The sun rose behind the Vaelthorne Kingdom like an omen.
Golden light spilled over ancient stone walls that had stood for centuries, untouched by time, untouched by mercy. From a distance, the kingdom looked peaceful. Proud. Whole.
It was a lie.
Reider stood on a grassy hill overlooking it all, the morning wind brushing silver strands of hair from his face. His posture was relaxed, arms at his sides, but the air around him felt heavy — as if the world itself sensed what was coming.
This was the day everything changed.
Vael stepped up beside him, white hair flowing freely in the wind, eyes fixed on the kingdom she once swore to protect. Her arms crossed slowly, not defensive — measured.
"Still time to turn back," she said.
Reider didn't look at her.
"No."
No hesitation. No doubt.
Behind them, boots crunched softly against the ground. Eryndra approached, already clad in sleek battle armor, dark metal hugging her form like it was made for violence. A familiar smirk curved her lips, sharp and eager.
"If we're doing this," she said, rolling her shoulders, "let's make it loud."
Two presences landed nearby with barely a sound. Juno and Zera stood ready, fully armored, eyes sharp. They didn't speak — they didn't need to. A single nod toward Reider was enough.
Mei approached last.
She didn't say anything at first. Her hand brushed Reider's arm — light, deliberate. A quiet promise. Her expression held nerves, fear, and resolve all at once.
Kael arrived moments later, adjusting his gloves with practiced calm.
"We're ready," he said coldly. "Just say when."
Shadows rippled at the edge of the hill. Elias and Elara emerged from them, the twins standing close, eyes trained on the city like predators choosing their path.
Reider finally spoke.
"Today," he said calmly, "we finish this."
They stood together as the sun fully crested the horizon, long shadows stretching behind them — warriors, monsters, protectors, killers. A line drawn between past and future.
Inside Vaelthorne Castle, Aldric lounged on his throne, wine swirling lazily in his goblet. The throne room gleamed with excess — gold, silk, banners soaked in blood disguised as glory.
Lucian stood at his side, hands folded behind his back, eyes sharp.
"Still no sign of them," Lucian said. "Seems they ran."
Aldric laughed. Deep. Cruel.
"Pathetic."
Back on the hill, Vael unfurled a scroll. Magic shimmered as a detailed map of the kingdom appeared — defenses, routes, choke points glowing faintly.
"We strike fast and precise," she said. "Straight to the palace. No unnecessary killing."
Reider's voice cut through her words.
"This is between me, Aldric, and Lucian."
Eryndra smirked, though tension flickered in her eyes. "Fine. But if they touch you, they die."
Mei stepped forward, voice soft but unyielding. "We'll protect you too. Even if you don't think you need it."
Reider looked at her — really looked — and for a heartbeat, the coldness eased.
"I know."
Juno crossed his arms. "The moment they realize we're here, they'll summon everything they have."
"Then let them," Kael replied.
Elara studied the map, eyes glowing faintly. "We'll cut down anyone in our way."
"A kingdom built on blood," Elias murmured, "will fall in blood."
Wind surged as Reider stepped closer to the cliff's edge.
Vael glanced at him. "You ready?"
He closed his eyes briefly.
"Mother… I'm coming."
When he opened them, they were sharp. Unwavering.
"Let's go."
They moved.
Juno and Zera vanished first — blurs of motion racing toward the walls.
Mei inhaled deeply, steadying herself. Kael drew his blade with a quiet rasp of steel.
Elara and Elias dissolved into shadow.
Silver magic flared as Vael spread her wings slightly, power coiling around her.
Reider's aura pulsed — cold, heavy, absolute. The ground beneath his feet cracked.
They descended the hill together.
Inside the throne room, Aldric smirked.
"Let them come," he said. "It'll be their funeral."
At the battlefield's edge, Eryndra cracked her neck.
"Guess we get Dredge Hollowborn."
Vael shot her a sideways glance. "Don't hold us back."
Mei's voice was colder than either of theirs. "Let's end him quickly."
Kael stared toward a dark quarter of the city. "Azrael Morgrave is mine."
Elara scoffed. "Not if we reach him first."
"Focus," Elias said.
Juno and Zera gazed toward spires cloaked in shadow.
"I don't like games," Juno said. "Let's finish her."
"Finally," Zera grinned.
Reider walked alone.
Every step cracked stone. Every breath pressed against the world.
"Aldric," he murmured. "Lucian. I'm coming."
They split.
Mei, Vael, and Eryndra raced toward a twisted spire, lightning flashing overhead.
Kael, Elias, and Elara sprinted across rooftops, shadows clinging to them.
Juno and Zera vanished into mist toward a poisoned forest.
Reider approached the massive black gates alone.
He placed one hand against them.
They shattered.
Metal screamed. Stone exploded.
Reider walked through smoke and ruin without slowing.
Inside, Aldric paused mid-laugh.
Lucian stood, adjusting his armor, smiling.
"He finally arrived."
Vael, Mei, and Eryndra reached the spire. Red eyes watched from above.
Kael and the twins faced a ruined cathedral — Azrael waiting.
Juno and Zera entered a clearing where shadow and woman merged into one — Veyra Nightshade smiling.
And in the throne room—
Reider stepped forward, stopping a few meters from Aldric and Lucian.
His gaze was cold. Absolute.
"You won't leave this room alive."