Outside the palace, a large crowd had gathered. People stood shoulder to shoulder, filling the open space in front of the gates. Some had their eyes closed, some had their hands folded, and some whispered prayers again and again. Everyone was praying to God for only one reason that their young master would wake up and become well soon.
It was the first time in Ethan's life that he had fallen unconscious like this. The news spread quickly, and fear reached every corner of the palace. Servants stopped their work, guards stood silently, and even the nobles looked worried. The palace, which was usually calm and grand, now felt heavy with tension.
Inside, Ethan lay on the bed, pale and still.
His parents had immediately called the best doctor in the kingdom. This doctor was known for saving many lives, even in the most difficult situations. He examined Ethan carefully, checking his breathing, his pulse, and his reaction. Even though his expression remained calm, the worry in the room did not fade.
Ethan was the second son of the royal family. His elder brother sat beside him, refusing to leave even for a moment. He held Ethan's hand gently and rubbed it slowly, as if his warmth could somehow reach him.
"You will be fine, my brother," he whispered in a low voice.
His eyes stayed fixed on Ethan's face. They were filled with fear, care, and helplessness. He had always protected Ethan, and seeing him like this made his heart ache.
The chaos inside the palace felt unreal. People moved quietly, afraid to make noise. Some servants carried flowers and placed them before the God statue inside the palace hall. The statue was not shaped like a human. It was a smooth, round stone, silent and still. There were no eyes, no face, no expression.
Yet everyone believed in it.
They believed this stone God gave strength and protected life. They believed it could heal the sick and guard the royal family. Outside the palace walls, people continued chanting holy mantras, their voices rising together in hope.
Near the doorway of Ethan's room, a young boy stood with his arms crossed. His name was William. His face was tense, and his brows were drawn together in worry. He was the same person who had entered Ethan's room earlier that morning. He was also the one who had caught Ethan when he collapsed and carried him quickly to the King's chamber.
William's mind was full of questions.
"It was just a normal loss of consciousness," the doctor finally said after a long examination. "But did he see something strange? Something unrealistic? Or did someone say or do something that shocked him deeply?"
The room fell silent.
The King slowly turned his gaze toward William.
William immediately lowered his head in respect. "Young Master—" he began, wanting to explain everything that had happened, but before he could continue
Ethan moved.
A small movement, but enough to make everyone freeze.
Slowly, Ethan's eyes opened
.
Fear appeared in them instantly.
He looked around in confusion. The ceiling, the curtains, the people—everything felt unfamiliar. His breathing became fast as panic filled his chest.
"Where… am I?" he asked, his voice weak and trembling.
The words echoed in the silent room.
He suddenly noticed a hand holding his. Startled, he pulled his hand back quickly. His eyes landed on his elder brother sitting beside him.
Kyle looked relieved and worried at the same time.Ethan's heart beat faster.