Morning sunlight bathed the bustling streets of Amberheart in gold as Silas, Rowan, and Layla made their way toward the imposing Elder Council Hall. The recent trials in Darkwood Hollow still weighed heavily on their minds. Still, today, they had a mission—to report the harrowing events they had witnessed to the elders.

“Did you leave Goldie and Trickster behind?” Silas asked as they walked.

“Yeah,” Rowan replied. “They’re back at my place. I thought it would be best if they stayed out of this for now.”

“That’s probably for the best,” Silas agreed with a laugh. “Wouldn’t want your bear and snake causing chaos in the council chamber.”

Layla, walking beside them, shot Silas a mean look. “Let’s hope we can get through this without any added chaos.”

As they rounded a corner, Silas nudged Rowan lightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Sooo, you two seem surprisingly happy today, don’t you? Did something good happen at Rowan’s house? Any happy memories you need to share, hmm?” Silas raised a brow, feigning casual curiosity.

Rowan immediately stiffened, and Layla’s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink.“What? No, absolutely not!” Rowan’s voice cracked slightly, betraying his fluster.

Layla shot him a sideways glance before narrowing her eyes at Silas. “In his dreams,” she muttered, rolling her eyes but with a sly smirk. Her tone made it clear she wasn’t having any of Silas’s teasing, but her flushed cheeks betrayed just a sliver of something more.

Silas chuckled, clearly enjoying their discomfort. “Oh, if you say that, then I totally believe you. I just thought maybe...”

“Let’s just focus on the council,” Rowan interrupted, avoiding any eye contact with Silas. He started whistling in hopes of avoiding the conversation.

He then exchanged an embarrassed glance with Layla, and for a moment, their eyes met, the tension between them more palpable than ever. But neither said anything, and the conversation faded into a comfortable silence as they neared the imposing hall of the Elder Council.

The grand hall of the Elder Council loomed ahead, its stone facade imposing against the sky. A large flag bearing the insignia of the Remington Clan—a silver gryphon—fluttered proudly above the entrance. The three of them ascended the steps, tension settling over them. As they approached the entrance, one of the guards stationed at the door stepped forward.

“We wish to be granted an audience with the elders. We’re here to report something important regarding the trials,” Rowan said, his voice steady despite the weight of their task.

“State your names for the record,” the guard asked, his tone routine. However, his eyes flickered with curiosity as this reason wasn’t usual.

“Rowan Amerion,” Rowan said evenly, though his voice betrayed a hint of weariness.

The guard made no notable reaction and scribbled the name down. “And you, miss?” he asked, turning to Layla.

“Layla Shone,” she replied calmly.

The guard blinked, recognition sparking in his eyes. “Countess Shone’s daughter?”

Layla nodded slightly, offering no further elaboration, though her posture was somewhat tense. Visibly taken aback, the guard gave her a respectful nod before hastily returning to his task.

The guard eyed them for a moment and then gave a curt nod. “Please wait here, M’lady,” he said politely before disappearing inside to announce their presence.

They waited silently for a few moments, the air thick with anticipation. Silas leaned against a nearby pillar, arms crossed, but his usual smirk was absent. Though he wouldn’t be heading inside, his concern was evident.

After some time, Rowan grew annoyed by the serious atmosphere. He couldn’t help but whisper to Layla, “I guess you’re quite famous, huh..? Should I start calling you ‘M’lady’ too?”

Layla’s glare was sharp. “Go ahead—if you want to lose your tongue,” she shot back. Rowan’s neck shrunk like a turtle as if he didn’t dare to continue this conversation.

“Guess this is where I sit out,” Silas chuckled. “Not much room for a non-Soulweaver in there.”

Rowan nodded, clapping Silas on the shoulder. “We’ll fill you in afterward.”

Soon, the guard returned, beckoning Rowan and Layla to follow. Silas watched them disappear through the heavy wooden doors as they entered the hall.

The two were escorted inside the chamber, where the elders sat in their usual sombre arrangement.

The chamber beyond was vast, dimly lit, and filled with an air of authority. Seven elders sat at a long, crescent-shaped table, their expressions stern as Rowan and Layla approached.

These elders were the highest-ranking Soulweavers in the Remington Clan, excluding the Clan Master and Guest Soulweavers like Sullivan,

“Rowan Amerion. Layla Shone,” one of the elders, a silver-haired man with piercing blue eyes, addressed them. “You have requested an audience to report an urgent matter concerning a trial.”

Rowan swallowed, his palms slightly damp as he stepped forward alongside Layla. He took a deep breath before beginning. “Honoured Elders, we’re here to report an incident during the Trial at Darkwood Hollow. Something unexpected...”

Layla added, “There was a ritual. And we found around twenty headless bodies. It was... cruel. Something dark was stirring in Darkwood Hollow.”

Rowan and Layla delivered the essential details of the horrific events at Darkwood Hollow—the appearance of the abomination, the dark magic that had overtaken the area, and the crucial role the wooden sculpture had played in sustaining the creature’s life force and attracting the locusts.

In truth, they mostly recounted what Silas saw and what he believed because both of them were unconscious at that time. But they trusted Silas and spoke without hesitation.

After what felt like an eternity, one of the elders leaned forward. “This is troubling,” an elder said, his face grim. “If what you describe is true, it could threaten more than just one trial.”

Another elder, an old woman with sharp features and a commanding presence, spoke next. “This is a grave matter,” one elder said, her voice grave. “We will investigate. Until then, your trial results will remain undecided.”

Rowan and Layla exchanged a glance, the uncertainty of their fate weighing heavily on them.

“Don’t worry, I will dispatch an investigation party immediately,” another elder continued with a kind smile. “You will have your answer within half a month.”

Another nodded, his gaze steady. “We will summon you once the investigation concludes.”

The audience ended with that. Rowan and Layla bowed, a sense of heavy uncertainty settling over them as they walked back toward the doors.

As they exited the hall, they found Silas waiting outside, his expression expectant.

“Well?” he asked, straightening up.

“They’re going to investigate,” Rowan said with a sigh. “It’s out of our hands now.”

Silas clapped him on the back. “Then all we can do is wait. But hey, half a month? That’s plenty of time to kill before then.”

Layla rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Well, we can’t go to a new trial as we need to be here when summoned. But... we can rest as recuperate now, and hopefully when this gets cleared up and we pass, we’ll be ready to deal with another trial.”

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After parting ways with Rowan and Layla, Silas returned to Lonestar Manor. He strolled through the quiet streets of Amberheart, the weight of the investigation still on his mind, but the tension in his shoulders began to ease. Half a month of waiting meant time to rest and recuperate—something he didn't mind.

As he arrived at the familiar gates of Lonestar Manor, Silas immediately started searching for Kie. She had been his unexpected ally in saving Layla's life, and now that things were settling, he had some questions.

He wandered through the manor until he spotted Kie lounging in the courtyard. She was kicked back in a comfortable chair, her feet up on a stone bench, bathed in the golden sunlight, sipping a frothy mug of ale. The sight left him unable to laugh or cry.

Silas crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Well, look at you," he said, his tone deliberately serious. "Lounging around like you own the place. Must be nice."

Kie opened one eye and smirked, taking a slow, deliberate sip of her drink before replying. "Own the place? Please. This is just my natural habitat."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

She stretched luxuriously, her arms above her head. "Take this away, and it's like clipping a Pixiu's wings. Wouldn't you agree?"

Silas chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got a point, but I think that Pixiu's wings might be getting too comfortable."

Kie laughed, her carefree demeanour returning fully. "You know me too well." She motioned to the empty chair beside her. "So, what brings you here, Silas? Come to join me in my extravagant relaxation?"

Silas grinned but shook his head. "Tempting, but I've actually come to ask a favour. I owe a lot to the noble lady who sent you to help Layla that night, and I want to thank her personally. It's been on my mind ever since."

Kie tilted her head, considering his words. "Ah, you mean R—" she stopped herself with a playful smirk. "Well, if you're that eager, I can arrange a meeting. But be prepared—it might not be what you expect."

Before Silas could ask more, Kaede Hakirai, his archery instructor, entered the courtyard, a bow slung over her shoulder. She raised an eyebrow at Kie lounging in the chair. "I knew I would find you lazing around, doing nothing, Kie."

Kie narrowed her eyes and smirked. "Well, well, if it isn't Kaede. Still seducing your students while pretending to be young?"

Kaede shot her a glare, ignoring Silas's wide-eyed expression. "What..? I've never done that in my entire life!"

“Oh, then why have I heard contradictory statements? Your precious student told me himself. He said that he can’t focus on archery because he’s sexually attracted to his instructor!”

Kaede’s eyes widened, and she turned to Silas, who was frozen in shock. After a moment of stunned silence, he stammered, “Wh-What the hell are you talking about, I never said that! That’s insane!”

Kie burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the chaos she had stirred. “Oh, Silas, don’t be shy! I’m giving you an opportunity here—better grab it while you can!”

Kaede, visibly flustered, glared at Kie before turning to Silas “Silas don’t worry about it, don’t take this swindling old hag’s words seriously.”

Kie leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Old hag? Oh please, at least my little girl knows how to handle herself. Unlike your brat who kept pestering her until she had to send him flying."

Kaede's eyes flashed. "What?! You found the brat? Where is he right now?!"

Kie replied lazily, "He was in Kazehara some time ago, I don't know where he is now, though."

As she rose from her chair, Kie stretched and winked at Silas, leaving her empty mug behind. "Well... Let's go, I will take you to meet my Lady."

Silas trailed after her, intrigued. He had always assumed that Kie's mysterious lady was a high-ranking noble in Amberfell—maybe a Countess or even a Duchess. But as they made their way through the city, his curiosity deepened. Instead of heading toward one of the smaller estates on the outskirts, Kie led him straight to the Royal Palace of the Remington Clan.

Silas stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening. "Wait... we're going to the Royal Palace?" Kie turned back, her expression amused.

"What? Did you think my lady was some random noble from Amberfell?" She waved him forward. "Come on. You'll find out soon enough."

Silas followed, still processing the revelation. The Royal Palace? That meant Kie's lady wasn't just any noble—she had to be someone with immense power, either royalty from Amberfell or a member of the royal families from the Raet Empire or other vassal clans.

Silas couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves as they approached the grand gates. He had faced down abominations, fought in battles, and endured life-threatening trials, but this... this was different. Royals operated in a world far above his own, a world of intricate politics, power, and influence.

The guards at the gate greeted Kie with familiarity, nodding to her as they opened the doors without question. Silas followed her through the palace's sprawling grounds, feeling out of place among the pristine gardens and towering marble columns.

"Kie," Silas began, lowering his voice as they walked through the grand hallways. "Just who is your lady?" Kie shot him a sideways glance, her grin never fading.

"You'll find out soon enough. But let's just say she's not someone you forget." They stopped in front of an ornately carved door guarded by two knights in shining armour, each bearing the Silver Gryphon insignia of the Remington Clan. The knights stepped aside, opening the doors to reveal a lavish room adorned with intricate tapestries and chandeliers of shimmering crystal.

At the far end of the room, seated at a long table with documents spread before her, was a woman in regal attire. She looked up as they entered, her gaze sharp but welcoming.

Silas froze momentarily as he entered the lavish room, his gaze locking onto the woman. The sunlight streaming through the large windows framed her figure, making her presence even more striking. Her beauty momentarily stole his breath—smooth, fair skin, sharp yet graceful features, bluish-silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through him. This was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen!

At first, Silas had expected Kie’s Lady to be some old Duchess or Countess. Now, seeing such a beauty his heart raced, but he quickly pulled himself together, forcing himself to step forward with as much composure as he could.

“I am Silas Lonestar, My Lady,” he introduced himself with a slight bow, trying his best to act gracefully despite the erratic beating of his heart. I... I wanted to express my gratitude personally.”

The woman smiled a soft but knowing smile that sent his pulse racing again. “You’ve introduced yourself before, on that rainy day,” she said, her voice smooth and commanding, with just a hint of amusement.

Silas blinked, caught off-guard. He hadn’t expected her to remember their first encounter so clearly.

“I’m Regina Caerul,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Silas.”

Silas nodded, trying to stay composed. “The pleasure is mine, Lady Regina,” he replied, addressing her as formally as he could. “I... I’m deeply grateful for your help. Without you sending Kie, Layla... she wouldn’t have survived. I owe you a great deal.”

His thoughts wandered briefly as he spoke, comparing her beauty to Kaede, his archery instructor. Regina’s elegance surpassed even her, leaving Silas flustered, but he fought to maintain his focus.

Regina tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes studying him with interest. “You don’t need to be so formal with me,” she said with a smile that seemed to pierce through his composure. “I’m neither a royal nor a noble.”

Silas hesitated, curious but holding back the questions swirling in his mind. “As you wish, Miss Regina,” he said, adapting but still unsure how to address her.

“I remember I mentioned compensating you for the trouble,” he continued. “I meant it when I said it and intend to keep my word. Of course, the Lonestar Manor will cover Kie’s healing fees, but I want to do something personally as well.”

Regina shook her head, her smile still in place. “There’s no need, truly. I said it that day that saving a life is a virtuous deed. I don’t require anything from you.”

Silas frowned, unsure how to take her refusal. “I insist,” he pressed gently. “There must be something I can offer as thanks.”

But again, Regina shook her head. “There isn’t. Your gratitude is enough.”

At a loss, Silas scratched the back of his neck, thinking. “Well, in that case... perhaps I could show you around Amberheart. It’s the least I can do.”

Regina let out a soft laugh. “You assume I don’t know my way around Amberfell?” she asked with a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Though, you’re correct, I am indeed not from Amberfell.”

Before Silas could respond, Kie, who had been quietly observing the exchange, jumped in. “Oh-ho! So that’s what this is really about, huh?” she teased, with a wide grin. “Silas, you clever little boy. Regina, be careful of the brat, he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Let your guard down and he’ll eat you up!”

Silas turned bright red, sputtering in embarrassment. “What? No! That’s not—” He barked back, flustered. “I’m way more innocent than you!”

Regina was even more flushed “Stop it with the jokes, Kie!” she said flusteredly.

Kie laughed, clearly enjoying their discomfort, the atmosphere suddenly lightened.

“Well,” Regina said with a cough, trying to act composed, “I wouldn’t mind a tour of the city. Let’s see how well you know Amberheart, Silas.”

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In the quiet chambers of the Lonestar Manor, Sullivan sat by the hearth, deep in thought. The flicker of the firelight reflected in his cold eyes, but his expression remained unreadable. After a few moments of contemplation, he leaned back in his chair and rang a small bell.

Moments later, the door opened, and Lian Chen stepped inside, his imposing figure moving silently across the room. His presence carried a certain gravitas, a weight that could be felt by all who knew him.

“You called for me, Warmaster?” Chen asked, his voice low but steady.

Sullivan didn’t look up immediately, his gaze fixed on the crackling fire. “Chen, gather our best mercenaries. Head to Darkwood Hollow tonight.”

Lian Chen’s brow furrowed slightly. “You don’t trust the elders to handle it?”

Sullivan finally turned his eyes toward Lian Chen, his gaze sharp. “I don’t have much faith in Remington's investigation, you should know why. They are incompetent fools, who are also bound by protocol. I need eyes and ears in Darkwood Hollow that I can trust. I don’t have a good hunch about this.”

“You want me to investigate quietly,” Chen nodded, already understanding.

“Exactly. I want you to find out if there’s more to what happened there. Don’t interfere with the investigation unless absolutely necessary, but make sure you know everything they do and more.”

Chen bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. “I’ll leave immediately.”

Sullivan waved a hand dismissively. “Good. I trust you know which mercenaries to bring. Also, take Kael with you. If there really is something going on, then it’s time he gets first-hand experience of the darkness lingering in the shadows.”

Without another word, Lian Chen left the room, his mind already working on how best to approach the situation. There was little time to waste.

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Later that same evening, Lian Chen stood at the eastern gate of Amberheart, the city’s towering walls casting long shadows under the moon’s dim light. The night air was cool, and the streets had grown quiet as most citizens had retreated to their homes.

As he waited for Kael to meet him here, Lian Chen reached into his robes and retrieved a small, carved stone. Its surface was covered with intricate engravings, a communication device only accessible to those who knew its secrets. He held it and closed his eyes, focusing his spirit’s energy on the stone. A faint glow surrounded the runes as he activated the connection.

On the other end, a voice responded, deep and slightly distorted through the magical connection. “Lian Chen, what’s the status?”

“I’m leaving for Darkwood Hollow,” Lian Chen replied, his voice calm but serious. “Make sure no one touches the boy while I’m gone.”

There was a brief pause before the voice responded. “The boy? You mean Silas?”

Lian Chen’s gaze narrowed as he stood in the shadow of the gate.It’s too risky to strike in the city. Wait until he leaves Amberheart—then we’ll make our move. The Remington clan is watching him now, and we can’t afford to draw attention to ourselves.”

“Understood. A short delay won’t change the outcome,” the voice replied, “I’ll keep the men in line. No one will act until the time is right.”

Lian Chen nodded to himself, satisfied with the response. “Good. I’ll be back soon, and once we’re ready, we’ll deal with the boy.”

With that, the glow from the stone faded, and the connection was severed. Lian Chen pocketed the device and glanced at the city walls again.

Soon, Kael met up with him, and together, they set off on their journey before disappearing into the night. Their cloaks blended with the darkness as they made their way toward Darkwood Hollow.