Time stretched endlessly in the suffocating darkness. Adrian’s body ached with exhaustion, but his mind held firm. It seems that my signature spell took a much greater toll on my body than before. It might take a good while longer before I can move my limbs.

For a long while, Adrian just waited and waited, until the faintest glimmer flickered in the void above. His breath hitched, eyes narrowing as he struggled to focus. The darkness wavered, broken by a pale, swaying light. Is that… a lantern? Who and how did someone come down here?

The glow grew stronger as it bobbed closer. Then a shadow emerged, a figure descending steadily through the gloom.

Wings. Dark as midnight, they beat with a deliberate, powerful rhythm, each motion sending ripples through the air. Black energy clung to them, pulsating constantly. Those wings look… malevolent, but I can't help but feel they are familiar somehow.

Closer still, the light from the lantern revealed more. A mask glinted in its glow: white and porcelain-like, etched with haunting tears that trailed down its smooth surface. Long black hair, streaked with faint silver, cascaded from beneath a hood, swaying gently with the figure’s descent.

Adrian’s heart pounded as the figure landed with unnatural grace, her boots touching the cracked stone floor without a sound. The lantern’s glow spilled out, painting the ruin around them in pale, flickering light.

The wings folded behind her, their edges jagged and sharp. Hold on, is that Seven? What’s she doing here? And those wings… since when could she do that?

“You’re lucky I found you.” Seven said, taking off her mask.

Adrian forced himself to meet her gaze. Damn it, if only I could speak.

Seven took a slow, deliberate step forward, her boots crunching softly against the cracked stone. She swept her gaze across the ruined expanse, then let out a low whistle. "I can’t believe you did all this."

Yet, her expression shifted abruptly as her gaze caught on something in the distance. She stiffened, her eyes narrowing with sudden focus. Her fingers tightened around the lantern’s handle, the faint tremor in her grip betraying her unease.

"What is that?" she muttered under her breath, stepping closer to the edge of the ruin.

Adrian strained his neck, trying to follow her line of sight, but the darkness swallowed whatever had caught her attention. The only indication of its presence was Seven’s visible reaction. Her sharp intake of breath broke the silence, and she staggered back a step, her free hand flying to her mouth as her face contorted in revulsion.

She turned away quickly, bending slightly at the waist as she choked back what sounded like bile. Her usually steady demeanor wavered, a rare crack in her armor.

"I— I think I've seen enough." she whispered.

Seven must have seen Romulus's body, or what's left of it. Come to think of it, its good that I didn't see much. Adrian thought to himself.

Seven shook her head sharply, forcing herself upright. She cast one last wary glance toward the unseen horror before turning back to Adrian, her expression carefully neutral once more. "Let’s not dwell on that."

She crouched beside him, the lantern swinging gently as she set it down. With care, she slid an arm beneath his shoulders, lifting him with a grunt of effort. "Remind me not to bail you out next time, if you keep pulling stunts like this, you’re on your own. Got it?"

Adrian tried to nod, though the movement was barely perceptible. His limbs still refused to cooperate fully, his body too drained to do more than sag against her. Noted… not that I have much choice in the matter.

Seven leaned close and said, "hold on tight, we're leaving.”

Adrian wanted to reply, to ask how she intended to pull them out of this forsaken place, but his voice was lost. Do I even have a choice? His fingers twitched faintly, trying to grip her sleeve, but his strength failed him. He exhaled in defeat, letting his weight sag against her.

Seven’s eyes flicked to his. Her free hand extended outward, palm open as she began to chant, “In the void of eternal night, where stars dare not shine, darkness expands without restraint. It swallows light, consumes warmth, and stretches forth its silent dominion.”

Adrian’s gaze shifted downward as an unnatural black mist materialized at Seven’s feet, unfurling like ink spilled into water. It slithered and coiled upward, alive in its movements, as though responding to the rhythm of her voice.

The pale light of the lantern faltered, flickering wildly before being consumed entirely by the encroaching mist. Darkness pressed in from all sides, the last traces of light swallowed in an instant as Seven’s voice rang out:

“Let all light be snuffed, let all sound be swallowed in Expanding Darkness.”

Black mist surged outward with terrifying force, swallowing the ruin in one fluid motion. Shadows raced across the ground, devouring the edges of the space until the very ground beneath Adrian disappeared into nothingness. His heart pounded as a suffocating silence descended, unnatural and complete. Even his shallow breaths seemed muted, as though the void consumed every vibration of sound.

***

When Adrian's eyes cracked open, the world was a blurred haze of warmth and flickering orange light. He blinked slowly, eyes weighed down by an unnatural heaviness.

Pain radiated through his limbs, a dull ache rather than the sharp agony he remembered. His breathing felt steady, but there was a tightness in his chest, a reminder of how close he had come to breaking entirely.

The sound of crackling flames pulled him further into consciousness. He shifted, and his vision cleared enough to make out a figure seated nearby.

Selena's hands worked as she tended to a bowl of water, herbs crushed in her palm. Her face was drawn with concentration, brows furrowed in a way that made her look older than he remembered.

Adrian tried to speak, but his throat was dry and uncooperative. The sound that escaped was more a croak than a word.

Immediately after, Selena’s head snapped up, her piercing green eyes meeting his. Relief softened her expression as she set the bowl aside and moved closer to him. “Thank goodness you're awake, I wasn’t sure when you’d come around.”

Adrian’s gaze roamed the room. He tried to sit up, but Selena placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “Don’t, you’re still healing.”

With some effort, Adrian reluctantly shifted back to where he was. I hate that words can barely come out of my mouth. But maybe if I try one more time…

“Seven…” he rasped, his voice barely above a whisper.

Selena’s lips pressed into a thin line as she leaned back, giving him space but still watching him carefully. “She’s not here, but she did help bring you back to the Whitewynn Estate."

Adrian’s brows furrowed. “What… happened?”

Selena adjusted her position on the stool, her eyes softening slightly as she spoke. “After the earthquake at the ball, Seven brought you back here. She didn’t say much, just that you were in bad shape and needed care immediately.”

Adrian’s brow furrowed, his mind sluggishly trying to piece together fragments of memory. The ball… the fight… Seven’s wings… everything after that is a blur. He opened his mouth to reply, but only a hoarse rasp came out again.

“Master Lysander and Miss Natasha also made it out safely,” Selena added, as if anticipating Adrian’s concern. “They evacuated with the other guests. There was significant damage, but no casualties, at least none among the Whitewynn staff or guests.”

Relief washed over him, though it was tinged with frustration at his own weakness. "Thank… you."

Selena’s brow knit, her lips pressing into a thin line as she studied him. “You’re trying too hard,” she said gently, then hesitated before continuing. “Let me try something. I might be able to help you speak more easily, if you’ll allow me.”

Adrian nodded faintly, his strength too limited for anything more expressive. I wonder what she is planning to do?

Selena stood and smoothed her robes before placing her hands lightly on Adrian’s chest. Her palms felt cool against his skin, a stark contrast to the lingering warmth from the nearby fire. She closed her eyes, brows furrowing with focus as a soft, golden glow bloomed around her fingers.

The light spread outward, enveloping Adrian’s body in a gentle but steady warmth. It seeped into him like a slow tide, chasing away some of the lingering aches and pains. He felt the tightness in his chest ease slightly, his breaths growing steadier as the glow dimmed and faded.

Selena pulled back, her hands falling to her sides as she stepped away to give him space. “Try now,” she said, her voice tinged with cautious hope. “How do you feel?”

Adrian inhaled deeply, savoring the ease with which air filled his lungs. His voice, though still raspy, carried a distinct strength now as he managed, “Weak… but better. Thank you.”

She smiled, a brief but genuine expression that softened her sharp features. “Don’t mention it. All I did was restore some of your mana channels to their original state. They were… overexerted.”

Adrian raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering through his exhaustion. Overexerted? That’s putting it lightly I suppose.

Selena crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing slightly. “I don’t mean to pry, but how did you manage to force them open so much? I’ve seen strained mana channels before, but this…” She shook her head. “It’s as though they were pushed far beyond their limit. Were you trying to kill yourself?”

Adrian hesitated, his throat tightening for reasons unrelated to his injuries. I wasn’t trying to… but maybe I came too close anyway.

“I had to,” he croaked. “There wasn’t—”

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

Suddenly, the faint sound of footsteps drew both Adrian and Selena’s attention to the door. A shadow fell across the threshold, and a moment later, Lysander stepped inside. His black suit was pristine as ever, though his eyepatch and the faint tension in his shoulders hinted at the toll of the past few days.

Adrian shifted slightly against the pillow, instinctively straightening despite the ache in his body. Meanwhile, Selena rose to her feet, stepping aside but staying close.

“How are you feeling, Adrian?” Lysander asked.

“I’m fine,” Adrian replied, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. He met Lysander’s gaze, determined not to show weakness. “Thank you for… everything. And I’m sorry if I caused you trouble.”

Lysander’s lips quirked into a smile, though it carried a dry amusement. “That’s one way to put it,” he said, stopping by the fire. He looked down at Adrian, his single eye gleaming with something unreadable. “But don’t worry yourself. Nobody knows what truly happened at the ball. People just think that an earthquake happened."

Adrian’s breath caught for a moment, his mind racing. Nobody knows? Lysander must have helped cover things up, otherwise, I'm not sure how to explain things.

“But do you know what happened?” he asked carefully, watching Lysander’s expression.

Lysander turned to him, his gaze sharp as steel. For a moment, the room felt heavier, as if even the air obeyed Lysander’s will. “Not exactly. But I do know that Romulus Blythe is missing.”

Adrian’s stomach churned at the name. He opened his mouth, the words forming before he could stop them. “He’s—”

“Don’t,” Lysander cut in, his voice low but firm. He raised a hand, palm out, as if physically stopping the confession from leaving Adrian’s lips. “There are some things better left unsaid. Understand?”

Adrian swallowed hard, the weight of Lysander’s words pressing against him. He nodded reluctantly, his fists clenching against the blanket. He knows. Maybe not the details, but he knows enough.

Lysander’s expression softened slightly, though the intensity in his eye didn’t waver. He turned toward Selena, his tone taking on a gentler edge. “Selena, give us a moment, please.”

“Are you sure?” Selena asked.

“I am."

Selena exhaled through her nose but gave a curt nod. She turned to Adrian, her expression briefly softening. “Don’t let him tire you out,” she said, a wry edge to her tone. She left the room, her steps quiet but deliberate.

The door clicked shut behind her, and silence settled over the room. Lysander stood by the fire, hands clasped behind his back. For a moment, he didn’t speak, and Adrian felt the weight of his gaze, though Lysander wasn’t looking directly at him.

Until finally, he turned to Adrian. “Are you absolutely certain you killed Romulus?”

Adrian tensed under the weight of the question, his hand instinctively curling into a fist where it rested atop the blanket. “Yes, he… forced my hand, but I didn’t have a choice. He’s dead.”

Lysander studied him, his gaze sharp and unyielding, searching for any cracks in Adrian’s resolve. But the boy’s words didn’t waver, and his expression carried a weight far beyond his years.

The Whitewynn Patriarch exhaled slowly, turning his attention back to the fire. He clasped his hands behind his back again, his mind already working through the implications. “Romulus is the heir to the Blythe family. His death won’t go unnoticed. If they haven’t started looking for him already, they will soon. And when they do, they’ll be relentless.”

Adrian sat up straighter despite the ache in his body, his expression tightening. “What do I do? didn’t mean for it to happen this way, but I can’t change it now.”

Lysander turned to face him fully, his sharp features illuminated by the firelight. “The good news is that nobody was there to see what happened between you and Romulus. As far as anyone knows, he vanished into thin air during the chaos at the ball. That gives us some room to maneuver.But it’s not enough to sit here and hope for the best. You can’t stay in South Tusk.”

Adrian exhaled deeply. “I understand, can I go back to Willowbrook?”

Lysander raised an eyebrow at the question, considering it for a moment. “That’s fine. Willowbrook is as good a place as any for you to lay low. But listen carefully, Adrian, stay out of sight. Don’t draw attention to yourself, and don’t get involved in anything you don’t need to. Let me handle things with the Blythes.”

Adrian’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Understood. Thank you… for everything.”

Lysander folded his arms, the firelight casting sharp shadows across his face. “No need for gratitude yet. You’ll repay me when the time is right.”

Adrian’s brow furrowed slightly. “Why are you doing all this for me? You didn’t have to help me.”

Lysander chuckled softly. “As I’ve told you before, I have an eye for good investments. And you, Adrian, are a very promising one. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll make good on my efforts when the time comes.”

“So, I’m in your debt now, is that it?” Adrian asked half-jokingky.

Lysander shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifting into a sly smile. “If you want to think of it that way, be my guest. But I’d rather you didn’t. Consider it… a partnership, for lack of a better term.”

Adrian shook his head, the faintest laugh escaping him. “You have a strange way of inspiring trust.”

Before Lysander could reply, the door swung open, and Natasha stepped into the room, her presence commanding attention as always. Her violet hair caught the firelight, and her sharp purple eyes immediately locked onto Lysander. “Are you done talking to Adrian yet?”

Lysander turned to face her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “We’re finished, why don’t you say your goodbyes to Adrian? He’s leaving soon.”

Natasha’s gaze flicked to Adrian, her expression unreadable for a moment before she stepped farther into the room. “Leaving? I see. Off to hide in some backwater, are we?”

Adrian rolled his eyes, though there was no malice in the gesture. “Good to see you too, Natasha.”

She crossed her arms, a faint smirk playing at her lips. “You have a talent for making a mess of things, Adrian. But I suppose you wouldn’t be you otherwise.”

Lysander glanced between the two of them, the corner of his mouth quirking up in amusement. “Play nice, Princess. I’ll leave you two to talk. And Adrian, remember what I said."

Adrian nodded, watching as Lysander walked to the door. The older man paused briefly, giving the boy one last sharp look. “Be careful, and don’t let guilt cloud your judgment. The path ahead will require a clear head.”

Without waiting for a reply, he exited the room, the door clicking softly shut behind him.Natasha lingered by the fire, her gaze fixed on Adrian. After a moment of silence, she sighed, the haughty edge in her demeanor softening slightly. “Well,” she said, brushing a strand of violet hair from her face. “I suppose I should wish you luck, though you hardly deserve it with how reckless you’ve been.”

Adrian smirked faintly. “I’ll take what I can get.”

Natasha rolled her eyes, but there was a glimmer of something almost fond in her expression as she stepped closer. “Try not to get yourself killed, Adrian. It’s hard enough keeping track of you as it is.”

“I’ll do my best."

***

A few days later.

The wagon creaked to a stop at the edge of Willowbrook, its weathered frame groaning as the horses shifted restlessly. The air carried the crisp scent of the countryside: wildflowers, damp earth, and the faint sweetness of freshly turned soil. It was quiet here, broken only by the soft chirping of birds and the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath the wagon wheels.

Adrian sat on the wooden bench of the wagon, slightly hunched as if bracing against the chill in the air. The past few days had worn on him; his movements were deliberate, each one betraying the lingering soreness in his body. Selena hopped down first, her boots landing on the dirt road with a soft thud. She turned back, offering a hand to Adrian without hesitation.

Adrian hesitated for a moment before taking her hand. The gesture wasn’t about dependence; it was practical, a necessary compromise to avoid aggravating his injuries. His boots scraped against the wagon step as he eased himself down, his grip steady but light. Once his feet touched the ground, he straightened slowly, drawing in a deep breath.

Willowbrook lay sprawled before them, unassuming yet oddly inviting. Small cottages with thatched roofs dotted the landscape, their chimneys puffing faint trails of smoke into the morning sky. A gentle breeze swept through the fields that framed the village, rustling the tall grass and bending wildflowers toward the path. It's nice to finally be back here.

Selena took a step back, folding her arms across her chest as her eyes swept over the scene. “So this is where you’ve been staying all this time."

Adrian shifted his weight, his gaze lingering on the village for a moment before glancing at Selena. “Yeah, it’s… quiet.”

Selena raised an eyebrow at that, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Quiet doesn’t sound like you.”

Adrian chuckled softly, though it carried little humor. “It’s not about me. It’s just… things will be easier here.”

Adrian shifted his bag on his shoulder, his gaze trailing over the familiar dirt paths of Willowbrook. The soft sounds of village life drifted toward them: distant voices, the clinking of tools, and the occasional bark of a dog. It was comforting in a way that unsettled him. Honestly, I don't mind just staying here for the foreseeable future, I've had my share of "excitement" already.

Selena stepped beside him, her arms still crossed as her eyes wandered over the cottages and fields. Her expression didn’t betray much, but Adrian could tell she was taking everything in with her usual sharpness.

He cleared his throat, breaking the silence.“I’ll introduce you to Marcus and Anisa,” he said, starting down the main path. “They’ve been looking after me since I came here.”

Selena raised an eyebrow. “More caretakers?You do collect them, don’t you?”

Adrian snorted softly, glancing at her. “I wouldn’t call it that. I didn’t exactly ask for any of this.”

“No, but it finds you anyway,” Selena replied, her voice quieter now. “Always has.”

Her words hung in the air, pulling at memories Adrian didn’t want to sift through just yet. He didn’t reply, instead focusing on the path ahead. The cottages grew closer, their stone walls and thatched roofs as familiar as ever. He turned left at the fork, leading Selena toward a house nestled slightly apart from the others, its garden overgrown with wildflowers that Anisa had insisted on leaving to flourish.

Adrian slowed as they approached, his pace faltering. He glanced at Selena again, before speaking, “they’re… good people, just—”

“Adrian.” Selena’s voice cut through his hesitation. “You don’t need to explain. I’m not here to judge them. Or you.”

He gave her a small nod, though the tension in his shoulders didn’t ease. They’ll like her. They have to.

Soon, he stepped up to the door and knocked lightly, the sound muffled against the sturdy wood. Footsteps approached from within, and the door swung open to reveal Marcus. His tall, broad frame filled the doorway, and his sword belt was slung over his hip even here, at home.

His sharp eyes softened as they landed on Adrian, and he gave a faint grin. “Adrian. Took you long enough to get back.”

“You know me. I like to make an entrance.” Adrian joked.

Marcus chuckled, stepping aside to let them in. His gaze flicked to Selena, his expression briefly curious before his usual calm demeanor settled over him. “Friend of yours?”

“Something like that,” Adrian said, stepping inside. He turned toward Selena as she followed him in. “This is Selena. She’s… she’s been looking out for me for a long time.”

Selena nodded politely, her green eyes sharp but not unkind as she met Marcus’s gaze. “You must be Marcus. Adrian’s told me a bit about you.”

Marcus arched an eyebrow at Adrian, though his expression betrayed a flicker of amusement. “Is that so? I hope it wasn’t anything too incriminating.”

“Nothing I can’t explain,” Adrian replied, the humor in his tone easing some of the tension in the room. He looked toward the adjoining room, where the faint sound of footsteps was growing louder. “Is Anisa home?”

“Always,” Marcus said, stepping aside to let Anisa appear in the doorway. Her hair was tied back in a loose braid, and she had the faintly disheveled look of someone who’d spent the morning in the garden.

Her sharp gaze softened the moment she saw Adrian, and she crossed the room in a few quick steps to pull him into a firm hug. “Adrian! You look exhausted. What have you been getting yourself into this time?”

Adrian chuckled softly, though his voice was tinged with weariness. “You know me. Trouble finds me.”

Anisa pulled back, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gave him a once-over. “It always does. At least you’ve made it back in one piece.”

She turned toward Selena, her gaze inquisitive but welcoming. “And you are?”

“Selena,” Adrian answered before Selena could. “She… helped raise me. Back when—”

“Back when things were harder,” Selena finished, stepping forward and extending a hand. Her voice carried a warmth Adrian hadn’t heard in a while. “It’s nice to meet you. Adrian’s lucky to have you two looking after him.”

Anisa shook her hand firmly, her lips curving into a small smile. “We try. He’s not the easiest to keep track of, though.”

Marcus leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he watched the interaction. “That’s an understatement,” he added dryly.

Adrian rolled his eyes, but there was no denying the faint smile tugging at his lips. For the first time in days, he felt something close to normalcy settle over him. This is what I needed.

“Come on,” Anisa said, gesturing toward the small table in the center of the room. “You both look like you could use something to eat. And you can tell us what kind of trouble you’ve been stirring up this time, Adrian.”

Selena raised an eyebrow, glancing at Adrian with a faint smirk. “I’d love to hear this.”