Chapter 6: Atomic Shadows
The Renard estate buzzed with excitement. News had spread that Selene Renard, the kingdom's most celebrated knight and Cael's older sister, had attended a royal gathering. The prince himself had been impressed by her feats and… apparently intended to brag to his ex-boyfriend about her accomplishments.
Selene, oblivious to her brother's secret life, smiled brightly, showing the poise and confidence expected of a noble knight. But that evening, tragedy struck.
As the celebration continued, Selene was kidnapped. A shadowy cabal, aware of her status and skill, had orchestrated the abduction to humiliate the kingdom and seize leverage over the Renard family.
By the time Cael learned of it, the sun had set. The city was cloaked in darkness perfect for his true work.
"This is… going to be fun," he whispered, his calm voice hiding the storm of power he wielded.
He slipped out of the castle unnoticed, donning the cloak of shadows that marked him as the leader of the Umbra Circle. Liora and the team awaited him in the hidden headquarters beneath the estate.
"Where is she?" Cael asked, eyes scanning the city map.
"Captured by the Obsidian Cabal," Liora reported. "Strong wards, heavily armed guards. But… we have one advantage: the layout and timing are all predictable from prior intel."
Cael smirked faintly. "Good. Then let's proceed."
Minutes later, they arrived at the cabal's fortress. Shadows swallowed them as the operatives moved in perfect coordination, dismantling traps and neutralizing guards silently. But when they reached the inner chamber, the true threat became clear: a magical barrier pulsed with energy, designed to trap anyone trying to intervene.
Cael stepped forward, a calm aura surrounding him. He whispered, "Time to end this."
With a single word, he activated an ability known only to his most trusted operatives: "Atomic Form." His body radiated an incredible force, a combination of speed, strength, and destructive energy condensed into a single, precise form. The magical barrier shattered instantly, and the cabal guards were obliterated by an unseen force, leaving no trace but scorched stone.
Selene's eyes widened as her brother appeared before her, calm and composed, yet radiating power unlike anything she had ever witnessed.
"Cael…" she whispered, disbelief in her voice.
"Don't worry," he said softly. "You're safe. Let's go."
By the time the morning sun rose, the cabal had been defeated, and Selene returned to the estate unharmed. Rumors of a "phantom savior" spread, but no one would ever know it was the quiet, background noble boy who had saved the princess-turned-knight.
Later, in the library, Selene bragged to the prince about her escape, completely oblivious to her brother's role. Cael listened quietly, expression neutral, yet inside… he smiled.
Because in the shadows, he was untouchable.