Back at Balmount.
The day unfolded like a painted mural of ordinary life. The streets hummed with quiet commerce as shopkeepers and vendors set their wares in neat rows, voices weaving into a familiar chorus of calls and laughter. Knights made their rounds, armor glinting bright beneath the sun, some of them trading brief nods as their shifts overlapped. Above it all, on the tallest spire in the kingdom, Zephyr stood alone. His eyes, distant and unreadable, watched the world move below him.
The fragile quiet broke at the sound of a voice that cut through the air like a blade.
"Zephyr."
He turned, unhurried, and saw him. Vielwalker. His presence was like a shadow made flesh, still and suffocating, as though he had been standing there all along. Zephyr never grew accustomed to that uncanny ability — the way Vielwalker appeared without sound, and worse, the way his presence always seemed to find him. A magic that clung to the air and unsettled the spirit.
"I see you are watching the people," Vielwalker said, his voice a whisper dry as parchment. "Tell me, are you having second thoughts?"
Zephyr's tone was flat, almost hollow. "Why would I have second thoughts? On matters that are already inevitable?"
A rustling laugh slipped from Vielwalker's throat, brittle and humorless. "Heh… oh, Zephyr. We are speaking of life. Children chasing each other, mothers clutching bread from the morning's bake, fathers returning from the day works, workers too weary to look up at the sun. Once my master arrives, many of them may not live to see another dawn. Or the stars tonight. Or even the moon." He leaned forward, the whisper sharpening. "And all for the sake of one person you cherish above all else."
Zephyr's gaze drifted back down to the street. A beastkin woman with furred ears spoke animatedly to a human vendor, her hands gesturing as her tail flicked with excitement.
"The one person you are speaking of," Zephyr said quietly, but his voice carried with a firm edge, "is the reason I ever took this covenant. The reason I still draw breath."
"Ah yes…" Vielwalker's tone curled into something almost tender. "Love. Such a fragile chain. I know it well, Zephyr. But surely you understand…every living soul has an end. Some of those people below, their end was never meant to be today. Yet because of your selfish, unending love for only one, you have hastened the deaths of countless others."
Zephyr's eyes hardened. His voice was cold steel. "That… is pointless."
Vielwalker smiled, as if pleased by the answer.
"Everything is pointless," Zephyr continued, his tone shifting with a chilling conviction. " Why I act is because you've shown me what the end looks like, and I, for one, will not allow my love to become the cause of that ending. Her breaking would be my breaking. And I will not shatter. Just as I did not when I carried the burden of her past sins."
Vielwalker exhaled slowly, almost pitying. "Oh, Zephyr…"
Zephyr's head lifted then, his eyes locking with Vielwalker's. His voice was steady, unyielding. "And in remembering that, you should not forget our contract, Vielwalker."
"And why would I?" Vielwalker's smile deepened, his eyes narrowing with a strange, almost reverent gleam. "I am Umbra... the shadow before the end, the keeper of the threshold. My oath is sealed. My hand does not falter. And a contract, once bound to me, will never be broken."
Zephyr scoffed softly, though the sound carried like a blade across stone. "Then so be it."
He lifted his left hand slowly, each movement deliberate, as if the very air resisted him. His voice rang clear, steady as iron. "Saephora Erathem… Let Silence Reign."
At once, the air vibrated. A golden sigil bloomed into existence, suspended in the sky like a sun wrought from fire. Its lines pulsed with an otherworldly rhythm before unraveling outward, unfolding into a colossal dome of light. The runes etched themselves in layers, tongues of flame wrapping and weaving before fading into transparency. To the eye, the world remained unchanged — the sun still warmed the stones, the sky still stretched vast and clear. Yet within, all was severed. Sound, sight, the whisper of spirit to spirit, the threads of teleportation — all of it cut away from the outside world.
Vielwalker's laugh echoed inside the barrier, low and reverberating, as if the dome itself carried his voice. Zephyr turned, his sharp gaze searching, but the presence was gone. Only the lingering whisper remained, curling cold against his ear.
"Well done, Zephyr. May the beginning of the present… begin."
Silence pressed in. Zephyr looked down at the people below, still moving about their day, unaware of the invisible cage that now enclosed them. His eyes hardened, reflecting no trace of the tenderness that had once softened them.
I am coming, my love.
He turned his gaze toward the kingdom's castle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, in Morganna's private chamber within the castle, the air was warm.
"My Queen... once again, I must beg forgiveness for my incompetence in failing to locate the princess." Countess Seraphina bowed her head with just the right amount of grace, her voice laced with practiced humility, the kind that carried more polish than truth.
Morganna exhaled softly, her gaze drifting toward the window, then to the ring on her finger, before returning to the Countess. "Again with this?" Her tone was weary, though touched with gentleness. "Seraphina, it is not a problem. I've written to you before, told you not to dwell on it. So why bring it up now, when we are enjoying a quiet morning?"
The Countess's hands folded neatly before her, her voice dropping into a subdued hush. "Forgive me for spoiling the mood, my Queen. It is only... my conscience has not allowed me rest."
A small chuckle slipped past Morganna's lips, warm and genuine. "You really do know your way around words... and around people."
Seraphina's smile curved delicately, the kind that seemed to soften a room, though her eyes held a gleam that never quite matched. "Anything to please my Queen. After all... what are friends for, if not that?"
"Friends..." Morganna repeated, letting the word linger on her tongue as if weighing its meaning. A contemplative silence stretched between them. At last she spoke, her voice quieter but edged with a subtle sharpness. "You know, Seraphina, we may be friends, but there are... certain habits of yours that I often choose to overlook."
For the briefest moment, Seraphina's expression flickered — a tiny crack in her perfect mask — before she tilted her head, feigning mild confusion. "Bad habits, my Queen?"
"Yes," Morganna answered, her tone steady, eyes steadying on the Countess. "Bad habits. I've told my husband before that he should not be warning you... or playing such little mind games with you."
The Countess lowered her gaze, her voice dipping, calm but carefully measured. "Thank you, my lady. Yet... forgive me, but how does that relate to these so-called bad habits?"
"I'll get to that," Morganna said calmly, her voice quiet but carrying the weight of someone who had already thought long and hard about her words. "I've noticed some things you do, Seraphina... but for too long I lied to myself, pretending they were nothing. Please, for my sake... do well to change your selfish behavior."
The Countess's face froze, her practiced grace slipping for the smallest fraction of a second. "Selfish... but…"
"You do not have to explain yourself," Morganna interrupted gently, though her tone left no room for argument. "I have said what I needed to say. You are my friend, and..."
Her hand moved without thought, resting softly against her belly. A protective gesture, fragile and full of meaning.
The Countess's eyes widened. For once, the mask faltered, and genuine shock flickered across her face.
"… with that kind of behavior," Morganya continued, a radiant smile breaking through, "how would you ever be the godmother for my unborn child?"
Silence stretched between them, heavy and raw.
"My lady... are you really pregnant?" Seraphina whispered, her voice trembling, but not with joy. It was the kind of disbelief that carried more weight than words. "But... does the King know?"
Morganya shook her head slowly. "No. He doesn't."
How naïve. Do you wish for death? The thought struck through the Countess's mind, sharp and unfiltered. But in the very next instant, her face reassembled itself into a mask of worry, her voice carrying perfect alarm. "My lady, why would you not tell him? You know the dangers surrounding us and what tragedy may happen today. The kingdom, the covenant, the unrest... you should have informed the King immediately."
Morganya laughed softly, though there was a wistful sadness hidden in the sound. "And let him hover over me every waking moment? No. Even if he stayed by my side, what guarantee do I have that the tragedy would strike today, or tomorrow? He cannot leave his duties to protect only me."
The Countess drew herself taller, her tone tightening. "My lady, forgive me... but you sound so very foolish now."
Morganna's smile never wavered, her gaze warm, almost maternal. "That is why you are here, Seraphina. To protect this foolish friend of yours."
For a heartbeat, disbelief cracked across the Countess's features, only to vanish as swiftly as it came. A quiet sigh slipped past her lips, and in her mind, a dark, almost amused whisper surfaced. Perhaps this is one of the many reasons I chose to serve you.
She placed a hand over her heart, and this time the smile she gave was dazzling, flawless, and warm. "Hmmm... me, a godmother?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
At that very moment, toward the castle, Mr. Kaito walked at an even pace, his stride unhurried and precise. Behind him, Mira followed, her subordinates close at her side. Nina, Mael, Takashi, and Astrid trailed in a loose formation, their boots whispering against the cobblestones.
Takashi's brow furrowed, his voice low and uneasy. "Something's not right. I can feel it."
Mael groaned and rolled his eyes. "Takashi, how many times must you say that? We've heard it four times already."
"But I'm not wrong," Takashi replied, quieter this time, almost as if he was speaking more to himself than to them.
Astrid stepped between them, her tone sharp. "Mael, enough. You don't have to bully him constantly."
"Bullying him? That's not bullying!" Mael snapped, his voice rising.
"It is bullying," Astrid shot back without hesitation.
"It's not!"
"It is!" Nina joined in, her tone heated.
Mael threw up his hands. "It's not!"
"It is!" Nina barked again, her voice echoing off the stone walls.
Mira let out a long, tired sigh, her patience stretched thin.
Mr. Kaito's voice broke through the noise, calm and steady. "Your subordinates are... lively." His eyes never left the path ahead, his tone carrying no humor. It was spoken only for Mira, as though the others weren't worth the acknowledgment.
"I apologize for their behavior," Mira said quietly, her words clipped with restraint.
"I am not offended," Kaito replied, his tone almost gentle. Yet beneath it lingered something sharper, something that made Mira's chest tighten. "It will do us well if we keep things light... since we are almost at the castle."
The others didn't catch the weight in his words, but Mira did. The phrasing lingered in her thoughts, heavy as iron. It will do us well if we keep things light.
Her gaze hardened, fixed forward on the looming castle walls. She didn't answer him, but in the silence that followed, her grip on her weapon tightened.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Godmother," the Countess repeated softly, the word lingering on her tongue as though it carried a weight she had not prepared for. Her voice held a feigned lightness, but beneath it trembled something unsteady, almost like a blush concealed behind formality.
Morganna's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Yes. Godmother. Or…" Her eyes gleamed with quiet amusement. "Do you not wish to be the godmother of my unborn child?"
The Countess's carefully maintained mask of composure faltered. For the briefest heartbeat, true surprise flickered across her face before she recovered, spine straightening as if to anchor herself. "No, no, my queen, it is nothing of the sort." Her cheeks warmed with a faint, betraying color. "I am deeply honored. Truly. But… I doubt the King would give his approval."
Morganna leaned back slightly, her tone soft yet certain. "My husband may not agree at first. But once I give him my reasons, he will have no choice but to accept."
The Countess let out a delicate chuckle, a sound both amused and uneasy. "Very well, my lady. But I would still like to know… why me?"
"Because of who you are," Morganna answered simply, her gaze warm, her words as deliberate as they were unshakable.
Seraphina blinked, her brow knitting into genuine confusion. "I… do not understand."
"There is no need to," Morganna replied, her voice calm with a serene finality.
The Countess shifted, her tone softening into something more pragmatic, almost cautious. "If you have your reasons, then so be it. Yet I beg you to be careful. From this moment onward, we cannot know what dangers might rise."
Morganna's expression sharpened, though her smile did not fade. "I can protect myself, Seraphina. Or have you forgotten that I am not some helpless queen locked away in the castle?"
The Countess lowered her eyes briefly, then raised them again with sincerity. "I know you are not helpless, my lady. But we are speaking of the covenant here. That is no small matter. And since you have entrusted me to be godmother…" Her voice faltered, then she rushed forward, words tumbling like a carefully crafted distraction. "Well, we will need so much prepared! After everything…Clothes, yes, many clothes. But how shall we know the gender of the child? Ah, no matter. If it is a girl, I shall personally train her to hold her head high, to be dignified and clever in the ways of court. And if it is a boy, I will see to it that he learns how to protect what he values most. Either way…" her lips curved into a grin, "I will spoil the child endlessly."
Morganna laughed, the sound light and unguarded, carrying genuine joy. It startled the Countess for a moment, so rarely did her queen allow such warmth to slip free. "Seraphina," she said, her eyes alight with mirth, "you truly are the best choice."
A real flush crept across the Countess's face at the sincerity of those words. She stumbled, blurting out, "What do you mean?" Her tone cracked high with surprise before she quickly corrected herself, more restrained this time. "I mean… what do you mean, my lady?"
"All this talk of you lecturing my child," Morganna replied with a soft chuckle, "let us first hope my love will even agree to it."
The Countess's smile faltered, souring at the mention. Ah, yes. The King. Her expression darkened ever so slightly. "If he allows anyone to stand close to you and the child at all." Her voice dropped lower, steady and serious. "Aside from that, my queen, you must foll—"
A violent crash from outside split the air, cutting the Countess short.
Morganna's face hardened instantly, her smile vanishing like smoke. "They must be the ones."
The towering chamber doors creaked, then swung open with force. The High Chancellor's voice rolled inside, booming with self-importance. "There will be no need for killing."
He entered with deliberate steps, and behind him came seven robed men moving like shadows at his command. One dragged a trembling Rosette forward, while another held a struggling Angelo. Dorian strutted at the Chancellor's side, his lips twisted into a cruel sneer, savoring his false triumph.
The Countess exhaled softly, a sigh that carried more resignation than fear.
"Finally," Morganna said, her voice calm as frozen water. "You show your true colors, Chancellor."
The High Chancellor chuckled, the sound dry and self-assured. "Ah, the Queen of Balmount. Bold enough to speak when true power stands before her."
"A man who hides behind others to protect himself when danger looms," the Countess replied, her laugh low and mocking, "cannot call himself a man of power."
Dorian's face contorted, his temper snapping. "Countess! Did the High Chancellor grant you leave to speak? You whore!"
The Chancellor halted his advance, now standing only a few steps from the two women. He ignored Dorian's words with calculated indifference. "Good day, Morganna."
Neither Morganna nor the Countess moved. Their gazes held him without yielding, their expressions unreadable.
Dorian's voice cracked louder, anger boiling over. "What is wrong with you both? Do you not know how to bow before your new ruler?"
"Ruler?" the Countess scoffed, contempt flashing in her eyes. "A man who waits for the King to leave before acting cannot call himself ruler of anything."
Morganna's fingers tightened against her ring, a subtle, almost desperate gesture hidden from all but herself. Thorn… please. Come on time.
Dorian stepped forward, rage pushing him to strike the Countess. But Angelo, still bound in the robed man's grip, thrashed wildly to reach her. Before the blow could fall, the Chancellor raised a hand, halting his subordinate with quiet authority.
"There will be no violence," the Chancellor said smoothly. "Not when the two ladies stand without resistance. Is that not so, Morganna?"
Morganna's chin lifted, her voice steady as steel. "And why would we resist, when we are surrounded and cornered?"
Where are you, Kaito? The Countess's thought cut sharp and frantic through her mind.
The Chancellor laughed, deep and triumphant. "What else did you expect? I would not come unprepared."
"Prepared for two women," the Countess said coldly, her defiance sharp as a blade. "That is not strength. That is weakness."
"Call it whatever you want," the High Chancellor replied, his voice growing colder, sharper. "I call it strategizing. When the task is to face two women… one with the brains, the other with the strength… that, in itself, is a formidable power. And I, for one, will not tolerate disruptions."
"You must stop this, High Chancellor," Morganna said, her tone firm, regal. "The covenant you have aligned yourself with is no ally to you, nor is it favorable to this kingdom."
The Chancellor waved his hand dismissively. "No need for your counsel. And no need to waste my time. There is work yet to be done."
At his signal, two robed men stepped forward. From within their robes, heavy chains clinked as they were drawn out. With cold efficiency, they dragged Morganna and the Countess to their feet and shackled them. The iron snapped shut with finality.
"High Chancellor," Morganna warned, her voice steady despite the bite of metal at her wrists. "I advise you to end this now. My husband, your King, will not show mercy if he learns of this betrayal."
"Mercy?" The Chancellor's scoff cut the air. " We both know that he already knows what I have been doing, but he has kept quiet about it... I am not afraid of the so-called King. Besides…" His lips curled in a cruel smile. "How would he ever know what happens within the walls of his own kingdom?"
Morganna's eyes narrowed, her voice laced with sudden dread. "What do you mean?"
The Chancellor only chuckled, offering no explanation, and turned away. "Let us be gone. We waste too much time."
Morganna's mind raced. Thorn… why are you not here?
As they were forced forward, the Countess winced when the robed man tightened his grip painfully around her arm. She kept her voice steady, her chin high. "Where are you taking us, High Chancellor?"
"You will know when we arrive," he said lightly. "For now, enjoy the walk."
"You must stop this!" Morganna began again, her voice rising. "The covena…"
The Chancellor spun suddenly, his patience unraveling. His hand lashed across Morganna's face, the sharp crack echoing through the hall.
"The covenant what?" he snarled, his eyes blazing. "The covenant has given me more than your King, or this kingdom, could ever offer me."
Morganna's head snapped with the blow. Blood trickled at the corner of her lips. Yet she smiled—a cold, dangerous smile that carried a quiet promise. Her voice was a whisper edged with steel. "You should not have touched me. Now your death is assured."
For the first time, a flicker of fear crossed Dorian's face. Her words chilled him, seeping into his bones. Rosette cried out, "My queen…" but Dorian struck her across the face, snarling, "Silence!"
Morganna's eyes shifted to him, dark and unyielding. Her killing intent surged, heavy as a storm, pressing into his skin. I will kill you myself, she vowed in silence.
Dorian flinched while the High Chancellor chuckled, releasing her and quickening his pace. His composure remained intact, but his stride betrayed an urgency.
Their captors forced them into the wide corridor. Chains rattled with each step, echoing off the stone walls. Then… other footsteps echoed back, steady, approaching from the opposite direction.
"Ah," the Chancellor said with a smug grin. "It seems more must be captured."
Out of the shadows, they came: Mr. Kaito, Mira, Nina, Mael, Takashi, and Astrid.
Upon seeing Mr Kaito with a knowing look The High Chancellor's eyes flicked to the Countess, and his jaw tightened. Countess… you treacherous whore.
The Countess only smiled.