The Dark Knight's Desire – Volume 7: The Cursed Carnival
Lumeria's skies were painted with vibrant banners and glittering lights. The kingdom's traveling carnival had arrived, bringing strange music, magical illusions, and creatures that danced on stilts—or sometimes on thin air. Kael scowled. "Why do I get dragged into fun?"
Elara twirled past him, her eyes sparkling. "Because fun is mandatory for the living… and apparently for rescuing your mood, Dark Knight."
Kael muttered under his breath but allowed her to pull him through the chaotic streets. He kept one hand near his sword, the other firmly gripping hers, not entirely sure which danger—magical or mischievous—would strike first.
The carnival was enchanting, yes—but something felt off. Mirrors whispered, shadows stretched unnaturally, and every joyful laugh seemed tinged with a sinister echo.
"Elara, do you feel that?" Kael asked, narrowing his eyes.
She nodded, lips pressing into a tight line. "It's cursed. Whoever runs this carnival isn't interested in games—they're interested in… hearts."
Before Kael could respond, a carousel burst to life, glowing with dark magic. Elara and Kael were trapped on spinning mounts that defied gravity. Laughter and screams blended as illusions of their deepest fears appeared: Kael, forever alone; Elara, powerless to protect him.
Kael gritted his teeth. "Not happening." He drew his sword, slashing through illusions as if cutting through doubt itself.
Elara's magic flared, sending glowing tendrils of energy through the carnival's shadows. Together, they shattered the curse, leaving the carnival quiet and still—but a note drifted to Elara's feet, written in letters of black fire:
"The heart you trust is the key… and the next test will be closer than you think."
Kael read it aloud, voice low. "Closer… huh?"
Elara squeezed his hand. "Whatever it is, we face it together."
Kael grinned beneath his helmet, armor glinting in the carnival's fading lights. "Then let's hope it's at least funny."
But the wind carried a whisper from the shadows: "The Dark Knight and his mage will soon learn that not all hearts are safe… not even their own."