Amid the crowd of students and instructors, Evo walked toward the buffet to grab something to eat and drink. Since he wasn't one to socialize, he fixed himself a small plate of snacks and searched for a quiet corner. Scanning the room, he soon found a spot near the edge of the stage.
There was a small stairway leading to the back of the stage. He sat down and started eating—until he suddenly felt a pair of soft, large mounds press against his back. A sweet, intoxicating perfume filled his senses.
A woman wrapped her arms around his neck and crossed them over his chest, resting her chin on his shoulder. Long strands of violet hair fell over both of them.
— I thought you'd be helping Ravina... Freya, — he said, glancing sideways at her.
— Well, we already finished helping the band set up their instruments. We're free now, — she said, taking a sip of her drink.
Evo watched her drink, a small amused smile on his lips.
Good thing she's powerful... normal alcohol wouldn't even scratch her. Otherwise, I'd have to scold her myself, he thought, turning back to his plate.
— Here, eat this. — He popped a snack into her mouth. She melted like a child savoring a treat.
— Mmm, thanks. That's really good, — she murmured.
— I know, they're delicious! I'm gonna devour them all tonight, hahaha! — He laughed.
— Careful not to get fat, — she teased, giving his stomach a playful pinch.
He looked at her in mock offense.
— Did you just call me fat?! — He placed a hand on his chest dramatically.
— Hahaha! And if I did, what would you do about it? — she asked, feigning superiority.
— Well, since you asked... — He grabbed her arm and bit it lightly, a mischievous grin on his face.
— You dog! You bit me again?! — She smacked his head, and he laughed, clearly delighted by her reaction.
He let her go, gently wiping the spot he'd bitten with his handkerchief. His touch was tender, his movements careful. Freya couldn't help but smile at the affection. When he was done, he tucked the handkerchief back into his coat.
Then, she wrapped her arms around his neck once more and nestled closer to him. Her voice dropped to a whisper meant only for him.
— Tell me, Ev... why are you sitting here alone? Why not enjoy the ball with everyone else?
He leaned back against her, silent for a moment before exhaling deeply.
— Haaah... isn't it obvious? You already know. I was never the social type. Crowded places full of noise aren't for me. I prefer peace... and quiet.
— That's why most of the other noble heirs barely know me. I never attend their gatherings or royal festivities.
She ran her fingers through his hair as she listened. Everything he said was true—he was quiet, solitary, and didn't care for the noble games. But she worried. Someday, he'd have to take his place as head of the family. He would need allies. She was about to bring it up when he suddenly spoke, as if reading her thoughts.
— Ev, don't you think—
— I know what you're worried about, Freya. But you don't have to be. — He said, eyes distant as he watched people chatting and dancing.
— What do you mean? — she asked, raising an eyebrow.
— I'm not taking the position of patriarch. So I don't need to waste time building noble alliances, begging for favors or influence.
She stared at him, trying to make sense of it—but his mind was impossible to read.
— Not taking it? That's your role! Your birthright as heir!
He exhaled deeply.
— I'm giving my title to Babel. She's far better suited for that kind of thing. The girl's a genius with politics.
— And honestly... harrr... I don't want to be chained to that world. I just want to be free—to do whatever I damn well please.
Freya listened quietly, her expression shifting from disbelief to understanding.
Most would kill for such a position—especially in the noble House of Eylam, one of the Empire's most prestigious lineages.
But she could see it now. For Evo, power was a cage. Freedom meant more to him than any throne. And whatever he chose, she would stand by him.
— Alright, Ev... then do what makes you happy. Whatever you decide, I'll support you. I just want you to find happiness—wherever you end up. — She tightened her embrace, and he smiled softly.
— Hah... that almost sounded like something she'd say. — He chuckled, sinking into her warmth.
— She who? — she asked curiously.
— Who knows? Hahaha. — He shrugged, remembering another reckless woman who'd once driven him mad.
They stayed like that for a while, enjoying each other's presence. Evo adored this woman. Her presence stripped away every wall he built, leaving him exposed—but not afraid.
With her, with both of them, he didn't need masks or distance. He could simply be himself.
Then Freya's eyes lit up with an idea. She took his arm.
— Let's dance.
He sighed, already knowing resistance was useless.
— I don't have a choice, do I? — He stood, letting her drag him toward the floor, her hand gripping his arm tightly as if afraid he might bolt.
He laughed to himself. Even if I tried to run, she'd catch me anyway... stronger in every way. He was doomed, and he knew it.
As they reached the dance floor, she placed her hands around his neck, and he pulled her close by the waist. Her head rested against his chest while a soft melody filled the air.
He smiled. Holding her like that filled his heart with a calm, glowing warmth.
The truth was, Evo had fallen for both of them.
And what shocked him most was how fast it happened.
The cold, proud boy who rarely let anyone in had fallen before he even realized it.
But really... calling those two "beautiful" was an insult. They were goddesses in human form—beauty and power intertwined.
Their very presence could start wars. Even other women found themselves spellbound.
So how could he resist? Especially when he'd always had a weakness for older women.
And the way they all connected—as if they'd known each other for lifetimes—only made those feelings stronger.
Still, he never dared confess.
He had too many reasons not to.
He was barely fifteen. They had lived for centuries.
And more than that... he was terrified.
If they ever pulled away from him, he'd break.
So he buried it deep inside—his secret, his heart locked away.
No one would ever know.
Back on the dance floor, she lifted her head and looked into his eyes. He met her gaze, unflinching.
Their eyes shone under the soft lights—silent, magnetic, impossible to look away from.
Anyone watching would be captivated by the unspoken bond between them.
Freya smiled.
— You know, you've got such beautiful eyes, you bastard. Hihihi. — She laughed, staring into those proud, golden pupils.
— And I love yours too, my stalker. — He grinned, giving her waist a gentle squeeze.
— You know, Ev, I used to think you—
She stopped mid-sentence, frowning slightly.
Evo noticed immediately.
— What is it, Freya? You okay?
— Ev... don't you feel that? — Her voice trembled.
— Feel what, woman? I don't—
He froze.
Now he felt it.
Something was very wrong.
He looked down at himself—and realization struck like a blade of ice.
— My power... my mana... it's gone! — he said, eyes wide in disbelief.
— That... that's impossible! — Freya's tone was sharp, filled with alarm.
Around them, panic began to spread.
Instructors took defensive stances.
Students screamed, confused and afraid.
Chaos swallowed the ballroom.
The air turned heavy—cold, oppressive, murderous.
It felt like invisible hands were squeezing every heart in the room.
Some fainted. Others could barely stand.
Hell itself had descended upon that hall.
Ravina, searching for Freya, finally spotted her beside Evo and ran toward them.
— Freya! Eylam! — she shouted, breathless.
The two turned to her instantly.
When she reached them, Freya asked, panicked:
— Ravina, what's happening?!
— Freya, it's urgent. When I was outside—away from the hall—I felt their presence...
— They're here?! — Freya's eyes widened.
— Yes. As I entered the hall, I saw a massive blue barrier surrounding the entire place. And the moment I stepped inside, my body weakened... completely.
Freya's voice grew harsh.
— How could they get this close without us noticing?! I'd sense them miles away from the Academy!
— I don't know, Freya. We knew they'd make a move... but not this soon.
Evo, frustrated and lost, cut in:
— Oi, oi, oi! Mind explaining what the hell is going on?!
Freya opened her mouth, but Ravina answered instead:
— Eylam... the Wanderers. They're here.
The moment those words left her lips, Evo's eyes widened.
A dark, dreadful premonition surged through his chest—something sinister yet eerily familiar.
He pressed a hand over his heart, feeling it hammer violently.
Every instinct screamed, Leave. Now.
If he stayed...
Something inside him whispered a terrible truth.
He would regret it—for the rest of his life.