As Lusian rode through the streets of Acropolis, he felt the stares digging into his back. These were no mere onlookers—they were eyes that weighed him, measured him… that doubted him.Whispers swelled in his wake, dragging along like dry leaves pushed toward an unseen abyss.
It wasn't only the nobility or the soldiers who avoided him.Not just nobles or soldiers—peasants, merchants… even children turned their gaze away, as if fear itself had tainted the air of Acropolis.
Lusian tightened his grip on the reins, his brow furrowing. Something had changed—something deeper than the fatigue of the journey.
The doors of the Royal Hall opened before them.
They walked together:Lusian at the front.Elizabeth with the unyielding poise of royalty.Emily and Kara, bruised yet standing tall like warriors who refused to fall back.
The guards looked upon them with respect… and fear.
King Felipe Erkhan rose the moment Lusian crossed the threshold.He did not wait for protocol. He did not hide his emotion.
"Lusian…" His voice carried a weariness known only to kings. "I wish this welcome were different."
He stepped forward and placed both hands on Lusian's shoulders, like a father receiving a son returned from war.
"You brought my daughter back safe and sound. That… is a debt I can never repay."
Lusian inclined his head slightly.
"Your Majesty. We fulfilled the mission. We protected the princess and supported the Empire when it was needed."
Princess Elizabeth stepped forward, her voice clear and resolute.
"Father… we have returned. We saved several cities, held back creatures that devoured entire villages, and…" She forced herself to breathe. "Thanks to him, I was able to come back."
Queen Adelaine stepped forward and embraced her daughter tightly.Prince Andrew approached as well and, with a slight nod, offered his gratitude to Lusian.
Felipe smiled—barely perceptible, yet emotion stirred beneath the surface.
There was no time for more.
The bells of the inner temple rang three times.Low.Ominous.
From the side corridors emerged figures cloaked in white mantles and golden masks.
The Heralds.The Priests of the Celestial Dogma.Their word now carried more weight than that of many nobles.
The leader of the group, a man with rigid posture and a weathered face, positioned himself between the king and Lusian. His gaze held open antipathy.
"Duke Lusian Douglas of Mondring…" he pronounced, his voice steady yet tense."The Oracle has seen your shadow.The gods have warned us.You will bring ruin and calamity upon this world."
The air grew dense—almost suffocating.
Emily reacted instantly.
"Ruin!?" she exclaimed, stepping forward. "There must be some mistake! Lusian saved lives—thousands! He would never harm anyone who didn't deserve it!"
Kara stepped forward, anger flaring, her voice like thunder.
"Why accuse someone who has done nothing wrong?"
Princess Elizabeth said nothing.Her silence was more dangerous than any shout.With a single gesture, the royal guard would draw their blades.
Felipe raised a hand.
"Silence!" he commanded, though his voice carried more pain than authority. "Gentlemen… what is the meaning of this? We will hear you, yes—but make no mistake: I am still the one who makes decisions in this kingdom."
The Heralds stepped forward.Pressing.As if they could already smell blood.
Lusian drew a deep breath.
And stepped forward himself.
He stood at the center of the hall.The light streaming through the stained glass fell upon him like divine judgment.
"You speak of my death," he said, firm. "Do not deny it. You desire it."
His gaze swept across heralds, priests… and zealots.
Lusian did not reach for his sword. He did not need it. He simply raised his eyes, measuring each of those present.
"If anyone seeks my life…"
He paused.A pause that split the air in two.
"…then be prepared to lose your own."
The torches seemed to flicker. Even the Heralds held their breath, though their masks concealed any trace of fear.
The hall fell into absolute silence.Not even a feather could have dropped without echoing.