The soldiers froze for a moment.
Then, as one, they saluted — stepping back and returning to their duties.
The tension eased.
But Orimo knew the real battle hadn't even started yet.
It wasn't swords or fists.
It was the lies.
Orimo exhaled slowly.
"So where is this Ashyrn Witherfall?"
The King clenched his jaw.
"Civilians will gather near the royal palace until tomorrow… but I don't know where he's hiding."
Orimo turned his back, shadows flickering faintly along his arms.
"I'll find him."
{Ashyrn Witherfall — Underground Hideout}
Cold stone walls.
Dim lantern light.
Princess Amelia De Kyoru hung restrained against the wall — her wrists cuffed above her head, waist and legs bound tight. Water dripped from her clothes onto the floor, each drop echoing in the silence.
"MMMMM—!"
Her voice was sealed behind tape.
Ashyrn turned lazily, his silhouette stretching across the damp stone.
"What?" he said, irritation creeping into his deep voice. "You need something?"
He lifted a glass of water.
And threw it.
Splash.
It soaked her face, her clothes clinging to her trembling body.
"There you go," he said calmly.
Water dripped from her hair, from her sleeves, pooling beneath her feet.
Then—
THUD. THUD.
The metal gate shook.
Ashyrn's eyes narrowed.
"…Who's there?"
THUD!
The gate blasted inward.
Ashyrn barely had time to react before the flying metal slammed into him, hurling him across the room.
THUD!
From the smoke and broken hinges stepped forward a man.
Varo Kuzan.
His breathing was heavy. His eyes burned like a wild beast cornered too long.
"You disgrace of a hero," Varo growled.
"I will kill you."
Ashyrn rose slowly, brushing dust from his coat.
Then he laughed.
Low. Dark. Dangerous.
"Bring it on," he said, eyes gleaming behind his smile.
"…Mr Nobody."