Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the grand dining room, casting a warm glow on the sprawling table. The rich aroma of breakfast filled the air, enticing the senses of those seated around it. Agneyastra sat silently, her gaze fixed on her plate, while the others savored their morning meal.


    Agneyastra continued, her words hanging in the air like a fragile thread waiting to be unraveled, “Marudeva...”


    With a sigh, Marudeva paused mid-bite and turned his attention to Agneyastra.  The gravity in her voice did not go unnoticed. “Yes, Agneyastra,” Marudeva replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. “What questions do you have for me today?”


    Agneyastra''s eyes lifted from her plate, and her voice trembled slightly as she uttered the names that had stirred her curiosity. “Who is Prince Maccoy and Hanina?” The words hung in the air, momentarily causing a cessation of time within the room.


    Marudeva''s surprise was palpable, as evident by the near choke on his breakfast. His eyes darted around the table, meeting the gazes of the others, seeking to understand how Agneyastra had come to know those names. A mix of concern and caution danced in his voice as he asked, “Where did you learn those names, Agneyastra?”


    Ramil, who until then had been engrossed in his own meal, raised his head and caught his father''s gaze. There was a hint of uncertainty in Ramil''s eyes as he spoke, “Father, my middle name is Maccoy. Did you name me after him?”


    Marudeva''s expression tightened, and a sense of unease settled over the room. “That will be enough,” he said firmly, attempting to quell any further discussion. Turning his attention back to Agneyastra, he reminded her sternly, “You were told to stop researching your parents, Agneyastra.”


    But Agneyastra''s face lit up with a glimmer of hope and excitement. Her voice held a trace of disbelief as she exclaimed, “Those are my parents'' names?” The air was heavy with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as all eyes focused on Marudeva, awaiting his response.


    Marudeva, his voice laced with caution, merely stated, “I didn''t say that.”


    Emathion couldn''t help but interject, his voice gently piercing the silence, “No, but you implied it.” The truth hung heavily in the air, waiting to be acknowledged or denied.


    Marudeva winced, clutching his temples in agony, as his companions, Agneyastra, Ramil, Emathion, and Sinai, watched him in concern. Just then, a sudden knock resonated throughout the room, interrupting their conversation. Without delay, Marudeva rose from his seat, with Agneyastra shadowing him closely. Weariness etched onto his face, Marudeva''s voice held a hint of exasperation as he addressed Agneyastra, “Enough with the endless queries, Agneya. Your relentless curiosity is pushing us all to the brink of madness.”


    “I am sorry,” Agneyastra murmurs softly, sadness tinting her voice.


    With a sigh, Marudeva offers a tender smile, seeking to alleviate the burden she feels. “It''s okay,” he reassures her, a gentle hand resting on her shoulder.


    With a purposeful stride, Marudeva leads the way towards the front door, guided by a sense of resolve. Agneyastra follows closely, their bond evident in their synchronized steps. As the door swings open, an aura of anticipation fills the air, briefly disrupting the silence that had settled upon them.


    Two figures stand at the threshold, their presence bringing a fresh energy into the room. Marudeva''s gaze shifts from Agneyastra to the newcomers, Moriko and Yeongi. Without a word, he gestures towards Agneyastra, a silent passing of the torch.


    Agneyastra, her heart heavy with mixed emotions, embraces Marudeva one last time, cherishing the security of his presence. As she steps away with Moriko and Yeongi by her side. Approaching the end of the road, the trio stops before a tree. With a touch the tree responds, its bark shimmering with a vibrant green luminescence. A portal materializes, beckoning them towards it.


    Without hesitation, Agneyastra, Moriko, and Yeongi step through the portal, their bodies enveloped in a swirl of emerald hues. The world around them fades, replaced by the ethereal beauty of the Green Forest.


    Moriko and Agneyastra sat in the lavish confines of Moriko''s chamber within the grand palace of the Earth Kingdom. The air was laced with a subtle anticipation, a flicker of curiosity dancing in Agneyastra''s eyes as they broke the calm silence.


    “How is your friend doing?” inquired Agneyastra.


    A soft smile graced Moriko''s lips as they contemplated the question. “Each passing day, Jeremy''s spirits seem to mend and grow stronger,” Moriko replied, their voice tinged with a measured optimism. “He had to engage the services of a formidable lawyer to fight for custody of little Lee. Why do you ask? Did he leave an impression on you?”


    Agneyastra''s cheeks flushed a rosy hue as they timidly confessed, “He was not only sweet, but handsome as well. I couldn''t help but feel a difference around him. Do you think he read the letter I left for him?”


    Moriko''s smile widened, a fondness evident in their eyes as they reached out to reassure Agneyastra. “Please, do not take it personally. Jeremy has been burdened with the weight of his predicament. He may not have had the chance to fully comprehend or respond to your words. But fret not, dear Agneyastra, we can go visit him.”


    Agneyastra pondered for a moment, considering Moriko''s offer. “No, I don''t think it''s necessary to go see him. Let him sort out his affairs and heal his wounds.”


    “Jeremy and his family... they didn''t even know me,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and gratefulness. She recounted the fateful day when she first crossed paths with them, her voice filled with awe. “I was traveling to their realm, alone and lost, when they spotted me on the side of the road. Instantly, they came to my aid, their kind hearts shining through. Jeremy and Lacey, they welcomed me into their lives, and we became friends.”


    A glimmer of anticipation danced in Moriko''s eyes as she revealed the secret she had been holding close to her chest. “You see, Jeremy has Earth Kingdom messaging cloth, as you do,” she revealed, her voice hushed with a mix of awe and urgency. “I must tell you something.”


    Agneyastra''s curiosity piqued, her eyes lit up with anticipation. “That he betrothed or taken because the best ones always are?” she speculated mischievously.


    Moriko couldn''t help but chuckle at Agneyastra''s assumption. “No, Jeremy isn''t one for socializing with others very much,” she clarified, a hint of amusement in her voice.


    A sadness washed over Agneyastra''s features as she lowered her gaze, her voice laced with a hint of uncertainty. “Oh... do you think he would enjoy if I made him a dish of some kind?” she asked softly, her desire to please shining through.


    Moriko pondered the question, her mind wandering to the quirks and habits of her long-time friend. “I don''t know,” she replied honestly. “Marudeva often says that when you''re interested in a topic, you tend to ask a lot of questions.”


    Agneyastra chuckled, acknowledging her inquisitive nature. “I guess I do,” she admitted playfully. “Just the other day, I found out that my father''s name is Prince Maccoy, and my mother was a keener named Hanina.”


    Moriko''s eyes widened in surprise, a realization dawning upon her. “I believe Prince Maccoy is Tyson''s brother, my guardian,” she murmured, her voice tinged with understanding. “You are connected to the Fire Kingdom. I always suspected it, but I didn''t know for sure.”


    Agneyastra''s eyes shimmered with a mixture of awe and intrigue. “Are you not allowed to talk about it as well?” she inquired, her curiosity mirroring Moriko''s own.


    Moriko shrugged her shoulders lightly. “Tyson and Yeongi didn''t explicitly say that I couldn''t,” she admitted, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I have been to the Fire Kingdom many times. Would you like to go?”


    A hint of uncertainty-tinged Agneyastra''s voice as she considered the proposition. “Maybe, one day,” she replied thoughtfully. “But I can''t help but feel like Marudeva would have a heart attack if I did.”


    As if sensing their conversation had reached its limit, Moriko gently took Agneyastra''s hand, a reassuring gesture of comfort. “I think Sir Brucie will have lunch ready now,” she said, redirecting their attention to the present moment.


    ***


    Evening settled upon the room, casting a soft glow through the window. Ramil, with a determined look in his eyes, quietly stepped into Emathion''s chamber. Emathion, comfortably sat on his bed, engrossed in the pages of a captivating book.


    With a swift motion, Ramil snatched the book from Emathion''s grasp, interrupting the flow of words that had captured his attention. Holding it firmly in his hands, Ramil''s voice carried a hint of authority as he spoke, “that''s enough.”


    Startled and frustrated, Emathion''s eyes snapped up, meeting Ramil''s gaze. The fire within him ignited, as he refused to let his brother infringe upon his solitude. “Get out!” Emathion''s words echoed with a mix of anger and defiance, the room suddenly crackling with a tense energy.


    “No!” Ramil exclaimed, his voice filled with determination. He leaned in closer, trying to coax Emathion into joining him. “I am taking a break from studying. Father sent me up here. Come on, let''s go out tonight.”


    Emathion remained seated, his expression filled with a mix of perplexity and apprehension. He looked directly into Ramil''s eyes and softly uttered, “I don''t go out.”


    Ramil lightly smacked Emathion''s arm, a playful challenge daring him to rise. Emathion winced at the unexpected impact, his attention momentarily diverted from the world within the pages of his cherished volumes.


    “If you don''t get up, I will start destroying your books,” Ramil threatened, his voice laced with an impish threat. A wicked grin spread across his face as he opened one of Emathion''s books, purposefully gripping onto the page with an intent to rip it apart.


    Emathion, realizing the gravity of the situation, scurried upright, his eyes flashing with a mix of annoyance and concern. He knew he couldn''t afford to let his brother''s destructive tendencies prevail. With a resigned sigh, he mustered his resolve.


    “Fine, let''s go out,” Emathion acquiesced, a sharp edge in his voice. Yet, amidst his frustration, he couldn''t help but question the consequences of their spontaneous adventure. “Does father know about this outing?” he inquired.


    Ramil flung the book with a deft motion, sending it sailing across the room. It landed with a thud against the wall, mirroring his unsettled emotions. Rising from his seat, he approached Emathion, determination etched across his face.


    “I promised him I would help you move on,” Ramil began, his voice tinged with bitterness. His gaze narrowed, recalling the pain inflicted by his best friend''s relationship with Emathion. “I admit, I relished in her breaking your heart. But now, this stagnant state of melancholy has grown wearisome. It''s time to find someone new.”


    Emathion, his countenance filled with a mix of resistance and resignation, voiced his reluctance. “I don''t want a girlfriend,” he stated, his words laced with a determination that Ramil found perplexing.


    A wry smile curled upon Ramil''s lips, amusement flickering in his eyes. His voice, like a warm breeze caressing Emathion''s troubled soul, responded, “Who said anything about getting a girlfriend? You''re simply in need of genuine companionship, brother. Just allow one to keep you company for a night or two.”


    Emathion''s voice echoed softly through the chamber. “Moriko did say that meeting others would bring me happiness,” he admitted.


    Ramil leaned in closer, his voice warm with genuine admiration. “Your future wife told you that,” he remarked, a touch of envy coloring his tone. “You are truly blessed with that one.”


    Emathion fretted, his mind consumed by doubt and uncertainty. He turned to his older brother, Ramil, seeking guidance. “Ramil,” he began hesitantly, “Moriko and I only want each other''s happiness. Should I change?”


    Ramil paused for a moment, contemplating his response. With a smile playing at the corners of his lips, he replied, “Emathion, it''s not your clothes that need changing, but perhaps your approach to life. Let us embark on a journey of self-discovery together.”Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Taking Emathion''s hand in his own, Ramil guided his brother out of the bedroom and down the stairs. As they passed their father, Marudeva, on the couch, a gentle nod of understanding passed between the three of them. Their younger brother, Sinai, watched them with wide-eyed curiosity, sensing the importance of this moment.


    Marudeva exclaims, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and delight, “You got him out of his room!”


    Ramil impatiently tugs at Emathion''s arm, urging him towards the open door. “We''ll be late,” he says curtly.


    Ramil and Emathion hail a carriage and hop in, eager to head to Dweller City. As the carriage comes to a halt, they step onto a bustling street, surrounded by the vibrant lights and pulsating music of nightclubs. Instantly, they become immersed in a world of lively lounges, filled with laughter and the enchanting sound of conversations. It''s a place where gentlemen can meet ladies their age, a perfect setting for adventure and new connections.


    Ramil nudged Emathion, directing his attention to the source of the booming music emanating from a quaint building on the corner. With curiosity ignited, they ventured inside, where a lively atmosphere thrived with a crowd of women and men.


    Ramil''s keen eyes caught sight of a young lady sitting across the room, surrounded by her giggling companions. Her delicate fingers clutched a shimmering goblet, effortlessly bringing it to her rose-colored lips. Her gaze, like a moonlit enchantment, lingered on Emathion, Ramil''s noble brother, who stood by his side. A mischievous smile crept upon Ramil''s face as he leaned in, his voice a hushed whisper in Emathion''s ear.


    “I think she fancies you, my dear brother,” Ramil suggested, his words laced with a playful tone. “Why not seize this moment and go speak to her?”


    Emathion reciprocated the smile, his lips parting to reveal a charming glimpse of his pearly white teeth. However, as he turned towards Ramil, a flicker of hesitation danced in his eyes, a shadow cast by the weight of paternal expectations.


    “I fear Father would not approve,” Emathion confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. The weight of tradition bore heavy upon his shoulders, the fear of disappointing their formidable patriarch gnawing at his heart.


    Ramil spoke with a knowing smile on his lips. “One day, my dear brother, you shall be bound to marry your green goddess. Take this time to practice and perfect the art of being with others, so that you may bring her infinite joy and happiness.”


    “Come with me. I have never done this before,” Emathion whispered, his words barely audible amidst the buzz of the surrounding crowd.


    Ramil, his enthusiasm undeterred, led the way, his strides confident and purposeful. Emathion followed in his wake, his steps tentative and unsure. As their path brought them closer to the group of ladies, Ramil''s smile widened, a mixture of charm and mischief dancing upon his lips.


    “Hello beautiful beings, I am Ramil,” he said, his voice exuding charisma and allure. Emathion''s gaze darted nervously between the ladies, his stomach churning with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. “And this, my brother Emathion,” Ramil continued, introducing his companion. The ladies, caught off guard by the sudden interruption, turned their attention towards the brothers. A delicate smile tugged at their lips, their eyes glimmering with curiosity and interest.


    ***


    The moon cast a soft glow through the curtains of Moriko''s bedroom, creating a serene ambiance in the room. Resting peacefully on her bed, Moriko slipped into a deep slumber, her mind wandering into the realms of dreams. But as the night wore on, a restlessness stirred within her, causing her limbs to twitch and her body to toss and turn.  In the depths of her sleep, Moriko''s mind became a canvas for vivid flashes of Emathion, a fantastical world she had encountered in her previous adventures. Scenes unfolded before her, as if projected onto the walls of her consciousness.


    Suddenly, Moriko''s eyes fluttered open, the veil of sleep lifting. Realizing that her fascination with the dream world had transcended into her waking moments, she reached for her robe and wrapped it tightly around herself. Mindful of not disturbing the silence of the night, she embarked through the hallways of her home. Each step was deliberate as Moriko approached the door, her hand trembling slightly as she raised it to knock.


    Agneyastra opens the door, allowing Moriko to step inside the dimly lit room. “I can''t sleep,” Moriko admits, her voice filled with weariness and frustration.


    Agneyastra nods in understanding, her own dark circles betraying the shared struggle. “Me neither,” she confesses.


    Moriko and Agneyastra sat cross-legged on the plush rug before a crackling fireplace. The soft glow of the flames cast dancing shadows on the walls, while a gentle warmth enveloped the room. They were engrossed in a lively card game, the sound of shuffling cards and occasional laughter filling the air.


    In a lull between rounds, Moriko looked at Agneyastra, gaze filled with curiosity. “May I ask you a question?” she inquired, her voice quiet yet tinged with excitement.


    Agneyastra paused for a moment, glancing briefly at the cards in her hand before meeting Moriko''s eyes with a warm smile. “Sure,” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness.


    As the fire crackled and the game continued, Moriko leaned in closer, her eyes curious and sparkling with intrigue. “What did it feel like, when Marius kissed you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Agneyastra''s cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with an unfamiliar glow. As she spoke, her voice trembled with a mixture of excitement and confusion. “I can''t explain it, but it felt so incredibly right. It was like a dormant power within me had been unleashed, a surge of energy that set my soul ablaze. Why, I wonder? What mysterious force has stirred within me?”


    Moriko uttered the words, her voice trembling with a mix of uncertainty and anguish. “I think, I feel Emathion being intimate with others.”


    Agneyastra asked, “So, does he feel? What do you feel?”


    Moriko''s voice quivered with uncertainty as she spoke, “Yes, I don''t fully comprehend its workings, but I could sense it when his mother passed away, and when he transformed into Sandra, I felt that too.”


    Agneyastra asks, her voice filled with curiosity, “Does he know this?”


    Moriko replied with a hint of hesitation, her voice carrying a subtle mix of acknowledgement and modesty. “Somewhat, but not as much as I do.”


    Agneyastra''s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she spoke, her voice soft and filled with wonder. “That must be amazing,” she whispered, her words laced with a hint of envy. “Being that connected to someone, forming a bond so strong... it must be like having a piece of your soul intertwined with theirs, forever linked by an invisible thread of shared emotions and understanding.”


    Moriko''s smile brightens, illuminating her face as she speaks. “It''s a delicate balance,” she says softly, her eyes glimmering with sincerity. “Respecting his privacy while being aware of the emotions that stir within me. It''s a constant struggle, the push and pull between curiosity and restraint. At times, the desire to inquire can be overwhelming, and the intensity of those emotions can be hard to contain. But I must be mindful, cautious not to overstep, for prying can lead to unforeseen consequences. It''s a tricky tightrope to walk, one that challenges me to master the art of self-control, even when my heart yearns to unravel the mysteries that lie within.”


    Agneyastra encourages, “Consider opening up to Emathion and sharing your thoughts.”


    Moriko''s voice quivered with fear as she spoke, her words hanging in the air like a delicate thread. “I am afraid,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, “to keep Emathion too close.” Her eyes flickered with both worry and guilt. “They might hurt him, because of me.”


    While Agneyastra takes the card out of Moriko''s hands, there is a lingering sense of trepidation in the air. Agneyastra suggest, “Come, let''s go look at the stars. You always enjoy that.”


    As Moriko and Agneyastra stood on the castle rooftop, surrounded by a vast expanse of stars, the brilliance of the night sky enveloped them. The air was thick with a sense of wonder and mystery, bathing the scene in a celestial glow. Moriko remarked on the beauty of the night, a reflection of the tranquility they both sought in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.


    Agneyastra, gazing out into the infinite abyss above, couldn''t help but sigh wistfully. “It must be nice to belong somewhere,” she murmured, her voice tinged with a tinge of longing.


    Moriko, ever the loyal friend, playfully nudged Agneyastra and assured her, “You always have a place here. I am glad you are my friend. Let''s check out the library and find information on your father.”


    They made their way back into the castle, passing a sealed hallway that harbored the darkest secrets of the past. Agneyastra''s curiosity got the better of her, causing her to pause and tug at Moriko''s arm. “What happened there?” she inquired.


    Moriko hesitated for a moment, weighing the weight of those memories. “I sealed that part of the castle because the stones on the walls contained horrors of the past,” Moriko explained. They pressed on and reached the grand library, with towering shelves overflowing with ancient tomes. Moriko gestured to the majestic collection, revealing that the books contained a wealth of knowledge about the Fire Kingdom, meticulously preserved and updated by the archivists every two weeks.


    Agneyastra, eager to learn about her father, asked Moriko what he looked like. Intrigued, Moriko retrieved a large book from the highest shelf and placed it on the table, its weight a testament to the generations it had witnessed. Opening the book, Moriko found a page with the record of the Fire Kingdom''s royal family. Reading aloud, Moriko revealed that Agneyastra''s father, Prince Maccoy, had black and red hair, and striking emerald eyes. His untimely death at the age of 24, categorized as an accident, sent a chill down their spines.


    Unable to contain her emotions, Agneyastra confessed, “I was told he killed himself because a demon was in him.” Moriko turned the page, with a heavy heart, only to find a description that spoke to her father''s undeniable handsomeness.


    Sensing Moriko''s internal struggle, Agneyastra suggested delving into Moriko''s past. But Moriko, burdened by the weight of her own memories, looked down sadly and whispered, “I have already explored my past. I do not care to keep looking there.” With a sense of resignation, Moriko and Agneyastra left the library.


    ***


    Marius felt the weight of his failure pressing down on him as he lay there, entangled in the sheets with Brooke and the Keener lady. The midday sunlight cast a soft, hazy glow through the curtains, illuminating their intertwined bodies. As Brooke drifted off to sleep, a wave of longing washed over Marius, drawing him towards the Keener lady. Their lips entwined in a forbidden embrace, a secret passion ignited between them.


    But as their stolen moment of passion unfolded, destiny intervened with a sudden and punishing force. Brooke''s eyes flickered open, revealing a mix of shock and anger. In an instant, her hand swung forward, the resounding smack echoing through the room. The sting on Marius'' cheek matched the sharp pang of guilt in his heart.


    Through gritted teeth, Brooke uttered words laced with disappointment, “That will not fill me with an heir.”


    Marius, stunned and remorseful, searched for an explanation. “We have been at it for months now,” he pleaded.


    As Brooke rose from the lavish bed, her voice sliced through the air like a commanding whip. “Soldier!”


    Without hesitation, a soldier entered the room, his footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. With a swift and purposeful stride, he approached the bed, his eyes fixed on the trembling figure of the Keener lady, who had unknowingly occupied the space beside Marius.


    Confusion etched itself upon Marius''s face as he spoke, his voice laced with concern. “What are you doing?”


    Brooke, her demeanor cold and determined, merely responded with a chilling clarity. “I can''t let you become too attached to her. Dispose of her, as we did with the others.”


    The soldier wasted no time, forcefully escorting the vulnerable Keener lady out of the room, her delicate frame swallowed by the grandeur of the Kingdom. Marius, a mix of shock and realization etched upon his face, spoke again, his voice trembling slightly. “Brooke, I had no knowledge of your actions.”


    Almost playfully, Brooke poked Marius, her voice filled with a calculated desire. “Once I give you an heir, I can finally reclaim my life, my freedom.”


    A flicker of remorse surfaced in Marius''s eyes as he found himself cold detached. His voice, filled with a newfound determination, resonated through the room. “No longer will we endure such cruel practices. I shall not allow another soul to suffer the fate of this fate. Kelly!”


    As palace staff and soldiers hurriedly passed by their footsteps echoing in the hallway. Kelly, a loyal soldier, entered the room, bowing respectfully with a nod as he addressed Marius. “Yes, your highness,” he said, his voice filled with an air of deference.


    Marius turned his attention to Brooke, his wife. With a measured tone, he spoke of his intentions. “I have arranged for the doctor to examine you, Brooke,” he said, his gaze fixed upon her. “If you are with child, you shall be free to live your life as you please. This will allow me to focus my time on assisting my father in running this Kingdom.”


    Brooke, despite her own conflicting emotions, felt compelled to speak up. “Don''t say it like that,” she pleaded, her voice tinged with sadness.


    Marius, unyielding, responded, reminding her of their previous agreement. “We made a pact, Brooke. I have upheld my end of the bargain. Don''t pretend to care now.”


    As the discussion continued, the commotion outside grew louder. Marius, curious to know the cause, inquired of Kelly, gesturing towards Brooke. “What is going on out there?” he questioned.


    Kelly, filled with concern, revealed the source of the chaos. “They cannot locate Prince Devereaux.”


    Marius pondered for a moment, his gaze shifting from Kelly to Brooke. A sense of duty and responsibility weighed heavily upon him. Determined, he instructed Kelly. “Go, summon the doctor. I shall accompany you in the search for my brother.” With those words, Marius''s resolve hardened, and he prepared to face the unknown, the fate of his kingdom hanging in the balance.


    In grand corridor, his footsteps echoing off the marble floors. The sound of raised voices drifted to his ears, and he quickened his pace. Turning a corner, he found his mother, the Queen, berating the palace staff with a mix of frustration and exhaustion etched upon her face. Marius approached her with determination in his eyes.


    “Mother, please, cease your tirade and go rest,” he urged, concern lacing his words. “I will find Devereaux for you.”


    The Queen''s flustered staff began to disperse at Marius'' intervention, leaving the hall in a hushed silence. The Queen reluctantly nodded, her weariness apparent. She allowed her staff to lead her away, disappearing down a side corridor.


    With the weight of his mother''s worries on his shoulders, Marius continued his determined stride. He exited the palace, crossing the grand bridge that connected the Water Kingdom to the outside world. As he reached the other side, his eyes fell upon a group of soldiers training near the glistening shoreline. Their swords clashed, their armored forms dancing in a display of skill and discipline.


    Marius dismounted a nearby horse, its strong muscles gleaming with sweat. He approached the soldiers, his gaze fixed on Evain, who stood among them. Sweat dripped from her brow, her face displaying focus and determination. A sense of pride swelled within Marius as he watched her.


    The General, sensing Marius'' presence, stepped up behind him. Understanding the unspoken question hanging in the air, the General spoke quietly, his voice carrying the weight of the ongoing war.


    “She is better than most soldiers on the battlefield,” the General admitted, his gaze shifting toward Evain.


    Marius turned to face the General, his voice carrying across the training grounds. “Evain!”


    Evain lowers her sword, the glimmering blade catching the sunlight, and walks over to Marius. Concern etches lines on her face as she surveys the chaos unfolding near the castle. The soldiers there seem to be in disarray, their movements uncoordinated and frantic. Evain''s voice is filled with urgency as she asks, “What is going on?”


    Marius takes a moment to catch his breath, his eyes flickering with worry. “Our brother, Devereaux, has gone missing,” he reveals, his voice laced with a mixture of guilt and concern.


    A surge of frustration mixed with determination courses through Evain''s veins. “We couldn''t be that lucky,” she murmurs, her voice tinged with a hint of disbelief. She glances towards the distant freshwater villages, contemplating if Devereaux might have sought solace there.


    However, Marius''s response crushes her hopes. “They have been searched. I think he has left the kingdom,” he confesses, his voice heavy with regret.


    Evain''s determination intensifies as her eyes meet Marius''s. “You know there''s a battle today on the desert,” she says, her voice resolute. “I will take a few men and we will go look for him.” Her resolve shines through her words, as she prepares herself to find her missing brother, no matter the cost.