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Peter& valerian
Peter remained silent the entire way, walking behind Valerian through the stone corridors. With each step, his chest grew heavier.
Finally, the knight stopped before a grand building made of dark marble, black banners with a royal crest hanging from its balconies.
Valerian turned slightly, a smug half-smile on his lips.
"This is the knights' hall… those under my command."
He tilted his head and added, mockingly:
"Of course, you're not a knight yet… Perhaps a servant?~"
Peter's jaw clenched.
He glared at him, and before Valerian could add another insult, Peter said coolly:
"If you're looking for a servant, try someone who doesn't know how to break your nose."
Valerian let out a soft laugh, as if entertained, then moved on without a word.
They reached Peter's room.
Valerian opened the door to reveal a clean space, warm light casting soft shadows on the walls. A proper bed, a window overlooking a large courtyard…
Peter froze.
Clean? Safe?
No rats. No stench.
Better than any place he'd ever slept in.
But he showed no surprise—just pursed his lips, closed the door behind him, and stood quietly in the center of the room, eyes slowly scanning it.
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Nereus & Lorene
In the infirmary…
He opened his eyes slowly. There was a dim glow around him… though he couldn't see it. Only warmth, and the scent of herbs.
"He's awake," said a kind male voice—it was the healer mage.
Soft footsteps approached… then a gentle, feminine voice:
"Nereus?"
He didn't answer—but he felt her presence.
"I'm Lorene… a royal knight. I was there when you were hurt. The healer says you'll recover."
Silence.
Then, he whispered:
"…I won't be with them anymore, will I?"
Lorene sighed softly, but smiled—even if he couldn't see it.
"I'll take care of you. I promise."
He hesitated.
"How long… will I stay here?"
"That depends… How old are you?"
"Sixteen…"
Her eyes gleamed with quiet sorrow, but she placed a hand gently on his shoulder.
"Then you still have a lot ahead of you to prove yourself, Nereus."
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Marcus & Darius
The next scene?
Marcus lay flat on the ground, nose bleeding, clothes torn, and the morning sun mocking him from above.
Darius stood over him, arms crossed, face unreadable.
"Are you done with the childish flailing?"
Markus groaned, trying to sit up:
"You could've said… you were that good!"
Darius shrugged.
"I assumed the title 'Commander of the Royal Knights' said enough."
Markus muttered, rubbing his jaw:
"I just… wanted to start our relationship with a punch."
For the first time, Darius smirked—a faint, sarcastic curve of his lips:
"You're an idiot. I might like that."
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Sera & Ilarious
The road to his palace was eerily silent.
Sera walked behind him, unsure why he chose her… and even more unsettled by how calm he was.
They entered the grand hall—vast, luxurious… a dream that didn't belong to someone like her.
Suddenly, he turned to her, his tone mocking:
"Welcome to your new home… my servant."
She stopped, eyes wide.
"Huh?! Who said I—"
He cut her off, stepping closer, a gleam of mischief in his eyes:
"I'm a knight, yes… but also a prince. I don't supervise anyone. I give orders."
She stepped back.
"Then why did you volunteer to supervise me?!"
He smiled, lifting his feathered fan to cover half his face, and said:
"Oh, I didn't volunteer to supervise you… I claimed you."
Her brows shot up in disbelief and anger:
"Claimed me?! Like I'm some object?!"
He leaned close, voice slow and teasing:
"Disobedient servants… are always the most fun."
She turned away, teeth clenched in fury—ready to explode.
But deep down… she knew.
This man was playing with her mind on purpose.
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Gerald & Lucas
The night was cold.
While the others were taken to rooms… Lucas was led to a dark stable that reeked of hay and moisture.
Gerald turned to him with a deadly calm:
"This will be your place tonight."
Lucas scoffed:
"What is this? Punishment? Stables are for animals, not people."
Gerald stepped closer, voice still calm, but his eyes burning:
"Oh… but they suit beasts well. Especially shapeshifting liars."
Lucas stepped forward, furious:
"I'm not your slave!"
In a blink—Gerald grabbed him by the jaw, cold fingers like iron.
And then… something shifted.
Lucas gasped—his heart pounded, veins throbbing in unbearable pain.
Something was being pulled out of him… slowly, violently.
"Stop—! Wh-What are you doing?!"
Gerald leaned in, whispering darkly:
"I hate noise… And if you want to keep your precious power… obey."
The pain intensified.
"FINE!! I'll do it!!! Just— stop!!"
Suddenly, Gerald let go.
Lucas collapsed, breathing hard, sweat soaking his forehead, eyes wide with terror.
Gerald stood over him, cool as ever:
"Good. I don't like repeating myself."
Then he walked away, leaving Lucas in stunned silence.
A man like that…
Was unlike anything Lucas had ever encountered.