(The Magic Tower, Velmoria — 4 a.m.)
Eva opened her eyes.
The dim glow of the lanterns painted soft shadows across the room. Behind her, Eyan's arm was draped around her waist, his steady breath brushing against her ear. For a moment, she didn't move. The warmth of his body, the quiet rhythm of his breathing—it felt almost cruel to leave.
Slowly, carefully, Eva lifted his arm and slipped out from his embrace.
She stood beside the bed, watching him in silence. His hair fell slightly over his eyes, his expression calm—peaceful, even.
Then she turned away.
At the door, Eva lifted the barrier with a faint flicker of light and opened it. Standing on the other side was Prince Velco.
"Are you ready, Your Grace?" he asked softly.
Eva nodded.
---
(Flashback — Earlier that Night)
Prince Velco had turned to leave after their discussion. "Then I should take my leave," he'd said politely.
"Wait," Eva had called out. "Don't leave. Stay here at the Magic Tower. We'll go early in the morning."
She'd hesitated for a second, then added quietly, "I'll open the door—just wait for me there."
Velco's red eyes had met hers, unreadable. "Alright," he'd replied.
---
(Back to Present)
"Are you ready, Your Grace?" Velco asked again.
"Yes," Eva murmured, glancing one last time at the man asleep on the bed.
Then she stepped into the hallway.
The corridor was quiet, the air heavy with the scent of cold stone and morning mist. As they walked, a group of knights bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, where are you going with Her Grace so early in the morning?" one asked.
"We are returning to the palace," Velco replied smoothly.
"Then allow us to escort you, Your Majesty."
Velco's tone sharpened. "No. There is no need. We can go by ourselves."
"But, Your Majesty—"
Eva interrupted firmly, "Didn't you hear what His Majesty said? We can go by ourselves."
The knight lowered his head. "I apologize, Your Grace."
Eva gave a faint nod. "Your Majesty, let's go."
Velco smiled slightly. "Let's."
As they walked past, Eva discreetly slipped a folded note into the knight's hand. He blinked, startled, but Eva pressed a finger to her lips—shh.
Without another word, she followed Prince Velco out into the cold dawn, leaving the sleeping Eyan behind in the tower.
---
(On the Road — Dawn)
The carriage wheels rolled through the misty roads of Velmoria, the sound of hooves echoing softly in the early morning quiet.
Inside, Eva sat beside Prince Velco, her hands clasped tightly on her lap.
"Congratulations, Your Grace," Velco said, his voice light, almost teasing. "You are finally free."
Eva turned to him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Yes… I can breathe now."
Velco's red eyes glimmered. "Freedom suits you."
She looked out the window, the fog blurring the landscape. "Prince Velco," she said after a pause, "take me to Leo. Now."
"Of course," he replied smoothly. "Leo will be happy to see you."
The carriage continued its quiet journey into the pale light of dawn.
---
(The Magic Tower — 5 a.m.)
Eyan stirred awake. The warmth beside him was gone.
His hand searched the sheets, but found only cold silk.
He opened his eyes, blinking against the dim morning light. The room was silent—too silent.
"Eva?" he called softly, half-expecting her to answer from the adjoining room.
No response.
He sat up, the unease already creeping in. "Eva," he called again, louder this time. Still nothing.
Throwing the blanket aside, he stood and searched the room.
The bathroom—empty.
The balcony—empty.
His pulse began to race.
"Maybe she went to the garden," he muttered under his breath, trying to steady himself.
He ran through the corridors and out into the garden, calling her name over and over.
"Eva! Eva, where are you?"
No reply. Only the rustle of leaves and the cold wind that seemed to mock him.
Panic surged through his chest. He turned back toward the tower, his steps quick, almost stumbling.
When he reached the front door, he froze.
The barrier was gone.
"What…?" he whispered. Then, louder, "The barrier—it's not here!"
He threw open the door and shouted, "Knights!"
At once, the stationed guards appeared, bowing.
"Your Majesty," one greeted, but Eyan's voice cut sharp through the air.
"Have you seen the Queen? She's not in the room!"
The knight looked confused. "Your Majesty, the Queen left early this morning—with you."
Eyan stared at him, stunned. "What are you saying? I'm standing right here! How could she have left with me?"
Another knight stepped forward nervously. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but we saw it ourselves—Her Grace left the tower at dawn. You were with her."
Eyan's brows furrowed, confusion and dread twisting in his chest.
"That wasn't me," he said coldly.
The first knight hesitated, then reached into his pocket. "Before she left, Her Grace gave us this note."
Eyan snatched the folded paper and unfolded it quickly. His eyes moved over the words, and his expression hardened.
"Eva…" he hissed under his breath. His fist trembled, crushing the note slightly. "Are you out of your mind?"
He turned sharply. "Knights! Spread out and search the area. There's an intruder—someone who took her while disguised as me. Find them. Now!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" they chorused before hurrying away.
As they ran off, Eyan remained standing in the doorway, the morning wind sweeping through his hair. His fingers tightened around the note until it crumpled in his fist.
"Eva," he whispered, his voice breaking between anger and fear. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you go with him alone?"
He closed his eyes, breathing hard, then opened them again—filled now with grim determination.
"I'll find you," he said quietly. "No matter what it takes."
---
(The Royal Palace, Velmoria — Morning)
Eyan stormed down the corridor, his footsteps echoing like thunder. He stopped at a tall oak door and pounded on it with his fist.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Luca! Luca, open the door!"
Inside, papers scattered as Luca jolted awake. He hurried to the door and swung it open.
"Eyan? What happened—why are—"
Before he could finish, Eyan grabbed him by the shoulders, his eyes wild.
"Luca," he said, breath ragged, "Prince Velco took Eva."
Luca froze. "What?"
Eyan's voice cracked between fury and disbelief. "He came to the Magic Tower—disguised as me. The knights didn't stop him because they thought I was the one leaving with her!"
Luca's face went pale. "How did he even find her location? No one knew she was there…"
"I don't know," Eyan snapped. "But he took her early this morning. When I woke up—she was gone."
Luca's expression shifted suddenly, realization dawning in his eyes. "Eyan… did you come to me this morning?"
Eyan frowned. "No".
Luca's breath caught. He grabbed his own hair in frustration. "Damn it—it's my fault."
Eyan's tone softened slightly. "What do you mean?"
Luca's shoulders slumped. "This morning… I thought you came to see me. We spoke for a few minutes. I told you—that is, I told him—that Sister in law is staying at the Magic Tower."
Eyan's eyes widened. "You told him…?"
"I'm sorry, Eyan," Luca said bitterly. "I didn't realize it wasn't you until now."
Eyan took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "Don't blame yourself. What's done is done. Right now, we need to find Eva—and Leo."
"Leo?" Luca echoed.
Eyan nodded and pulled a crumpled note from his coat. "Eva gave this to one of the knights before leaving."
He handed it over. Luca unfolded the paper and read aloud:
'Eyan, Prince Velco has Leo. He wants me to come with him. I'm afraid he might hurt Leo if I don't. I'm going with him—come and find me.'
Luca's hands trembled slightly as he lowered the note. "This is bad. Very bad."
Eyan's eyes darkened. "I've already sent the knights to search, but we can't rely on them alone."
Luca nodded grimly. "Then we go ourselves."
Eyan gave a single sharp nod. "Let's go."
Without another word, the two brothers left the room, their cloaks whipping behind them as they rushed through the palace halls—toward the stables, toward the unknown.
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