The rhythmic creaking of the royal carriage echoed through the quiet roads as it approached the capital. Inside, Sion lay unconscious, pale but steady, his body swaying slightly with the movements. Wrapped in fine silks, his right arm was bandaged tightly, and his leg lay splinted at an odd angle. His face bore the remnants of bruises and a cut near his jaw.
But beneath the surface, divine magic was at work. Raphael, ever silent to others, hovered near, his wings spread in soft golden light, his hands outstretched. Sion's body glowed faintly with divine energy, knitting muscle and bone back together with unnatural speed.
Beside him sat Katherine and Sara.
Katherine's fingers clutched the edge of her robe, knuckles white. Her expression remained calm, but her eyes never left Sion.
Sara sat closer to his side, eyes full of worry, her voice just above a whisper. "He always gets hurt when protecting others… Why does he do this to himself?"
Katherine gently touched Sara's arm. "Because that's who he is. But he'll recover. He's Sion Ragnar."
As the carriage neared the gates of the capital, the streets were packed—shoulder to shoulder. News had spread like wildfire: the strongest man in the kingdom, Sion Ragnar, had fallen in battle. The people watched in silence as the carriage passed, hats held to chests, murmurs weaving through the crowd.
At the palace gates, a medical team waited.
"Move carefully," one of the guards ordered. "He's been through enough."
Healers surrounded him as they carried him inside, not to the royal infirmary—but to Queen Katherine's own chambers, under her orders.
---
Presia Dukedom
Far from the capital, the news had reached the ears of John and Mary Ragnar. Janet stood between them as a worried servant relayed the message.
"Lord Sion… injured?!" John's voice boomed.
Mary stood still for a heartbeat, then turned. "We leave immediately. Prepare the carriages. Now."
Janet didn't speak, but she clutched her brother's sword tightly as they departed.
---
Royal Palace – Katherine's Chambers
Rebecca was already inside when they laid Sion on the bed. Her eyes widened at the extent of his wounds, but she remained composed. Katherine turned to her.
"I need you to send a team of elves—your best—to Hallow Vale. Find out what caused those craters. What was that presence?"
Rebecca nodded. "I'll send word to the Sidom council and father. We'll dispatch them within the hour."
"Thank you," Katherine said, her tone clipped by urgency.
A group of royal healers entered next, solemn and prepared.
"He's suffered a compound fracture in his leg, and the arm—oh stars, it's broken clean—"
But as they examined him, their voices faltered.
One healer gasped, "This can't be right…"
"What is it?" Katherine asked.
The lead healer looked at her, wide-eyed. "He's healing himself. The bones are knitting back together—faster than anything I've seen. This is… impossible."
Katherine blinked. "What?"
Sara moved closer, her eyes lighting up with cautious hope.
"He's resting now," another healer confirmed, "but his body… it's already repairing itself. Divine magic, perhaps. Or something else entirely."
---
Sidom Kingdom – Council Chamber
King Arvele stood with Rebecca's message in hand, his expression grim. "Elven agents will begin their investigation immediately. Katherine must be protected. And whatever caused that explosion… we must uncover it."
---
Deep Within the Klara Ocean – Demonic Cult Base
Beneath the crushing waters of the Klara Ocean, hidden in a temple carved from obsidian and bone, the leader of the Demonic Cult stood before his followers. His name echoed in hushed tones: Malek-Thanor.
Tall, draped in robes stitched with dark runes, his eyes glowed faint red.
"The Master has spoken," he announced, his voice low and dreadful.
"The time of the First Born is near. In twenty-one days, we will offer their blood."
The cultists bowed deeply, murmuring prayers in a language older than kingdoms.
"Begin the search," Malek-Thanor ordered. "Find the First Born in Clover. Activate the sleeper agents hidden across the kingdom. Let the people prepare their graves."
A blood-red light filled the chamber as his words echoed off the walls like the sound of funeral bells.
---
Back in Katherine's Room
Katherine sat beside Sion's bed, her fingers brushing his arm. He stirred briefly, his eyes fluttering.
"Still… not done," he muttered in his sleep.
Sara chuckled, wiping tears from her eyes.
Katherine whispered, "Rest. Just this once, let yourself rest."
Outside, the people of Clover waited. The storm was far from over—but their protector still breathed.