Caelum's heart was pounding as he slowly pushed open the door of his room. The darkness that reigned inside was pierced by a moonbeam, revealing a graceful silhouette near the window. A delicate perfume, blending jasmine and something indefinable but strangely familiar, floated in the air.

"Princess Velyria?" whispered Caelum, his voice barely audible under the shock of recognition.

The silhouette turned, and Velyria's face emerged from the shadow, her fine features bathed in silver light. Her eyes, of a deep blue like a summer sky, shone with an emotion that Caelum couldn't decipher.

"Caelum," she replied softly, a slight tremor in her voice betraying her nervousness. "I... I know my presence here is unexpected. Forgive me this intrusion."

Caelum closed the door behind him, his mind swirling with questions. What was the princess of Lunaris doing in his room in the middle of the night? And how the hell had she managed to get in without being seen?

"Your Highness," he began, then thought better of it. "Velyria... What's going on? Is everything alright?"

The princess took a step towards him, the moonlight playing on the folds of her cream-colored dress. "I needed to talk to you, Caelum. In private. What I have to tell you... it couldn't wait."

Caelum felt a wave of worry wash over him. The urgency in Velyria's voice boded nothing good. He approached her, reducing the distance between them to a few steps.

"What's happening?" he asked, his voice low and tense. "Is Lunaris in danger?"

Velyria shook her head, her long silver hair catching the moonlight. "Not directly, no. But what I've discovered... Caelum, things are much more complicated than we thought."

She took a deep breath, as if to gather her courage. "There are traitors in the palace. High-ranking people who are collaborating with the Order of the Veil."

Caelum felt his blood freeze. "Fuck," he whispered, the curse escaping him in shock. "Who?"

"I don't have specific names," Velyria replied, frustration evident in her voice. "But I've overheard conversations, intercepted messages. They talk about the Seal of Abnegation, Caelum. They want to break it, thinking it will release immense power."

Caelum ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. The implications of this revelation were dizzying. If the Order of the Veil had infiltrated the highest levels of power in Lunaris, who could be trusted anymore?

"Why tell me this?" he finally asked, staring at Velyria. "Why take the risk of coming here?"

Velyria's eyes softened, an unexpected vulnerability showing in her gaze. "Because I trust you, Caelum. More than anyone right now. And because..." She hesitated, seeming to search for words. "Because I worry about you. The events that are unfolding... you're at the heart of it all, whether you want to be or not."

Without warning, she stepped forward and placed a light kiss on Caelum's cheek. This gesture, simple but charged with emotion, caught him completely off guard.

"Be careful," she whispered, her warm breath against his skin sending shivers down his spine.

Before Caelum could react, a noise in the hallway made them both jump. Footsteps approaching, muffled voices. Velyria and Caelum exchanged an alarmed look.

"I have to go," Velyria whispered hurriedly. "No one must know I was here."

Caelum nodded, his heart racing. "The window," he suggested quickly. "There's a ledge just below. Can you reach it?"

Velyria nodded, already heading for the window. She turned to Caelum one last time. "Be careful. And don't tell anyone about this for now. We don't know who to trust."

With feline grace, she climbed over the windowsill and disappeared into the night, leaving Caelum alone with his tumultuous thoughts.

The footsteps in the hallway faded away, and Caelum released a breath he didn't remember holding. He sat heavily on his bed, his mind swirling with contradictory information and emotions.

Traitors in the palace. The Order of the Veil infiltrated at the highest level. And Velyria, risking everything to come warn him. Not to mention that kiss...

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Caelum shook his head, trying to put his thoughts in order. He couldn't let himself be distracted by his budding feelings, not now. The situation was too serious, the stakes too high.

After a few minutes of intense reflection, Caelum made a decision. He had to see Raven. If anyone could help him unravel this complex situation, it was him.

Silently, Caelum left his room and headed for the infirmary. The corridors were deserted at this late hour, only the glow of torches casting dancing shadows on the stone walls.

Arriving at the infirmary door, Caelum hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. Raven's weak voice answered him, inviting him to enter.

Raven was lying on a bed, his pale face contrasting with his black hair. Despite his obvious weakness, his violet eyes shone with their usual intensity.

"Caelum," he said with a faint smile. "To what do I owe the honor of this nocturnal visit?"

Caelum sat on a chair next to the bed, scanning his friend's face. "How are you feeling?"

Raven shrugged slightly, wincing at the movement. "I've been better. But I'll survive. Nyx's poison is tough, but not enough to get me."

There was a moment of silence, then Raven narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Caelum. "But you didn't come to check on me, did you? What's going on, Caelum?"

Caelum hesitated, weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he decided that if there was one person he could trust, it was Raven.

"I received an... unexpected visit," he began in a low voice. He then told Raven about his encounter with Velyria, omitting the kiss but sharing the crucial information about the traitors in the palace and the Order of the Veil's plans.

Raven listened carefully, his expression changing from surprise to concern, then to intense concentration.

"This is serious," he finally whispered. "If the Order has really infiltrated Lunaris at this level... we can't trust anyone."

"What should I do, Raven?" asked Caelum, fatigue and worry showing in his voice.

Raven remained silent for a moment, thinking. "For now, we need to keep this to ourselves. Observe, listen, but don't do anything hasty. We need more information before we can act."

Caelum nodded slowly. "And what about Velyria?"

A slight smile appeared on Raven's lips. "Be careful, Caelum. Feelings can be a strength, but also a weakness that our enemies could exploit."

Caelum felt his cheeks flush, but before he could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps was heard in the hallway. The infirmary door burst open, revealing a breathless Dorian.

"Caelum, Raven," he panted. "You won't believe what's just been announced. The trial... it's suspended until further notice!"

Caelum and Raven exchanged a stunned look. "What? Why?" asked Caelum, his heart racing.

Dorian caught his breath before answering. "It's because of recent events. The organizers decided it was too dangerous to continue for now. They said the trial will resume later, once the situation has calmed down."

Caelum felt a mixture of relief and worry wash over him. On one hand, it gave them more time to prepare and investigate Velyria's revelations. On the other, it meant the situation was serious enough to disrupt such an important event.

"When do they think they'll resume?" asked Raven, his voice betraying his own concern.

Dorian shook his head. "They didn't give a specific date. Just 'when things have calmed down'. Which could take days... or weeks."

A heavy silence fell in the room, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Caelum knew that this unexpected pause changed everything. They now had time, but also new responsibilities.

"Well," Caelum finally said, breaking the silence, "it seems we have our work cut out for us. This pause could be our chance to understand what's really going on."

Raven nodded slowly. "We must use this time wisely. Observe, listen, and prepare ourselves for what's to come."

Caelum took leave of his friends and headed to his room to finally rest. After a few steps, he heard someone calling his name.

"Caelum!"

He turned and saw Rowan running towards him in the distance.

"Rowan!" exclaimed Caelum, a surprised smile lighting up his face. "It's been a long time, old knight!"

Rowan approached, a slight smile on his lips despite the obvious fatigue on his face. "Indeed, young man. It seems fate has decided to reunite us once again."

Caelum carefully observed his old friend. Rowan looked older than in his memories, more pronounced wrinkles around his eyes and a few grey strands in his hair. Yet, his eyes still shone with the same determination and wisdom.

"I've heard about your exploits," Rowan continued, placing a hand on Caelum's shoulder. "You've come a long way since our first meeting."

Caelum felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. "I've tried to apply your precious advice as best I could, Rowan. But lately... things have become so complicated."

Rowan nodded, his expression becoming more serious. "I've heard about recent events. The suspension of the trial is just the tip of the iceberg, I'm afraid."

They began to walk side by side, their steps echoing softly in the deserted corridor.

"What do you think about all this, Rowan?" asked Caelum.

Rowan remained silent for a moment before answering. "I think we're on the brink of important changes, Caelum. The world as we know it is about to shift. But never forget that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope."

Caelum nodded, comforted by Rowan's words despite their gravity. "How can I prepare for what's coming?"

"Keep training, keep learning, and above all, trust your instincts," Rowan replied. "You have a gift, Caelum. A potential you're only beginning to scratch the surface of. But don't forget that your greatest strength lies in the bonds you've forged with your friends."

They stopped in front of Caelum's room door. Rowan turned to his young friend, his gaze filled with fatherly affection.

"Rest now," he said softly. "The days ahead will be busy, and you'll need all your strength."

Caelum nodded, grateful. "Thank you, Rowan. For everything."

As Rowan walked away, Caelum felt a mixture of gratitude and apprehension wash over him. His mentor's words resonated in his mind, reminding him of both the path he had traveled and the one that remained ahead.

He entered his room, exhausted but strangely soothed by this unexpected encounter. As he prepared for bed, Caelum promised himself to honor Rowan and his friends, whatever challenges lay ahead.