The morning sun had barely risen over the walls of the royal capital when the grand bells of the palace tolled softly, echoing like a sigh across the awakening city. Inside the royal chambers, the once-chaotic atmosphere had settled into a strange stillness. Sion Ragnar lay on a bed of soft linens, his body still, but not lifeless. His chest rose and fell rhythmically. His right arm and broken leg, which had been severely injured in the incident, were now wrapped in faint golden light.
Raphael, the angel only visible to Sion, sat quietly beside him — his presence more ethereal than ever. Wings folded, his face unreadable.
"You heal faster than even I expected," he whispered.
Sion's eyes fluttered open slowly. There was no panic, no sudden movements. Just a deep, calculated breath. "How long was I out?"
"Less than a day. Your divine core did most of the work. I only assisted the process." Raphael's voice carried a hint of pride.
Sion looked around the room. It was Katherine's chamber — familiar, secure, and regal. There were soft footsteps outside, and the muffled voice of Sara in the hallway. She'd barely left his side since they returned.
Moments later, the doors opened. Katherine entered first, her eyes instantly locking onto Sion's. Relief washed over her, followed by a brief, involuntary smile.
"You're awake," she said, stepping closer.
"Barely," he replied dryly. "But enough to know you're still the queen."
Sara slipped in behind Katherine, her usually calm demeanor now a mess of worry and joy. She rushed to his side and hugged him gently. "Don't do that again."
"I'll try not to," he muttered, then caught her hand and added more seriously, "Thank you—for everything."
---
Later That Morning — Presia Dukedom Carriage Arrival
Outside the palace, another carriage came rolling into the capital at breakneck speed. The Ragnar family had arrived. John Ragnar stepped out first, his eyes sharp with concern. Mary followed quickly, holding tightly onto young Janet, whose eyes were red from crying.
The moment they were granted entry, the family rushed to Katherine's quarters. Inside, Sion was already sitting up. When his mother entered, her face crumpled with emotion.
"My son..." Mary whispered, placing her hand gently on his cheek.
John stood silently at the door, nodding once in acknowledgment. Janet, however, wasted no time. She launched into her brother's arms.
"You scared me! You promised you'd be fine!"
Sion hugged her back tightly. "I am fine. You see? All patched up."
"Is it true? Did an angel really heal you?" she asked, her eyes wide with innocent wonder.
Sion chuckled, glancing briefly at Raphael. "Maybe. Maybe I'm just lucky."
---
Meanwhile — The Hidden Base Beneath the Klara Ocean
Deep beneath the icy waves of the Klara Ocean, the headquarters of the demonic cult pulsed with corrupted energy. Inside a shadowy chamber, cloaked figures knelt around a massive black stone altar. The leader of the cult, Malek-Thanor, emerged from the darkness — tall, crimson-eyed, and veiled in ash-gray robes.
"The First Born of Clover Kingdom walks among the nobles," he intoned. "The master has spoken. In twenty-one days, their blood must spill."
The disciples lowered their heads in unison. "As the master commands."
"Awaken the sleeper cells. Begin the purge quietly. We will strike before they even know we were there."
---
In Hallow Vale — Sidom Elves Begin Their Search
Far away in the devastated lands of Hallow Vale, a small team of elite elven investigators from Sidom moved silently among the ruins. Rebecca had chosen them personally — skilled in ancient magic, and trained to sense demonic residue.
They reached the edge of the massive crater. The earth was scorched black. Nothing grew. Even magic seemed to recoil from the place.
"This isn't natural," one of the elves whispered.
Their leader nodded. "This was made by something far older than the demonic cult... and far more dangerous."
---
Inside the Palace — An Unseen Threat Moves
In the quiet halls of the palace, a servant moved through the eastern wing with a blank expression. In his pocket, a sealed parchment shimmered faintly with dark runes. He paused briefly before slipping it behind a tapestry near the records room. Another servant watched silently from the shadows, nodding once. The sleeper cells were already moving — one in the royal palace itself.
The message they carried bore a chilling phrase:
"The First Born must bleed. 21 days remain."
---
Back in the Palace — Unexpected Recovery
By evening, a group of palace healers entered Sion's room to assess his condition. But what they found shocked them.
One of them gasped. "His bones... they're not just healed. They're... reforged. Like they were never broken."
Another examined his arm. "This level of recovery isn't human."
Katherine raised an eyebrow. "Then what is he?"
No one dared answer.
Outside the room, Raphael stood, watching over his charge. He whispered only to Sion, whose eyes were half closed again.
"We must talk. The signs are beginning to appear. The First Demon Queen has begun to stir..."
Sion's fingers twitched. His eyes opened again — clear, sharp, and burning with renewed purpose.
"Then let her come."