I had lost control.
The moment that strange aura erupted from me, everything went dark. I shattered the castle windows and tore through the room with pure destructive force. Tables flipped. Chandeliers came crashing down. I could see people shouting—maybe even Elarion yelling something—but it was like I was underwater. Muffled. Faint. Then suddenly—
Blackness.
When I opened my eyes, I was lying in bed, groggy and lightheaded. Around my neck was a strange necklace, humming with a subtle green glow. I raised a hand to touch it.
"You're awake," a voice said calmly.
Elarion stood beside me, arms crossed, eyes serious.
"That necklace you're wearing is a containment seal. It suppresses the strange power that exploded from you earlier."
I looked at him, confused, still weak from whatever happened. Before I could speak, he asked:
"Are you… a mixed breed? Demon and Crimson?"
The question hit me like a punch to the chest. "What? No… I-I don't think so. Both of my parents were human."
Elarion narrowed his eyes. "Then either they lied to you… or they're not your real parents."
His words echoed in my mind like a haunting drumbeat.
"Not your real parents… lied to you… demon and crimson aura…"
My breath grew shallow. My body trembled.
Then I threw up.
Elarion called for a nurse, his expression softening. "Rest. We'll talk more tomorrow. There's someone I want you to meet—someone who might be able to show you the truth about your past. About your real parents."
He turned to leave but paused at the doorway.
"Thank you," I said faintly, unsure if he even heard it.
The nurse came in shortly after, a kind young elf woman with gentle hands and a warm voice. She changed the bed sheets and helped me lie back down.
"Sleep well, sir," she said, bowing slightly.
"…Thanks," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
She left, and I was alone again—alone with the storm of questions spinning in my mind.
Who am I? What am I? Why didn't they tell me the truth…?
I stared at the ceiling until sleep finally took me.
The Next Morning
Sunlight streamed through the tall window when I heard a knock at the door.
Elarion stepped in, holding a folded set of clothes. "Good. You're up."
He tossed the outfit onto the bed.
"Put that on. We're going to see the person I mentioned last night."
I picked up the clothes. A formal elf tunic, lined with silver thread, deep green pants, and a long cloak.
"…Isn't this a little much?" I muttered, eyeing the embroidery.
Elarion chuckled. "This is nothing compared to what you deserve after saving my granddaughter."
He turned and headed for the door. "Hurry and change. I'll be waiting outside."
I put on the outfit. It fit well, but I couldn't help staring at myself in the mirror.
"…This is definitely too much," I mumbled.
I headed up the spiral stairs, meeting Elarion near the castle entrance. Without another word, we stepped into an elegant carriage pulled by two luminous elk beasts with silver antlers.
The ride was quiet. I stared out the window, lost in thought. Elarion didn't speak, and I could tell he was deep in thought too.
Thirty minutes later, we arrived at a quaint home nestled between the tall glowing trees of the elf forest. Ivy crept along its white stone walls, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of lavender.
Elarion stepped out of the carriage and approached the wooden door.
Knock knock.
A moment passed. Then the door opened.
And there she was.
A breathtaking elf woman with long silver hair that shimmered like starlight, eyes glowing with deep amethyst light. She wore a flowing robe made of moonweave, and an aura of ancient power lingered around her.
Her presence was both comforting and mysterious.
Elarion smiled softly. "It's been a long time, Lady Elivyne."
The woman's gaze shifted to me. She studied me for a long moment before stepping aside and saying:
"Come in, child. Your past awaits."