— Wait… what do you mean, we're at the gates of war…?
Atela asked with surprise to André, who remained calm in front of her.
— I assume you are aware that all the kingdoms of the world have closed their borders already a few days ago, aren't you?
Atela nodded. David watched them talking in silence.
— Yes… I had been informed before my escape.
— But you don't know the reason that pushed them to do that, do you…? The kingdom of Zhaorin, one of the most powerful nations in the world, has been annihilated.
Atela's face turned pale, while David still said nothing.
— But… how is that possible…?
André adjusted his glasses, still just as serious.
— According to the information that was communicated to me, the Selestia organization is responsible for all this… Apparently, they sent an army of twenty-three thousand warriors. The information we received from the person leading the operation on site is very limited. We only know that it is a man with a stitched smile.
The young girl put her hand over her mouth, her gaze filled with terror.
— No… if it continues like this…
David placed his hand on the young girl's shoulder.
— Atela, do you still intend to accomplish your objective? The one that brought you here.
Atela lowered her hand and turned toward him with a determined look.
— I have absolutely no intention of turning back. Never!
David let out a slight smile when he saw her determined face.
— Alright. I will ask Noa to accompany you, but… you remind me of your father at the same age.
Atela, surprised, remained speechless while blushing on the spot.
The door of the room opened as someone stood in the doorway.
— Hey… are you done?
Lara stood at the entrance with her usual smile.
— What are you doing here?
David asked with a calm voice. André added:
— Shouldn't you be with the others?
Lara rolled her eyes.
— Mom just told me to come get you. Everyone is waiting for you. As for me, I came to pick up our surprise guest.
She stopped in front of Atela with a big smile.
— Hi, how are you? I'm Lara Hyperion. Nice to meet you, Atela.
Surprised by this familiarity, Atela stepped back, but after all, they were both princesses.
Lara gently grabbed Atela's hand.
— I'll borrow her for a few hours.
Lara immediately left, pulling Atela along with her.
— Huh! But wait!
— Don't want to! We don't have time!
The two rushed out of the room.
As David was about to leave as well, his father held him back by the shoulder.
— I think it's not a good idea to talk to Noa about this subject in front of everyone… About your son who isn't really… but still, you are the most appreciated in the family.
David turned around, his face having softened.
— I won't need to tell him anything. He already knows.
Meanwhile, in the hall filled with people talking among themselves…
Sitting on a chair, Noa, dressed in light blue and white royal clothes, had his eyes closed and his arms crossed, paying no attention to the movements around him.
— Hey, Noa…
He opened his eyes, which shone for a second before fading.
Eric was sitting at the same table as him, with Yuna and Elena beside him.
— You didn't tell me why you went to save Atela at the drawing… I must admit it surprised me a little.
Elena also spoke, a cup in her hand. She placed a finger on her cheek with a slight smile.
— I have to admit that it caught me a little off guard too. I almost fell off my chair.
Yuna added a few words.
— Coming from you, it doesn't really surprise me… but I was also a little surprised at first.
Noa looked at Eric for a moment before looking away.
— And I thought you had understood.
— Um… understood what?
A finger lightly tapped Noa's shoulder. He turned around to see who it was.
— Hey, Noa.
Lara had just arrived with the special guest.
Atela, behind her, wearing Lara's clothes, greeted him with a wave of the hand… while he remained completely impassive.