(Royal Palace, Velmoria)
A heavy silence lingered in the dim-lit corridors when Hans knocked softly on the door.
"Your Majesty," Hans called, his voice careful, uncertain.
From inside came the low reply.
"What do you want, Hans?"
Hans hesitated, shifting nervously before answering, "Your Majesty… Prince Velco is with me. He says he wishes to speak with you."
For a long moment, silence fell again. Then Eyan's voice, calm but sharp, cut through it.
"…Let him in."
Hans pushed the door open. Prince Velco entered with a measured grace, his lips curled into that polite smile.
"Your Majesty," Velco bowed with mock respect.
Eyan sat behind his desk, fingers interlaced, an easy smile ghosting his lips.
"What brings you here, Prince?"
Velco's tone turned sharp.
"Your Majesty, I wished to speak with you alone."
Eyan's eyes flicked to Hans.
"Hans, wait outside."
Hans bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty." He cast a glance at Velco—uneasy, suspicious—before stepping out and closing the door.
Eyan leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable.
"Now, Prince… tell me. What is it you wanted so urgently?"
Velco's eyes darkened with intent.
"Your Majesty—release the Dragon King."
Eyan's lips curved into a smile, almost mocking.
"…What?"
"I said," Velco's voice was steady, chilling, "release the Dragon King."
Eyan chuckled under his breath, though his gaze hardened.
"Prince Velco, do you have any idea what you're asking for?"
"I do, Your Majesty," Velco replied without hesitation.
"Oh, you do?" Eyan's voice grew colder. "And what makes you think I would unleash that monster simply because you demand it?"
Velco smirked, stepping closer, lowering his tone like a dagger sliding between ribs.
"Because you will, Your Majesty… if you wish to see your sweet wife, Eva, alive."
Eyan's smile faltered.
"…Didn't I already tell you?" His jaw tightened. "She is not my wife—"
"Then why," Velco cut him off, pulling a folded parchment from his cloak, "did you send this letter to her friend, Lady Aranel?"
Eyan's eyes widened as Velco held up the note—the one written with his own hand.
"You may pretend to be cold," Velco sneered, "but this proves you care. Your Majesty."
Eyan's voice dropped dangerously low.
"Where did you get that?"
Velco's grin widened.
"Oh, from Lady Aranel herself… after I paid lady eva a little visit. She was foolish enough to carry it with her when she went rushing to dear Lady Eva in the middle of the night."
The words barely left his mouth before Eyan surged to his feet, seizing Velco by the collar, eyes blazing with fury.
"Where are they?" he snarled. "What did you do to them?"
Velco didn't flinch. Instead, he leaned in, his smile venomous.
"Careful, Your Majesty. Touch me again, and perhaps your wife won't live to see another dawn."
Eyan's grip trembled before he released him, his chest heaving.
Velco smoothed his collar as though nothing had happened.
"That's better," he said smoothly. "Now… listen carefully. Do as I say. Release the Dragon King—and I will let your wife and her friend walk free."
Eyan's jaw tightened, his voice hoarse with rage.
"…I need some time to think."
Velco tilted his head, eyes gleaming with cruel amusement.
"Very well. But don't take too long. The more you hesitate… the more they will suffer."
Eyan's fists clenched at his sides.
"It won't take long."
"Good." Velco smirked, his victory evident. "Then, Your Majesty, I'll await your answer. Don't keep me waiting."
With that, he swept out of the chamber, leaving behind the faint echo of his boots against stone.
Moments later, Hans rushed in, his face pale.
"Your Majesty—what did the Prince say?"
Eyan sank into his chair, his hands trembling as they raked through his hair. His voice broke as he whispered—
"Hans… what should I do now? Velco has captured Eva and Lady Aranel."
Hans froze, horror dawning on his face.
"What…?"
Eyan's voice cracked, his composure crumbling.
"What do I do now?"
------
Luca returned from the Magic Tower, his cloak damp with the night air.
"Eyan," he called, voice tight with worry.
Eyan stumbled toward him, unsteady on his feet, desperation written in every movement.
"Luca… did you find a way?" His voice cracked, hope and fear colliding.
"No… Master isn't in the Magic Tower. I couldn't find him anywhere," Luca admitted, shaking his head.
Eyan's last thread of hope snapped. His shoulders slumped, his chest tight with panic.
"Luca… Prince Velco captured Eva and her friend."
Luca froze. "What… how? When?"
Eyan swallowed hard. "Last night…" His voice faltered, then hardened. "And now he's asking me to release the Dragon King. If I don't… he'll kill Eva and Lady Aranel."
Luca's face drained of color. "Eyan, but if you release the Dragon… you will—"
"I know. I know exactly what will happen," Eyan interrupted, voice trembling with a mix of fear and resolve.
Luca's eyes searched Eyan's, pleading. "What are you planning to do now?"
Eyan drew a shaky breath. "Luca, I have a plan… but for it to work, I need your help."
"Tell me… what's your plan?" Luca's tone was cautious, almost fearful.
Eyan explained, each word weighed with grim determination.
"No… I can't do it," Luca said, voice tight with anger and sorrow. "I can't."
Eyan placed a hand on Luca's shoulder, steadying him. "Luca… that's the only way. After I receive the punishment, all the Dragon's blessings will be taken from me. Then… your magic will work on me."
"No, Eyan… I can't do it. Please… don't make me do this," Luca said, shaking, tears brimming in his eyes.
Eyan sighed, the weight of inevitability pressing down. "If you can't… then I'll do it myself."
"Eyan—" Luca began, panic choking him.
"Listen," Eyan whispered, pulling him close. "As soon as I release the Dragon, take Eva and Lady Aranel to a safe place, okay? I'll take care of everything else."
"But—" Luca choked out, unable to finish.
Eyan hugged him tightly, voice breaking. "Please… take care of Eva… and the child… once I'm gone. Please."
Luca finally wrapped his arms around Eyan, tears flowing freely. They stood together, two friends bound by grief and desperation, crying silently for the impossible choices that lay ahead.
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