Reid is now once again left alone in the endless hallway after everything that had happened. Indeed, a perfect opportunity for Reid to allow himself to come up with questions about the route he chose. He leans against the brick walls, then submerges in the sea of thoughts. No one but him had witnessed the heinous sin of Arioch, the deranged acts of the King and the conversation with Axl earlier. He wondered what more might await him and all of them in the end. Most importantly, the Grand Scheme.

The Sylvesters' family already bore a devastating curse, and certainly, they do not keen on having their ultimate plan wrenched just because of a living soul daring to become an obstacle. What will happen to him - Theodore if he stands up against all of this? Will fate settle him just like the dancer? And Reid’s family back then, Will they... No, too many outcomes, yet too many end worse. At this point, it seems Theodore’s plan seems to bring even more disadvantages for their own good. That’s not all,... about Arioch’s eyes and his appearance. No, no, that can’t be... The images of a man who smiles so dazzlingly with Theodore, the one who has grown closer with him day by day, the emerald eyes that lock on Theodore, shine brightly... Reid flung open his vision, started to recognize the characteristics. All this time…he. Waves of thoughts and possible scenarios run with the speed of a horse. We... have a wolf in a sheep’s disguise. “No, I must do something,” Reid murmurs.

The pair of legs move on their own, steering him across the maze of hallways. Until then, Reid accidentally stepped into a strange hall. Though it still has the identical structure and decorations as others in this castle, in his perfect memory, this spot never crosses his plan. Carefully examining the surroundings, the castle still remained in deep sleep, allowing him to explore without any distractions. The hallway seems to be shorter than usual with the absence of a door. Reid eventually stops at a suspicious wall, hidden behind the large curtains. A blank wall is all he sees. The moment he turns away to check other doors, the weak moonlight illuminates the wall at a perfect angle, revealing a carved picture. Tracing the lines by the moonlight, a maiden wearing a crown, sleeps soundly in the embrace of a lion. A dragon, prostrated next to her, used its wings to protect the maiden. He had never seen a picture like this before. Growing up, he knows that the symbol of Averi is none other than a golden lion, and for Hyram it is the crimson dragon. Then who is she? Why did she domesticate the mighty claws of the king of all kinds and dominate the fury flame of the messenger of death? To unite the Kings and end this endless battle. Is this a prophecy? He let out a light smile. In this field, no one can beat Sheritre. Whatever the picture trying to say, he must get back to them quickly.

While examining the meaning of the wall, Reid came across a strange sound. It is seemingly footsteps, with metal armor clanking in contact with other parts. Something’s not right, they are coming here. No time to lose. Reid forces himself to come up with an answer. “Come on." Danger chasing him as if a wolf, a guard successfully identified a foreign sound, shouting, “I heard something, this way!”

“Leo venit, rex omnium

Draco venit, protector throni

Venit et custodire regina.”

They all protect something. Something that rules everything else. A symbol What is it? Reid traces the silhouette of the statue and the message. “I’m missing something here.” The guards are now so close to where he stands. The clock is ticking. It would be a matter of seconds until they notice him, and his remaining life will not end well. Whatever he tries to decrypt, he must do it now. His senses heightened, unwavering mind. This is the only chance. Tick tock, tick tock.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

At the moment of truth, Reid notices the crown, realizing there is a dent, he presses. Something is clicking and turning. The mechanism is activated. Without any protests from Reid, a mysterious force yanks him into the room. Just in time, the guard reached the strange hallway, beholding the empty void filling the entire space. Reid is now safe in the room.

Before him, is an abandoned study room covered in thick layers of dust, lighten up with weak fire torches. It looks like no one has stepped in here for years. Filled with bookshelves, he knows the answers he is looking for lie within this secret room. The final truth. Going deeper into the room, what catches his attention is the large painting hidden behind a cloth, resting on the wall. Using all his might, he pulled down the cloth, revealing a woman with a kind smile before him. On one hand, a golden sword rests on her hand, the other holds a sceptre carved with a crimson sapphire. Her gentle smile seems to have a mysterious power to put any chaotic heart at ease. Yet her eyes shine with determination and confidence. Gazing down, he can see letters carved in the corner, L.A. Though wondered, Reid can’t afford any more time left. He has one task and must get back to their hands.

Rummage through the bookshelves, flip through pages of documents. The bare truth is soon revealed. Documents follow documents. This room was created after years of dedication to finding evidence and information. A fortress of truth. From the history of both realms to the profiles of each king and the courtiers to the map, dating back to the dawn of the ancient kingdom. Every piece of information is vividly replicated in his mind. Flipping through a dusty book, he finally finds what he needs, the checkmate Theodore needs. A shred of detailed evidence proving the current Averi monster is indeed a traitor. Not a single drop of royal blood flowed in his veins, only the blood of a prostitute, his dear mother. Not to mention the countless records of his crimes, enough to tear down this kingdom. This is more than enough to take down the throne. Carefully putting away the evidence, Reid let out a relieved sigh. In the end, this journey does prove worthwhile.

But the more he reads, the more he realizes a pattern. All these documents were written by the same person. Digging deeper into each of the books, Reid is astonished at the moment he learns the author's identity. Aurora Wenennefer… Sheritre. Summoning all his courage, he opens the diary.

The King was furious at the outcome of the war and decided to hold another battle, despite my warning. To go against the wish of God Aon, to seek peace. This palace, this realm, was far beyond salvation... Even though God has abandoned us, in the end, what will be left?

Today I welcomed the birth of my dear daughter, Sheritre. Oh my sweet darling, God blessed her with dazzling silver eyes and gave her the ability to seek the answer in the future, even beyond my ability. My lovely Sheritre, I love you with all my heart... and I would do anything to protect you.

The God whispering in my ears, telling me how great the person she will become. I never, even for a second, doubted the wisdom. But forgive me, my sweet child, for the day we depart will soon arrive. Her little hands grabbed my thump tightly, as if she could sense my sadness. Holding her in my arms, I can’t stop the tears from falling down. Inhaling her sweet scent, I tried... tried my best to carve every pit of her deep down in my heart. There was a time I regretted that, instead of being the high priest, I could be a normal mother, watching my daughter grow up into a lovely girl. But I know... that beautiful fate wasn’t for me.

I found out the truth, the bare truth, of this kingdom, of the history they have always hidden from us. They found my trail and are now eager to take my head, which I’m sure will all be handled perfectly in the hands of my apprentice. That boy is no servant of God but the devil himself, and the crown soon will be stained in his cruelty. For those with wise minds and noble hearts, all truths are carved into each brick of this room. To destroy or salvation, our fate will be in your hands.

The time for me has reached its end. I prayed to God for the rebirth of a bright future... Sheritre, my daughter, never let her be captured in their hands. Her ability, her life, will be an offering to their evilness.

Forgive me...