In Alicia's former chambers within the cold stone walls of Vanadias Castle, I stood before a long mirror, fastening the last pieces of armor onto myself. The room still carried faint traces of her presence—of her blood…
Surprisingly, I had chosen to wear armor today.
Amael was right. Marching into Valachia unprotected would be nothing short of suicide—and perhaps worse, sheer arrogance. Not even I could delude myself into thinking I could face an entire kingdom alone. Still, I wasn't going there to launch an attack. My purpose was simple, at least on the surface: to bring back Alicia and Levina.
And yet, deep down, I knew there was more.
If I crossed paths with Rucain—whoever or whatever he truly was—I wouldn't let the chance slip by. If he turned out to be Cain himself, then ending him might be the key I needed… perhaps even my way back to the present. That thought alone was enough to make my blood stir.
