The doors of the throne hall slammed shut behind him with a sharp, final echo.
The Heralds remained at the sides, their dark robes still, their eyes burning with divine frustration.They wanted to speak—to shout the prophecy into his face… but the distant thunder of five hundred Douglas soldiers in the plaza was more persuasive than any prayer.
They stepped aside without meeting his gaze, hands clenched like beggars before a king.Lusian walked on, refusing to grant them even the satisfaction of a glance.
The moment he crossed the threshold of the Douglas palace, someone shoved him against the wall.
A burning embrace.Desperate.
"Lusian!"
Adela.
She clung to him as if the world itself were about to shatter beneath her feet. Her arms wrapped around him with such force that even his armor groaned in protest. Her face was buried in his chest, trembling, tears slipping free without restraint.
At her side, the magical beast—the imposing White Tiger—let out a low growl, baring fangs capable of splitting a shield in two. Its eyes gleamed with a fierce, almost divine protectiveness.
For a brief moment, a chill ran down Lusian's spine.That power…That pressure in the air…
It was the same sensation he had felt in the Frostwither, where that creature had slaughtered dozens of soldiers.
Adela tightened her grip on him.
"Don't leave me again…" Her voice broke between sobs.
Lusian took her by the shoulders—firm, yet gentle—steadying her.
She was not only his bodyguard.She was the only one capable of protecting the duchy in his absence.
"It was necessary." His voice did not waver, though his touch softened as he drew her closer. "I know it was hard."
Adela lifted her face.In her eyes burned pain… and a fury she had been holding back for days.
"My duty is to protect you… If something had happened to you, I—I couldn't—"
"Adela." He stopped her, his voice serious, clear."You are the only one who can command the riders of magical beasts.While I am gone, you are the only one who can defend the duchy.I need you here. Do you understand?"
The White Tiger huffed, as if disapproving of his words.
Adela lowered her gaze… but her fingers trembled with restrained anger.
"I don't want to be separated from you again, Lusian…" she whispered, her voice fractured, clinging to him as though he might disappear.
Lusian knew that clinging to him was dangerous… for her.He gently cupped her cheek, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"There won't be a next time without you."
She drew a deep breath. Swallowed her tears.And nodded slowly, pressing a fist against her trembling chest.
The White Tiger stopped growling. Its fangs still gleamed, but it lowered its head, accepting the promise like a blood-bound pact.
"Then it's a promise."
She buried herself in his arms once more, a muffled sob escaping her.
And for the first time…
Lusian feared he might not be able to keep it.