Chapter Forty-One – Red Snow
Atta lay unconscious for hours after being brought back to the Human Kingdom.
Luke and Charlotte had placed him gently in his royal quarters, his body resting but his soul restless.
When he finally awoke, he sat up abruptly — gasping, sweat dripping down his face. For a moment, he didn't know where he was.
Then the memories came flooding back — Lio's lightning crashing down on him, Luke stepping in to stop the fight, the seal breaking, and… Luke's words echoing in his ears.
> "Princess Izza… is dead."
Atta's breathing quickened. He pressed a trembling hand to his forehead.
"This must be a bad dream," he whispered. "It can't be real… Sister Izza… how could she die?"
Tears streamed down his face. He stumbled to the window and saw snow falling gently outside — quiet, beautiful, and cruelly peaceful.
With a cry of anguish, he punched the glass. It shattered, cutting deep into his hand. Blood mixed with the snow on the floor.
"I wasn't even there to protect her…" he whispered, his voice breaking. He fell to his knees on the shards, tears falling freely.
"I'm a failure… If only I had mana — maybe I could've sensed her, like Sister Fiza senses me from afar…"
His eyes blurred as memories overwhelmed him — Princess Izza and him sitting together on the palace lawn, watching the stars. She smiled softly, patting his head.
> "No matter what happens, you'll always be my little brother."
Atta clenched his teeth, his voice trembling.
"Why did she have to die? Why would anyone even try to kill her!?"
He screamed, his voice echoing painfully through the empty halls.
Moments later, a soft knock came from the door.
"Get lost!" Atta shouted hoarsely. "I don't want to see anyone right now!"
The door creaked open anyway. Charlotte stepped inside, dressed in a simple white gown for the funeral. Her usual playful aura was gone — replaced by quiet sadness.
She saw him kneeling in broken glass, his hand bleeding, tears streaming down his face. Without saying a word, she walked over and knelt before him.
Atta kept his head bowed until Charlotte gently lifted his chin, forcing him to meet her eyes.
"Why did she have to die…?" he whispered. "It feels like I lost my mother all over again…"
Charlotte brushed away his tears with her thumb. "Let it out, Atta. I'm here."
The dam broke. Atta collapsed against her, crying uncontrollably. Charlotte held him tightly, stroking his back as tears welled up in her own eyes.
After several minutes, his sobs quieted into soft whimpers. Charlotte leaned back, cupping his face gently.
"Get ready," she said softly. "Everyone's waiting for you. The funeral is about to begin."
Atta nodded weakly. With her help, he stood and walked to the adjoining chamber. He dressed in a simple white robe — the color of mourning — and returned, his face pale but composed.
The palace halls were silent as he walked through them, Charlotte following quietly behind. The sound of their footsteps echoed like memories.
Outside, snow fell softly over the royal gardens, where the funeral was being held. Thousands of humans stood in white, their heads bowed. The gentle snowfall gave the scene a haunting beauty.
As Atta entered, the mourners parted, bowing deeply to their prince. He said nothing, only continued walking.
The four noble houses stood near the front — their leaders dressed in white, faces heavy with guilt and sorrow. Beyond them stood King Rauf, Atta's father, facing an open coffin.
Atta approached slowly. The king turned his head slightly, saying nothing, but placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
Atta looked down — and froze.
Princess Izza lay peacefully, her face calm and beautiful, as if she were merely sleeping. But her stillness tore him apart.
He leaned down and pressed a trembling kiss to her forehead.
As the soldiers closed the coffin and placed it upon a small ceremonial boat, the air grew colder. They lit the vessel aflame and pushed it gently onto the lake.
Snow continued to fall — white and silent — while the flames burned bright against the crimson reflection of the fire.
Blood dripped slowly from Atta's injured hand, staining the snow beneath him red.
He spoke quietly, still staring at the burning boat.
"Father… who did this to Sister Izza?"
King Rauf didn't turn. His eyes were locked on the flames.
"It wasn't one of the Allied Kingdoms," he said gravely. "It was… outsiders. The Kingdom of the Fishmen."
Atta inhaled sharply, his breath forming a pale mist in the air. He turned to face the nobles — the pillars of humanity — standing with heads bowed in shame.
"You failed to protect your princess," he said coldly. "And I… failed to protect my sister."
He took a step forward, his bloodied hand clenched.
"But as the Prince of Humanity, I will not let this go unpunished. I will avenge her death — even if it means waging war against gods themselves."
He turned and began walking away through the snow.
The first to follow him was Luke Blackwood, the Guardian of Humanity.
Then Charlotte Devon, her expression resolute.
Next came Jessica Desper and Leonardo Silver, the heirs of the remaining noble houses.
All four heirs walked behind their prince, their footsteps in the snow marking the birth of something new — a war that would change history.
But Among These five someone has more hatred and Anger then Atta he is Leonardo Silver Words Magic user And finance of princess Izza, Luke blackwood is following Atta only because of his loyalty towards his Prince, Charlotte Devon is following Atta Because she knows Atta needs her both Mentally and Physically and Jessica Desper is following Atta because She was Rival of Princess Izza in flame Magic
King Rauf watched silently, fists clenched, his expression unreadable as the flames flickered in his eyes.
To be continued...