Queen Naraka stood silently at the tall crystal window of her throne room, eyes fixed on the distant horizon where shadows grew long with the coming twilight.
The heavy doors creaked open, and a dignified, silver-haired man stepped inside. Despite his age, he carried himself with quiet strength and timeless grace.
He bowed deeply.
"You summoned me, Mother?"
Naraka turned to him with a soft, knowing smile.
"Come in, Vekhir. I need your help. Would you fetch us some tea?"
Vekhir smiled gently but shook his head with reluctant respect.
"It would be an honor, Your Majesty… but I must decline. There is too much to do. What is troubling you?"
His voice held concern.
The Queen's expression shifted—still kind, but tinged with sadness.
"It's Erymas."
Vekhir raised a brow, still calm.
"He's reckless, greedy, yes... but the public doesn't see that. And let's be honest—his accomplishments surpass us all. What's the real issue?"
Naraka's gaze turned thoughtful.
"Tell me, Vekhir. Where do you think he is right now?"
Vekhir chuckled.
"Sulking in his chambers? Crying because young Nujah will be named Shinrei tomorrow?"
A moment passed. Naraka didn't smile.
"I wish that were true," she said, her tone suddenly heavy.
"But what if I told you he's with Elyka right now—planning an attack? On Nujah. On all my children."
Vekhir's smile vanished like broken glass. His face tensed.
Without another word, he turned sharply toward the door.
"Then I must issue a capture order immedia—"
"Stop."
Her voice cut through the room.
"Come back here."
He obeyed, confused but respectful.
Still, he couldn't help but ask:
"If we're not going to counterattack, then why did you tell me, Mother?"
Naraka approached him slowly, her expression calm but firm.
"Because your mission is to ensure the ceremony goes on without bloodshed. That no harm comes to anyone. Understand me, Vekhir: tomorrow is for Nujah."
Vekhir's brow furrowed.
"But… why? Why not strike back?"
Naraka met his gaze.
"You said it yourself. The people still can't see who he truly is. Because he's still human. Because of that, resentment grows within Shiora."
"So we will not fight. We will let him show them who he is."
Vekhir's voice dropped, uncertain and sincere.
"But… forgive me. Nujah has failed every training simulation against Erymas. Do you truly believe he can win? Alone?"
Queen Naraka stepped closer, her eyes glowing faintly.
"I never said he would be alone. His siblings will be there."
"And more importantly… I believe the light inside that boy will shatter the filth Erymas hides behind."
There was silence.
Then, Vekhir gave a quiet smile, this time filled with resolve.
"Then tomorrow shall be... entertaining, Your Majesty."
"I will issue the orders to the army for full civilian evacuation protocols. Vekhir Tolen, at your service."
---