Axel stood patiently near the wagon, awaiting the group's arrival.

With the party set to host countless royal figures, it was crucial to make an impression.

Everyone had visited the local tailor for formal attire, and luckily, they had just enough in stock.

Axel donned a sleek black suit, perfectly tailored for the occasion. His hair, which he usually left in its natural state, had been neatly styled—courtesy of Ivy.

Now, as the first among the group to finish preparing, Axel took the opportunity to brief his enforcers.

Facing Denji, Trevor, and Victor, Axel gave a firm instruction, "I'm trusting the three of you to handle things while I'm away. Don't let me down."

The three saluted in unison before heading off into the town.

Axel was about to turn back toward the wagon when he felt a playful, invisible trace across his chest, forming the shape of a heart.

Smirking, Axel spoke aloud, "I wonder who this could be. I haven't the faintest idea who'd dare to tease me like this."

From behind him, a familiar voice replied, "I wonder who." Ivy stepped forward, her presence now known.

She was dressed in a long, flowing black dress that hugged her form elegantly. Her hair, styled neatly in a bun, and subtle dark makeup enhanced her already striking features. In her hand, she held a note she had prepared beforehand.

Axel took the note and read it aloud: "You've always seen me at my worst, so I believe you should see me at my best."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

He chuckled softly and met her gaze, "I've never once seen your worst. Every single day, you've been your best in my eyes."

Predicting his response, Ivy flipped the note to reveal the word Pudding, accompanied by hearts and blushing doodles.

"Yo, lovebirds!" Becca's voice cut through the moment as she approached with the others in tow.

Becca wore a stunning red, high-neck pencil dress, her hair tied up neatly for the occasion, "Thought we'd have to wait all day before you finally noticed us."

Lunar, in a flowing white one-sleeve dress, shyly adjusted her outfit as she waved. "Hi. Becca thought it'd be good for me to come along, so… here I am."

Behind them, Cj and Philly walked side by side, both dressed in sharp blue suits, their hair groomed to perfection.

Axel smiled warmly, "Looks like we're all ready. Let's head out before we miss the event."

Everyone agreed and climbed into the wagon. Axel and Ivy took the front seat to steer, while Becca, Cj, Philly, and Lunar settled inside.

---

After hours of traveling the winding dirt roads, they finally arrived at Sungalepore.

The first sight that greeted them was horrifying.

Lunar's eyes filled with tears, which she tried unsuccessfully to suppress, "No…" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Becca, Cj, and Philly were wide-eyed, their faces etched with shock and disgust, "This is awful," Becca murmured.

Axel and Ivy, however, remained composed. It was clear they had anticipated this.

Along the massive walls of Sungalepore, bodies were nailed in brutal displays. Widowmakers, members of the Gearworks, and remnants of the Lost Brotherhood hung lifelessly, their fates meant as a warning to all.

At the very center, nailed higher than anyone else, was Pi.

Axel urged the wagon forward, ensuring his group wouldn't linger too long at the gruesome sight, "Don't speak of this while we're at the party. It'll only bring trouble."

Cj clenched his fists in anger, "And you expect us to just ignore all this?"

"Yes, I do… for now," Axel responded firmly. Then, glancing at Lunar, he softened his tone, "Lunar, I promised you the Gearworks survivors would be spared. It's likely the king only used the already dead for this display. The others should still be alive."

Though his words offered a sliver of hope, Lunar still wiped away silent tears.

Breaking the silence, Axel turned to Becca, "Becca."

"Yes, Axel?"

"That promise we made a few days ago—I need to make something clear. There's a chance people at this party will recognize me. If they do, I'd prefer you hear the truth directly from me. I want no secrets between us."

His statement caught Cj and Philly's attention, their suspicions of Axel growing.

Becca, however, nodded, "Understood."

The wagon rolled forward, entering the heart of Sungalepore. No one spoke further, the weight of what they'd seen lingering heavily in the air.