They stood frozen, their breaths uneven, their minds struggling to process what had just happened. This was not the cowardly prince they had once heard about. This was a man who commanded fear itself.
Krisian turned to them, his smirk fading into a calculated gaze.
"MG, Michael," he addressed them directly, his voice composed but filled with an unmistakable weight. "You are the only ones who will stay. The rest were never meant to be knights under my command."
They exchanged glances, their loyalty wavering between fear and curiosity.
Krisian folded his arms. "You look surprised. Tell me—was I different from the gossip you heard in the palace?"
MG swallowed hard before responding. "You… You're not what we expected, Your Highness."
Michael simply nodded, too stunned to speak.
Krisian chuckled. "Good. That means I still have the element of surprise."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Now, listen well. I chose you two for a reason. You hold the same hatred that I do—for the nobles, for those who looked down on us. And unlike those other fools, I will personally make you stronger than any knight in this kingdom."
The air in the room felt heavy with unspoken promises.
Krisian smirked. "But first, you must decide. Will you follow me—or will you end up like Alfonso?"
MG and Michael stared at him, realization dawning in their eyes.
Their choice would change their fate forever.
The Dark Truth Revealed
MG and Michael stiffened at Krisian's words. They had believed this was merely a test, but the weight of the atmosphere—the dark throne, the abyss surrounding them—told them otherwise.
"You were mistaken, Your Highness," MG spoke carefully. "We do not hate the nobles at all."
Michael nodded in agreement. "We serve the empire faithfully."
Krisian smirked. His golden eyes gleamed as two chairs emerged from the shadows. He gestured toward them. "Sit."
Reluctantly, MG and Michael obeyed, their movements tense.
Krisian leaned forward, lacing his fingers together. "You look alike. Are you brothers? Or related in some way?"
MG shook his head. "No, Your Highness."
A flicker of amusement crossed Krisian's face. "You may call me Krisian. No need for formality—I want us to be friends." His smirk widened. "Now, tell me. What are your family names?"
MG straightened. "Silver."
Michael hesitated before answering, "Draguniel."
The moment the words left their lips, Krisian burst into laughter. A cold, mocking sound that echoed through the void. "Alfonso is more of a fool than I thought!" he sneered. "What does my father even see in him? To think he allowed two people with those names to live so close to the royal family." His laughter died down, and his eyes darkened. "But I suppose he never cared to look too closely."
Krisian leaned back in his throne. "Let me tell you a story."
The Betrayal of Silver and Draguniel
"Long ago, before the empire fell into ruin, Emperor Esteban Voss ruled with wisdom and fairness. He was a just ruler, loved by his people, and under his reign, peace flourished.
By his side stood two men—Duke Eldric Silver and Marquest Felix Draguniel. The Duke was a pillar of wealth and influence, while the Marquest was a master of strategy and charisma. Together, they helped the empire thrive.
But power breeds ambition. Greed took root in their hearts, twisting their loyalty into something darker. Eldric desired the throne, and Felix coveted the Duke's position. In secret, they formed a treacherous plan to overthrow the emperor.
Yet Emperor Esteban was no fool. He had seen their ambitions long before they acted, and when the day of betrayal came, he was ready.
Their coup failed. Eldric and Felix were captured and brought before the emperor himself.
'You have betrayed me,' Emperor Esteban declared, his voice colder than steel. 'And for that, you will be punished.'
They pleaded for mercy, but their fate was sealed. Their executions were swift, but their punishment extended beyond death.
The emperor decreed that the Silver and Draguniel families would be erased from history. Their estates were seized, their bloodlines hunted. No one who carried their name was allowed to live.
The empire would never again suffer betrayal from those houses."
The Truth of MG and Michael
Krisian's gaze pierced through them, his tone calm yet laced with lethal intent. "And so, the bloodline of betrayal was cursed for eternity." He leaned forward, a slow smirk forming. "Let me tell you a secret."
MG and Michael felt their throats tighten as Krisian whispered, "You… are the remnants of those houses."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
"You, MG, are from the fallen Duke Silver's bloodline. And you, Michael… are a direct descendant of Marquest Draguniel."
Their blood ran cold.
"You should be executed right now." Krisian's voice was deceptively smooth. "So, tell me your original family name."
Michael clenched his fists, realization dawning. "He already knows."
Krisian chuckled. "Sharp. Very sharp." He leaned back, golden eyes gleaming with wicked amusement. "You are from the Fregolion family… the last hidden branch of the fallen houses. And do you know who destroyed your bloodline?"
The name sent a shiver down Michael's spine before Krisian even spoke it.
"Duke Vermonion."
A dark grin spread across Krisian's face. "It seems we have a common enemy."
MG and Michael exchanged uneasy glances before turning back to Krisian. Their minds raced with questions, but one stood above all.
"But… how did you know?" MG asked, his voice laced with both fear and curiosity.
Krisian's smirk widened, his golden eyes gleaming like a predator that had cornered its prey. He drummed his fingers against the armrest of his throne, letting the tension build before speaking.
"Because," Krisian said smoothly, "I am not blind."
He leaned forward, his gaze sharp as a dagger. "People assume I was weak, a fool to be toyed with. But I have always been watching. Observing. And unlike my father, I do not ignore the details."
Michael frowned. "But we have hidden our names well. No one should have known."
Krisian let out a low chuckle. "True. No ordinary man would have uncovered it. But I am no ordinary man."
He stood, his presence overwhelming as shadows seemed to shift and swirl around him. "The truth is, I recognized you the moment you stepped into my presence."
MG narrowed his eyes. "That's impossible. You had no reason to suspect us."
Krisian tilted his head slightly, amused. "No reason? That's where you're wrong." He took slow, deliberate steps toward them. "Your faces. Your eyes. The way you carry yourselves. It was all the proof I needed."
Michael's breath hitched. "What do you mean?"
Krisian's smirk deepened. "Let me tell you something about bloodlines. No matter how much time passes, no matter how much history tries to erase them, there are always traces. Features that never truly vanish. The way you speak. The way you move. The way your blood sings with something… familiar."
He placed a hand over his chest. "I felt it. The moment you entered this room, I knew you were not ordinary knights. I knew you were pretending to be something you are not. And now that I have confirmed your true origins, the real question is..."
Krisian's eyes darkened, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "What will you do about it?"
A cold silence stretched between them.
MG and Michael felt their stomachs tighten.
They had spent years hiding, surviving under false names, believing they had buried the past. Yet, in mere moments, Krisian had uncovered everything.
Michael swallowed hard. "If you knew all along, why reveal it now?"
Krisian exhaled slowly, as if savoring the moment. Then, with a smirk, he said:
"Because, dear Michael, I want to see where your loyalties truly lie
Krisian's voice was smooth, unwavering, yet filled with undeniable authority.
"And I also know why you came here."
MG and Michael stiffened. Their eyes locked onto Krisian's, but his golden gaze remained unreadable.
"You came because you know the truth. You know that it was Duke Vermonion who framed your families. He was the one who orchestrated their downfall, labeling them as traitors while he stood behind my father, whispering lies into his ear."
The air in the dark chamber grew heavier, as if the very shadows themselves were listening.
Krisian took a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that sent chills down their spines. "And I know you want revenge."
MG and Michael didn't respond, but they didn't have to. Their tightened fists, their stiff posture—everything about them screamed that Krisian had struck the truth.
Krisian's smirk returned, slow and deliberate. "You want justice for your innocent families. You want to erase the stain of treachery that was never yours to bear. And I…" He spread his arms slightly, his presence towering over them. "I will give you that opportunity."
MG's throat was dry. "How?"
Krisian's eyes gleamed like molten gold. "If you swear loyalty to me—if you become my Shadow and Light—I will grant you the power to reclaim what was stolen from you."
Michael frowned. "Shadow and Light?"
Krisian chuckled. "Yes. You see, every ruler needs two kinds of warriors. A Shadow—one who works in the darkness, eliminating threats without a trace. And a Light—one who stands by my side, a symbol of strength, ensuring the world knows my power."
He paused, letting his words settle. Then, with absolute certainty, he declared:
"I am offering you both a place at my side. The power to rewrite your fate. The chance to destroy the man who took everything from you."
Silence stretched between them.
MG and Michael exchanged glances.
This was it—the moment that would define their path.
Would they accept? Would they become Krisian's Shadow and Light?
Their decision would change everything.
An Unexpected Visitor
As Krisian stood with MG and Michael, a sudden shift in the air made him smirk. He turned his gaze toward the entrance of the chamber.
"It seems we will be having an unexpected visitor."
MG and Michael exchanged glances, confused by his certainty.
Krisian chuckled. "I forgot to mention something." His golden eyes gleamed with amusement as he continued, "My name is Henry Voss. But the current Henry is off duty. Right now, my name is Krisian Voss."
Without hesitation, Krisian turned inward, speaking directly to Henry within their shared mind.
"Henry, it's time to switch. I do not want Father to know about me yet."
A tense silence stretched between them, but Henry knew there was no choice. With a deep breath, he allowed the shift. Krisian's presence faded into the background as Henry regained control of his body.
At that very moment, the banners above them rippled—the emperor had arrived.
Henry straightened his posture, exhaling as he steadied himself. "He may enter."
The doors swung open, and Emperor Vordimoth strode into the hall. His presence was suffocating, his crimson eyes sharp and piercing as they fell upon Henry.
Henry stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Good morning, Your Majesty."
Vordimoth's gaze lingered before he spoke, his voice edged with cold amusement. "I hear you've been giving Alfonso a hard time."
Henry kept his expression composed. "Your Highness, I would never dare to cause trouble. If I did, it was never my intention. I only wished for him to show greater respect to the royal family."
For a moment, silence. Then—Vordimoth's expression darkened.
"After your mother died, I told you not to be a headache like your useless mother."
The words struck like a dagger.
Deep inside, Krisian stirred. Anger, cold and raw, surged through him like a storm waiting to break free.
"This bastard—"
Henry felt the rage building within Krisian, threatening to take control. His fingers trembled slightly, but he tightened his jaw, forcing Krisian back.
"Calm down," Henry whispered internally. "If you lose control now, all our plans will fail."
Krisian growled in frustration but relented, sinking into the background.
Henry swallowed the anger in his chest and forced a polite smile. "I will keep it in mind, Your Majesty."
Vordimoth studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "Prepare for the banquet. It will happen in four weeks. Your brothers will be arriving."
Henry nodded. "Yes, I will be ready, Your Majesty."
Vordimoth turned to leave but paused, his gaze flickering toward MG. "What is your name?"
MG straightened. "My name is MG, Your Majesty."
Vordimoth's eyes narrowed slightly before he spoke again. "Keep an eye on my son. Report his movements to me."
MG stiffened but bowed. "As you command, Your Majesty."
With that, Vordimoth swept out of the hall, his presence leaving a cold silence in his wake.
As soon as the emperor was gone, Henry exhaled sharply.
"Now."
Krisian surged forward, reclaiming control. His golden eyes burned with fury as he clenched his fists.
"What a bastard of a father."
MG and Michael remained silent, unsure how to respond. The air around Krisian seemed to thrum with barely contained rage.
But one thing was clear—
Vordimoth's time would come.
The Truth of Their Lineage
Krisian stood before MG and Michael, his golden eyes burning with intensity.
"As I said, we must begin our plan. But before that, I will train you for three weeks. After that, Michael—you will be sent on your first mission. You will be my Shadow. MG—you will be my Light. Not just because my father trusts you to watch me, but because your role is greater than you realize."
MG and Michael exchanged glances, still processing the weight of his words.
Krisian folded his arms. "First, you must know the truth. You are not full brothers."
A stunned silence fell between them.
"MG, your father was Clark Fregon. Michael, your father was Fiston Fregorion."
The revelation sent a shock through them both.
Michael frowned. "That's impossible. Our mother—"
Krisian raised a hand, silencing him. "Your mother was the only bond between you. She loved you both, and she would have wanted you to remain as brothers."
The air grew heavy as Krisian continued, "But your bloodlines tell a different story. Do you know of the Two Courts?"
Neither MG nor Michael answered.
Krisian smirked. "Then listen carefully."
The Two Courts: Light and Shadow
"Long ago, in the mists of ancient time, when the world was young and the balance of fate hung by a slender thread, two noble courts were born—each destined to uphold justice in their own way. Their origins are woven into myth, whispered on the wind and sung in secret gatherings."
Krisian's voice dropped lower, almost reverent.
"Though both courts shared the same purpose—to champion justice and restore balance—they chose very different paths. One embraced the enigmatic depths of shadow, while the other radiated with the brilliance of dawn."
The Onyx Court of the Night
"In the twilight between dusk and midnight, when darkness held sway over the land, the Onyx Court of the Night emerged. Founded by seven legendary souls, they mastered the unknown, wielding power that few dared to understand."
Maerath, the Shadow Weaver – Molded darkness into illusions, concealing entire battalions in a veil of midnight. Nocturnus, Keeper of Midnight – Walked the boundary between dreams and reality, gathering wisdom from the silent voices of night. Umbrae, the Veiled Seer – Saw through the mists of time, guiding the court through the ages. Tenebris, the Harbinger of Secrets – Unearthed hidden truths from the deepest shadows. Sable, the Whispering Blade – A silent assassin, striking unseen and unfettered by light. Erebos, the Soul Binder – Controlled echoes of lost souls, binding their power into dark rituals. Obscura, the Veil of Mysteries – Shrouded allies and enemies in an impenetrable cloak of darkness.
"The Onyx Court did what others feared to do. They enforced a justice that did not bow to laws or mercy. They were unseen, yet ever present. They were necessary."
The Celestial Court of the Dawn
"But as the first light of morning broke through the darkness, another sacred order was born—a counterbalance to the mysteries of night. The Celestial Court of the Dawn arose, radiant and resolute, to be the guardians of purity and order."
Auriel, the Beacon of Hope – A healer who mended wounds of both body and soul. Solarian, the Lightbearer – A warrior whose radiance exposed all hidden evils. Celestia, the Oracle of the Skies – A seer whose visions guided the world's fate. Lumina, the Pure Heart – Embodied compassion, uniting people under the banner of love. Radiant, the Shield of Justice – An unyielding protector, standing against darkness. Eos, the Dawn Bringer – A herald of new beginnings, banishing despair. Seraphiel, the Guardian of Order – A lawkeeper, ensuring justice remained absolute.
"The Celestial Court thrived in light, believing in order and righteousness. Where the Onyx Court used deception and force, the Celestial Court upheld law and structure."
The Blood That Runs in You
Krisian's gaze sharpened as he looked at MG and Michael.
"Clark Fregon was a descendant of the Celestial Court's leader. Fiston Fregorion was a descendant of the Onyx Court's leader."
Michael inhaled sharply. "Then… we are enemies."
Krisian shook his head. "No. That is what history would have you believe. But the truth is, you share the same mother. And she loved you both. She would have wanted you to remain as brothers, no matter what."
MG's expression was unreadable. "Why does this matter now?"
Krisian smirked. "Because, MG—you will be my Light, the face the world sees. And you, Michael—you will be my Shadow, the blade that strikes from the unseen."
The weight of his words settled over them.
Michael exhaled. "So you are saying… we must stand together, despite our past?"
Krisian's eyes burned with certainty. "Not just stand together. You will become stronger than anyone else. Because from this moment forward—"
He extended his hands toward them.
"You are no longer just warriors. You are my Light and my Shadow."