I awoke the next morning, feeling refreshed and fully prepared for my journey back home. I freshened up, slipped into my silvery-black shoes, white pants, and a silver shirt, and combed my shoulder-length silver hair back. As I gazed into the mirror, I saw my reflection—silver eyes, bright with anticipation, mirroring my inner readiness for what was to come.

I stepped out of my room, where Vasen was waiting. "Go and tell Lucian to come outside. We are departing," I instructed, moving down the corridor. It twisted and turned until I reached the same silver door I had entered through. As it opened, I stepped out of the academy.

Looking back one last time, I saw the enormous mountain where I had spent so much time. I walked ahead and saw the same white carriage drawn by six horses that had brought me here, with another carriage behind it, holding my belongings.

I approached the carriage and met the same driver and his partner once more. My silver eyes scanned them, and as our gazes locked, their black eyes widened, and they immediately bowed deeply in respect or fear.

I entered the carriage, settling inside as the door closed behind me. A few moments later, Lucian emerged from the academy, a small bag in his hand.

"Sorry for making you wait," he said as he approached the carriage.

"No need to worry. Give your things to them and sit in the carriage behind," I replied.

"Thank you. As you say," Lucian responded, handing his bag to the driver, then walking toward the second carriage.

"Let us depart," I said, leaning back in my seat and closing my eyes, feeling the carriage begin to move.

The sun streamed through the thick curtains, but slowly began to dim. The road grew smoother, and after some time, the carriage came to a halt. The door swung open.

"We are here, my prince," said the driver, stepping aside as I exited the carriage. Before me stood the immense, regal white castle—a powerful symbol signaling my return home.

I glanced down and saw an elderly man standing in front of me.

"Welcome home, my prince. How have you been?" he asked.

"I've been well, Eldon. And you?" I responded. Eldon Fitzroy, my father's aide and right-hand man, was an old but dependable figure in our household. While I hadn't interacted with him much before, as he typically handled matters beyond our home, his presence had always been a known.

"I've been fine, thanks to His Highness's grace," Eldon answered. "His Highness is waiting for you inside."

"Before that, this is Lucian Blackwood. He will be staying here as my trainer. Arrange for him to stay on the lower floor," I said, motioning to Lucian, who stood behind me.

"Greetings, Mr. Fitzroy. It's a pleasure to meet you," Lucian said, extending his hand.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Blackwood. It has been a very long time since we last met," Eldon replied.

"Indeed, it has. I'd be pleased if you would call me Lucian," he said with a warm smile.

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"As you wish," Eldon answered.

Eldon then called over a guard, instructing him to show Lucian to a guest room.

"If you will follow Victor here, he will show you to a guest room where you can freshen up. Afterward, I will take you to the room prepared for you," Eldon told Lucian, who nodded and followed the guard clad in silver armor.

"Now then, my prince, let us be on our way," Eldon said, stepping aside to let me pass.

I walked forward, knowing the path well. Though Eldon kept pace behind me, I didn't need his guidance. I had been inside the palace countless times before.

The halls of the castle stretched before me, white and twisting, reminding me of the many days spent here. Eventually, I arrived in front of a familiar yet imposing pair of silver double doors which I had passed by before but never entered, decorated with intricate silver patterns running the length of the door.

"The prince is here, Your Highness," Eldon announced, and a heavy, familiar voice called from inside.

"Come in."

The guards standing by the door opened it, revealing the grand hall beyond. The space was vast and magnificent, commanding respect with every inch of its design. Gleaming silver and muted whites dominated the scene, creating an ambiance that was both otherworldly and majestic. The polished floor reflected the hall's brilliance, crafted from alternating silver and black stone tiles, forming intricate patterns that seemed to shift and dance in the light.

Along the hall stood towering blackish-silver pillars, each one adorned with delicate carvings spiralling upwards, like wisps of air. Behind the pillar, the dark silver walls housed a Line of majestic windows letting the soft moonlight fill the hall and reflect from the floor.

Above, crystal chandeliers hung like clusters of stars, diffusing a soft, cool light across the hall.

Above the Chandelier on the very ceiling itself was engraved a pure white silhouette of a full moon surrounded by ethereal clouds— which seemed alive, casting ghostly reflections across the floor. This was not merely a hall for kings but for gods themselves—a place that commanded reverence and awe.

At the center of the room, seated upon a grand throne, sat a large, imposing figure. His seat, carved from dark silver and inlaid with gleaming white gemstones, seemed to glow with a celestial aura. His white hair and eyes, paired with a dark silver double-breasted coat adorned with intricate silver patterns and silver royal garb which spread behind him, completed the regal image. His silver garb bore the emblem of our house—an engraving of a moon and clouds in dark silver.

Eldon stepped back, and the door closed behind him, leaving only me and my father in the hall.

"Welcome back, my son. How have you been?" he asked.

"I've been well, father. I hope you've been well too," I replied, standing tall and meeting his gaze.

This was the first time I had seen him in his traditional attire, seated upon the throne. While it was intimidating, more than that, it was awe-inspiring. Yet, I knew the man seated before me was still my father, even in this grand setting.

"I've been well, son," he answered.

"I've heard of your awakening and your training. I am proud to say that you have exceeded my expectations," he continued. I could see the sincerity in his eyes. Despite his position as a king, sitting upon his throne, he couldn't entirely mask his emotions—or perhaps, he simply didn't want to.

"I am honored," I responded.

"You may be wondering why I am greeting you this way," he said.

"Well, it would be a lie if I said I wasn't," I answered.

"You are now a complete Nocturnal—one with royal blood and royal powers. Powers of the highest level and potential, if I may say so myself," he said, almost reminiscing. "You've solidified your position as the heir of our house, the next Head of House Aestherisin. It's time you see what your final role will be—what the room you will occupy looks like," he said, gesturing to the hall, "What your royal attire will be, and what your throne will look like," he added, pointing to himself and the throne he sat upon.

I looked around at the grandeur of the hall, the ancient power flowing through the air, filling me with reverence. And deep within, I knew—I wanted to sit here.

I had always been ambitious, even in my previous life, and perhaps everything that had transpired since my arrival had only amplified that ambition. My past life and the struggles, triumphs, and victories I had endured flashed before my eyes. I would be the winner in this life too—just as I always had been.

The silver in my eyes gleamed brighter than ever before, as if resonating with the hall, the power it radiated, or perhaps with my own thoughts of possession.

image [https://i.imgur.com/1ZWzwNx.jpeg]