Kaelvir froze.
"Wait… what? I have a blind fiancée?"
Fay wasn't surprised by his outburst, but her eyes turned stern. If the young miss heard him speak like this, it could easily spark a rift between their clans.
"Young master, you mustn't act that way in front of her. Such words might cause a grave misunderstanding."
Kaelvir straightened himself at once, her warning pulling him back to his senses.
"Fay… was she betrothed to me because I'm an anomaly? A cripple?" His voice was low, edged with doubt.
Fay shook her head. "No, Master. No one knew you would end up this way. The betrothal was arranged when you were children, by your parents' will."
Relief loosened his chest, and he let out a slow sigh. "So it wasn't out of pity… for a moment I thought the agreement was made after my condition was revealed."
Her expression softened, though her tone remained steady. "Master, the young miss is no ordinary girl. Even though she is blind, she still cultivated. She awakened two years ago—her realm now… no one knows for certain."
Kaelvir's eyes widened. "You mean she can still cultivate, even while blind?"
"Yes," Fay said firmly. "Your fiancée is a true genius. At the time, no one thought it was possible—but she proved them wrong. Don't you think that's incredible?" Her voice carried a spark of admiration.
He gave a helpless chuckle, noting the shine in her eyes. "Why do you sound like you're praising her as though she were your role model?"
Fay nodded with a smile. "As a woman, she achieved what many men could not. Doesn't she deserve praise?"
Kaelvir found himself agreeing. "You're right. Even I struggle to imagine how she did it… but hearing this from you makes me think—perhaps I'm the lucky one." He waved the thought away. "Enough of that for now."
But Fay wasn't finished. "Master, there's more. Do you know that young miss Meyra is considered one of the most beautiful girls in Dreamtide City?"
He arched a brow. "More beautiful than my beloved Fay?"
Her cheeks flushed crimson. Looking at his strange behavior lately "Master, you only say that because you haven't seen her. Once you do, you'll understand."
He chuckled at her flustered expression and let the teasing drop. "So… her name is Meyra. Meyra Kaevor. I'll pay her a visit—after my punishment ends."
---
Kaevor Clan Hall
The vast hall was a marvel of fire and stone. Crimson pillars, carved with flickering flame-runes, rose high to meet the dome above, where the image of a colossal flaming bird stretched across the ceiling like it might come alive at any moment.
At the center sat a throne, its sides flaring into great crimson wings. Upon it rested a middle-aged man with fiery red hair and eyes that burned with authority—Torvak, Patriarch of the Kaevor Clan, and father of Meyra.
"Any movement from the Zaryth clan?" he asked, his deep voice echoing through the hall.
An elder rose. "None, Patriarch. Not even from the Obren clan. Everything seems… oddly quiet."
Torvak's gaze sharpened. "Quiet? Then they are blinding us. That silence is their movement."
Another elder's eyes glowed with flame, a trait of their bloodline. "Whatever their scheme, Patriarch, we shall burn them all to ash!"
"Yes, burn everything to ash!" voices chorused in agreement.
Torvak's face darkened. "Brainless fools! Must every problem be solved with fire? This is why we lag behind the Veydrak and Zaryth clans—none of you ever think! Only I—"
An old voice interrupted him. "That's why you are the Patriarch, Torvak. You do the thinking, and we do the burning. Isn't that a perfect balance?"
Torvak's temper flared, but before he could erupt, a calm, melodic voice drifted in.
"Father, you shouldn't be angry at them. You know well their personalities."
All turned toward the entrance. A girl in a red gown embroidered with white flame patterns walked gracefully into the hall, guided by a maid. Though veiled and seemingly blind, her presence drew every gaze.
"Meyra…" several elders murmured, their voices soft with concern.
"Why not rest, young miss? Let us handle clan affairs."
If outsiders saw these fearsome elders fawning like anxious uncles, they would choke in disbelief.
"She is my daughter!" Torvak snapped. "Back to your seats!"
Grumbling, the elders obeyed, though some muttered under their breath.
"Why can't you be more like our gentle, sweet Meyra?"
The hall echoed with agreement. Meyra only smiled at their affection.
Though blind, she never harbored bitterness. The Kaevor clan's care had shaped her into someone who cherished them deeply. She repaid it in kind, using her sharp mind to fill the clan's greatest weakness—strategy.
But one elder finally voiced what others held in their hearts.
"Patriarch, forgive me, but we cannot allow the Veydrak brat to marry our young miss. He is unworthy—worse than unworthy! A cripple should not even dream of her."
"Break the engagement!" another roared.
"Yes, Patriarch, end it now!"
The hall buzzed with agreement, until Meyra raised her hand.
"Everyone, I thank you for your concern… but we must not break our promise. Even if my fiancé is an anomaly, our clan is known for keeping its word. If we falter, we invite shame—and lose a great ally."
Her words calmed the storm instantly. Torvak's stern mask faltered, revealing guilt. He had once believed Zar's son would bring strength to the clan, not weakness. He whispered to Meyra alone, "I am sorry, child."
She squeezed his hand gently. "Father, am I complaining? Let's wait. Perhaps at the Awakening Ceremony, he will succeed."
Torvak's voice hardened again. "If he fails, I will offend Zar himself and find you another husband—even if it must be from another clan."
Meyra laughed softly. "Father, earlier you mentioned not understanding the Zaryth and Obren clans' movements. I believe I do. Their schem includes the third young master of the Veydrak clan. Their plot touches us as well. Send them a warning to avoid being caught off guard."
Torvak was surprise "and why would they target him? That boy has no cultivation to speak of" Meyra shook her head " I don't know but the scheme against him is real"
Torvak's fiery eyes softened with pride. Raising his hand, he summoned a flame, weaving it into the shape of a bird. With a flap of burning wings, it shot into the skies, carrying their message.
"How resourceful you are," he murmured, "for someone who cannot see."
Meyra only smiled. "It's a secret."
---
The Hallway
Crystal lamps lit the long passage. Meyra walked with her maid, Nina, who finally whispered, "Young miss… are you truly going to marry the Veydrak anomaly?"
Meyra's lips curved in a secretive smile. "Naïve girl. I only said that to ease Father's heart. As for the third young master… I'll decide after the Awakening Ceremony."
Nina grinned. "With how strong you've become in two years, no one can rival you!"
Meyra pinched her cheek. "Don't go around spreading my secret."
"Ahh! I won't, I won't!" Nina squealed.
Meyra laughed, patting her. But as her blindfold slipped, her eyes were revealed. Glowing like molten magma. Not blind at all, but eyes that seemed alive, carrying a power unknown.
She quickly pulled the blindfold back. "Oops."
If anyone had seen, they would know the truth—Meyra Kaevor was not what the world believed.
---
Veydrak Clan
Kaelvir stirred awake, sinking deeper into the soft bed. The dome above glowed with runes of green lightning, casting a serene light. Incense filled the room with a soothing fragrance.
It had been a long time since he'd slept without nightmares. Two weeks had passed since his transmigration. He thought of the family he left on Earth—his chest tightened with longing. Yet this new family had given him warmth too.
Breakfasts filled with laughter. A strict father who showed his care in quiet ways. A calm, dependable elder brother. A cunning second brother who teased mercilessly, only to be beaten by the first. And a little sister whose cheer brought smiles to them all.
They were… a family he had come to treasure.
But peace, he would soon learn, never lasted long.