The gates of House Vaelthorn opened slowly.
Trumpets echoed through the grand corridor of stone and roseglass, and the crimson banner of the family was raised high on the spire tower, fluttering in the morning breeze.
Kael rode beneath it—tired, scarred, but victorious.
Behind him, the Lion's Teeth marched in formation, armor polished despite the campaign's grime. Their boots struck rhythm on the bridge as commonfolk cheered from the lower walls. Knights saluted. Servants whispered.
The Thornborn had returned.
And the rumors had arrived before him.
---
Thorn Court – Formal Procession
Inside the main hall, the family council stood waiting.
Duke Aldric Vaelthorn, Kael's father, stood tall at the dais. Beside him: Lady Merien (Kael's stepmother), several high lords of the council, and Commander Veyr—the iron-willed noble who had once called Kael a disgrace.
The Herald stepped forward and spoke loudly.
"Kael Nocturne Vaelthorn, heir of House Vaelthorn, returns from the northern campaign with three banners seized, twenty-two captives, and the remnants of Velcras shattered."
The crowd clapped—but it was restrained.
Kael stepped forward and bowed.
"Victory was earned by all. I only guided it."
Duke Aldric studied him.
"You used it, didn't you?"
Kael paused.
"…Yes."
Silence rippled through the court.
The Duke's eyes narrowed—not with anger, but calculation.
"And you survived."
Kael met his father's gaze, calm.
"I did."
---
Behind Closed Doors – The Council Reacts
Later that night, the council gathered without Kael.
Arguments raged.
"He's dangerous," Lord Trevane spat. "He channeled forbidden blood magic in open war! Even if he won—he's tainted."
Lady Merien responded, "He saved the border. We've gained favor with the Western March and silenced noble unrest."
Veyr, surprisingly, remained silent.
The Duke spoke last.
"Let them whisper. Let them fear. A Vaelthorn who wins is more dangerous than a saint who dies."
He looked at Veyr.
"I assume you saw the reports?"
Veyr nodded.
"Half the knights who served him want to swear loyalty to him directly."
The Duke smiled faintly.
"Then let them."
---
Kael's Quarters – Recovery and Reflection
Kael sat in his private study that evening, bandaged and exhausted.
The dagger sat sealed in a case across the room.
He hadn't touched it since the fortress.
Lyra sat across from him, sipping tea. She hadn't left his side since they returned.
"You're the talk of the estate," she said.
Kael grunted. "Good or bad?"
"Both. The staff thinks you're some kind of war god. The nobles think you're the next disaster."
He smirked faintly. "Sounds about right."
Then silence.
Until Lyra asked softly, "Do you regret it?"
Kael didn't answer immediately.
Then:
"No. But I regret… how easy it was."
---
Rin's Decision
Elsewhere in the estate, Rin stood in the training yard.
Serentha watched her stance with folded arms, unimpressed.
"Again," she said.
Rin tried again. Her stance improved. Her feet moved sharper. Her sword didn't wobble as badly.
Serentha nodded.
"Better."
"I want to get stronger," Rin said suddenly. "Not just read books. Not just shout spells from the backline."
Serentha raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because when Kael fell… I froze. I had knowledge, but no strength. I won't let that happen again."
The old knight studied her.
Then extended a wooden training sword.
"Then I'll train you."
Rin blinked.
"I don't train brats," Serentha added. "You'll earn every bruise."
"I know," Rin said.
And smiled.
---
Public Applause and Private Doubt
A banquet was held the next evening.
Nobles filled the Thorn Courtyard, drinking fine wine and offering practiced compliments. Bards sang songs of Kael's victory. Artists begged to sketch him in ink and rose-oil.
Kael endured it all with cold grace.
When one minor noble compared him to his father, Kael merely replied:
"I fight for peace. Not legacy."
The man never approached him again.
Later, Lyra found him in the corner, brooding with a half-empty glass.
"You hate this, don't you?"
"I hate when they praise blood."
Lyra clinked her glass against his.
"Then make them praise you instead."
---
A Private Message
Late that night, a shadow slipped into Kael's study.
Not a servant.
Not a spy.
But a letter.
Left on his desk. Sealed in wax. No signature.
Kael opened it.
> "Your dagger's resonance cracked the third Vault chain. The sealed one awakens further with each pulse.
Keep using it… and he will not stay asleep.
You may have won a war.
But the real enemy sleeps beneath your house."
Kael closed the letter slowly.
Then looked toward the sealed dagger.
And said nothing.
---
End of Chapter 67