The streets of Hearthshade were quiet as Kael Lancaster wiped grease from his hands, the clang of the forge still ringing in his ears. But despite the steady rhythm of his work, an uneasy weight pressed on his chest — a feeling he couldn't shake.
Without knowing why, he untied his apron and stepped out early, feet pulling him home faster with every step.
---
Meanwhile, in the shaded alleys near their home, Damon struggled to breathe.
Lina screamed as Henry Crestwind held her tightly, a dagger pressed against her side. Her feet kicked uselessly as she tried to break free.
Roland Vordellan stood tall, proud, his noble cloak swaying gently in the wind. His lips curled into a satisfied grin as he looked down at Damon, who was pinned to the ground by Syra's binding spell.
— "How poetic," Roland sneered. "You humiliated me… now, I'll make sure you never stand again."
Damon's eyes were wide with panic. He wasn't afraid for himself — but for Lina.
Roland gave a nod.
— "Henry. Show him what dirt tastes like."
Henry's eyes glinted. His fingers twitched, glowing faintly blue as his Prana flowed into the air.
Dozens of small, floating daggers shimmered to life. Controlled like fingers of a cruel hand, they danced around Damon's legs… then struck.
Damon didn't scream.
He bit down, fists clenched, eyes locked on Lina. Blood pooled, flesh sliced, nerves screamed — but he didn't move.
Not once.
Henry stepped back, blade hovering.
— "He could've dodged," he said dryly.
— "But he didn't," Roland chuckled. "Weak little hero."
Just then, Syra's eyes narrowed.
— "Someone's coming."
Roland stiffened. Recognition meant punishment.
— "Let's go. Now."
With a flick of his cloak, Roland vanished down the alley, Henry and Syra following close behind.
---
Kael turned the corner.
His breath caught.
Blood. Too much of it.
Lina was crying, curled beside her brother, who lay broken on the ground. His legs... shredded.
— "Damon!" Kael ran.
Lina looked up, eyes red, voice hoarse.
— "They… they hurt him… for nothing."
Kael knelt, lifting Damon gently, pressing cloth to the wounds, his heart a storm of rage, guilt, and helplessness.
— "I should've been here."
Damon's voice cracked.
— "You're here now…"
Kael gritted his teeth. He didn't cry. But his eyes were hollow.
He looked toward the path the attackers had taken — and said nothing.
But something deep inside him shifted.
---
Far across the city, Euphelia sat in her room, quiet and alone.
Her cheek still stung from the slap her mother gave her. Her disguise, her adventures — all exposed by a servant. Her mother had doubled the guards. She was forbidden from leaving.
And though she sat in a palace of gold and silk…
She had never felt more trapped.
She didn't know Kael needed her.
She didn't know Damon was bleeding.
And yet… she cried.
Without knowing why.
---