"Kalen," Elysia said softly, rising from her seat, "I'm going to meditate now."
The boy looked up at her immediately.
"Wait for me here," she continued, her tone firm yet gentle. "And no matter what happens—do not leave this room until I return."
Before Kalen could reply, she turned and walked out, the doors closing quietly behind her.
The moment she stepped into the corridor, the calm mask on her face vanished.
Her fingers traced a silent sigil in the air, glowing briefly with crimson and silver light.
Come to me, she summoned. Now.
The Meditation Chamber
The meditation room was dim, filled with ancient runes carved into black stone walls. A faint blue flame flickered at the center, feeding on pure mana.
As Elysia entered, she stopped short.
A tall man stood near the flame, his dark cloak fluttering slightly despite the still air. His sharp eyes—so similar to her own—turned toward her with concern.
"You are quick, brother," Elysia said, surprised. "I summoned you only moments ago. It should have taken at least several minutes to reach Ravencrest."
He smiled faintly, though tension lingered in his gaze.
"The storm made it easier," he replied. "Aether itself is restless today."
This was Kaelith Maverick, her elder brother—Commander of Nightfire Glen and one of the most feared mages alive.
Elysia followed his gaze toward the narrow window.
Dark clouds churned violently. Thunder rolled like the roar of a beast preparing to strike.
"You already know the situation," Kaelith said grimly. "Theron controls air and water. With this storm, his march toward the Calestra Clan will be effortless."
Elysia nodded slowly."What is the condition of Calestra right now?" she asked. "Do they need Nightfire Glen to join the war?"
Kaelith's eyes hardened.
"If they call for aid, we will answer," he said without hesitation. "Queen Lysira is the daughter of Nightfire Glen—just like you."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"And if we abandon her now, then your sacrifice over the last twelve years will mean nothing."
Elysia closed her eyes briefly.
"We'll discuss this later," Kaelith continued. "First, you need to leave this palace—with Kalen. Bring him. We are leaving immediately."
She listened patiently… and then shook her head.
"We can't," she said firmly.
Kaelith froze.
"Theron will find me wherever I go," Elysia continued. "And when he does, countless innocents will suffer for it."
She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a sealed letter, placing it in his hand.
"Do this for me instead," she said softly. "Deliver this letter to Headmaster Aurelius Dreymark. Ask him to admit Kalen into Grimswald College of Witchcraft & Wizardry."
Kaelith stared at her.
"That is the only place where my son will be safe."
His jaw tightened.
"And what about you?" he demanded. "Am I supposed to leave you here—to suffer like this for the rest of your life?"
Elysia smiled gently.
"Theron may torment me," she said calmly, "but he cannot kill me."
Her smile turned sharper.
"And if he ever dares to… then I will welcome it."
Kaelith's eyes widened.
"Do you even realize what your death would mean to him?"
Elysia nodded.
"Exactly."
Anger flared in Kaelith's expression.
"This is madness!" he snapped. "Come with me now, Elysia!"
She shook her head once.
"You forget, brother," she said coldly, "I am not just your beloved sister."
Her mana flared, filling the chamber with oppressive heat.
"I am the most powerful mage of Nightfire Glen."
Kaelith stiffened.
"If I wished, I could crush half of the Ravencrest Clan alone," she continued. "But doing so would only alert Theron and condemn countless innocent lives."
Her voice softened, but her resolve did not.
"A mage does not fear death in war. And my life in Ravencrest…"
She paused.
"…has been a silent war for twelve long years."
Kaelith exhaled sharply and finally lowered his gaze.
He knew.
He would never win against her.
Without another word, he vanished in a ripple of flame and shadow.
Ravencrest Palace – Moments Later
Elysia returned to her chambers—
And froze.
The sky outside the window burned with four crimson flashes, like blood splashing across the heavens.
One after another.
Then—two final flashes erupted together.
Her breath caught.
"No…" she whispered. "This can't be happening."
Kalen turned toward her instantly.
"Mom? What's happening?"
She ignored the question and knelt before him, gripping his shoulders tightly.
"Kalen," she said urgently, "remember one thing."
Her eyes shone with unshed tears.
"Everything I've done for the past twelve years—and everything I am about to do now—is for the same reason."
She forced a smile.
"And you will never hate me for it."
Before she could say more—
BANG!
The doors burst open.
Armed guards stormed into the room, surrounding them instantly.
"By order of King Theron Ravencrest," one of them barked, "the Queen and the boy are summoned to the royal court."
Kalen gasped.
Elysia slowly rose to her feet.
The silent war… was about to become very loud.