her mouth.
"He's a sweet fool...
Just like his noble idiot father.
It seems Jamih kept your son's heart safe, Kasser.
You asked for a kind soul...
And he kept it intact."
Above Silva, the green comet pulsed violently.
Laika's face darkened.
"Dais...
That wretch.
He wants to repeat what happened to King Caesar.
He may kill them all this time.
I won't allow it.
I won't let history repeat itself."
—
In the palace, Asser walked with his guards. Batalos and Dais followed.
"Your Majesty," Dais said,
"We don't need Laika at tomorrow's summit.
Her magic might ruin it.
Prince Lucas may change his mind if he sees her violent spells."
Asser paused.
"You're right..."
Dais smiled.
"But... she'll attend," Asser continued.
"She's skilled in diplomacy.
I wanted Princess Sarah instead—but she's busy, isn't she?"
He looked at Dais.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Dais replied.
"Prince Lucas may need our magic.
We may need her advice—until Batalos adjusts to her role.
Then we'll arrest her."
"But—"
"That's final."
Dais turned to Batalos.
"You may rest.
You'll attend the summit tomorrow."
"Understood."
Asser approached Sarah's chamber.
He knocked gently.
"Sarah?
Are you awake?"
Silence.
Dais raised his hand.
"I'll let you sleep," Asser said.
"I know it's hard—managing the kingdom alone.
I'm sorry.
But I'm doing my best to control the outside...
And protect Kasrahh.
You know how reckless she is—always sneaking out."
He lowered his hand.
"I wanted to tell you...
Tomorrow, Prince Lucas of Leona is coming.
Father tried to build this alliance.
Now it's our chance, right?
I wanted you with me...
But I'll tell you everything afterward.
Like I always do."
He smiled faintly.
"Good night, Sarah."
Qadir approached, carrying a tray of cake.
"Your Majesty...
The cake is ready in Princess Kasrahh's chamber."
"Thank you, Qadir.
She loves your cakes.
Even Sarah..."
"She couldn't join you?"
Dais's face darkened.
Asser's expression softened.
"No... she's busy.
But you know our tradition.
Bring her some cake.
She'll eat while she works."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
—
Asser knocked on Kasrahh's door.
Varon opened it.
"You've passed the first test, Varon," Asser said.
"If Kasrahh had opened the door, she'd have dismissed you on day one.
The court always chooses wisely."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Dais said.
"I'm only doing what you asked," Varon replied.
"Leave us.
I want to enjoy cake with her."
Varon and Dais stepped out.
"Well done," Dais whispered.
"No problem."
"I want to hear Asser's voice..."
"Princess Kasrahh's personal guard?" Qadir said.
"An honor, sir."
He eyed Dais.
"To celebrate your first day without trouble from our mischievous princess,
I'll bring you both my finest cake.
Please accept."
Dais followed him.
"Thank you," Varon said.
"You're very good at this," Dais muttered.
—
Inside, Asser joined Kasrahh on the balcony.
"Kasrahh?
What are you doing?"
"Welcome back, Asser.
I'm watching the green comet.
Since Silva's sky darkened...
It's appeared mysteriously.
Now it glows.
It's beautiful."
"It is."
He brought the cake and two chairs.
"Then let's eat beneath it."
"A wonderful idea!"
Kasrahh glanced around.
"Where's Sarah?"
Asser's face fell.
"She's busy.
I tried to reach her.
She won't respond.
Her door is locked."
"I see..."
He held her hand.
"Don't worry.
I asked Qadir to bring her cake.
I can picture her now—working, surprised by dessert."
"That would be funny, wouldn't it?"
"Of course!"
Kasrahh took a bite.
"Tomorrow, Prince Lucas arrives.
I've prepared my finest outfit."
"Just promise not to embarrass me."
"I'll make you run from embarrassment."
"Impossible."
She laughed loudly.
Below, the guards looked up.
"Is that Kasrahh... laughing?
With Asser?"
"Qadir must've put something in the cake..."
"Don't be ridiculous.
Who doesn't smile after eating Qadir's cake?"
—
"Can I make a dangerous diplomatic request?" Kasrahh asked.
"While eating cake?
Go ahead.
I already brought Laika."
Kasrahh's face changed.
"You brought Laika?
Brother!"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing...
But I want to ask something."
"There's a price."
"Fine.
I want you to invite Jabir.
The merchant."
Asser frowned.
"Impossible.
That arrogant fool?"
"Brother...
He's a merchant.
He could help with negotiations.
He knows how to persuade.
Maybe he'll trade something for our benefit."
"I don't need him.
I'm good at diplomacy."
"I know.
But—"
Asser sighed.
"Fine.
You'll have him.
Now it's my turn."
Kasrahh stood.
"I'll give you what you want.
What is it?"
"Why were you crying?"
Kasrahh paused, her eyes wide.
"I thought...
You wanted Father's pen.
The one he gave me."
Asser chuckled softly.
"No.
Definitely not.
Sarah would kill me if she saw me holding it."
Kasrahh looked at him, then returned to the table.
Asser leaned forward.
"Alright.
I'll invite Jabir tomorrow.
And you?"
Kasrahh clenched her fists.
"I...
I've been meaning to tell you something."
She looked up, her voice trembling.
"I was crying...
Because I'm scared, Asser.
Not of war.
Not of politics.
But of losing you.
Of losing Sarah.
Of losing everything Father built."
Asser's smile faded.
Kasrahh continued.
"I walk through the palace and I feel it—
The silence.
The weight.
The emptiness behind the gold."
"I see Sarah's door closed.
I hear advisors speak for her.
And I know...
That's not her voice."
"I see you trying so hard to hold the kingdom together.
But you're surrounded by shadows.
And I'm afraid they'll pull you under."
She looked at the comet.
"Father used to say—
When the sky darkens,
Even the smallest light becomes precious."
"You're my light, Asser.
And I don't want to lose you."
Asser reached across the table, placing his hand over hers.
"You won't."
Kasrahh smiled through her tears.
"Then let's make tomorrow count."
**************
The Night Before the Fire - Beneath the Comet's Glow
Under Silva's dark sky, the green comet shimmered—its light piercing through faint stars. The wind was cold, quiet... the kind of silence that comes before a storm.
In the Emerald Inn, Fouad burst through the door. Jabir, Sylvanas, Mulham, and Jawaher were gathered around a flickering lantern.
"Ah, you made it," Jawaher said.
"I was almost disappointed. Thought the guards got you."
"Ha! That's hilarious," Fouad grinned.
"You'll take that back when you see this."
He handed Jabir the message.
"Isn't this addressed to someone in the Mage Guild?" Jabir asked.
"Maybe he opened it," Jawaher said.
"Or maybe he's selling it to us now."
Sylvanas smirked.
"Let's see what you've got."
Fouad hesitated.
"Jabir... it's from Laika.
The High Commander of the Mage Guild.
She said you must read it."
Jawaher's eyes widened.
"Laika?!"
Mulham stopped polishing a glass, staring.
"The Volcano Witch," Sylvanas whispered.
"Yes," Fouad added.
"Also... she's beautiful."
"Didn't know you liked that type," Jawaher teased.
"Just read it," Fouad muttered.
Jabir opened the letter. His eyes sharpened.
"The boy...
I knew something was strange.
But I wanted to save him—he risked his life for me."
"What's in the letter?" Jawaher asked.
"He may be the key to ending the Black Order...
Or the reason we all die."
Jawaher gasped.
Sylvanas nodded.
"That's why my grandmother wanted me to protect him."
"He's still resisting," Jabir said.
"He's buying us time.
We need to end this diplomatic farce."
He continued reading.
"Laika wants me to prepare fighters.
Tomorrow."
"Yes," Fouad confirmed.
"She said the signal will be a crimson fireball in the sky.
Prince Lucas of Leona is coming to meet Prince Asser.
Laika suspects it's a trap."
Jabir looked at Mulham and Jawaher.
They all moved. Jawaher left swiftly.
"Fouad," Jabir said,
"Tell Karras to ready his men.
We'll need everyone tomorrow."
"What about the boy?" Fouad asked.
"He's strong.
After yesterday's storm, they're struggling to contain him.
We fight as he fights.
When the moment comes—we strike."
"I trust you," Fouad said.
"I'll go."
Jabir turned to Sylvanas.
"Prepare yourself.
Tomorrow may bring a deadly battle.
With the one who destroyed your village."
"I've been ready since the day I joined you," she said.
"Good."
A royal guard entered, handing Jabir a scroll.
"What's this?
A warrant from Prince Asser?"
The guard sighed and left.
"I swear, these guards can't fight...
Or behave," Jabir muttered.
"Look who's talking," Sylvanas teased.
"That's harsh."
"Open it.
Might be from Princess Kasrahh."
Jabir unrolled the scroll.
"Damn...
I'm officially invited to tomorrow's summit.
Prince Asser requests my presence.
That's... unusual."
"Could be a trap," Sylvanas said.
"Or Kasrahh convinced him.
She respects you deeply.
Maybe this was her last move to protect her brother."
"Laika thinks it's a trap," Jabir said.
"That's serious.
Something bad may happen tomorrow."
"You don't want another Crimson Catastrophe," Sylvanas whispered.
"No.
I don't."
Jabir's tone darkened.
"Sylvanas—you'll lead the charge.
When you see Laika's signal, strike with everything you have.
Your priority: protect the royal family and Prince Lucas.
I'll handle the rest—with Laika."
Sylvanas blinked.
"You're... intense.
What happened to you?"
"I'm just a lion when provoked," Jabir smiled.
"Understood."
She paused.
"Wait...
You made me the leader of this plan?
Why me?"
"Why not?" Jabir winked.
"I trust you.
Jawaher will manage the city.
Things may get chaotic."
"Fine," Sylvanas said.
"I'll do it."
—
Fouad reached the Korta tunnels. Karras was organizing mercenaries and assassins.
"Karras... you're impressive.
How do you manage all these outlaws?"
"It's Delyn's skill.
His legacy runs in my blood.
Why are you here?"
"Jabir wants you to prepare your men.
When you see the crimson fireball—storm the royal palace."
Karras froze.
"The palace?
I never imagined that.
We're protecting the kingdom?
Why?"
"You could say...
We're cleaning it."
Karras sighed.
"We'll be ready."
—
In the ruined fortress beyond Aurik's walls, Dais stood in the shadows.
The boy lay unconscious—bound by Azalor's powerful spell.
"Azalor's enchantment is strong," Dais said.
"So they failed to control him."
A Black Order agent nodded.
"He killed two of our own.
Then... a strange specter appeared.
It struck Azalor—stopped the ritual.
Azalor cast this deep sleep spell and vanished to aid Rize in the Luminous Tree villages."
"The Luminous Tree?
I thought we destroyed them," Dais muttered.
"Everything was fine...
Until we were betrayed.
By the mage Senil.
He lead the villagers to the Heart then the heart got stolen by Child."
Dais smiled.
"Azalor... you play your cards well.
What happened to the fools of Leonithra?"
"We got what we wanted."
Dais grinned.
"We recovered the Heart after Azalor intervention.
But the healing child survived—even after assassination."
"How?"
"Senil gave his life to save him."
"Pathetic. The fool of Linovard. These kingdom knights were giving us a hard time their well were unbreakable even when we erase them from existence, yet they are still giving us a hard time ... this is a true Irony...
I told Azalor not to trust him."
"Azalor succeeded.
He gave the purified Heart to Commander Luther of Leonithra."
"Well done, Azalor."
Dais turned to the agent.
"Tomorrow's summit may erupt.
Be ready.
Our goal: kill the High Commander of the Mage Guild...
If we manage to do better we will kill
The entire royal family...
And the pathetic Prince of Leona."
If we succeeded this is will be a golden trophy for us ..
"Understood."
Dais walked slowly, gazing at Aurik's glowing skyline beneath Silva's dark sky.
The green comet pulsed above.
"If I can't control it...
I'll watch it burn.
This kingdom is mine.
If I can't have it—no one will.
I'll erase it from history."
He laughed—softly, coldly.
