The grand palace stood silent under the dim glow of moonlight. The King sat upon his throne, lost in thought, when suddenly the heavy doors creaked open.
"Your Majesty, he's been captured," Phils said, bowing deeply. "Wien is now under our control. His powers weren't as strong as we thought—but we've taken his stone. He won't be escaping anywhere now."
The King leaned forward, his calm eyes glinting with authority. "You've captured the greatest criminal of our kingdom. I'm truly grateful, Phils."
Phils lowered his head respectfully. "There's no need for gratitude, Your Majesty. Protecting the kingdom is our duty."
He then turned and walked toward Prince Sam, who was standing near the balcony. "You did well," Sam said with a faint smile. "That man had controlled many people's minds. Anyway, I'll be leaving now—I need to heal the soldiers who came from the battlefield."
As Sam started to walk away, Phils asked, "By the way, where is Wellness? How's her training going?"
Sam's eyes froze for a second—fear flickered within them. He hesitated, forcing a weak smile. "I… sent her back home."
Phils suddenly grabbed Sam by the throat, his voice rising with fury. "I didn't entrust Wellness to you so that you could just send her home! Who gave you permission to do that?"
Sam gasped, struggling to breathe. "If you… let me talk… I'll explain!"
Phils finally released him. Sam coughed, taking deep breaths. "She wanted to go back," he said quietly. "We can't decide anyone's future for them. And besides, she'll come back in a few days. If she doesn't… I'll bring her back myself."
Phils stood silently for a moment. Then his voice softened. "You're right… It's her life—her choice. Who are we to decide?"
He paused. "But… how long has she been gone?"
"Almost a week," Sam said.
Phils's temper flared again. "A week? And you still think she's coming back?"
"Yes," Sam replied, his voice filled with quiet pain. "Because she reminds me of my sister. I don't want to lose her too."
His tone broke as he looked down. "My sister was just like her… stubborn and kind. But they killed her… and destroyed her powers too."
Phils said nothing. He turned and started walking away, but after a few steps, he stopped. "Listen," he said softly, "the soldiers need you right now. Go."
Sam nodded silently and walked away to heal the wounded.
---
It had been a month.
I had spent every day blaming myself—for leaving the palace, for running away. Regret weighed on my heart heavier than any burden I'd ever known.
But now… I had made up my mind.
I was going back.
As I walked toward the palace, questions filled my mind. What if they replaced me? What if they don't want me back?
Still, I couldn't stop myself. I reached the great gates of the palace. The golden symbols glimmered faintly under the moonlight.
I didn't have ID. So, I sat nearby, waiting, hoping that maybe Prince Phils or Prince Sam would see me—then I could enter.
Time passed quietly.
Suddenly, a sharp voice broke the silence.
"Hey! What are you doing here so late at night? Go home!"
I turned and saw a young man in royal armor, about my age, glaring at me from his horse.
He stepped down, his boots echoing against the stone floor. "Who's with you?" he asked angrily.
I looked around—no one was there.
He frowned. "Answer me! What are you doing here?"
Before I could speak, he pulled out his sword, and before I could move—he thrust it into my stomach.
Pain shot through my body. I couldn't understand what was happening.
He pressed the blade against my neck. My breath trembled. But then—another sword flashed through the air, knocking his weapon away.
Both of us turned.
There he was—standing under the fading light of dusk, his royal cloak fluttering in the cool wind, his eyes sharp and burning with anger.
Prince Phils.
He leapt from his horse, rushed to me, and caught me before I could fall.
"What are you doing, Prince Phils?" the royal boy shouted. "She possesses dark powers—she's a danger to the kingdom!"
Phils turned to him, fury in his eyes.
"Silence!" he thundered. "Keep your mouth shut!"
The boy froze.
Phils looked down at me, his voice softening. "You're safe now," he whispered, as he carried me through the palace gates—back into the world I had once left behind.