"Now I am going to announce the rules and regulations of the Inheritance War."
The king's voice echoed across the vast Legacy Hall like a thunderclap. The grandeur of the chamber amplified every syllable, and not a soul dared to speak.
His silver cloak shimmered under the lights as he stood tall, radiating the aura of supreme authority. The silence grew heavier.
"Rule number one," the King continued, his eyes sweeping the room like a blade. "There is no place for the weak. That... is the only rule."
A hushed wave of tension swept through the chamber.
"There will be three battles," he declared. "The first — each of the four heirs must choose three of their soldiers for a battle royale. A fine leader must know how to choose fine subordinates."
Whispers and glances darted among the heirs and their entourages.
"The second — two heirs shall join hands to battle the other two. Together, with your soldiers, you must fight. A leader should know how to work with another leader, and command not only his people but those of his ally."
He paused for a heartbeat that seemed to last forever.
"The third — a final battle royale between the heirs themselves."
The King's eyes locked on each of them in turn, his gaze cold, calculated.
"Remember… to be the strongest."
With those final words, the King turned and exited the hall, his cloak trailing behind him like a shadow.
As everyone watched the mighty King depart, captivated by his presence, only Sai kept his eyes fixed on another figure — the tall man with heavy presence,standing silently at the center of the hall.
Judas noticed. "Sai, who is he?"
Sai answered quietly, eyes still glued to the man. "I don't know."
The ceremony ended. The soldiers and heirs began dispersing.
Claire approached Isabella eagerly. "So Isabella, who are you going to choose for the first battle?"
Isabella took a breath. "I'm going with Sai and Judas. But I still haven't decided on the third."
"I will," a voice declared, stepping forward with pride.
Griffith.
"I want to be the third," he said. "It's true those two are the strongest ones, but even the strongest need a shield. I'll be that shield."
"I agree with you," Sai said, nodding without hesitation.
I nodded too. No words needed. Our bond had been sealed on the battlefield.
"Then it's decided who to send," Austin confirmed.
"Yes," Isabella declared. "Let's go with Sai, Griffith, and Judas."
A chilling voice called out. "Bella."
Everyone stiffened. We knew that voice.
Riana.
"What do you want?" Isabella asked, turning to face her.
"For the second battle, let's team up," Riana said, extending her hand.
Before Isabella could answer, another voice sliced through the air like a dagger.
"No. She's going to be with me."
Rose.
She emerged from the corridor, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders, her expression unreadable.
"Bella is going to be paired with me," Rose said firmly. "Don't come between us, Riana. Not after all these years."
Isabella stood still, then said, "I'd like to join Rose."
Riana scoffed. "Suit yourself."
She turned and walked away, her heels clicking like gunfire on the marble.
Rose looked straight at me. Her lips curled in that familiar teasing smile.
"Hey, kid. Don't drag us down, okay?"
She laughed, her voice echoing lightly through the hall.
I stared at her, silent.
That Night
The mansion was quiet, but a tension hung in the air.
Sai leaned close. "Judas. Let's begin our mission. We need to search the Williams estate — all of it. We have to find anything that can reveal their relationship with the Alcrians. We must discover it before the Inheritance War ends."
I nodded. "Okay. I'll search."
The estate was enormous — towering walls, endless rooms, secret corridors. Each step was a risk. Guards patrolled. Servants whispered. Eyes were everywhere.
I moved silently, slipping through hallways and ancient chambers. Every creak of the floorboard, every flicker of light made my heart beat louder.
Then —
"What are you doing here?"
I froze.
A familiar voice. Playful. Dangerous.
Rose.
She stood at the end of the corridor, arms crossed, eyes sparkling.
"What are you doing?" she asked again.
"Nothing," I lied. "I got lost."
She burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha! So you are a kid after all. Talk about losing his way!"
I had enough.
I stormed toward her, pressing her against the wall. My hand covered her mouth.
"Don't keep provoking me," I hissed. "Understand?"
Her eyes widened — surprised, but not frightened.
She nodded slowly.
I removed my hand.
We stayed still.
Face to face.
Our eyes locked.
I felt my breath catch as I leaned in. Slowly. Closer. Closer still. My head tilted, lips inches from hers—
"There you are."
Sai's voice.
I stepped back instantly.
He approached calmly. "I was looking for you. You disappeared."
"I got lost," I said quickly.
"Let's go."
We turned to leave, but I glanced back.
Rose hadn't moved. She was still watching me, her eyes filled with something I couldn't explain.
And I… couldn't look away either.
Outside, the cool air met us like a slap.
Sai was quiet for a moment, then asked, "What were you doing?"
"The mission you gave me."
"Not that." He looked at me, eyes narrowed. "What were you about to do with Rose when I found you?"
"Nothing," I said. "We did nothing."
Sai's voice lowered. "Remember, Judas. Never get close to the Williams. They're not as nice as they seem."
He turned away.
"What do you mean, Sai?" I called.
But he didn't answer.
He walked away, his back disappearing into the shadows of the estate.
And I was left alone.
Haunted by the words.
Haunted by Rose's eyes.
And haunted most of all by the unkown feeling…
That everything was about to change.