---
On hearing the message, I was truly shocked to find out that Eve had a brother. It made me wonder why she hid this from me — and how many more secrets I didn't know yet.
"I'm sorry, Erica, but I won't be joining you for lunch. I'll send Rachel to join you," Eve said.
"No problem. But... you have to talk to me," I insisted.
"Okay," she said before leaving.
I walked to the dining hall, guided by two maids. Upon arriving, I saw the girl who had kidnapped me — already seated and eating.
"Hey, so you're Rachel," I said, walking over and offering her a hand.
"It's good you know now. But be careful — I don't appreciate anyone calling me by that name," Rachel said harshly before returning to her food, ignoring me.
I sat across from her, feeling that she didn't like me very much — but that didn't bother me; I was used to it.
After the meal, I didn't see Eve again for the rest of the afternoon.
The same happened in the evening — I ate my dinner alone and went to bed early.
---
That Night – Eve's View
I was so busy with preparations that I missed dinner. I felt guilty for leaving Erica alone, but when I stopped by her room to apologize, she was already fast asleep.
"Good night, dear," I whispered, closing the open windows. I kissed her forehead softly and left the room.
---
Erica's Vision
Once again, I saw myself on the ground, trapped in the same vision. Jarel and the dark knight stood before me, locked in a fierce battle.
Suddenly, the dark knight grew talons and stabbed Jarel. With a mischievous grin, Jarel crumbled into ashes and faded away.
The dark knight turned toward me and offered his hand.
Fear gripped me — I didn't know who he was or why he wanted to help.
Reading my thoughts, he removed his mask.
He was... breathtaking.
His long, silky black hair glimmered under the sunlight, loose and dancing in the wind. His sharp, oval face and pointed chin gave him a noble, dangerous beauty.
But it was his emerald green eyes — deep, endless darkness — that almost stole my soul.
"Erica... don't be afraid. I am the last person who would hurt you," he said with a deep, masculine voice.
Compelled, I took his hand, letting him pull me up.
Strangely, he leaned in and brushed his lips lightly against mine. It felt right... but wrong at the same time.
I gently pushed him away.
"I'm sorry, but all this feels strange to me," I said.
I turned to leave, but he gripped my hand.
"Don't go," he said urgently — just before a strange weapon pierced through his chest.
I screamed and bolted upright in bed, gasping for air.
"Are you alright, my lady?" a familiar, crackly voice asked.
I turned to see Miss Grump standing by my bed, holding a steaming cup.
"I'm fine... but could you call Eve for me?" I asked, trying to steady my breathing.
"I'm sorry, my lady, but the master is attending to the King."
"I forgot... he's coming today."
"My lady, your bath is ready. The master requests you join her and the King for breakfast."
"That's fine. Besides, I need to talk to her. Maybe later if she's free."
"Of course, my lady! I'm sure she'll make time for you. Here — drink this. It will aid a good start to your day."
"Thank you," I said, taking the cup and sipping the warm liquid before setting it down.
Then I hurried off to bathe and prepare.
---
Earlier That Morning – Eve's View
I woke up before dawn and couldn't fall back asleep, no matter how I tried.
I decided to prepare early.
On the way out, I checked on Erica — still sleeping soundly.
Soon after, the Lords and subjects began arriving. The castle grounds filled quickly, rich and poor alike. I spotted Rachel in the crowd but couldn't find Erica anywhere.
"Where could she be?" I wondered, just as a loud trumpet blared.
"Oh no! He's already here," I muttered, turning toward the castle gates.
Ten horsemen led the procession. Behind them, five thousand armored men marched, followed by the royal carriage — carrying my brother, the King.
The crowd cheered wildly.
The carriage stopped at the foot of the red carpet I had prepared. A knight stepped forward, opening the door with a deep bow.
"My King, we are home."
Only after the King stepped out did the knight rise.
Everyone else remained bowed — except me.
"Thomas, rise," the King commanded.
"Yes, my King!" Thomas obeyed.
The King's face was, as always, unreadable — carefully masking all emotion.
As he approached, he walked past the Lords, their faces still pressed to the ground.
"How was your trip, brother?" I asked.
"It was... interesting," he said with a mischievous smile.
"I had the staff prepare you a hot bath," I said.
"Good," he answered, walking inside the castle.
The moment he disappeared inside, the gathering began to disperse.
---
Present Time – Erica's View
After my bath, I hurried through the hallways, hoping to catch up with Eve during the celebrations.
As I passed by, a group of maids suddenly rushed out of a room, nearly bumping into me.
They all kept their faces down, blushing furiously.
I was about to leave when a familiar voice caught my attention.
"Miss Grump, I'm fine for now. Please excuse me," the voice said.
"If that's what you wish, Master," Miss Grump replied, exiting and closing the door behind her.
I caught sight of a familiar black armor inside.
Part of me wanted to ignore it — but another part refused.
"My lady, what a surprise. Do you need anything?" Miss Grump asked.
"No... I'm fine," I said quickly.
"Well, I'll leave you two alone," she said with a strange smile before walking away.
I hesitated. It was rude to walk into someone's private room.
But curiosity gnawed at me until I found myself opening the door and stepping inside.
The room was large, richly decorated, and lined with strange paintings.
One painting caught my eye — it depicted a man bathing, a very unusual theme.
I turned to leave — but then I saw it.
The black rider's armor from my dream.
Trembling, I reached out and placed my hand on the sword gripped by the armored gloves.
At the touch, visions flashed in my mind — blood, war, and death.
Terrified, I stumbled backward, my head pounding and my sight blurring.
I felt a presence — strong and familiar — though no one was visible.
I tried to flee, but the visions returned — Azreal being struck down by the blade.
Everything went black.
When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I saw was a set of piercing emerald green eyes staring deeply into mine.
---
Azreal's View
The moment Miss Grump left, I began preparing for my bath.
I sensed someone enter the room — a strange and powerful aura.
An intruder?
I cloaked myself in shadow, moving unseen.
To my surprise, it was a young girl — about my sister's age — wandering my room.
She suddenly collapsed, unconscious.
I had an important meeting to attend... but I couldn't just leave her there.
I finished my bath quickly, then returned to find her still lying helplessly on the floor.
I didn't want to care. She shouldn't even be here.
Yet... something pulled at me.
I picked her up and gently laid her on the bed, placing my ear against her chest to hear her heartbeat.
Alive.
I stared at her — long golden hair spilled across my bed, her features unearthly in their beauty.
She wasn't from here — that much was clear.
Who was she?
What was she looking for?
I wanted answers.
Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open — brilliant, magnificent blue.
She looked at me in fear — the kind I liked — but she was also brave enough to meet my gaze.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"I should be the one asking that question," I said.
She turned away, then faced me again with terror — and something deeper — in her eyes.
"Azreal," she whispered faintly before trying to push me away.
I caught her arm and pulled her back.
"Let me go!" she commanded, struggling.
"You're not going anywhere until you answer my question," I said, tightening my grip slightly.
Whoever she was — she knew my name.
And I liked the fire in her, even as fear shone brightly in her gaze.
---