The carriage rolled through the evening mist, the Douglas crest engraved in gold upon its doors. The wheels groaned against the cobbled road as the landscape drifted past—somber and silent. Inside, Lusian and his mother, Countess Sofia Douglas, shared the journey back to their family estate.

  "What did you discuss with the Queen Mother?" Lusian asked, breaking the silence with restrained curiosity.

  "The academy suffered severe damage," Sofia replied, her gaze fixed on the horizon, now stained scarlet. "Classes will be suspended for a month. We will use that time to venture into the forest, investigate what drove the beasts mad… and confirm whether the demonic cult is hiding there."

  "Are they planning to send troops? Isn't that too dangerous?"

  "Yes. Every noble house will send a contingent. It will be an unprecedented incursion. If we don't resolve this now, the academy will have to relocate."

  "And who will lead our knights?"

  "I will," she said firmly. "Laurence is occupied tracking down the kingdom's traitors."

  "Mother, it isn't safe for you to go into the forest."

  Sofia smiled faintly and, with a playful gesture, pinched his cheeks.

  "Listen to yourself—the young man who throws himself into danger every five minutes."

  "All right, stop," Lusian laughed, gently pulling away. "Then take me with you."

  "No. I won't expose you to that kind of danger."

  "And if I stay behind? Will you leave Umber with me?"

  "Of course not. I won't leave you unprotected."

  "All the more reason for me to go. You'll have your three magical beasts in the forest… what place could be safer than by your side?"

  Sofia arched a brow, amused.

  "You flatter me. But I'm not taking you. Larryet and Thunder are more than enough to keep me safe."

  "Mother, I want you to see how much I've grown. Trust me. Let me prove that I'm worthy of being your son."

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  The carriage shuddered as it crossed a bridge. Sofia studied him tenderly and remained silent for a long moment. At last, she sighed.

  "Very well," she conceded. "But you will not leave my side for even an instant… or I'll punish you when we return."

  The Oasis Hotel rose like a palace of marble and crystal in the heart of the noble district. In one of its private salons, lit by amber lamps, sat Count Noah Armett and his daughter Isabella, along with Count Tomas Denisse and his son Lorenzo. The air carried the scent of aged wine and poisoned diplomacy.

  "Have you considered my proposal of an engagement between your daughter and my son, Count Tomas?" Noah asked, fingers steepled upon the table.

  "I have considered it," Tomas replied with a courteous smile, "but I do not believe it is possible. My daughter has better candidates."

  "It has been quite some time, and she has chosen none of them. Perhaps they simply failed to win her heart. My son, on the other hand, could be the perfect match for Lady Isabella."

  "There is no rush," Tomas answered calmly. "It is better to wait."

  Lorenzo rose then, wearing an air of casual ease.

  "Father, why not allow me to escort Lady Isabella for a stroll? They can speak privately while you continue your discussion with Count Noah."

  Tomas nodded, unsuspecting. Isabella stood with visible reluctance and followed Lorenzo into the inner garden, where the fragrance of flowers barely masked the heavy air of intrigue.

  "Lady Isabella," Lorenzo said, bowing with false courtesy, "you look dazzling today."

  "Thank you for your compliments, but they are unnecessary. Allow me to make something clear—I have no interest in you."

  Lorenzo smiled, though fury boiled within him.

  Wretched bitch.

  "You should not dismiss the opportunities placed before you. Beauty is not eternal… one day it will fade."

  "I shall welcome that day with joy, Lord Lorenzo," Isabella replied, her composure unshaken.

  At that moment, a well-dressed man approached with confident steps.

  "Lady Isabella," he said in a smooth voice, "allow me to introduce a good friend of mine—Elton."

  Elton bowed and extended his hand. Isabella, ever courteous, returned the gesture.

  "A pleasure to meet you, my lady."

  The instant their hands touched, the world dissolved. Her mind went blank, her gaze empty.

  "Is it done?" Lorenzo whispered, anxious.

  "Yes," Elton rasped, "but we must hurry. My ability won't last long."

  "Then make her write a letter addressed to Caleb Douglas Florence. Use your control for that," Lorenzo ordered, a cruel smile spreading across his face.

  Minutes passed. When the spell dissipated, Isabella blinked in confusion. She was seated, her hands stained with ink, her eyes unfocused. Lorenzo feigned concern and leaned toward her.

  "Are you feeling better, Lady Isabella? You nearly fainted."

  "Fainted? No… I don't remember," she murmured, looking around in disorientation.

  "Let us return to our parents," Lorenzo said, offering his arm. "They must be worried."

  She nodded, unaware of the dark shadow closing over her fate. Upon the table remained the letter, ink still wet, sealed with a name that would soon drag the kingdom into a storm.

  Isabella inclined her head faintly, still wrapped in the haze clouding her thoughts. Her steps were uncertain as she followed Lorenzo back toward the salon where their parents waited. With every breath, it felt as though an invisible fog pressed against her chest, leaving behind the echo of something forgotten… something that should never have been forgotten.