"Your father is not who you think he is," one of them muttered coldly.
The crowd moved forward.
Leaving the princess behind.
Broken.
Time remaining until they reach the palace — 3 minutes.
Palace of King Rexar De Kyoru
Unrest spread through the palace halls. Soldiers rushed back and forth, hands trembling on spear shafts, breaths shallow. Panic crawled through the air like smoke.
The King raised his hand.
"No one will fight," he said calmly. "We will go outside. I will wait."
"B-But, King—" a soldier stammered.
"I know," Rexar interrupted. "I don't care about any of that."
He turned his back to the throne.
And walked away.
Out of the palace.
Toward his people.
Outside the Palace
The people marched through the sand.
Now one minute away.
King Rexar stood at the palace steps, alone, his cloak unmoving despite the wind. From here, he could already see their faces—anger, fear, conviction burning like wildfire.
Above it all—
On the rooftop of a nearby house—
Ashryn Witherfall watched.
Ash-grey skin reflecting the sunlight. Thread-like scars lining his neck and arms. His pale yellow eyes observed the scene as if it were judgment itself.
Silent.
Patient.
Elsewhere on the Island
Varo Kuzan dropped to his knees in the scorching sand.
Princess Amelia lay there, blood staining her chin, tears soaking the ground beneath her.
He lifted her head gently into his arms.
"What happened, Amelia?"
She clutched his shirt tightly, sobbing.
"Varo… please… help me. Stop him." Her voice shattered.
"He'll burn the country down! I love this place… please save us."
Varo's hands trembled.
Inside, rage screamed.
Outside, he smiled.
"That's all?" he said softly. "Don't worry. Trust me."
"I'll defeat him."
Footsteps crunched behind them.
Orimo Kuzan stood there.
Alive.
He placed his hand gently on Amelia's head, his expression cold and unwavering.
"Of course I will," Orimo said.
"This is my brother's country. I like the people here."
"I won't let them suffer."
"Absolutely not."
Varo exhaled slowly, smiling as he looked at Amelia.
"Stand up," he said gently. "Have faith in us."
"I promise," he continued, voice firm.
"No matter what… I will keep my word."
Orimo stepped forward, eyes burning.
"You have my word too."
"Ashryn will lose."
Amelia stood, wiping her tears.
Ahead of them—
The brothers walked forward.
Cloaks fluttering.
Steps heavy.
Varo's voice dropped, deadly calm.
"Orimo… you know what to do."
Orimo clenched his fists.
"Absolutely."