In the heart of Mongrul Forest, the village remained shrouded in a heavy silence. The air smelled of ash and damp earth, and every corner carried a sorrow that seemed endless. The bodies had already been buried, but the grief still pulsed invisibly in every gaze.

  When Lynn arrived, she was met with weary faces and gestures of despair. Learning the details of the tragedy, a lump formed in her throat. She knew well the magnitude of the loss—not just lives, but stories, bonds, generations. Yet there was no time to succumb to grief.

  She ordered the elders to gather immediately.

  Shortly after, the tribe's wise ones took their places in the great communal tent. The central fire crackled weakly, casting shadows that danced across the wrinkled faces of the elders. Lynn observed them with determination, aware of the gravity of the decision they were about to make.

  She explained what she had discovered during her journey to the kingdom: the growing activity of magical creatures, rumors of a dark force disturbing the natural balance, and the threats that would soon reach them.

  The initial silence broke with voices reflecting both fear and hope.

  "—Our home is no longer safe," said one elder, his voice trembling with the weight of resignation. "We must leave and find a new place where our families can live in peace. If we stay, we will all perish."

  "And abandon who we are?" countered a woman with a firm gaze, striking her staff against the ground. "Our ancestors fought and died here. What kind of heirs would we be if we fled at the first shadow that threatens us?"

  The debate grew tense, charged with emotion and wounded pride. Some called for caution; others for honor. Between these extremes, Lynn listened in silence, frowning. She knew any decision would come at a cost: the loss of their home or the loss of their people.

  As the fire crackled and voices rose, she understood that the fate of the Refrvollr tribe was about to change.

  Meanwhile, as the servants finished preparing the carriages for the return journey to the duchy, Lusian stood beside Emily in the county gardens. The autumn wind stirred the fallen leaves, carrying with it a sense of melancholy.

  Inside, Lusian was resolved: he had to maintain a cordial relationship with Emily, a sincere friendship that, when the time came, would weigh enough to prevent her from hatred. One day, she would have to decide whether to kill him or not. Everything depended on the emotions he could awaken now.

  He measured every word carefully, balancing warmth with caution. He could not reveal what he knew of the future, but he could strengthen the bond between them.

  "—Did you speak to your father about the monster invasion?" he asked calmly, watching her gaze drift toward the horizon.

  Emily sighed, heavy with helplessness."—Yes, but… he doesn't seem inclined to take major action. I've tried to reason with him, but since my brother's death, his spirit is broken. He no longer shows the same interest in the county," she said softly, suppressing her sadness.

  Lusian nodded slowly, feigning surprise though he had anticipated this outcome."—I understand your concern," he said, softening his eyes. "I know he is going through a difficult time, but he cannot let grief consume him. If the invasion comes unprepared, the results will be catastrophic."

  Emily gripped the hem of her dress, her frustration visible."—Believe me, I've tried everything. Even the king has sent warning letters, but many nobles refuse to take it seriously. I'll do what I can… I'll speak with my mother. If something like this really happens…" She paused, her voice breaking, "it will be a tragedy."

  Lusian regarded her gravely, a touch of genuine compassion in his expression."—Do your best, Emily. If anything happens, the duchy will send help, but know that mobilizing troops will take time. If the attack occurs, resistance will be difficult… the monsters will not stop, day or night."

  Emily nodded slowly. Fear and determination mingled in her eyes."—I know… but I won't stand by idly," she said, more to herself than to him.

  Lusian smiled faintly, admiring that spark of strength. "That will be the light the goddess sees," he thought.

  He knew that this farewell would be more important than Emily could ever imagine.

  He paused, holding her gaze."—Still, I promise I will do everything in my power to reach you as quickly as possible. I will not rest until your people are safe," Lusian said firmly, yet warmly.

  Emily looked at him, concern and gratitude shining in her eyes."—Thank you… it's good to know I can count on you," she replied, barely smiling.

  Lusian returned her smile."—You can count on me, Emily. I will be there for you, no matter what happens," he promised, squeezing her hand gently but with conviction she felt was genuine.

  Emily nodded and, after saying goodbye, walked away slowly. As she crossed the corridor toward the exit of the Douglas mansion, a servant approached discreetly and handed her a letter with no sender. The elegant, stylized handwriting looked familiar. Assuming it was from Lusian, she decided to follow the instructions: "I'll be waiting in the garden, by the pond."

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  The sunset bathed the garden in golden and pink hues as Emily arrived at the spot… but what she found left her frozen.

  Lusian was already there, standing in the center of the garden, in front of Elizabeth.

  For a moment, she hid behind the hedges, unable to take another step.

  Lusian, surprised by the unexpected visitor, asked:"—How are you here?"

  Elizabeth smiled with a mix of mischief and pride."—Well… your mother allowed me to stay for a while. Convincing her wasn't easy, of course," she said, approaching gracefully.

  Lusian arched an eyebrow, intrigued."—Does that mean she agrees with… us?"

  Elizabeth let out a short, soft laugh, though her tone turned sharp as she replied:"—I wish it were that simple. It seems your mother has taken a liking to that… peasant."

  Lusian frowned. He didn't like how Elizabeth spoke of Emily. Despite her nobility and the warmth he had learned to love, Elizabeth carried a deep pride shaped by her royal lineage. Sometimes that pride became a wall between her and the world.

  "What can you expect… she's a princess," he thought resignedly.Still, he couldn't ignore how her words echoed in his mind.

  "—Elizabeth, please," Lusian said calmly, though the tension was evident. "Keep your comments about Emily respectful. She is important to me."

  Elizabeth sighed, lowering her gaze for just a moment before replying:"—I'm sorry, love. You know I can't help being a little… territorial when it comes to you."

  Lusian stepped toward her and wrapped her in his arms."—I know, and I understand. But you must know my heart belongs to you—only you," he whispered, trying to calm her.

  Elizabeth clung tightly to his chest, aware that they would soon have to part."—Then promise me you'll come back to me, no matter what happens."

  Lusian smiled tenderly, stroking her hair."—I promise, Elizabeth. Nothing and no one will keep me from you. I will always be yours."

  She kissed him one last time, desperate to imprint his taste in her memory. They remained embraced, breathing each other in, knowing that this moment would be their farewell before long months apart.

  The wind stirred the garden's flowers as a figure paused among the shrubs in the distance.Emily, following the anonymous letter she had received, stepped forward, unaware of what she would find.

  But upon reaching the clearing, the world seemed to stop.

  Before her eyes, Elizabeth and Lusian embraced and kissed under the soft light of the sunset.

  For a second, she wanted to retreat and leave, but Elizabeth's voice broke the silence."—Emily," she said, with a mix of surprise and arrogance, "it seems you've discovered us."

  Lusian turned, startled, his face paling at her presence."—Wait, Emily… we need to talk," he said, approaching slowly.

  Emily remained still, eyes lowered, unable to hide the confusion on her face.

  Lusian took a deep breath before speaking, choosing each word carefully."—I know this must be very confusing for you. But you must understand that my engagement to you was an obligation imposed by our families. I never wanted to hurt you. I told you from the start: I did not desire this engagement."

  Emily lifted her gaze, her eyes reflecting sadness… but also understanding."—I understand, Lusian. We are both bound by family duties. I don't want to cause trouble, and I can't break an agreement that isn't mine to break."

  Lusian nodded slowly, relieved to hear her words."—Still, I want you to know I value your honesty. My intention is to maintain a sincere friendship with you. And I promise I will always help you when you need it."

  Emily smiled with quiet melancholy."—I appreciate your honesty, Lusian. I will do my best to fulfill my duties as your fiancée… no matter what happens."

  Lusian relaxed slightly, admiring the maturity with which Emily faced the situation."—Thank you, Emily. I know you are admirable, and no matter what occurs, we will always be able to maintain cordiality between us," he said sincerely.

  Emily nodded, though her gaze drifted toward Elizabeth."—So, Princess… was this why he offered to break the engagement?"

  Elizabeth held her gaze serenely, though her tone carried a hint of superiority. She had orchestrated this meeting herself. Her relationship with Lusian had already crossed a line."—Yes. It would have been easier if you had accepted. Still, your engagement to him will soon dissolve," she said firmly. "I only ask that you keep this secret and continue acting as you have, until the moment you are free."

  Emily regarded her calmly, a glint of irony in her eyes."—I understand, Princess. It seems he already has it all figured out… though he has forgotten that his family and the Douglases don't exactly have a good relationship."

  The tension thickened. Lusian noticed the edge in their words and decided to intervene before the situation escalated."—Elizabeth, I'll speak to Emily alone," he said conciliatorily.

  Elizabeth looked at him for a moment, then nodded without a word.

  Lusian gently took Emily's arm and led her out of the garden."—I'm sorry," he murmured. "Let's talk in private."

  They walked a few steps along paths lined with roses. Emily broke the silence:"—Are you alright, Lusian?"

  He nodded, though his expression was somber."—Emily… I never wanted to drag you into the kingdom's entanglements or hurt you. But there are things you need to know."

  Emily frowned, confused."—What do you mean?"

  Lusian took a deep breath."—Promise me you'll keep this secret."

  She nodded without hesitation.

  "—The four founding families of the kingdom perform specific roles that not everyone knows. The enmity between the Douglases and the royal family is merely a fa?ade, a performance to maintain balance and order among the kingdoms and their subjects."

  Emily looked at him incredulously."—You mean the supposed rivalry… isn't real?"

  "—Exactly," Lusian confirmed. "My family's role is to act as executioners against those who threaten the kingdom's stability—even if it means confronting the royal family itself."

  A shiver ran down Emily's spine."—So… all the families executed by the Douglases… were guilty?"

  Lusian looked up at the sky, where clouds had turned gray."—Traitors. Conspirators. Corrupt. And now… demons," he said softly, each word seeming heavy with weight.

  Emily remained silent. In her mind, the concept of justice mingled with sacrifice. A hated family by choice? By duty?

  Trying to shift the weight of the conversation, she asked softly:"—And you and Elizabeth… have you been together long?"

  Lusian smiled faintly."—No, but we've known each other for years. Our relationship is forbidden… yet we couldn't avoid it. I have loved her for a long time."

  Emily nodded slowly, a sad smile on her lips."—I hope one day you can resolve all this… and be happy, Lusian."

  He looked at her, surprised by her serenity. In that instant, he realized Emily was not only strong but compassionate, capable of placing the well-being of others above her own.The heroine of the story, he thought, a mixture of admiration and guilt in his heart.

  Emily, now alone, stopped by the pond. The sunset reflected in the water, rippling… yet her face remained still. The water trembled for her.