CHAPTER 43
The heavy scent of parchment, ink, and old wood filled the air. Papers rustled gently on the desk as sunlight poured in through stained glass windows, casting fractured colors across the marble floor.
The Grand Duke stood by the window, his gloved hand clenched behind him, a sharp crease drawn between his brows. His usually composed demeanor was now fraying, voice low as he addressed the knight standing before him.
The knight swallowed hard. "Yes, Your Grace. She vanished without notice. Sterella's security claims no breach, however, when their evaluation was happening, her mana vanished... unknowingly."
The Grand Duke's expression turned unreadable.
*click*
Then the door behind them opened.
The boy had been passing by, casually humming and looking for his favorite sweets the servants sometimes left by the study. But what he heard stopped him in his tracks.
Now, he stood at the doorway-barefoot, hair slightly tousled, a half-eaten cookie in hand.
The knight stiffened. The Grand Duke slowly turned, sighing as he caught sight of the wide, trembling eyes staring up at him.
The Grand Duke looked at him, and something in the boy's eyes gave him pause. Determination burned there. A quiet, fierce strength that reminded him... of Sorayael.
He hesitated at first and then, finally, he sighed and crouched to meet Krios' level.
The Grand Duke blinked. "Krios.."
Silence settled between them, thick as wool. Then the Grand Duke nodded slowly, rising to his full height.
The Grand Duke emerged moments later, clad in regal black and silver, his presence commanding as ever.
He placed a hand on Krios' shoulder.
Krios nodded, jaw tight.
The carriage doors opened. And together, the Duke and Krios stepped inside.
The gate creaked open.
'Sorayael... I hope you're safe.' The Grand Duke prayed.
'Ate...' - Krios.
The Academy grounds had never known such quiet tension.
The moment the black and silver Aethenroth crest was seen on the grand carriage descending the hill, every faculty member, every guard, and every watching student straightened their backs, breath held.
For few held the name Zerathiel Kaelith Aethenroth-the Grand Duke, the National Hero-in mere esteem.
They revered it.
As the doors opened, armored escorts stepped out first, followed by the man himself-tall, broad-shouldered, cloak billowing behind him like a wave of command. His gaze alone silenced whispers. Every eye turned to him.
And just behind him, a smaller figure-Krios Elaris, his silver hair tousled by the wind, his youthful features set with unshakable resolve. Though younger, there was something striking in the boy's stride-a quiet fire.
Zerathiel gave a polite nod, then spoke firmly, "Take me to Headmaster Xiaven. Immediately."
The door opened before the guards could knock.
Headmaster Xiaven, robed in deep violet and trimmed with silver embroidery, stood tall, a composed smile forming on his face as he stepped forward.
His sharp, calculating eyes fell first on the Grand Duke, whom he greeted with a deep bow.
Then his gaze shifted and softened.
Krios blinked, unsure whether to bow, shake hands, or stand still. But the warmth in Xiaven's smile grounded him.
The Headmaster walked over, eyes crinkling faintly.
Zerathiel narrowed his eyes. "Could it be an attack?"
Xiaven shook his head. "I don't believe it was purely hostile. I think someone took her or.. she followed willingly. Either way, we're running short on leads."
'I actually kinda have an idea who took her.' Xiaven said on his mind.
Krios balled his fists, jaw tight.
Xiaven placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Zerathiel's voice cut through next.
The Headmaster bowed solemnly.
As the meeting ended, and the doors opened once more, whispers followed the trio down the corridor-not just of awe, but of worry. Because if Sorayael Elaris could vanish, then something greater stirred beneath the surface of Sterella.
Just as Grand Duke Zerathiel, Krios, and Headmaster Xiaven were about to step out of the office, the doors flung open with urgency.
The words echoed in the room like a thunderclap.
Krios's eyes widened, glinting like polished moonlight. "She's here?"
Without waiting for another word, he bolted past them, his footsteps pounding through the marble halls of Sterella Academy.
The grand entrance doors stood tall and silent-until they opened with a sigh of magic.
Sunlight streamed through like an ethereal curtain.
And there she was.
Untouched and unbroken. Regal in her presence, even in the simplest cloak.
Her silver hair shimmered under the daylight, eyes a molten gold that pierced into every soul who dared meet her gaze.
But what made the gathered students and teachers pause.. were the two men flanking her.
One, with striking blue hair and fiery red eyes, looked like he stepped out of a battle hymn-arms crossed, scoffing at the other.
The second, taller with a sharper elven grace and a bow strapped to his back, was muttering something sarcastic under his breath.
They bickered like squabbling ravens.
The scene would've almost seemed comedic-if not for the woman between them, who carried herself with the quiet dignity of a storm long since calmed.
A shout tore through the stillness.
Krios crashed into Sorayael, arms thrown around her with all the force a younger brother could muster.
Sorayael stumbled back a step, blinking. "K-Krios?"
For a moment, she could only stare.
He looked like he hadn't slept. There was dust on his boots, urgency in his embrace. And behind him, stood Grand Duke Zerathiel, his expression unreadable but his eyes scanning her with relief.
Krios grinned, teary-eyed. "We heard you were gone. I couldn't just stay behind."
Her golden eyes softened touched and shaken.
Before she could answer, Reinhold cleared his throat. "Should we... bow now or later? The royal reunion is blocking the path."
Deimon rolled his eyes. "She's literally still recovering, and you're worried about blocking hallways?"
Sorayael exhaled, lifting one hand to pinch the bridge of her nose.
Krios blinked up at the two. "...Who are they?"