[Nazari's POV]
It felt as though my hand had been plunged into molten magma—the searing heat crawling up my arm until it burned deep into my bones. My blurred vision steadied on the source: Arwin, in his childlike form, clinging to my hand with desperate strength.
I lay on the bed, but he looked like the one suffering. Sweat gathered on his flawless forehead, his cheeks flushed crimson, his breathing uneven. His skin, usually cool to the touch, blazed hot against mine.
And yet… even like this, he's still strikingly beautiful.
His long lashes brushed his skin as his eyes remained closed. The elegant line of his jaw, the perfect curve of his nose, the soft shape of his lips—every detail so refined it felt unfair. Even the faint furrow of his brows seemed artful.
'Ah… I want to touch him. To pinch those flushed cheeks. Perhaps this will be my only chance, now that he looks so defenseless, so human.'
When my intrusive thought finally won, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest—Arwin's eyes fluttered open, gazing at me with a blank, dazed look. For a moment, I panicked, certain I'd been caught disrespecting the Grand Duke himself.
But that fear quickly melted into concern. The heat radiating from him was far too much.
He was burning with a fever.
Just then, a scent drifted into the room, soft and intoxicating—like hydrangeas in full bloom under an autumn sky. The fragrance seemed to rise from nowhere, delicate and yet overwhelming, curling through the air until it wrapped around me.
There were no flowers here. Not a single bloom.
And yet the sweetness lingered, almost alive, seeping into my chest, setting my skin alight. My body trembled under it, as though the very air had turned into a spell.
I leaned closer, ready to wake him—
The door burst open. Leonard rushed in, his eyes widening at the sight. For a heartbeat he froze, then without a word scooped Arwin into his arms with uncharacteristic urgency and hurried out.
In that childlike form, fragile and feverish, Arwin was far too easy to carry. No quips, no teasing—only raw panic guiding Leonard's steps.
When left behind, I finally noticed… this wasn't my room at all. It was far more extravagant, yet arranged with care, as though tailored for me.
The chamber held an odd contradiction. Extravagant, yes—touches of gold and silver traced the edges of simple furnishings—but not overwhelming. A bed, a study table, a few decorations. Paintings of meadows, mountains, waterfalls—all familiar, almost like my old room, only refined.
Then a fragrance brushed past me again. Soft, delicate, faintly powdery. Not cloying, not heavy—gentle, inviting. It soothed my nerves, eased the heat still clinging to my skin, and lulled me toward sleep.
Before I could think too deeply about it, my eyelids grew heavy, and the world slipped into quiet darkness once more.
When I next opened my eyes, I found myself trapped in a heavy embrace. A body curled tightly around me, powdery blue hair brushing against my face. His weight pressed down enough to make it hard to breathe, yet… there was comfort in it, as if he were anchoring me so I wouldn't slip away again.
"Ma, you're finally awake!"
Khyne's grin lit up his whole face as he sat upright, quick and lively. His salamander spirit, however, stayed perched on my shoulder, still nibbling stubbornly at my hair.
"H-How?" I stammered, my chest tightening with disbelief.
Khyne tilted his head, his grin softening. "Honestly, I was just as shocked, Ma."
His eyes grew distant as he spoke. "The moment the kid and I were swallowed by that beast, it felt like we were being pulled through space itself. Everything spun—like falling and flying at the same time. And when I opened my eyes… we were standing right in front of Great Master Leonard. Elijah was already there too."
I blinked. That's… impossible.
"They were both startled, of course. But what got me was the Grand Duke." His brows drew together, a shadow crossing his face. "Even though Elijah was unconscious, he demanded to know where you were. His eyes… they were terrifying. Like he'd burn the whole world if he can't find you."
The Grand Duke?… that won't be true.
Khyne muttered more to himself than to me, "We were swallowed at Nabishii Forest just as dawn broke. But when we appeared before them… the sun had already set. There's time missing somewhere—"
"How's Sir Elijah?" I interrupted.
Khyne clicked his tongue. "That weakling?" He scoffed, waving dismissively. "Don't worry, Ma. He's too stubborn to die. Great Master Leonard rushed him to Doctor Henry's clinic right after. And now? That idiot's already swinging his sword again—even though he can barely stand straight. Stupid fool."
The insults spilled from him like arrows, but the faint crease in his brow betrayed something softer beneath.
"And the kid—she's fine too. Sir Heishu's taking care of her. You can come see them with me later, if you want, Ma." His grin returned, boyish and bright, as if to chase away my doubts.
A breath I hadn't realized I was holding escaped. "Thank goodness… nothing worse happened." My hand rose without thought to pat his head.
Khyne froze, ears turning red. But instead of brushing me off, he caught my hand and pressed it to his cheek, leaning in like a cat seeking warmth.
"…And I'm thankful you came back to us, Ma," he murmured, his voice uncharacteristically quiet.
The air in the chamber grew colder the moment he touched my hand. His expression hardened, as though disappointment weighed upon him. Slowly, he rose to his feet.
"I guess my time is up. Visit us in Frost Town later, Ma."
In the next instant, his form dissolved into silver light. The salamander spirit leapt onto his shoulder just before both were swept away by the magic's pull.
The warmth on the back of my hand lingered for a moment, reminding me of the gentle creature who once guided me to Nobelle. But when I looked, the small mark it left behind was gone—vanished, as if it had never been there at all.
"I wasn't even given the chance to ask about the water spirit. I think she went back to her Sanctuary too."
In silence, my gaze falling upon the desk. A plate of apples, cut neatly into the shapes of rabbits, rested beside an array of fruits. A silver pitcher stood nearby, droplets of water beading along its rim.
It was then that my eyes fell upon the bag I had brought back from Nabishi Forest. The fabric was frayed, its sling barely holding together. I remembered clearly—the strap had snapped when Khyne shoved me out of the Fenrir's path, and the beast had devoured it along with them.
Somehow, the artifact inside must have protected them.
I reached into the worn bag and pulled out the ribbon Zarani had gifted to Nobelle. Its once-bright gem was now fractured beyond repair, lines of cracks spreading like veins across its surface.
My suspicion proved right. This was what had shielded Khyne and Nobelle from the Fenrir's fangs. Yet I don't remember it has another usage.
"Is this truly why they teleported? And why in front of Leonard? Why was Elijah already there? And most of all, how did I manage to survive that wound? I clearly remember the goblin's knife piercing through my heart, but... I don't even have a scar to prove it. Did Arwin rescue me again and heal my wound, like the first time we met?....
.... What about that wisteria tree?"
All these questions swirled in my mind, yet I had no answers. For now, my main concern was Nobelle and Sir Elijah's well-being.
Khyne's tidings had brought me some measure of relief. Still, I could not rest until I confirmed with my own eyes that all were truly safe.
The hallway was strangely silent. No footsteps echoed but mine. In the Grand Duke's estate, maids and butlers were already scarce, yet today it seemed as though no one at all remained.
"…And where am I, exactly?"
This place did not resemble the Grand Duke's palace. Was I inside another of their residences? How many could they possibly own?
No matter how long I wandered, I found not a single servant—not even upon reaching the main hall, where one would usually see them busily about their tasks.
Instead, my eyes were drawn to three massive portraits displayed upon the wall. The one in the center was of Arwin, stern and composed as always. I could not help but linger, studying the beauty of his features.
"He looks magnificent… like one born to greatness."
To his right hung Leonard's likeness. Even in paint, he appeared lively, carrying the air of an untamed adventurer. But the third portrait—on the left—was draped in a heavy, purple cloth.
"This must be the third brother… but why is it hidden?"
A thought slipped in, unbidden. If he resembled his elder brothers, what would his face be like? Before I could stop myself, my fingers brushed against the cloth, lifting it ever so slightly. I knew it was disrespectful to touch what was not mine, but curiosity tugged harder than reason.
"Little bro?"
I froze, caught yet again in the act. Slowly, I turned my head, meeting Leonard's gaze.
"Ah… h-hello, Sir Leo?"
"What are you doing here, little brother? You're supposed to be resting in your room." Leonard's voice was soft, but the concern under it was plain.
"I… I just can't keep still." I bowed my head. "I wanted to know how everyone's faring, and to apologize for the trouble I caused." My words came out in a rush.
Arwin and the others had done so much for me and Zarani, and here I was, instead of helping I bring more trouble. I'd attempted a rescue I wasn't capable of, and Khyne and Sir Elijah had paid for it. If I couldn't be of use to them, how could I ever repay what I owed? What if they cast us out of the palace? What would become of Zan's medicine? Where would we live?
Cause, I know, people's kindness had limits.
Leonard sighed. The sound made me flinch.
"For crying out loud, little bro." He stepped forward and, before I could brace myself, he flicked my forehead. The sharp little sting made me snap my head up.
It was the first time I'd seen him look so plainly angry. He let out another sigh, then bent to meet my eyes with an earnestness that quieted the whirl inside me. "Little bro—why do you keep beating yourself up? Does it comfort you? Does thinking yourself worthless make the pain any easier?"
His question landed like a pebble in still water. I opened my mouth, but no answer came.
"Outrageous—you're not even aware of it. Haah, you did cause trouble though Naz." Leonard flicked my forehead again, sharp enough to make me wince and cover it with my hand.
"You really need to apologize, Nazari," Leonard said, softer this time. "Not because we're angry, but because you made us worry." His eyes held mine, warm yet firm.
"We were all worried about you. And someone—" his lips tugged into a sly grin, "—might just go mad if he ever lost you. Who knows, he might even burn down half the forest in the process." He tried to make it a joke, ruffling my hair like a teasing brother.
"So, Naz," he continued, "don't throw yourself into danger again. And if you have to go somewhere, tell me or my brother, alright? You can even tattle on me if someone bothers you. I can slay—no, scold them for you." His grin softened into something gentler. "Remember, your big brother is here. I can be your ear, your shield, your sword… and your friend."
His hand lingered on my head. "Just don't keep everything bottled up inside."
I stared at him too long, searching his expression. Why did they care so much for me? On what grounds did these feelings bloom? I was nothing more than a pitiful child they happened to take in… wasn't I?
Still, despite the doubts circling inside me, I could only nod.
"Good, apology accepted." Leonard rose to his feet and offered me his hand. "Now, shall we head back to your room? Oh—and once you're inside, lock the door. It's dangerous for you to wander about right now."
His words confused me, but I nodded and reached for his hand. The moment our fingers touched, a sweet scent drifted through the air—sharp and sudden, like flowers blooming in the dark.
Then I saw him.
Arwin.
No longer in his child form, but his true self—tall and breathtaking, even disheveled. A silk night robe clung to his frame, the fabric darkened in places with sweat. His silver hair was loose, strands plastered to his pale face. Those piercing eyes darted toward us like blades, but the usual gleam was clouded.
His fever… it must have risen again.
"B-brother?" Leonard's voice faltered. He moved at once, stepping between Arwin and me, shielding me from his gaze.
"Brother… can you hear me?" he asked again, his voice careful, as he began edging us backward. His hand brushed my arm, guiding me away.
'Why… why does he sound afraid?'
Leonard's voice dropped to a tense whisper, "Shit. He's not himself."
Before I could blink, Leonard was hurled sideways, his body slamming hard against the wall with a dull thud.
I froze, horror locking me in place. With Leonard gone from my sight, I could finally see what had made him afraid.
Arwin's eyes—burning red, bloodshot and wild—fixed on me as though I were his prey.