'How did things suddenly escalate to this extent?'
Hilda's chest tightened as the thought tore through her mind. Her eyes, wide and unblinking, refused to believe what was unfolding before her.
Just yesterday — only yesterday — her young master Noel had been training at her side, sparring with her as he deepened his understanding of the Destruction Law.
She could still see it if she closed her eyes: his confident grin, the sharp brilliance in his gaze, the way his voice carried that unshakable certainty of someone destined to stand above all.
But then — what was this?
How had it all twisted so quickly, so violently, that stripping everything from him became the only solution? Why was the tide of events moving with such merciless speed, as if pushed by unseen hands? And why… why was everyone just fine with it?
He is Noel!
Noel Cross!
