Returning toward the hall, Luneth, Silentia, and Kaelith followed behind Evo, who led the way in silence. They all looked at him, perhaps wanting to talk, to check on him… to ask how he was feeling. But none of them had the courage. They simply kept walking quietly.
Evo did not return to the ballroom. Instead, he veered off the path, heading toward a more distant, isolated area a few hundred meters away from the event. The three followed him — even without knowing exactly where he was going, they understood why. And they needed to be with him. What was coming concerned all of them directly.
Evo knew they wanted to speak, or ask questions, but they chose silence. He respected that and did not force them to say anything.
When they reached the area, they finally recognized the place. It was the same spot where they had met earlier — only by a different route.
- This place really is lovely. – Silentia commented, having spent the entire day unusually quiet.
She was deeply shaken by everything, but preferred to process it silently. She knew the others were the same and didn't want to burden anyone further.
- It's true… this place brings me peace. – Luneth added softly, stopping at her side.
Kaelith remained silent. If anyone had been wounded by Umbra's betrayal, it was him. He truly believed they were building camaraderie. They had met several times before officially joining the order. Their very first meeting had been when Freya called both of them to talk.
From then on, they slowly grew closer — like genuine friends.
But then… everything shattered.
He was deeply disappointed.
Evo was standing in front of them, but he didn't turn around. He said nothing. He simply stared at the waterfall, watching the falling water in silence. The faint, fresh scent of the mist filled his lungs while his mind raced. He had to end things with Talier, but he didn't want to do it with the others watching.
The truth was… Evo did feel hurt by the betrayal — annoyed and angry at the disaster it caused. But the others were different. They were emotional. They cared. Evo rarely opened his heart to anyone; he wasn't like them. They attached easily, and he didn't see that as a flaw — just a difference. Which was precisely why doing the dirty work was easier for him.
He analyzed what needed to be done while glancing at the three as they took in the scenery. Eventually, he made his decision.
He raised his ring to his lips and activated the transmission.
- Sevran!
- Yes, I'm here, Veyrath!
- Bring the rat to the marked location.
- Understood. We're on our way!
The transmission ended swiftly.
Evo turned around. The three were watching him now, having realized he was speaking to Sevran. Their eyes were tense — each showing a different feeling, but the same emotion beneath: apprehension.
Seeing their uneasiness, Evo returned his gaze to the waterfall and spoke without turning:
- Sevran is bringing Talier here… – He paused for a long moment. – ...…
- You can all go wait for me in the hall. I won't force any of you to stay. And honestly… I don't recommend it.
He finally turned to them. His eyes carried a faint cruelty… and a deep, burning rage.
- You'll see a side of me you won't like. I'd rather you don't witness that.
He finished speaking and sat on one of the stones near the water, letting his hand glide over the cold stream. Moonlight reflected in his golden eyes while fireflies danced around him.
The three looked at him in silence — and they understood exactly what he meant.
Evo would not forgive Umbra. Ever.
He would pour every bit of his hatred into his flesh. Cruelly. Mercilessly.
They knew Evo was different from them. He wasn't generous. He wasn't compassionate with enemies. With him, a person had one chance. No second chances.
- Veyrath… I want to stay. So please… – Luneth trembled, Silentia holding her hand tightly.
The two had grown very close.
- Please… allow me to stay. – She begged, staring at the ground, unable to meet his eyes.
Evo felt genuinely relieved that Luneth and Silentia had one another for support. He gave her a faint, barely visible smile.
- Luneth… lift your head. Look at me.
She obeyed. And the sight she saw — Evo seated elegantly on the stone, moonlight framing him — looked like a painting. Strange, disconnected… yet beautiful.
He spoke softly:
- Luneth… you're too kind. Honestly… I don't think you fit well in this world of ours. – Arrrrr… – He sighed, gazing at the sky.
- What do you mean…? Are you saying I'm not useful to you or to the order? – Her voice trembled, afraid of the answer.
Evo shook his head.
- No. Not at all. Quite the opposite.
- It's because you're this way… because you don't fit into this kind of world… that you're the most important one.
Her eyes widened — surprised by his unexpected, almost contradictory words.
He continued:
- You can see both sides — the emotional and the logical. I can only see one.
- Because you can look at both sides of the coin, you make the best decisions. You're balanced.
- You bring peace to turbulent places. You think fast. You speak well with others. You see the future more clearly than I do. And you know how to control your emotions in ways that don't hurt anyone.
- To be honest… I see you as a better leader than me. I think the position I hold would fit you better.
He met her gaze — now shimmering with tears.
- That's why Freya chose you as my guide and assistant. You, Luneth… are more important than I am.
She felt the words pierce deep into her heart. Evo never expressed himself like that — Freya and Ravina themselves had told her he never opened up, not even to them. And yet… now he did.
Silentia was frozen. Kaelith watched quietly.
Luneth tried to speak:
- V-Veyrath… I-I…
But her voice broke.
She was torn inside — wanting to stay, wanting to run, ashamed of her own fear. And Evo knew.
- I know you're conflicted. Like I said… you're kind.
- That's why I'm asking you: go with the others. Leave the dirty work to me.
- You've already done your part. Now it's my turn.
She wasn't afraid of killing. If needed, she would kill any enemy in front of her. But this was different.
Talier wasn't a stranger. He'd been close. They'd lived together for months. And Evo… she saw something terrifying in his golden eyes — a hatred deeper than anything she'd ever seen.
She feared Evo might become someone else after this.
Little did she know… he already had.
- I can't leave you alone here!
Evo realized she wouldn't give up. He exhaled, resigned.
- Arrrrrr!!! I gave you a choice earlier, but I changed my mind. – He said, looking up at the sky.
Silentia narrowed her eyes.
- What do you mean?
Evo's voice shifted — cold, commanding.
- I'm giving you three a new order.
They felt a chill.
- As leader of the order… I command you to stay in the hall and wait for me.
- Now go. – He waved his hand dismissively.
He didn't even look at them directly. They weren't forced to obey, but refusing would be a sign of disrespect — almost an affront. Evo knew this. He never gave commands… but now, he made an exception.
He had to.
He didn't want them to watch what was coming.
- Please, Veyrath… take your order back! – Luneth begged, voice cracking.
- I'm sorry. I can't. Now go. – He ended firmly.
Silentia finally understood — Evo was protecting them. She felt her heart warm amid the fear.
She held Luneth's shoulders.
- Come on, Lune. Let the leader do his job.
- But… it's not fair!
- I know it's not! – Silentia bit her lip, eyes full of bitterness. – But it has to be done. Now go!
- Kaelith, you too. We still have infiltrated students at the event. We need to guard it.
Kaelith nodded quietly. Silentia guided Luneth away. Luneth threw one last glance at Evo, who avoided her gaze by staring at the lake.
Silentia then looked back — and Evo met her eyes.
- Thank you. – he murmured.
She nodded and left.
Soon on the path, they encountered Sevran, Velra, and finally Umbra. The six stared at one another. No one spoke. Luneth and Silentia looked away; Kaelith looked at Umbra with a hurricane of emotion.
Sevran broke the tension:
- Luneth, is the leader there?
- H-He is…
- Good. Let's go. Don't want to keep him waiting.
- Excuse us, ladies. – Velra said before following.
Umbra watched the three leave, confused by their strange behavior.
But it was too late.
They reached the open area, where Evo sat silently on the stone.
- Huh? What's the heir of the Eylam family doing here? – Umbra murmured.
Sevran and Velra ignored him.
The air grew sharp, heavy. Umbra's instincts screamed for him to flee.
Too late.
Sevran approached and bowed.
- Veyrath, we brought Umbra as ordered.
Umbra froze.
- Ve-Vey… Veyrath?!
Evo lifted his eyes — cold, sharp enough to cut through bone. Umbra felt crushed beneath that gaze.
- Har… Har… Har… W-what is going on?
- Evo Eylam… h-he's Veyrath. The leader of the Order.
Evo looked at Sevran and Velra, nodding once.
- Good work. Return to the hall and stand guard.
Velra tried to speak, but Sevran stopped her gently. She nodded and followed him.
Silence fell.
Umbra tried to speak. Nothing came out.
Evo crossed his arms and legs, staring at him from above.
- You know, Umbra… I won't ask for your reasons. You could give me a thousand excuses, and none of them would matter. But answer me one thing.
He leaned forward slightly, eyes like blades.
- Answer me, Umbra… or rather, Talier.
Umbra froze at the sound of his real name.
- Was it worth it… betraying us?