Chapter 39

A faint, peach blossom-like fragrance lingered on Naya’s lips.

"My first kiss… was with you last time," Naya replied coyly. "And now I’m giving you my second."

Leon pulled her into his embrace.

………

…………

……………

The rain poured heavily.

Ruri waited in the downpour. After listening to the rhythmic drumming of raindrops a hundred times over, she finally approached them, pretending not to have seen anything.

"I brought umbrellas," Ruri said flatly. She held two—one raised, one gripped in her hand.

"Thank you," Leon took the umbrella offered to him. "This smaller one is enough for me. You two girls share the other."

"Ruri… I’m sorry for making you come out in this," Naya said with slight guilt, slipping under the umbrella.

"It’s fine. I saw the rain from home and thought to fetch you," she replied.

*She probably didn’t see anything… right?* Naya couldn’t help wondering.

Time slipped into night—

The storm had long ceased, but flashes of lightning still split the sky, followed by thunder’s roar. A new deluge loomed.

Perfect weather for ghost stories.

"Long ago, the King of Highcourt had twin sons. The younger prince grew jealous that his elder brother inherited the throne by mere minutes. Jealousy festered like a venomous fang. One day, as the crown prince hunted, he crossed a rope bridge. The younger prince severed its cords. The elder fell into the river, never to surface again. The younger framed the bridge’s craftsmen. Grief-stricken, the king executed them all. A month later, impatient for his father’s death, the younger prince poisoned the king at a feast and blamed a minister. But his victory was hollow. Cursed for kin-slaying, fangs sprouted from his gums. He became a creature that craved only blood. The sun rejected him. He now wanders eternal darkness, shunning daylight."

Naya finished her "ghost" story.

"Naya, that’s practically a fairy tale…" Leon remarked.

"Wasn’t the blood-drinking monster part scary?"

Leon fell silent… Ani’s tale of ten rabbits had been far more terrifying.

"Aile’s never been out this late before," Naya said.

"Could the Wolf God’s remains be causing trouble?" Ani, curled cat-like on the table, mumbled.

"Maybe she’s on a new mission," Leon said, a spark of eagerness in his voice. "She always reports straight to the second prince after adventures. She seems to trust him deeply."

"Hmm. Aile and the second prince are childhood friends," Naya replied.

The words had barely left her lips when Aile burst through the door—the crash making everyone jump. A cloaked figure trailed silently behind her.

"The king passed away last night," Aile announced gravely.

*What—?*

The news struck like lightning—

Naya’s rival—the princess’s father, Leon’s "future" father-in-law—had died before arranging their marriage.

The cloaked figure lowered their hood, revealing golden hair—

"I am Turing Reyes. A pleasure to meet you all." The second prince smiled warmly.

*His Highness the second prince—?*

"Greetings, man called Hero." He shook Leon’s hand firmly. "I regret meeting under such rushed circumstances."

"Why visit us so late, Your Highness?" Naya asked.

"My father, though in robust health, died suddenly last night. My brother Ivan has declared himself king, seized the palace, and silenced all news. Something feels wrong. With Aile’s help, I disguised myself and fled."

"You… suspect foul play?"

Turing nodded. "My brother acts strangely. I have no proof yet. But I fear he’ll target my siblings and me next." A bitter smile flickered. "Right now, I can only rely on you."

"Crown Prince Ivan Reyes commands five hundred palace guards. I worry for your safety," Aile said, arms crossed.

"And we’re just six people…"

"We have the Aeon Sect," Aile countered.

"With me present, the guards and knights won’t attack rashly. I’ve already sent a raven to another ally. I need your help uncovering the truth."

"No problem," Leon agreed instantly.

"Another ally? You never mentioned them," Aile pressed.

"Her identity must stay hidden. But she’s my most trusted confidante. She aided the Sect in recovering the Book of Light."

As he spoke—without warning—Turing clutched his throat, choking.

"Ghh—kkk—hhh—"

"What’s wrong?!" Aile cried. Shock froze everyone.

Naya immediately cast Healing Art—but it failed! No wound marred his body! Even poison should yield to the Art! Yet nothing worked—as if an invisible hand throttled him!

Turing collapsed to his knees, face purpling. He locked eyes with Aile, forcing out broken words—

"Ae…on…it…"

"Aeon?! What about Aeon?!" Tears streamed down Aile’s face.

He’s dead.

Dead in Aile’s arms.

TO BE CONTINUED.