Xavier stood frozen, like a statue caught in time. Alcmena’s voice cut through the night air again, sharper this time, laced with disappointment and frustration.

“Answer me, Xavier! Where do you think you’re going?”

He kept his head down, his gaze locked on the ground, refusing to meet Alcmena’s piercing eyes—or Anastasia’s concerned ones. Silence clung to him like chains, his left hand trembling as he clenched it into a fist.

Anastasia, sensing the growing tension, attempted to diffuse the situation, stepping between them. “Lord Alcmena, perhaps we should—”

But before she could finish, Xavier murmured under his breath, his voice laced with something dark, something painful.

“And why would you care…?”

Alcmena’s brows furrowed. “What?” His confusion was quickly replaced by stern authority. “Xavier, what kind of tone is that? You know I’m doing this for your safety. You think I don’t know? That I wasn’t aware of your plan to meet Adam and run away from your home? You can’t hide anything from me. We share the same mind.”

Anastasia’s head snapped toward Xavier, her voice laced with disbelief and worry. “WHAT?! Young Master, you were planning on running away?!”

Still, Xavier said nothing. The weight of his choice pressed on his chest like an iron shackle.

Alcmena sighed, his voice softening. “Xavier, please don’t do this. I care about you deeply, more than you know. I—”

“IF YOU TRULY CARED ABOUT ME, YOU WOULDN’T BE IN MY WAY OF FINDING WHAT I LOST!”

His words echoed through the silent night, raw and unfiltered.

Alcmena blinked, momentarily stunned. “What are you talking about?”

Anastasia dismounted from Alcmena’s back, cautiously stepping toward Xavier. Her voice was gentle, but edged with concern. “What do you mean, Young Master? What have you lost?”

Xavier’s breath hitched as he wiped at the tears threatening to fall. His voice cracked as he whispered, “Everything... I lost everything.”

A thick silence fell over them.

“My father—he was my world. And he died... because of me.”

Alcmena and Anastasia stiffened, their expressions shifting from stern to stricken. The night wind howled between them, carrying the weight of Xavier’s words.

He dropped to his knees, his body trembling. “I always knew I wasn’t truly one of them. That I wasn’t related by blood. That I was just... a stranger playing guest in a world that wasn’t mine. But I wanted to be with them! I wanted to belong!”

Alcmena’s voice was thick with sorrow. “Xavier, your father’s death wasn’t your fault. You can’t carry that burden alone.”

Anastasia attempted a smile, trying to cut through the suffocating grief. “Lord Alcmena’s right! You shouldn’t blame yourself for everything bad that happens.”

Her voice softened. “And Young Master… don’t say that you don’t belong here. Because you do.”

Xavier squeezed his eyes shut. “But... I don’t.”

“I’ve always had this unshakable feeling that deep down, I was the reason he died. That if I weren’t born, none of this would have happened. That Big Brother, Big Sis, Grandpa, Uncle Thomas, Aunt Charlotte... none of them would’ve had to suffer losing the person they loved.”

Gazing at his hands, his words became quieter, yet filled with something desperate. “I thought… I thought if I could find out about my past, about where I came from, maybe the nightmares would stop. Maybe I could finally find a place where I belong. Maybe... I could finally escape from Percival.”

His shoulders shook as tears dropped down to his hands.

A deep pain lanced through Alcmena and Anastasia. Seeing him like this—so broken—was unbearable.

Anastasia stepped forward, slowly removing her cloak. She kneeled beside him, then pulled him into her arms, holding him tightly.

“Young Master,” she murmured, her voice trembling. “I’ve always told you, haven’t I? That I hate seeing you in pain.”

Xavier didn’t respond, lost in his sorrow.

She sighed softly, then gently released him from her embrace. Instead, she lowered herself further, bowing her head.

“If meeting Adam is what will ease your pain…” Her voice was steady, unwavering. “Then let me come with you.”

Alcmena’s eyes widened. “Lady Anastasia, what are you doing?!”

She ignored him, keeping her head lowered as she continued, “I am your maid, Young Master. Wherever you go, I will follow. Even if the world rejects you. Even if you stray from your path. Even if death itself comes for you, I will face it by your side. For that is why I became your maid.”

She lifted her head, reaching out a hand toward him, her smile tender. “So let me come with you. Let us leave this world together, just as you wish.”

“Let me be by your side.”

Xavier’s breath caught in his throat. A spark of something—relief, gratitude—lit in his eyes. And suddenly, without thinking, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace.

Anastasia let out a soft chuckle, gently stroking his head. “Don’t worry, Young Master,” she whispered. “I will always be with you. No matter what.”

Her arms tightened around him as she held him close, her voice filled with quiet resolve.

“So please… don’t ever think that you don’t belong here. Because you do. You are a part of our world—an irreplaceable part.”

She buried her face into his shoulder, her own voice breaking. “So please, Xavier… don’t carry this pain alone.”

Alcmena's voice grew sharp with concern, his words carrying the weight of urgency. "But Anastasia! If you go through with this, you'll be guilty of betraying the state, jeopardizing the nation's stability, deserting your duty, and betraying a royal household!"

His voice only grew more frantic. "And if Adam is as dangerous as my guts say—and if he has connections to the place we’re headed—you might even be charged with espionage! That’s high treason!"

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"Do you understand what that means?" he continued, his panic clear. "You could be branded a criminal, stripped of your royal protections as King Graviil’s daughter. Or worse... sentenced to death or life imprisonment!" His golden eyes burned with frustration. "Are you really willing to throw everything away just like this?"

Anastasia remained unshaken, her voice calm yet resolute as she gently held Xavier. "Yes."

Alcmena pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. "Oh, who am I kidding..."

Taking another deep breath, he let out a sigh of resignation before shifting into his cat form. His once-calm voice now carried a menacing edge. "Fine. I’ll do as you wish."

"But... and I mean this, if I find out Adam is trying to manipulate Xavier in any way, or if the royal army catches up with us, I won’t hesitate to kill him. I’ll burn this world to the ground before I let them lay a hand on you."

Anastasia chuckled softly. "You’re too tense, Lord Alcmena. This is my decision. No need for such terrifying threats."

Alcmena’s eyes shifted, his golden irises now burning with a draconic red glow. "Not a threat. A promise."

Anastasia smiled, then turned her attention back to Xavier. "I’ll face the consequences of my choices later. But right now, the only thing that matters is Young Master—him finding himself."

She looked at Xavier with something close to understanding. "I was like him once. Lost. Conflicted. He’s only nine. He deserves to figure out who he is."

Alcmena turned away, his massive dragon form shimmering back into existence. "Alright. Let’s go."

Xavier wiped at his red-stained eyes, voice small but firm. "Okay."

As they climbed onto Alcmena’s back, a fiery golden aura erupted around him before he soared into the sky at supersonic speed, heading toward their meeting point.

In the dim glow of the moon, a cloaked figure leaned against the shadowed side of an alley, absently biting into an apple. Adam’s expression remained unreadable as he sensed the familiar presence of Xavier, Alcmena, and Anastasia approaching.

The moment they stepped into view—hooded, with Alcmena perched on Xavier’s shoulder—Adam’s entire demeanor shifted. A slow, pleased grin spread across his face.

"Xavier!" he called out, his voice brimming with satisfaction. "I was starting to think you’d made up your mind and wouldn’t come. But I’m glad to see you here."

Xavier, eyes still puffy from crying, turned his gaze slightly away. "Yeah..."

Anastasia stepped forward, her expression sharp, her presence unwavering. "I don’t know how you found out my master's real name or what you know about his past, but I’ll make this clear. I’m coming with him. And you’d better keep your word."

Her voice turned venomous, her green aura coiling around her like a snake, taking the form of a massive cobra. "If I find out you’re using him, tricking him, or putting him in harm’s way, I’ll make sure your head is served on a plate for all to see. Including your family."

Adam’s smirk vanished. His entire demeanor turned cold, his gaze dark as a crow’s shadow. "You have my word, woman."

Their auras clashed in a silent storm, the air between them tense with unspoken hostility. Then, Alcmena cut through the tension, his voice edged with the same bitterness he had carried since the beginning. "Alright, enough. How do you plan on getting us out of the country before daybreak? If the Ivanovich family realizes their beloved grandson has vanished overnight, they’ll track us down easily."

Adam blinked, startled. "AHH! A TALKING UGLY CAT?!"

Alcmena’s fur bristled. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING AN UGLY CAT, YOU DAMNED BASTARD?!"

Adam recovered with a smirk. "If you’re asking how we’re leaving, we’ll be using RealmHall."

Anastasia’s eyes widened. "RealmHall? But that’s only accessible to nobles and royals. Rarely to anyone else."

"Exactly." Adam’s smirk deepened. "That’s why Xavier’s here. The prince will use his status to get us through."

Both Anastasia and Alcmena stiffened, their unease apparent. But Xavier… he barely reacted.

As Adam began walking toward the portal’s location, he glanced back at Xavier. "Oh, by the way, Xavier. Where we’re going, your little naive outlook won’t help you."

His voice took on a sharper edge. "You’ll face adversaries who won’t hesitate to kill you. And when that time comes, you might have to take a life yourself."

Xavier stopped in his tracks, his expression darkening. His voice, though quiet, carried an unshakable resolve. "I don’t care how strong or terrifying they are. I won’t take a life. I never have, and I never will."

Adam scoffed, turning away. "Just as expected. Let’s see how far that stupid heroic, pure-hearted idealism takes you."

Then, with a mocking smirk, he added, "Mark my words—it 'will' be the death of you one day."

Xavier’s eyes narrowed. His voice was steady, unwavering. "Then I'll die with that belief."

For the first time, Adam’s smirk faltered. He glanced at Xavier from the corner of his eye, then let out a quiet chuckle.

"We’ll see," he murmured, leading the way to the portal.

Just a few minutes of walking, and they found it—a massive, well-crafted gate, towering over them like a monolith, easily as tall as a three-story house. Heavily armored knights stood in rigid formation, their gleaming steel reflecting the dim torchlight.

As they approached, their faces concealed beneath their hoods, a knight suddenly stepped forward, blocking their path.

"Halt!" the knight barked, gripping the hilt of his sword. "State your purpose!"

Xavier took a breath, forcing an easygoing smile as he pulled back his hood. "Ah, my apologies for the surprise," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "I simply wish to use the RealmHall gate to reach another destination."

The moment the knights recognized his face, they all dropped to one knee in unison.

"Greetings, Second Prince of Moscow!" they proclaimed.

Xavier chuckled awkwardly, shifting slightly under their reverence. One of the knights, lifting his head, spoke again. "Your Majesty, what brings you here at this hour? The gate is rarely used at such a time."

Before Xavier could respond, Anastasia stepped in with a practiced smile. "We’re leaving early for a planned vacation. We thought it’d be best to get a head start and rent an inn when we arrive. You know how travel can be." She let out a lighthearted laugh, as if the explanation was completely ordinary.

The knight nodded. "I see. If Lady Anastasia is accompanying you, then there’s no reason for concern."

Turning to his fellow knights, he commanded, "Prepare the gate for His Majesty immediately!"

The soldiers sprang into action, pushing against the large mechanisms of the gate. With a heavy groan, the colossal doors creaked open, revealing the shimmering, fractured space beyond—a swirling rift of crackling energy, a portal leading directly to another location where a corresponding rift would allow them to exit.

Xavier inclined his head slightly in gratitude before stepping forward, followed closely by Anastasia and Adam. As they through the path leading to the rift, Adam leaned in, whispering, "Well, that was easier than expected. Thought we’d have to carve our way through if they refused."

Xavier didn’t reply, his gaze fixed on the warping energy ahead. Without hesitation, they entered the rift.

In an instant, they emerged in a completely different landscape—Estonia, the outer border of the Kingdom of Russia. The salty sea breeze hit them immediately, the faint sound of waves crashing against the docks filling the air. The scent of damp wood and brine clung to the bustling port town before them.

Without delay, they made their way toward the docks, where numerous ships bobbed in the water, their sails billowing slightly in the cold night wind. Adam had already arranged for passage, and they approached one of the larger ships, a rugged, pirate-like vessel, prepared to brave the rough waters ahead.

As Anastasia and Adam boarded, Xavier remained behind, his feet rooted to the wooden planks of the dock. Noticing his absence, Alcmena, who now set on Anastasia's shoulders, turned back, tilting his head in mild concern.

"Are you coming, Xavier?" he asked.

Anastasia, picking up on his hesitation, softened her tone. "Is everything alright, Young Master?"

Xavier lifted his gaze, forcing a smile. "Yeah… I’m fine. I’ll be there in a moment."

Reaching into his coat, Xavier pulled out the white-fanged mask he had set aside earlier. He stared at it, his fingers brushing over its smooth, cold surface, feeling the weight of what was about to happen. The mask wasn’t just an object—it was a symbol of what he was leaving behind.

His thoughts swirled.

"I’m really leaving home."

The realization struck harder than he expected, settling in his chest like a heavy stone. He thought of his brother and sister, of his grandfather, the people who had always been there. The warmth of his childhood, the safety of the palace walls—it was all slipping through his fingers. And yet, he wasn’t turning back.

"I don’t know how to feel about this…"

Regret? Fear? Determination? It was all tangled together, a mess of emotions he couldn’t quite name.

"I’m sorry, Big Brotha. I’m sorry, Sis. Grandpa… I’m sorry."

His grip tightened around the mask. Fear. That was what this was really about. That lingering, suffocating fear—the kind that crept into his bones, that whispered in his ears whenever he hesitated. He wasn’t running away from home.

He was running away from himself.

"I can’t let this fear control me anymore. If there’s even a chance I can be freed from it… I have to take it."

His breath came out slow and shaky. Then, without another word, he raised the mask and secured it over his face. The straps tightened against his skin, a firm, grounding sensation. His eyes darkened with quiet resolve as he took the first step forward.

Toward uncertainty. Toward danger.

Toward whatever waited for him beyond the horizon.

As he approached, Alcmena and Anastasia watched him from the ship’s deck, their gazes questioning. But Xavier didn’t slow down. His path was set.

And there was no turning back now.