Kael's eyes slowly opened. It was as if his eyelids were coated with lead. When he managed to pry them apart, all he saw was an endless, suffocating darkness. Where am I?
He looked around but could see nothing. The only thing visible was the pitch-black void, and the only sound he heard was the faint clinking of chains—chains he assumed were binding his arms and legs. Kael tried to turn his head slightly to see them, but a sharp pain suddenly shot through his throat. "AAAAAAHH!!" He jerked back violently, only to feel something pierce the back of his neck. Another scream tore from his lips.
His cry echoed off the walls, unanswered. As he recoiled, he felt something embedded in his neck—a thorn? A nail? He didn't know. But the pain seared down his spine.
Kael felt something warm and sticky trickling from his throat and the nape of his neck down to his back and abdomen—blood.
When he lowered his head to look, what he saw sent a chill down his spine: an iron collar. Spikes lined its interior, digging into his flesh with every movement.
"What... what is this?" His voice trembled with disbelief. "Who did this? Traitors! Who are you?!"
Only the mournful clinking of chains replied.
Once Kael had calmed slightly, he tried to survey his surroundings again, but there was nothing—just an impenetrable darkness. "HEY, LET ME GO!" he shouted. But no answer came. No one arrived. The only sound was the hollow rattle of swaying chains.
He screamed again, "I am an Arcturian! If you don't release me now, the Arcturian Family will destroy every last one of you!" His voice shook. I'm scared. The moment the thought echoed in his mind, his face twisted in defiance. "No, I am Kael Arcturian. I do not fear!" he snarled into the void.
But the darkness did not answer.
It was all futile. No response came. No one arrived to free him from his chains. In this state, even the Arcturian family could do nothing.
Kael tried to piece together why he was here. After a moment of thought, he remembered—the priests who had come to heal him had instead attacked him, knocking him unconscious and abducting him.
Kael could no longer contain his fury. He began shouting again, hurling curses, invoking the vengeance of the Arcturian Family, and accusing them of treachery. But it was all in vain. His efforts were meaningless. There was no answer. No one was here. He was utterly alone.
Finally, Kael stopped shouting, exhausted from draining his energy, and fell silent. Hours passed. As time dragged on, his hope of being rescued slowly faded.
...
To Kael, days had gone by. Now, the only thing he did was count numbers in his head. Five hundred one... no, was it five hundred? He was losing track. "AHAHAHAHA! Fine, let's start again!" Anyone who saw Kael's face now would look at him with disgust. But Kael no longer cared. No one came. No one fed him. He was alone.
The thought crossed his mind—*I'm worse off than a peasant*—and as soon as it did, he began screaming again. "HOW DARE YOU CALL ME, KAEL ARCTURIAN, A PEASANT?!" No one had called him a peasant; he had merely acknowledged, for a split second, that he was in a state worse than one. But the crushing darkness, the isolation, the hunger, and the thirst were slowly driving him mad.
His own thoughts felt like hallucinations. Kael burst into crazed laughter. "AHAHAHAHAHA!" His laughter twisted into a scream. "SHUT UP! SHUT UP, YOU DAMNED PEASANTS!"*
There was no one there. Yet whispers filled his ears. "Look, one of the Arcturians, chained up like a dog!" "How pathetic!"
"DISAPPEAR!" He gritted his teeth. "I am not some lowborn filth like you!"
But the voices wouldn't leave.
...
Time stretched endlessly. Kael had completely lost his sense of it. Suddenly, he lunged forward and roared, "IS ANYONE THERE?!" But the iron spikes dug deeper into his throat. "AAAAAAHHHHH!" He collapsed in agony.
He was breaking apart on the floor. The jagged metal spikes tore into his neck and the back of his head, bleeding him dry.
...
Kael's consciousness began to slip. His vision darkened. He clenched his fist and slammed it into his stomach. "Cough... cough..." He couldn't see anything, but Kael would swear he had just vomited a bucket's worth of blood.
The punch jolted his eyes and mind back open. But he had lost too much blood. And he was starving. Dehydrated.
Thirst burned his throat. His tongue was dry, his lips cracked. "Water..." he whispered. "Please... just a sip..."
No one heard him.
Suddenly, he surged forward in rage. "CAN YOU HEAR ME?!"
The spikes plunged deeper. "AAAHHH!" He crumpled to the ground. Lying on his back, he felt his blood pooling on the cold stone beneath him.
Am I going to die?
As the thought gnawed at his mind, he punched his stomach again. "Cough... cough!" Blood sprayed from his mouth. His vision sharpened once more.
"No... not yet."
...
Now, the only thing keeping Kael awake was pain. Every time his vision darkened and he felt his consciousness slipping, he would force his fist into his stomach.
...
But even pain wasn't enough anymore. Kael's vision began to blur. As usual, he clenched his fist and drove it into his gut—but it was useless. It didn't work. Just as he collapsed, unconscious, a woman's voice echoed through the chamber:
"I think that's enough."
Kael blacked out and crashed to the ground. The moment he fell, the iron spikes tore through his throat.
...
Kael's eyes snapped open in terror. He bolted upright, frantically scanning his surroundings. He wasn't in that dark cell anymore. No chains bound his arms or legs. Kael dropped to his knees and clutched his throat.
The spiked iron collar was gone.
"Ahahaha!" Kael laughed wildly, his face twisted into something grotesque. He had no idea where he was, but anywhere was better than that black pit.
As he kept looking around, he spotted a table with a half-filled pitcher of water and an empty glass.
Kael staggered to his feet and approached the table. He grabbed the pitcher, filled the glass, then carried it back to the bed.
As he sipped the water, he wondered—Where am I?
Before he could think further, the door creaked open. A girl with long golden hair and blue eyes stepped inside.
Kael's gaze locked onto her—and instantly, he remembered. She had been among the priests who betrayed him.
The girl lingered by the door. "You're awake, Sir Kael."
Rage surged through him. He lunged forward and seized her by the collar. "Traitor! How dare you lay hands on an Arcturian?!"
The girl flinched, struggling to break free—
Then an authoritative voice cut through the room.
"Please stop, Sir Kael."
Kael turned toward the door.
A tall woman stood there, her blue hair cascading to her shoulders. Her eyes—shifting between deep navy and azure, like an ocean—held a knowing, almost arrogant glint.
"Sir Kael, I assure you, we did not abduct you to harm you."
Kael felt like he'd heard her voice before.
He released the girl, letting her drop to the floor, and stared blankly at the woman.
"You..."
She smiled. "My name is Carol. Carol Nyx. Leader of the Nyx Family... and the one who tested you in that dungeon."
Dungeon. Kael's fists clenched. "Why should I trust you? And what do you mean by testing* me?"
Carol kept her smile. "I want to make a deal. But first, I needed to see if you were capable enough. You passed the test, Sir Kael."
Kael narrowed his eyes, as if demanding proof.
"Ah..." Carol raised her hand, revealing the symbolic ring of the Nyx Family—worn only by its leader.
Kael nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to the girl and raised a hand to help her up. "I'm sorry... uh..."
The girl—Flora—took his hand and stood, shaking her head. "I-It's fine, Sir Kael. Anyone would have reacted the same way. My name is Flora. Just Flora. You can call me by my name directly."
Seeing Flora's timid demeanor, Kael felt a pang of regret. "I apologize again, Flora."
From the doorway, Carol watched with amusement. "How lovely to see you two getting along already. I know you have many questions, Sir Kael, but how about freshening up and joining us for a meal? We're holding a feast tonight—and you must be starving."
Kael turned to her. "I'd be honored. Thank you, Dame Carol."
Carol inclined her head. "Then Flora will assist you, Sir Kael. I'll see you at the feast." With that, she vanished—leaving Kael momentarily stunned by her effortless display of power.
Flora cleared her throat. "Sir Kael, fresh clothes have been laid out for you on the bed. Once you're dressed, please meet me outside. I'll be waiting."She turned to leave but suddenly spun back, quickly closing the distance between them and taking his hand. "Oh! I forgot to mention—from now on, I'll be your right hand. So if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."
Her face flushed tomato-red as she spoke—a carefully crafted act, though Kael had no way of knowing.
The sudden contact sent a brief shock through Kael, and he blinked in surprise, his own cheeks warming slightly. "O-Of course. I'll let you know."
Flora swiftly turned and exited, the door clicking shut behind her. Kael couldn't help but smile at her shyness. She's adorable... I shouldn't have lashed out at her like that.
---
The moment Flora stepped out, she turned right—where Carol stood waiting.
"How did it go?"
Flora smirked, all traces of her earlier timidity gone. "Perfect. He bought the act completely. Thinks I'm cute and feels guilty for attacking me."*
Carol grinned darkly. "The fool. Good work. Stay close to him, make him fall for you. Once he realizes that idiot princess still loves that mystery man, we'll have him kill her. And by the time the real war begins, his trust in you will be unshakable. While I deal with Magnus, you'll drive your dagger through Kael's back."
She exhaled, satisfaction lacing her voice. "The other heirs don't matter. We've grown strong in the shadows. Our elders now far surpass theirs. Our heirs can match theirs blow for blow. Once Magnus and the princess are gone, the entire Arcturian line will crumble."
Flora knelt. "As you command, Lord Carol."**
Carol placed a hand on her head. "Excellent. I'm counting on you, my saint."
Then she vanished.
---
A few minutes later, Kael stepped out, now dressed in fine attire.
Flora's eyes lit up—another rehearsed reaction. "The clothes suit you well." Then, as if flustered, she bowed deeply. "F-Forgive me, Sir Kael! I addressed you informally without permission!"
Kael waved it off. "It's fine. You can speak casually with me, Flora. And thank you for the compliment."
Flora peeked up, cheeks pink. "You're welcome." She turned away, feigning embarrassment—though internally, she sneered. Pathetic.
Putting on her best shy act, she gestured forward. "A-Anyway, follow me, Sir Kael. I'll take you to the feast."
As she led the way, Kael trailed behind, smiling.
All those years wasted trying to impress Elira... What a fool I was. Flora is a thousand times better.
His fists clenched.
The game had only just begun.
A few minutes later, the pair stood before two massive doors. Flora nodded slightly to the guards stationed there, who returned the gesture. The guard on the right boomed in a deep voice:
"Presenting Sir Kael Arcturian and Saintess Flora!"
Before stepping through the opening doors, Flora slipped her arm through Kael's and whispered, "I'll be your partner for this feast, Sir Kael."
Kael gave a faint nod. "Thank you, my lady."
Flora's cheeks flushed with practiced shyness, and Kael smiled.
---
As they entered, every eye in the hall locked onto them. The nobles of the Nyx family all shared the same thought:
Why is an Arcturian here—and arm-in-arm with the Saintess?!
The adults silently questioned Kael's presence, while the younger nobles seethed.
"What business does an Arcturian have here?"
"Why is the Saintess clinging to an Arcturian?!"
"Damn it! She should be on *my* arm, not his!"
"Who does this Arcturian think he is?!"
The whispers swirled—until an authoritative voice cut through the hall like a blade.
"Enough."
The room fell deathly silent.
"The man you so disrespectfully call 'Arcturian' is my guest. Know your place."
Everyone, including Kael and Flora, turned toward the voice. At the top of the grand staircase stood Lord Carol, draped in a flowing white gown, her presence dominating the space.
The whispers died instantly. Those who had dared question Kael's presence now stood frozen, their defiance shattered.
Kael relished the moment.
Flora, watching his reaction from the corner of her eye, smirked inwardly. Fool.
---
As Carol descended the stairs, a young nobleman finally snapped. He stepped forward, fists clenched.
"Lord Carol, what is the meaning of this?! Why is an Arcturian here—and why is the Saintess on his arm? She should be with one of our heirs, not some outsider!"
Carol turned to him slowly. "Are you questioning me?"
Her voice was ice.
The young man stiffened as an oppressive aura flooded the hall. Not just him—everyone struggled under the weight of Carol's murderous intent. Had she not restrained it, even Kael and Flora would have collapsed.
Flora forced her head up, glancing between the defiant noble and Carol. A silent exchange passed between them—Carol gave the faintest nod, and Flora mirrored it.
The message was clear.
The game continues.
...
The young man stepped back. "N-No, Lord Carol! How dare I question you! I was just—" However, before he could finish his sentence, the surroundings darkened, followed by a burst of light. Everyone instinctively closed their eyes against the sudden flash.
A few minutes later, when everyone regained their senses, they saw the young man who had just questioned Lord Carol lying on the ground, headless and lifeless, blood gushing from his severed neck.
Everyone was in shock. In the Nyx Family, only the Saintess used the light element. Since the Saintess had now intervened, the rest of the crowd fell silent. Carol summoned a few guards and servants. The guards took the corpse away while the servants cleaned the blood from the floor.
Carol turned to Kael. "I sincerely apologize to you for this incident, Sir Kael. Let us proceed to the table before more vermin appear."
Kael nodded. "It's no problem."
Carol turned his back and began ascending the stairs again, with the two following him.
A few minutes later, they stood before a large round table. On one side of the table, there were two chairs, and on the opposite side, only one. Carol stood in front of the single chair and spoke,
"Please, Sir Kael. Although it may not mean much, consider this a gesture of thanks for your patience and an apology for our behavior."
Kael nodded and sat in one of the two chairs. Carol and Flora followed.
Carol first looked at Flora to make sure everything was in order. Upon seeing her calm reaction, he then turned to Kael.
"Let's get straight to the point, Sir Kael. About the agreement."
A small smile appeared on Kael's face. "I was about to ask about that as well."
Carol grinned inwardly and began speaking again:
"Our spies in the Arcturian Manor and Mansion have learned that a Princess has taken a liking to you. Not only that, but she has also distanced herself from you and even attacked you. Tell me, Sir Kael, do you truly believe that the Arcturian Family cares for you anymore? Or are they simply using you as a tool?"
Hearing Carol's words, Kael narrowed his eyes in anger. Instead of immediately lashing out, he thought for a moment. The more he thought, the more he began to believe, just as Carol intended, that he was being used.
"You're right. Lately, they have been trying to use me like a tool."
Carol's face showed a faint smile, but inwardly, he was grinning sinisterly.
Fool... Just as planned, walk right into my trap.
Carol immediately continued,
"Sir Kael, I offer you the chance to betray the Arcturian Family and side with us."
Kael clenched his fists. "What do you mean?"
Carol elaborated,
"I mean that we will give you what you rightfully deserve. Provide us information about that mysterious man. We will eliminate him. Not only that, but we will place you at the head of the Arcturian Family. You may think that we are weaker than the Arcturians, but that is not the case. Our family has been growing stronger in the shadows for a long time. We are now equal to the Arcturians in power. Think about it, Sir Kael! You could even force the Princess to become your wife. Who knows, perhaps you could have even more wives!"
Each word Carol uttered fed Kael's arrogance and selfishness, slowly clouding his judgment.
Kael said,
"You've said all that, but what do you want in return?"
Carol grinned.
"You will provide us with information."
Kael understood exactly what Carol meant.
---
Kael would report Arcturian's most confidential information, their strategies, and the decisions made at meetings... in short, everything to the Nyx family. After thinking for a moment, Kael's arrogance and selfishness surfaced, and he started to believe it was quite a reasonable deal.
"I accept," he said.
Carol stood up from the table.
"Then that will be all for today. Please rest, Sir Kael. Tomorrow, we shall sign the agreement," she said and turned away to leave. However, Kael also stood up and spoke,
"Then allow me to do you a favor and offer you either one of their secrets or their next move. Which one would you prefer, Lady Carol?"
Carol froze in place.
To think someone this foolish already knows such things... she thought.
I might even adjust my plans regarding him. Who knows, perhaps I'll actually make him the leader and use him as a puppet.
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Carol turned around.
"If we intend to make you the leader, their next move would be the more valuable information."
Kael smirked.
"I don't know exactly when, but the Arcturian family plans to destroy you at the mines. At least, that's the plan. During the meeting, all the heirs were expelled, and this strategy was only discussed with the elders. So I don't know exactly how they intend to eliminate you."
Carol's eyes widened in shock.
This was huge news. If she hadn't learned about it now, she might not have died, but she could have easily lost an arm or a leg. Not to mention, many Nyx guards could have been lost as well.
Carol extended her hand, and Kael shook it.
"Thank you very much for this information, Lord Kael."
Kael nodded slightly.
"It's nothing. And thank you as well for your support, Lady Carol."
Carol released his hand.
"Then if you'll excuse me. We must start preparing immediately."
Kael simply nodded this time, and Carol quickly left, leaving the two of them alone.
---
Meanwhile, at the Arcturian Mansion...
A man with long green hair, golden eyes, and a fit body was walking down the corridor. Lion didn't care what happened to Kael.
He had already informed the Family Leader, and a meeting was currently being held regarding Kael's capture.
Everyone knew the Nyx family was behind it, and they were preparing a counterattack.
When he reached the door of his room, Lion thought,
Whatever...
He opened the door, entered, and after closing it, headed straight for his bed to rest for a bit.
As he approached, he noticed a small piece of paper on the bed.
Lion picked up the paper and flipped it back and forth, but there was nothing written on it.
Nothing at all? Seriously?
Lion didn't believe there was truly nothing.
Don't tell me...
He went to his desk, grabbed a lighter, and burned the paper.
Only ashes remained.
He brushed the ashes aside and saw that grooves had been carved into the desk, forming letters.
From the grooves, a soft light began to rise, and when Lion looked up, he saw glowing letters floating in the air, forming a sentence.
What was written caused cold sweat to drip down his back:
> Hide in the shadows tonight. Go to the Nyx family's mansion and find "Him."
A similar message was sent to "Him" as well.
"He" knows what to do.
Lord Order
Lion wondered why Lord Order had chosen to act now, but he didn't question it.
Lord Order was regarded as the savior of the elves and was loved by all elves.
However, he had disappeared long ago, and because of that, all the elves, including Lion, had scattered.
Thanks to Lord Order, they had regained their rights and started living among humans.
Finally... Lord Order has returned and given his first command to me, Lion thought.
And before the letters faded and the grooves returned to their original state, Lion knelt down and bowed in devotion.
---
At Night, Arcturian Manor,
Lion wore a black cloak gifted to him by Lord Order during the eleventh gathering, and on his face, he placed an owl-like mask, another gift from Lord Order.
This mask was unique to Lion. Different masks had been distributed to the other ten elves.
...
At Night, Nyx Manor,
Just as Flora was about to jump into bed with joy at finally being rid of Kael, she noticed a piece of paper lying on her bed.
...
Later that Night, in GreenWorld Forest,
A figure, cloaked in black, wearing a silver eagle mask, with long blonde hair and blue eyes, stood in an open clearing amid the towering trees of the forest, waiting for 'Them' to arrive.
A few minutes later, nine other figures appeared beside the girl, all cloaked and wearing different animal masks.
The girl and the nine others stood in a circle.
After a short moment of silence, a figure descended into the center of the circle. He had long green hair and golden eyes.
The girl despised this man. If it weren't for Lord Order's command, she would have never obeyed him.
After a prolonged silence, the green-haired man finally spoke:
"It has been a long time, my friends.
Before our organization resurfaces to restore order once again, we shall act unnoticed by anyone."
The man opened his index and middle fingers while keeping the others closed, then brought the two extended fingers to his chest.
The ten figures surrounding him mimicked his action, bringing their hands to their chests and kneeling.
The man shouted, "GLORY TO LORD ORDER!"
The ten others followed, crying out together, "GLORY TO LORD ORDER!"
I have been working on this section since the morning. So, if you could share your ideas, it would make me happy. Also, I am thinking of a name for this organization. But I haven't found one yet. If you have any name suggestions, I would be happy to use them.