Alaric:

Later, as the evening settled in, they gathered around a sturdy wooden table in the common area. Alaric had taken it upon himself to prepare dinner.

He brought out plates of steaming food, setting them down with a flourish. “Dinner is served,” he said, adopting a butler’s tone which reminded him of his childhood. How he wished he could return to those times.

Veritas wasted no time, digging in. He practically inhaled the food, no thoughts in his mind.

Katherine, on the other hand, took a moment to taste the food, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “This is really good,” she admitted, looking up at Alaric with genuine appreciation.

Alaric tried hard to smile, but a hint of pride remained in his eyes. “I’m glad you like it. It’s an old recipe from the Kingdom. Something my family used to make.”

Katherine nodded, taking another bite. “You’ve got a talent for this.”

Veritas, mouth full, nodded emotionlessly. “Definitely. Best meal I’ve had in ages.”

Alaric finally sat down to join them, but found himself just poking at the steaming potatoes on his plate. How long had it been since he had also had a good meal?

The aroma was tempting, but the weight of his thoughts dulled his appetite. Memories of simpler times filled his mind, making the present moment feel bittersweet.

As he sat there, watching Katherine and Veritas enjoy the meal, a part of him longed for those days of innocence. But reality kept him grounded.

The reason he treated the two so well the whole time was because he knew that having more allies during the invasion of the outpost would increase his success rates exponentially.

Helping them now was a payment in advance. Making them stay longer would create a stronger bond with them. All he needed to do was pull at them a little more.

He took a deep breath, trying to clear his thoughts. “You know,” he began, his voice casual but with an underlying seriousness, “the Rebellion isn’t just about fighting the Kingdom. It’s about helping those in need, providing shelter and support to those who’ve lost everything.”

Katherine looked up, her curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

Alaric leaned forward slightly. “There are countless villages out there, suffering under the Kingdom’s rule and the mine system. If we can gather more support, more people willing to stand up and fight, we can make a real difference. It’s not just about us; it’s about everyone who’s been oppressed.”

“In a few weeks, the first blows will be called. I'm going to be there, gathering information for the inevitable fight."

Alaric laughed, shaking his head. "To be completely honest, you two skilled warriors are the type of people I need help from to make our fight a reality. To prove that the citizens make the Kingdom, not the other way around."

He rose, his presence commanding. “So, what do you say? Do you want to stand on the side of justice for the next few days?”

Both Katherine and Veritas stayed quiet, their meals momentarily forgotten. Katherine spoke first, her voice thoughtful. “I’ll think about it. I do have places to be, after all.”

Alaric then turned to Veritas, who shrugged. “Give me a few more days to decide. I'm only a decent fighter as well.”

Alaric sat back down, concealing his emotions, and finished his meal in silence.

"Until the Summer Solstice then. Please give me your answer before that time."

Over the next few days, they got to know each other better. Veritas often sat with his eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought, while Katherine’s curiosity about the hidden bunker, the surrounding forest, and city grew.

Alaric found himself showing her around, answering her questions, though she never revealed much about her origins.

In between these moments, the prince focused on his mission. He spent hours researching ways to infiltrate the Riders, piecing together plans and contingencies. He found himself usually holding the white echostone in one hand and the dagger with the unusual crest in the other, pondering how he could fight against an entire city.

Despite his efforts, he realized he couldn’t do it alone unless he found a way to.

Dressed in dark, muted clothing, he slipped through the shadows, moving with stealth. The city was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the distant hoot of an owl and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

After a long hour, he approached the walls and saw hundreds of archers manned at its front, their silhouettes barely visible against the night sky. Alaric’s heart pounded in his chest as he took in the sheer number of guards.

With unnatural speed, he avoided the gaze of the alert men, sticking to the darkest corners and using the natural cover of the environment. He moved silently, his senses heightened, ears straining to catch any sound that could betray his presence.

Sneaking around the castle and around threats had taught him much.

As he crept closer to the bunker, he heard a very faint, rhythmic tapping sound.

Water.

His eyes scanned the ground, and he patted it lightly, feeling the vibrations beneath his fingers. He stopped to breathe, realizing he had found an underground waterway.

He heard the crackling of fire from below, an unusual sound in such a place. This wasn’t just a waterway—it was part of an underground passage.

Determined, Alaric searched the area, his fingers tracing the edges of stones and examining the roots of ancient trees.

Just as he was about to give up, he noticed a slight depression in the ground, partially covered by moss and leaves. He carefully cleared the debris, revealing a narrow entrance barely wide enough for a person to slip through.

With a final glance to ensure he wasn’t being watched, Alaric squeezed through the opening. He descended into the passage, the temperature dropping as he moved deeper.

Drip. The sounds of the world above faded, replaced by the echoing water and the distant murmur of the underground stream.

Drip. The tunnel was tight and winding, with walls slick from moisture and a ceiling that forced him to crouch. He moved methodically, his hand trailing along the damp stone for guidance.

Drip. It was pitch black, but Alaric had experience trying to make out things in the dark.

Drip. As he ventured further, the passage opened up into a small cavern. In the center, a natural spring bubbled, casting a warm, inviting glow. The crackling fire he had heard earlier was from a torch mounted on the wall, burning brightly despite the damp conditions.

He pulled the torch down like a lever, and a hidden door in the stone wall creaked open, revealing a narrow staircase descending even deeper into the earth. Taking a deep breath, Alaric started down the steps, his movements soundless.

As he descended, he began to hear faint voices echoing from below. The murmur of conversation grew louder with each step, and Alaric’s heart pounded in his chest. He moved cautiously, avoiding any loose stones that might betray his presence.

At the bottom of the staircase, he peered around a corner and found himself looking into a room adorned with riches. Tapestries covered the walls, and a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling. It was a classic diplomatic meeting room.

Several figures were gathered around a large table, engaged in earnest conversation. Alaric strained to hear their words, but it was the sight of one particular face that completely surprised him.

As Alaric started to retreat, he suddenly sensed a presence behind him. Whirling around, he drew the knife in his boot in one swift motion and held it threateningly.

His eyes widened when the person stepped into the dim light, revealing Veritas with his usual emotionless expression.

“Veritas, why follow me?” Alaric hissed, lowering the knife slightly but keeping his guard up.

Veritas tilted his head slightly, his expression unchanged. “Katherine wanted to talk to you.”

Alaric sighed, the tension easing slightly. He sheathed the knife and grabbed Veritas’s hand, pulling him towards the exit. “We need to leave. Now.” He whispered.

After hiding from the archers, the two walked through the forest in silence, the night’s chill creeping in around them.

"Remember, you have two days to give me an answer."

"Consider it done."

Alaric scoffed. It didn't matter anymore. He was tired of waiting and was ready to do it all by himself.

"What does she want?" He asked, determination on his face.

Alaric knew himself. He could take on all of those archers at once and probably do a devastating blow to their forces, but to gather information in such an enclosed space and keep his life intact was a hard task.

"I don't know what she wants. But..."

Alaric interrupted him, his mind occupied with other things. "Don't you want revenge, Veritas? Against the Riders?"

After a few moments, the silent looking boy responded.

"I saw it all, but I'm still broken, Alec."

"What do you mean?"

Veritas looked at him, that dead expression stirring something within the old prince. "Nothing much."

Alaric forced himself not to turn away, feigning interest.

"Maybe, when the North Star is the only light in the sky, I'll be able to give you the answer you want from me," Veritas said, lips slightly turning up.

After a moment of thinking, Alaric turned his gaze back to the ground to track footsteps again.

Once they got back to the bunker, Katherine rushed over to him, clearly eager to ask something. She was just wearing a towel, and her hair was messily tied.

“Katherine, put something on,” he said quickly, closing his eyes in embarrassment.

She huffed in exasperation but nodded. “Fine. Just wait there."

A few moments later, Katherine returned, now properly dressed. She walked up to Alaric, her eyes rapidly blinking as she stared him down.

Alaric sighed. “Where do you want to go this time?”

“I want to go to the festival tomorrow,” she said, her voice almost pleading.“And I want you to accompany me.”

“Festival,” Alaric whispered, the word echoing in his mind.

Instantly, memories of the last Moon Festival and the story he told about his family's tragic end flooded back with the helplessness and pain. His breath hitched, and his chest tightened, the trauma gripping him with relentless force. He staggered, nearly collapsing under the weight of it all.

Before anyone could hold him up, he steadied himself, his face pale. Katherine and Veritas recoiled slightly upon looking at his expression.

“I can’t go,” he said. “There are only two more days until the supposed meeting. I can’t waste time.”

Katherine turned to Veritas, who just shook his head. “I have a feeling about tomorrow,” he said quietly. “I won’t be going.”

Katherine turned back to Alaric, her eyes pleading. “At least come for the dance at the end. Please?”

Alaric thought for a long while, then steeled his gaze. “Alright,” he said. “But I need something in return.”

Katherine’s face brightened. “Anything.”

Alaric couldn’t succumb under past memories. He had to be stronger than that.

Veritas:

Summer Solstice Festival Day. It was always a day before the real solstice.

Veritas stood on the crest of a hill, his figure silhouetted against the vibrant hues of the setting sun. The sky blazed with shades of crimson and gold, casting long shadows across the emerald expanse below. The world seemed to pause for a heartbeat, holding its breath in reverence to the dying day.

Then, as if a spell had been broken, time began to rush forward. The clouds above him streaked across the sky, blending into a whirlwind of colors that darkened into the deep blues and purples of twilight. Trees swayed and bent with invisible winds, their leaves fluttering and falling in a mesmerizing dance. Flowers bloomed and withered in moments, and the grass grew tall and wild before bowing to the invisible passage of time.

The stars began to appear, one by one, twinkling faintly at first before they brightened and filled the sky. Yet, as quickly as they came, they started to fade. The constellations dissolved, their ancient patterns unraveling as if the very fabric of the cosmos was being rewritten. All the stars blinked out, retreating into the abyss of the universe.

All except one.

High above, a single star burned fiercely, its light piercing through the encroaching darkness. It shone with a brilliance that seemed to challenge the void itself, casting a solitary beam down to the earth. The world around Veritas blurred and swirled, a chaotic symphony of motion and change, but the star remained a steadfast beacon, a solitary point of radiance in an otherwise consuming night.

Veritas, untouched by the frantic pace of the world around him, gazed up at the lone star. His expression was as unreadable as ever, his eyes reflecting the star's unwavering light. In that moment, amidst the accelerating chaos, there was a sense of profound stillness in his presence, as if he was a fixed point in a universe spinning out of control.

The star’s light seemed to grow stronger, casting long, silver shadows that danced and flickered across the hilltop. It illuminated Veritas, bathing him in an ethereal glow that set him apart from the restless world around him.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Suddenly, the world shattered. The sky, the hill, the distant horizon—all of it broke apart like glass, fragments spiraling around him in an explosion of color. Each shard revealed a depth that seemed infinite, every hue more vivid and complex than the last. The spirals formed patterns, coalescing into shapes and objects, only to dissolve and reform, an endless cycle of creation and destruction. Veritas stood at the epicenter, in the storm of fractal chaos.

He realized that this world he knew was merely a veneer, a thin layer over a deeper, more intricate realm. The spirals, so beautiful and terrifying, were the true essence of existence, the fundamental fabric of reality. They swirled around him, consuming him, pulling him into their dark, vibrant depths.

As the darkness enveloped him, Veritas saw the world anew. Every detail, every connection, every moment of time laid bare before him.

The beauty was overwhelming, a complexity so profound that it defied comprehension. His eyes widened in shock, the sheer magnitude of the truth cutting into him like a blade. He saw the future unfolding, a tapestry of inevitable outcomes, each thread leading to the same conclusion.

His eyes began to bleed, his crimson tears mingling with the colors of the spirals, a stark contrast to the overwhelming brilliance around him. The pain was excruciating, but the clarity was undeniable. He saw everything, understood everything, and with that understanding came the crushing weight of futility.

In the next moment, he felt a soothing presence opening his eyes to a black room. The only objects within the void were two chairs facing each other.

In one of the chairs sat a woman.

Veritas, still reeling from the visions he had seen, stared at her, his eyes haunted. He recognized her instantly. The Weaver. Fate.

"You are a God, aren't you?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

The Weaver smiled, a serene and knowing expression that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe.

"Does it matter?" she asked softly, her voice like a melody. "I am Fate, the Weaver of destinies, the guide through the labyrinth of time…"

"...but even so, I guess it's time for our second meeting, my Hero."

She glanced upward, and spirals began to form in the air, creating a table and two glasses of tea. The spirals moved with a grace and fluidity that defied logic, materializing the objects as if drawing them from the fabric of existence itself.

Veritas watched the spirals, his mind still attuned to their underlying truth.

"I understand now," he said slowly, "They are not of this realm."

The Weaver raised an eyebrow, her expression one of mild amusement. "Arcane Energy? Not of this realm?” she echoed. "Perhaps. But now, they could be one and the same."

Veritas took a cautious step forward and then another, until he reached the empty chair. He sat down, feeling the weight of the recent revelations settle upon him like a mantle. He stared into the ripples of tea in his cup, watching as the surface trembled and danced with unseen energies.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Veritas's mind churned with questions, but he found his voice halting, uncertain.

"Why show me all this?" he finally asked, his eyes still fixed on the tea.

"Because," the Weaver replied, her tone gentle, "you are no longer just a pawn in this game. You have glimpsed the threads that bind our world, seen the patterns that shape me, Fate. With that knowledge comes a choice. You can accept the futility, or you can transcend it."

Veritas looked up, meeting her gaze.

"And if I choose to transcend it?"

The Weaver's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with something akin to pride. "Then you will become more than a seer. You will become a weaver of destiny. But it's not time for that yet. I’ve only shown you a single event, a single possibility, after all."

Veritas raised his cup, bumping it gently against hers. "If that's what I saw and what you want, then I have no choice but to play my part."

The Weaver echoed his gesture with a chuckle. “There is one warning, though. All seers that speak of visions without my sanction will have their souls cursed and shattered. You will be erased from existence, unable to reincarnate, your essence scattered to the void."

Veritas nodded, the gravity of her words sinking in. "It makes sense," he said, and took a sip of the tea, feeling its warmth spread through him.

She studied Veritas for a moment, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "It has been a long time since a mortal hasn’t been scared of my existence."

Veritas met her gaze calmly, not even a shred of emotion from before still in his eyes. "It really doesn't matter anymore.”

The Weaver's serene smile remained, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes—something he couldn’t understand.

Veritas leaned forward slightly. "But I don’t understand one thing. Why do you care about Lutra being submerged and destroyed?"

She pursed her lips before responding.

"Some before me eventually succumbed to despair. Witnessing eons slip by, observing endless cycles of death and rebirth, drove them to madness. In the end, all things seemed indistinguishable, everyone alike. It lost its thrill. But I yearn to witness the end of time itself. After all, if there's a beginning, there must be an end, right? To bring some excitement after celebrating the end of the first infinity, I’ve invested my efforts into this narrative. Into this story, where even those far more powerful than me have been deceived by my design."

The Weaver's smile faded, replaced by a look of somber reflection.

"You know, my first seer, the only one I confided in about such matters, broke the oath and revealed what they had seen, transferring the responsibility of continuing Time’s curse to another Hero. You remind me of him. The way he spoke and berated me made me feel emotions that I hadn’t before.”

“I see. Then, I must challenge your view.”

Fate giggled like a child, just like the first time he met her. “Oh?”

“What if there's no end at all?”

Katherine:

The Summer Solstice Festival was a breathtaking spectacle of light and color, a celebration of the longest day of the year that drew people from far and wide. The village square, usually quiet and serene, was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of life and energy. Lanterns in every conceivable shape and color hung from the trees and buildings, casting a warm, ethereal glow that danced on the cobblestones. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and music, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the aroma of delicious street food.

Stalls lined the square, offering a variety of delights—from handmade crafts to exotic treats, each one more enticing than the last. Performers moved through the crowd, their costumes shimmering in the lantern light as they juggled, danced, and performed feats of magic. Children ran about with glowing orbs, their joyous cries adding to the symphony of the festival. In the center of it all, a massive bonfire blazed, its flames reaching toward the starlit sky, symbolizing the sun's peak and the warmth it brought to their lives.

The highlight of the evening was the grand dance, held in a beautifully decorated pavilion draped with silks and adorned with twinkling fairy lights. Musicians played lively tunes, their melodies weaving through the air and inviting all to join in the dance.

The atmosphere was electric, charged with the excitement and anticipation of the night.

It was amidst this magical setting that Katherine found herself dancing with Alec, his steps effortlessly matching hers. Despite his apathy, his dancing skills were impeccable. He moved with a precision and grace that fascinated her, making her wonder who he actually was. How was he skilled in so many things?

As they glided across the floor, she also couldn't help but notice the occasional stiffness that would seize his body. In random moments, his movements would become rigid, and he would consciously stop himself before continuing. It was almost as if his mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with something unknown and far away.

The next song began, and the music seemed to slow time itself. The melodies floated like a gentle breeze, enveloping them in an ethereal embrace. Katherine noticed Alec’s features more closely. He was actually quite handsome.

If only he wasn't so intimidating at times.

But mostly, there was a sadness in his gaze that drew her in, a sorrow that made her want to understand and perhaps even help. As they continued to glide across the floor, Katherine couldn't shake the feeling that there was much more to him than met the eye.

Her mind drifted to the question that she had been contemplating. Would she fight against the Riders, fight against injustice or focus on her mission? The Aiyimorean Oath pledged her to help Alec, however, she needed to focus on getting to Pinewick. It was going to be a hard decision to make.

As the final notes of the song lingered in the air, the dance came to a gentle end. The pavilion seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, the fairy lights twinkling like stars. Katherine and Alec stepped out of the pavilion, the night air cool and refreshing against their skin.

They stood together, looking up at the sky as the stars began to disappear one by one, swallowed by the night. Yet, in the middle of the night sky, one star remained—the Void Star. It blazed with an intensity that outshone all others, its solitary light piercing through the darkness. A beacon of hope and mystery.

The Void Star was unlike any other. Its light pulsed with a rhythm that seemed to resonate with the very heartbeat of the universe. The celestial glow cast an ethereal silver sheen over the landscape, illuminating the festival grounds with a haunting beauty.

The star’s unwavering brilliance made the surrounding darkness seem even deeper, a stark contrast that captivated all who gazed upon it.

The night sky was still dark, a canvas of deep indigo and violet hues, painted with the fading remnants of the stars. Its light cast long, soft shadows across the pavilion, making the silks and fairy lights shimmer with an almost magical iridescence.

Katherine reached into her pocket and felt the letter Mary had given her, the one she was supposed to read at this very moment. She hesitated, her fingers lingering on the paper.

"Later..." she murmured to herself.

It had been a long time since she'd had the chance to enjoy a simple festival with someone else. The letter could wait a bit longer.

A soft sniffle drew her attention. She turned and was startled to see a couple of tears rolling down Alec’s face.

Katherine’s heart skipped a beat at the sight. Without thinking, she reached out and gently touched his arm. “Hey, it’s okay. Whatever it is, it’s going to be alright.”

Alaric didn’t respond, his eyes distant and unseeing. Katherine took a deep breath, then pulled him into a warm embrace, wrapping her arms around him. For a moment, he tensed, clearly startled by the sudden closeness.

“It’s okay,” she whispered soothingly.

Gradually, Alec’s rigid posture softened, and he began to relax into her embrace. The tension in his body eased, and a few seconds later, he let out a shuddering breath.

Katherine held him for a while longer before gently pulling back. She looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of the turmoil he had been feeling. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”

Alec’s green eyes met hers, and he managed a faint, grateful smile. “Thank you, Katherine. I guess I owe you an explanation…”

“No, don't think that. It's fine.”

Alaric chuckled softly, though it sounded somewhat forced. “This was pretty embarrassing, so I suppose I'll tell you to just balance things out.”

Katherine remained quiet, giving him the space to collect his thoughts.

He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting to the night sky. “Recently, I remembered something about my mother. She used to take me outside to look at the North Star. I don’t know why, but it feels like she might be watching over me now.”

She chuckled. “You lie so smoothly, you know?”

He grimaced, his face contorting. “That easy to tell?”

"Seemingly so."

Alec took a deep breath. “Oh well, the truth is... my family was murdered. I see their faces one by one in my dreams. I can’t handle it anymore. It’s too painful, yet my heart aches to see them again, to tell them I’ve promised to avenge them, to show them I’m no longer weak.”

He laughed bitterly. “But I can’t even accept that they’re gone. I’m relying on others to keep me going.”

Katherine placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Alec, take some time alone with your memories of them. Accept their deaths, but don’t let it consume you. If you linger on your pain for too long, you’ll never be able to achieve your goals.”

Alec looked at her, his eyes full of conflicted emotions. Katherine's words seemed to sink in, offering him a moment of clarity. He nodded slowly, as if coming to terms with the painful truth she had spoken. He turned back towards the night sky.

After a few minutes, Katherine carefully slipped away, her footsteps light as she made her way back to the forest. Leaning against a tree, she took out the letter and glanced up at the star above, trying to steady her breathing. With a deep breath, she began to open the fragile paper.

As Katherine unfolded the letter, the soft glow of the star revealed a single white sheet. At first, her hands were steady, but as she read further, her grip began to tremble. The more she read, the harder it became to keep her composure.

In a sudden wave of nausea, she dropped the letter, her face growing pale. She turned away, her stomach heaving uncontrollably, and she threw up before collapsing against the tree, overwhelmed by the shock of the message.

A moment later, she reached for the letter again, her hands shaking. As she picked it up, another piece of paper fell out, catching her eye. It was Lunarell paper, covered in every color imaginable, like a swirling mix of paint. The realization hit her with a sickening force.

Her stomach churned again, and she was sick once more. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered through her sobs, “They didn’t disappear. They’re all dead.” The weight of the letter was almost too much to bear, leaving her engulfed in grief as she sat there, struggling to come to terms with the devastating truth.

???:

In the darkened sky, a lone star shone brightly, casting a faint glow over the scene. Beneath it, a figure stood silently, her gaze fixed upward. She sighed, as if expecting something. “She would have read it by now,” she murmured to herself.

Without warning, three orbs of ice materialized around her, their shimmering surfaces reflecting the starlight. The orbs floated with a cold, almost palpable energy. Shadows began to shift around her, and black-clad figures emerged from the darkness, their forms obscured by swirling ravens.

“You will pay for the Cataclysm.”

The battle commenced with a flurry of movement. The figure, moving with fluid grace, wielded the ice orbs with skill, sending sharp, crystalline shards towards her foes. Despite her powerful ice attacks, the black-clad figures seemed impervious to death, their forms regenerating with each strike.

In the midst of the chaos, the figure heard a familiar voice through the clamor of the fight. “Varek Zynar, dorik stelar!” The words cut through the noise, resonating deep within her.

With a steely resolve, she whispered back, “Stand strong, fall unyielding.” Her voice was filled with conviction and a lack of fear as she continued fighting. The battle raged on fiercely, the orbs of ice providing a dazzling display of light and frost.

Suddenly, she was struck, a knife plunging through her body. She gasped, but a smile touched her lips. “For my daughter,” she said, her voice weak but resolute. “Ruptura.”

As she finished, the ice orbs around her erupted in a blinding explosion of light and force. The blast surged outward, destroying everything in its path and leaving a field of wreckage and smoke in its wake. The black-clad figures were engulfed in the explosion, their forms disintegrating into the night.

The figure, her final act of defiance completed, collapsed amidst the debris, the remains of the ice orbs slowly melting away like her body.

“They are too strong, Arbitrator. Please retreat…”

And unsurprisingly, as the smoke began to clear, the charred remnants of the black-clad figures began to reassemble, their forms eerily merging back together.

Alaric:

Alaric stood by Katherine’s bedside, his gaze fixed on her sleeping form. She was wrapped in a blanket, her face unusually pale, even more so than usual. He gently held her hand, looking at her fragile state.

She had saved him during the festival, and he had found her collapsed by a tree with a disturbing letter in her hands. Alaric felt different than the normal apathy. He felt worried.

Katherine slowly woke up, her eyes fluttering open as she took in her surroundings. When she saw Alaric beside her, her hand instinctively went to her mouth. Panic was evident in her eyes.

Alaric noticed her distress and gently tried to calm her. “It’s okay, Katherine. You’re safe.”

Her hands clenched into fists, and Alaric saw a fierce anger in her eyes. “Did you read it?”

Alaric hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yes, I did. But to be honest, most of the terms and messages in the letter didn’t make much sense to me.”

She sighed. “Right. It wouldn't. Yes…”

After all, the Aiyimorean language was "ancient" Lutrian.

“If it's okay to ask, what happened?”

Katherine breathed deeply through her teeth, her gaze resolute and intense. She gripped Alaric’s hand tightly, causing him to instinctively pull away.

“I’ll join you for your mission, Alec,” she declared firmly. “I have a reason now.”

Alaric nodded slowly, turning to leave the room. As he reached the door, he remembered something. “Veritas wanted to speak with you as well.”

Katherine gave a curt nod. “Let him in.”

Alaric invited him and closed the door behind himself as he stood outside, focusing on catching their voices.

Inside the room, Katherine’s voice was steady but tinged with sadness.

“Except for a couple of close friends and my father, it seems like everyone in my hometown didn’t disappear. It was a mass suicide.”

“I see.”

Katherine’s frustration was evident. “Come on, no questions? Does it seem even remotely plausible? With my way of telling things, the Riders make more sense to me.”

Veritas responded calmly, “I believe you wholeheartedly. If you need support, Alec is available to help you.”

Katherine’s tone was sharp. “He’s been hiding things from the beginning. I don’t feel like I can trust him.”

Veritas paused, considering her words. “We’ve all been hiding things, haven’t we? Important things. But the truth is, you and Alec will need to help each other.”

She scoffed as her voice dropped to a whisper. “I don’t know anymore. But if anything is going to change, it has to start with this Kingdom.”

“Then we’ll both support him in dealing with the Riders.”

Katherine's eyes narrowed. “I’m aware of your past with them.”

“I don’t hold that grudge any longer. But I still have to play my part.”

“A part to play. So all those who died had their roles too?”

“Are you going to argue, or follow your legacy, Katherine?”

That shut her up quickly.

“You are naive, Katherine. Simplistic beliefs in upholding justice and truth aren't any good in this world.”

She opened her mouth in protest, but Veritas continued speaking in his monotone voice. “But, maybe that's what the Lutrian Kingdom needs right now.”

Alaric heard all he wanted to know. Slowly pushing himself up from the wall, he walked outside. He still didn't understand what had happened to her overnight, but it didn't matter. The plan was on.

He wouldn't falter anymore.