The night air grew colder as the palace torches flickered along the marble corridors. The stars above glimmered faintly, but the weight in the air told that something far larger than the sky was stirring.
On the western balcony, King Rudolf finally broke the lingering silence between him and Alaric.
"Enough sentiment for tonight," Rudolf said with a heavy exhale. "Put this aside. We need to discuss something serious."
Before Alaric could answer, hurried footsteps echoed through the stone hall. Rudolf's personal butler—a man known for never breaking protocol—rushed toward them, his face pale but determined.
"Your Majesty," the butler whispered. "Forgive the intrusion. But… the decision has been made."
Rudolf's expression darkened. He turned slowly toward Alaric.
"I'm sorry, Alaric. But… you'll have to ascend to Monarch tomorrow."
Alaric froze. His eyes narrowed slightly. "What? I requested three days. I wanted more time."
Rudolf sighed and placed a firm hand on his friend's shoulder, as if bracing him for impact.
"I know. But the Celestial Path Restoration Day… it falls tomorrow. The full moon marks the convergence point. We have no choice now."
For a brief second, the fire in Alaric's usual calm demeanor flickered.
"So," Alaric said under his breath, "it's tomorrow then… the day of the full moon."
Rudolf nodded with reluctant gravity. "Yes. Before we initiate the ritual, you must become a Monarch. The council votes at dawn. Just win them over. You know how this works."
Alaric smiled bitterly, pushing his hair back with a tired hand. "Alright.... I understand."
"Good," Rudolf replied with a grim chuckle.
Without another word, Rudolf pressed his hand against Alaric's back in quiet solidarity.
"I'm sorry for forcing this on you… again."
Alaric gave a tired shrug. "It's fine… just…"
He paused.
"…Have your cellar send some wine to my room tonight."
Rudolf's laughter this time was genuine, albeit short-lived. "Of course."
As the two men turned to leave the balcony, a young voice called out.
"Uncle!"
Elijah.
He jogged over, holding something behind his back, eyes wide with urgency.
"There's something I want to show you," Elijah said, slightly breathless.
But Alaric—his usual teasing grin absent—simply raised a hand, cutting him off gently.
"Tomorrow, Elijah," he said, voice unusually soft, almost distant. "Not tonight. I… I need rest."
Elijah blinked. For the first time in his life, he saw Alaric look… fragile. The unshakeable general, the immortal wall of calm—now dragging his feet like a weary soldier returning from too many wars.
Without waiting for a response, Alaric walked away, his figure swallowed by the shadows of the hallway.
Elijah stood frozen, unable to move or speak.
Rudolf stayed behind and placed a comforting hand on Elijah's shoulder.
"Let him be, Elijah," Rudolf said, voice low. "Give him space. There are some things you'll understand… soon enough."
Elijah lowered his head. "…Alright."
Still feeling unsettled, he pulled out the photos Anna had given him—the strange, faded images of ancient runes and unfamiliar circles.
"You can show me instead," Rudolf said kindly.
Elijah hesitated… then handed the pictures over.
Rudolf's eyes narrowed the moment he looked at them.
"…I've seen these before."
"You have?" Elijah asked quickly. "Where?"
Rudolf frowned, his gaze growing distant. "I… can't remember. The images… they're hazy now. But these symbols… yes… they're tied to something buried long ago."
"Where did you find them?" the King asked suddenly.
"In the Grrat Mirror lake," Elijah replied.
Rudolf nodded with slow understanding. "Fine. Leave this with me. I'll look into it personally."
Without waiting for more, Rudolf turned and left the corridor, disappearing into the palace depths.
Elijah stood alone now, holding the empty air where answers had almost appeared.
He clenched his fists.
What is happening?
He thought of Alaric's drained face… Rudolf's shifting tone… the looming full moon…
Too many pieces. Too little clarity.
Next morning
Golden light bathed the castle walls as dawn arrived. But something felt… thinner. As if the world itself was holding its breath.
From the courtyard below, Elijah saw both Rudolf and Alaric mount their horses, accompanied by their most trusted guards. Their destination—the capital.
Elijah watched from his window, towel still around his neck from his morning workout. Sweat still lingered on his skin, but his mind was sharper than ever.
As he finished drying off and stepped back toward his room, the butler knocked gently at his door.
"My lord Elijah," the butler said with a respectful bow, "Master Alaric and His Majesty have departed for the capital. Important state matters."
The butler hesitated, then added with a small smile, "If you need anything… I am at your service."
Elijah nodded slowly, his mind still half-occupied.
"Thank you," he said.
After showering and dressing, Elijah returned to his room. As he toweled off his hair, something on his desk caught his eye.
A letter.
Unfolding it carefully, he read:
"Elijah,
Rudolf and I have urgent business in the capital. Don't worry about us. Just focus on the tournament.
Also… since today is the Full Moon, Cilie will oversee the Celestial Path preparation ritual in our absence.
Behave yourself. And don't cause too much trouble.
– Alaric"
Elijah blinked.
"Cilie… performing the ritual? Alone?"
The thought unsettled him more than he expected.
"…I can't believe she's the one leading this," he muttered.
Then sighed.
"But… knowing her… she'll probably handle it better than anyone."
Glancing at the time, he hurriedly dressed in something more formal: a black long coat layered over a crisp white shirt and neatly pressed black pants.
Without wasting another second, he made his way toward the VIP observation room—where all distinguished guests and officials would gather to observe the next tournament round.
As he pushed open the heavy double doors and stepped inside, a cold realization hit him.
The room was empty.
No chatter.
No nobles.
No tutors.
Only one figure stood in the center of the vast hall—bathed in the soft, pale glow of morning light filtering through the stained-glass windows.
Cilie.
She stood there, her back facing him, arms folded behind her, her long blue hair flowing like silk down her back. There was something different in her presence—more regal, more distant.
Elijah froze at the entrance.
His heartbeat slowed.
Why is she alone…?
What is going to happen today…?
And as the clock neared noon, the day of the Full Moon… finally… began.