Jauna was busy mixing ingredients for the medicine when she received a message from Kriyo's clan on the planet Caelumn. She read its contents aloud to the siblings.
"Based on this letter, record the events since the incident. They cannot let the violation against your parents go unpunished."
Orid and Kriyo took turns providing the details, while Jauna wrote them down on paper.
Once finished, Jauna sent the response back to Caelumn.
"Thank you very much sister Jauna," Orid said.
Kriyo, meanwhile, shifted form and let Jauna carry him. He rubbed his face against hers.
"May you find justice for the deaths of your parents," he said.
In Ruforia, the citizens were in chaos upon hearing the news of the Hirst family massacre.
"What will happen to us? I fear conflict will erupt here," someone said.
"There are palace officials going around announcing that there is temporarily no ruler in Ruforia."
"The question is, who killed the family? Was it a long-planned scheme? Did anyone survive?"
Days passed. Announcements of increased taxes, rising commodity prices, job losses, and citizens with wealth leaving Ruforia for neighboring villages created unrest. Theft, gambling, and killings became rampant. Drugs, once only available to the rich, became accessible even to the poor.
This chaos was part of Randal Gauche's plan. They would appoint a temporary leader in the nation but intended to make it permanent once the situation stabilized.
At night, Jauna and Kriyo would talk about his grandfather. She never mentioned that his grandfather was the one Jauna had loved while healing him at her home.
At night, Jauna and Kriyo would talk about his grandfather. He never mentioned that his grandfather was the one Jauna had loved while healing him at her home.
Kriyo promised that once the palace situation was settled, he would reward Jauna for taking care of him. He could not openly say that his feelings for her grew stronger over time. Kriyo slept in Jauna's room in his cat form, and she held him more when he was in that form. It was how she felt his love the most.
Orid would shift into a turtle form before sleeping, believing it was safer for him while she rested.
A week later, Jauna received another reply from Caelumn. She read it and told the siblings to prepare. Within the next two days, envoys from the High Court of Caelumn would arrive to assist them.
"Their greed will not last," Kriyo said.
Orid, tears of joy in his eyes, realized that justice for their parents would finally be served with the help of their relatives from Caelumn.
On the day of their arrival, Jauna had created a portal outside her home. From there, they would travel to Ruforia. They were met by fifteen envoys.
"Thank you for responding to these two's request," Jauna said.
"You are welcome," said a tall, handsome man who shook Jauna's hand, holding her gaze for a few seconds before releasing it.
"Let's discuss the details inside," he suggested.
Jauna was grateful that Faram had already expanded the house because of the many guests she would attend to that day.
She prepared a small feast to welcome them, and they ate while discussing the steps they would take.
Kriyo frequently reported any observations he noticed before the massacre.
"We will make them pay. Do not worry," he assured.
Kriyo expressed his gratitude and mentioned a leader named Dayesh, who would act as a suitable replacement. Since the laws of Caelumn differed, their lawmakers would conduct the operation. They also issued a reminder:
"This help is not free. It comes with a condition."
"Please state your request. I will do my best to fulfill it," Jauna said.
"You, lady, will become my wife after our operation," Dayesh said.
"I am not part of this discussion. I am merely the mediator," Jauna replied.
"My feelings are different when I first saw you," Dayesh insisted.
"That does not mean I will join you. I am happy and content with who and what I am now," Jauna answered.
Dayesh thought of another arrangement. "Fine. Bear a child for me. We will be married for three years. If you do not fall for me, we may part ways freely."
Everyone present exchanged glances upon hearing this condition.
"Do not involve her in our nation's conflicts. She has no part in this," Kriyo said, hiding his jealousy.
"Yes, she has no part, but she is the bridge that allowed us to speak with you regarding your plea for help," Dayesh responded.
Kriyo had no reply. He simply looked at Jauna, who remained calm during the discussion.
"I agree. Three years, correct?" Jauna said.
"Yes, only three years," Dayesh confirmed. "Tomorrow, we begin our journey to Ruforia. After that, we will continue discussions about our marriage."
"I understand."
The next morning, they all woke up early. Dayesh's companions took the form of wolves, all black and gray except for Dayesh, who was a blue wolf.
"I will return, Jauna," Dayesh said. Kriyo and Orid returned to their animal forms. Orid sat on one of the tethered wolves to avoid falling.
Jauna and Kriyo could not speak directly anymore; they communicated through telepathy for their last message.
"Be careful," Jauna said.
"Thank you, Jauna. When the kingdom is restored, I will visit," Kriyo replied.
"You may not bother, Kriyo. Focus on rebuilding your nation," Jauna advised.
Kriyo concealed his sadness over losing sight of Jauna, knowing a more powerful rival had appeared. He was helpless because he was weak.
A few days later, Dayesh's party arrived in Ruforia. They remained in wolf form until they reached the palace to conserve their energy.
"Here we are," Kriyo said, leading them toward their destination. They found a hiding place to shift back into human forms. The two did not enter; the focus was on Dayesh's operation.
Once human again, they headed straight to the heavily guarded palace gates. When soldiers aimed their weapons, Dayesh ruthlessly used his power: a sword invisible to the naked eye. The guards could not resist as they advanced to punish the perpetrators behind the kingdom's chaos, a scheme set by members of the Caelum family.
"Who is your leader that ordered the deaths of my kin? Answer!" Dayesh shouted, fury in his voice as he imagined one of his own had been killed by ordinary people.
Randal pointed by his followers, mistakenly thinking they were allies.
He approached him, begging, but Dayesh did not let him finish. The sword targeted his neck. Dayesh grabbed the head, spun it, and shouted, "Do not follow this example if you do not want the same fate."
One by one, the others involved in the massacre were executed. Dayesh's team remained calm but inwardly fearful, witnessing the commander's unprecedented ruthlessness. Compared to past wars, this was the first time they saw such mercilessness toward human criminals. There was no emotion, no mercy. The vengeance was evident.
"Burn their remains," Dayesh ordered after ending the lives of everyone involved.
The soldiers complied immediately. The stench of burning flesh filled the air as they watched the flames.
Dayesh then approached Kriyo and Orid. "Our mission is complete. Only one thing remains: place Kriyo as the new king of Ruforia and eliminate all remaining palace allies to help him start anew."