The grave pit was a large grave mound. It was as high as a small mountain, and there was a big tombstone standing on it, engraved with many names.Aurora's terror reached its peak, her throat releasing sharp, desperate screams for help.One of the guards opened the cage door and grabbed her by the hair. Then, he yanked her out and tossed her onto the ground. Aurora felt a wave of pain flood through her body; she curled up, trying to crawl away.The guard immediately seized her hair again and dragged her toward the grave mound, shoving her against the tombstone. He pointed to the names carved on it and roared, "Do you even recognize these names? You don't understand, do you? They're all the people you killed!"Aurora shook her head frantically, gasping, "N-No, it wasn't me—"Before she could finish, the enraged villagers surged forward.Her screams cut through the crowd, echoing in the valley, sending birds scattering in fear.Black clouds gathered from all sides, quickly blottin
Barrett gasped for air, his chest tightening as though gripped by a massive hand, making it impossible to breathe."What's wrong with you?" Viola had been woken by the commotion. She looked at him sitting up, clearly in a daze. "Another nightmare?" she asked impatiently.Lately, he had been having nightmares every night. Viola couldn't help but wonder how much guilt weighed on him to make it happen so often. What frustrated her most was that he often called out Aurora's name during these nightmares.When he didn't respond, still clutching his chest and gasping for breath, she sneered, "Dreaming about Aurora again? Did she die in this one too?""She's dead," Barrett murmured, his face drenched with either sweat or tears—it was hard to tell. "It felt so real... I dreamt that the villagers hacked her to death. She died miserably. Her head was severed, and there was blood everywhere. Her body...was torn apart."Hearing him say this in the middle of the night made Viola's skin crawl.
Barrett ignored Viola. He staggered to his feet and stumbled up the stone steps to the door.Inside, it was pitch black. He fumbled around for a long while before finding the matchstick and lighting a lamp. The tiny, flickering light cast dancing shadows across the room in Blessed Haven.The place was bare. The furniture—simple, everyday pieces—offered no comfort. The only things of value were the doors and windows that had been reinforced with ironwood.He sat there, dazed, as Viola continued to rant outside.She yelled for a while, but Barrett didn't respond. After a moment, Viola snapped in a burst of frustration, "If you're still thinking of the past, then there's no need for us to keep wasting time. Let's get a divorce."The word "divorce" struck Barrett like a blow, pulling him out of the suffocating memories he had been lost in. He looked up—but the dim light couldn't reach his eyes, which were lost in shadow. "Divorce?" he repeated."Yes!" Viola shouted, throwing her
Viola's life had been a mess lately.Barrett was incompetent and careless with his duties, which made the king dislike him. To make matters worse, someone actually went to Skye Embroidery at this time. Amelia, a woman Viola had always looked down on, had a workshop named after her even after her death.To make things worse, Viola's sister-in-law was spreading rumors that Amelia's death was somehow connected to her. It made Skye Embroidery feel like a thorn lodged in her throat, uncomfortable and irksome.Then there was Serena. She had been sent back to her family by the Marquis of Ironridge's family, and she should've been keeping a low profile. Instead, she was acting as if nothing had changed. She walked around as arrogant as ever, her head always held high as though she were too good for everyone. It was infuriating.And now Serena, of all people, was trying to find another husband. It was laughable! She had once mocked women who were divorced, first targeting Carissa and then
Viola didn't know what to do, so she decided to let the cold war drag on.After all, it was she who brought up divorce. Barrett only agreed in a moment of impulse. If they really went through with it, he would never find another wife.Who would want him? The only chance he'd have would be to marry a merchant's daughter or a commoner. No family with any kind of status would ever accept him."Let's not speak of tonight again," Viola said, sounding tired as she closed her eyes. "Tomorrow, send for the physician. Tell them I'm unwell and need to rest for a few days.""Yes, Madam Viola." Poppy was unsure whether her mistress truly wanted a divorce, or if she was just venting in frustration. She fell silent and didn't dare to press the matter further.The next morning, Barrett stood waiting at the gates of Hell Monarch Estate. This time, he was there to seek an audience with Rafael, not Carissa.When Rafael emerged, he saw Barrett standing by the corner with his horse, his face pale an
News of Aurora's death quickly reached Starhaven.Winona and those from Skywing Spire had witnessed firsthand how the common folk vented their anger, and how Aurora had met her tragic end. The letter didn't arrive by carrier pigeon, but by swift horses sent from Skywing Spire, making its way directly to Hell Monarch Estate. The details were described vividly. Winona made sure to include extra information specifically for Carissa.Aurora was the cause of the Sinclair family's massacre, and Carissa hated her with all her heart. But because the events involved Fawnrun City, she couldn't exact her own revenge. So, Winona had written all the details down, hoping to give Carissa some sense of closure.Carissa read the letter once. Then again. She recognized the handwriting—it was Winona's.After reading it, she sat in a daze for a long time before letting out a deep sigh. Then, she broke down and cried in Rafael's arms.Rafael held her close, gently patting her back, feeling a deep so
The gifts remained untouched in the storage room, and Carissa hadn't even bothered to glance at them.After dinner, she took a lamp and went inside alone.Rafael offered to stay with her, but she refused, insisting she wanted to open the gifts by herself. Even Violet's attempt to join her was turned away at the door.Though Rafael was uneasy, he moved a stool just outside and sat, keeping vigil from the hallway.Dylan had returned with news. When Barrett learned of Aurora's death, he had thrown himself against a wall in a violent fit. His wound bled heavily.Dylan was still in shock. He had seen it with his own eyes—Barrett had slammed into the wall with such force. Dylan felt as though Barrett was trying to end his life right then and there.Luckily, in his rage, Barrett had stumbled, which lessened the blow. Otherwise, there was no doubt he would've died on impact.Confused, Dylan asked Jacob, "Why would he do that? If he wanted to die for Aurora, why didn't he just go with he
How small were they?They were about the length of a pinky finger, but as thin as paper. Carissa casually grabbed a handful and threw them, and the flying daggers sank deep into the wall.Of course, the daggers themselves didn't have that kind of power. But because of their willow-leaf shape and thinness, they became extremely powerful when propelled with inner force.Carissa wasn't surprised. After all, she could throw leaves or flowers with nearly the same precision and power. Of course, the damage wouldn't compare to a throwing knife, which was far more effective—deadly, even.She thought back to a visit from her third and seventh uncles when they had come to Meadow Ridge. At the time, Adrian had been experimenting with concealed weapons. She had just started training and had complained to her uncles. She said if only there were a hidden weapon that was both easy to use and lethally effective, it would be perfect.Suddenly, a memory struck her. Her expression changed, and she q
Once back at the palace, Salvador was unable to rise from his bed. Sebastian spoke briefly with him, hinting that he didn't have much time left. If there was anyone he wished to see, it should be done as soon as possible.The first person Salvador wanted to see was, of course, Victoria."That child… When he saw me, he couldn't stop asking about you. You didn't love him in vain, Mom," Salvador murmured, his voice weak.Victoria sighed deeply. "How cruel... his life must be lived hidden away in the mountains, never able to leave. Is there truly no hope for his legs?""I believe there is no hope," Salvador replied softly, his lips pale and drained of color. "But as I was leaving, he said, 'Dad, once I've learned enough medicine, I'll cure you. I'll make you better.'"Victoria's heart ached. "What a good child."Salvador's gaze drifted to the ceiling, his voice barely a whisper as he repeated, "Yes, he is a good child."After speaking with Victoria, Salvador asked Rafael to bring in
Salvador had temporarily settled at Eldermere Keep. The place was filled with every kind of medicine, yet his illness had reached a point where no remedy could ease his suffering.Still, staying there brought him peace. It was as if he had finally set down a heavy burden and could now live as an ordinary father. He spent each day with his son, sharing simple moments together.Carissa was allowed to visit and spend some time with Connor. He asked her about Ryan, specifically inquiring whether he had made any new friends."Ryan has no other friends but you. He always thinks about you," she reassured with a smile, thinking the eldest prince might be jealous.Connor was quiet for a long while, his expression tinged with guilt. Finally, with a deep sadness in his eyes, he softly said, "I have friends now, like Otto. Ryan should have his own friends too. I always think about him, but... I don't think I'll ever see him again."Carissa gently patted his head and smiled. "The future is lon
After the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature began to drop. Salvador had been carried up the mountain, but now, he was carrying Connor on his back as they made their way back into the estate.Connor had his arms tightly wrapped around Salvador's thin shoulders, and he couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was a scene he had never even dared to dream of. Not only had he never imagined being carried by his father, but even something as simple as having his father gently pat his head had always seemed like an impossible wish.But his father was so thin; there was no flesh on his back at all. How had he become so frail?Carissa and the others waited outside the gates. Not even Galen had been allowed in. Only Salvador's most loyal attendants, those who had carried the litter, were permitted to enter. The others, of course, were kept away from Connor. They all believed that Salvador had come to Eldermere Keep solely to recover from his illness.The estate itself was full
Salvador didn't fare well along the long and tiring journey, his condition worsening with each passing day. Sebastian did what he could—applying needle treatment and using medicine—but all he could offer was temporary relief. As they pressed on, the king's condition only seemed to deteriorate further.Fortunately, Salvador was a man of remarkable willpower. Despite his suffering, he gritted his teeth and carried on, unwilling to give in. He could not afford to back down—not now.Eldermere Keep lay in the southern province of Mendoria, where the climate was mild and temperate, perfect for someone needing rest and recovery. Even though it was now winter, the air was neither cold nor biting, more akin to the gentler days of autumn.The locals knew little of Eldermere Keep, though they often spoke of a physician's office that was the largest in Mendoria, as big as the one in the capital, also called Arcane Sanctum. There were other keeps, but this one was renowned for its abundance of r
Before Salvador left the capital, Rafael had already become regent and taken on the required duties. With his great military achievements, he had earned respect from both civil and military officials. At first, no one questioned his authority, and many even held him in high regard.However, with Salvador now ill and traveling incognito, rumors began to spread within the palace, warning people to be wary of the regent. The fear was that, as Cecil was still so young, Rafael might take advantage of the situation and eventually replace him.As often the case, such suspicion and rumors spread like wildfire, fueled by the mouths of many. Consequently, a number of officials lost their previous respect for Rafael. They even began to disregard his orders, paying them little heed and carrying out his commands half-heartedly.Noticing this troubling shift, Davis felt a sense of urgency. He decided to speak with Patrick, the Minister of Justice, who was also Cecil's grandfather and the father o
On the day of the first snowfall, a sudden idea struck Salvador. He hadn't attended court in some time, and now, seated on the throne, he declared his plans for a private journey to admire Starhaven's beautiful landscapes. As for the kingdom affairs, they had already been entrusted to Rafael, and that arrangement would remain unchanged.As Salvador appeared very thin and weary, many court officials tried to advise against the trip. But once he had made up his mind, there was no swaying him. He insisted that Carissa and Galen accompany him, along with Sebastian and Dorian.The very next day, they set off.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—Salvador had already discussed the matter with Rafael and Carissa beforehand. Sebastian had advised against it, but the king's mind was made up, so the renowned physician had no choice but to accompany him.While Salvador certainly wanted to see more of the kingdom, his true destination was Eldermere Keep, as he longed to see his son one last
Eustace waited patiently for Violet to finish her greetings before he could finally choke back his emotions."Rise, you little imp," he said softly, his voice thick with feeling.Violet slowly stood, her eyes brimming with tears. She tilted her head back, fighting to hold them in.At that moment, she regretted her decision. Why had she been so stubborn? Why had she insisted on getting married in the capital when none of her relatives were here?"Dad, once the wedding is over today, may we return with you? We can hold a celebration at home. Afterward, we can go to the guild and host another, if that's all right," Violet suggested.Eustace was pleased by the thought, but didn't want his daughter to wear herself out with so much traveling."Didn't you say you don't have many friends in Ebonflow? That's why you didn't want a grand wedding there," he reminded her."I don't, but you do, Dad, and so does our family. I can't be so selfish. I don't want you to be embarrassed because of m
Carissa had intended to spend more time talking with Violet today, but she had forgotten how many little tasks came with weddings. The hired bride attendants arrived to do Violet's hair and makeup, and before long, an hour had passed.Violet was already stunningly beautiful, but under the skilled hands of the bride attendants, she looked even more radiant—lovelier than the flowers themselves.Lunchtime came and went with only a light meal, and soon, the guests began arriving to see Violet off.As the groom's elder sister-in-law, Zoey wasn't supposed to be present but had insisted on coming. She said that since she was family to the groom, and as good as family to the bride, there was no problem. After all, it was a good day, and as long as everyone was happy, what did it matter?As Violet put on her wedding gown, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over her.Was she really getting married?Marriage meant taking on responsibilities—managing a household and having children. It woul
Isaac and Violet were finally set to marry in the golden month of October.In truth, Violet had accepted Isaac's proposal the year before, during the Starlight Harvest Festival. From that moment, she knew he was the one she wanted to give her heart to. When she agreed to marry him, she did so with all sincerity, trusting her feelings in that moment.It had taken a full year to arrange the wedding, but it wasn't because of the wedding gifts or dowry.Violet's dowry had been prepared by the Spencer family since her birth, gradually adding to it year after year. Now, they had even bought a house and a large estate in the capital. As for the wedding gifts, the Pathfinders Guild had long since prepared them on Isaac's behalf.Instead, the delay was due to differing opinions among the Spencer family, the Inferno Guild, the Pathfinders Guild, and Violet herself.Violet wanted to get married at Hell Monarch Estate, then have Isaac escort her to her estate in the capital. It seemed easier