Beyond Realities

Within the towering walls of Vaelen Kingdom, Simon Vaelen stood motionless, his sharp gaze resting on the grand stained-glass windows of the throne hall. The failed assassination attempt on Kira lingered like a stain in his mind—but he remained composed, even if a storm brewed inside him.

Nearby, Cael stood silently. Though tension filled the hall, a quiet relief rested in his heart. Kira is safe… he thought. Her face—so vibrant, so rare—continued to haunt his thoughts.

But Simon noticed.

"Cael!"

His father's voice cracked like a whip, making Cael flinch and turn his head. Simon marched down the golden-trimmed hallway with authority in each step, eyes sharp as blades.

"You better make yourself strong, Cael," he growled. "Or I'll throw you out of this family. The Awakened Academy Trials begin in 20 days. You will win—every match. For the name of Vaelen. For the pride of Pagad."

Cael knelt down, head bowed low in submission. "Yes… father."

Simon's expression hardened even further.

"Don't call me 'father.' You have no right to say that. I have other children—ones I can easily replace you with."

Cael's heart sank, but he kept his head down. "Yes… your grace."

Just then, a figure appeared on the balcony. The sound of heavy boots echoed through the hall as a tall man with a large silver sword slung across his back entered casually—Alcred Grantz, an old member of the Spade Team, and one of the few men unafraid of Simon.

Cael's eyes widened in surprise.

Simon's eyes met Alcred's briefly, but his expression remained unchanged.

Alcred smirked as he addressed Simon.

"Aren't you being a little too harsh on the kid?"

Simon walked past without looking directly at him. "Mind your business."

"Tsk. If you hate Vael so much," Alcred added, "don't take it out on the children."

Simon continued to ignore him.

Alcred chuckled darkly. "Boring as always, Simon. Weren't you and Vael close once? Back when the Spade Team was still together?"

Simon paused slightly, but said nothing.

Then Alcred leaned closer, his grin growing more devious.

"Oh, and by the way… I'm the one who took down those hunters you sent."

He gave a sly wave, laughed, and jumped right off the balcony, disappearing like a ghost.

Simon's jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists. "That bastard… always meddling…"

Cael couldn't help but laugh silently, covering his mouth to hide it—but Simon caught it.

"You… Get out!"

Cael nodded quickly and exited through the massive throne doors, still holding back a smile. At least someone could talk back to Father…

As he walked down the corridor, Cael felt a strange joy—Kira was safe, and Alcred was watching over them. He returned to his royal chambers, still lost in thoughts of Kira. Her image remained vivid in his mind even as he lay down to rest.

Back in the hall, Simon stood alone once more. But now, Alcred's words echoed through his head like a haunting song.

"Spade team… twenty years ago…"

Simon's eyes darkened. His face hardened once more into stone.