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A Secret Summons – The Burden of a Father
The grand throne room was silent—an unnatural, suffocating stillness.
Modred stood before the King of Astria, crimson eyes locked onto the old warrior who had ruled for decades. The torches flickered, casting shadows across the deep scars on the King's exposed arms.
His orange eyes burned with a mix of fury and sorrow.
"You need to leave."
Modred's jaw tightened. "I refuse."
The King exhaled, closing his eyes briefly. "It will be too late if you stay. The Pantheon has already taken root. The court, the nobles… they whisper of a divine will. The gods are moving, and I… I can feel them watching."
Modred's voice was cold. "Then I will cut them down."
The King let out a hollow chuckle. "That's what I would have said once. But you don't understand, boy. This isn't war. It's an execution waiting to happen."
Modred remained silent.
Then—the King stepped forward.
For the first time in Modred's life, he saw something unexpected.
Fear.
Not of the gods. Not of war.
But of what was coming.
The King's voice was quieter now.
"You think I would run from a fight? You think I would order my strongest warriors to flee? I am telling you this because I know…" His hands clenched into fists. "I will not be myself much longer."
Modred's eyes narrowed.
The King turned away, staring at the grand window overlooking the city.
"I am making you a lord of a backwater town. You will take Seraphina, and you will disappear. Your names will be erased from the records. You will live as ghosts, until the day comes when you must rise again."
Modred inhaled slowly. "And if I refuse?"
The King turned back, his face lined with pain.
"Then my daughter dies with me."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Then—for the first time, the King's voice cracked.
"She is all I have left. If you ever cared for her, even for a second, do this."
Modred said nothing.
But he no longer refused.
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The Valkary's Final Oath – A Tragic Farewell
Hours later, the Valkary gathered in secret. The grand hall was dimly lit, their cloaks stained from war, their bodies still carrying the wounds of battle.
The King stood before them, his presence suffocating.
Then—he spoke.
"The kingdom is lost."
The words hit like a blade to the chest.
Arthur's golden eyes widened. Dante's usual smirk vanished.
Even Fenrick, who had always laughed in the face of death, stood frozen.
The King's voice was low, bitter.
"The Pantheon is inside these walls. They have poisoned the nobles, twisted the faith of our people. There is no kingdom left to protect."
He stepped forward, eyes burning.
"**You are no longer the Valkary of Astria. You are now the only hope this world has left. You will follow Modred, you will grow stronger, and one day—you will return."
His gaze swept across them, his voice growing heavier.
"And when that day comes… you will kill me."
The silence was unbearable.
Xeraniel let out a shaky breath. "That's not funny."
The King's expression didn't change.
"I will not be myself when you see me next. The Pantheon will turn me into something else. And when they do… I want you to burn me to the ground."
Lucan exhaled, his usual smirk nowhere to be found. "You're serious."
The King nodded. "Swear it."
No one spoke.
Then—Modred stepped forward.
He unsheathed his sword.
The blade gleamed under the torchlight, reflecting the weight of the moment.
Then—he dropped to one knee.
"I swear it."
One by one, the Valkary followed.
Each of them, warriors forged in war, kneeling before their King for the last time.
And in that moment, their fates were sealed.
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Seraphina's Tears – A Promise of Life
The night was cold.
Seraphina sat in their chamber, her hands gripping her dress tightly. She had known something was wrong.
But when Modred told her the truth… she broke.
Her hands trembled as she covered her face. "He's giving up…"
Modred stood before her, watching as she struggled to hold back her tears.
"Seraphina."
She didn't respond.
Then—his arms wrapped around her.
She gasped softly, her body pressing against his as he held her close.
"It's not giving up. It's waiting for the right moment." His voice was low, steady.
She clung to him, her breath uneven.
"I don't want to lose you."
Modred closed his eyes for a brief second.
Then, he spoke the only truth he knew.
"Then stay by my side."
Seraphina exhaled shakily.
Then—she pulled away just slightly, looking up at him.
Her orange eyes glowed softly, filled with something beyond sorrow.
"You're going to be a father."
Modred stilled.
For a moment, his mind went blank.
Seraphina's voice was barely above a whisper.
"I'm pregnant."
The words cut through the silence.
And for the first time in his life—Modred felt something shift inside him.
He wasn't just a soldier. He wasn't just a killer.
He was going to be a father.
Seraphina gave him a small, shaky smile.
"You'll be a good one."
Modred inhaled slowly.
Then—he pressed his forehead against hers.
His hand rested gently against her stomach.
And beneath the darkness of the collapsing kingdom… a new life had begun.
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