Footsteps and the metallic rustle of armor ensued down the breached east wing. King Alan was accompanied by a senior knight. Their armor was endowed with the symbols of Leviara, and they wielded a spear with a shield in tow.

  “Your majesty, this was thoroughly planned…” The senior knight said, slicking back their hair. His gaze and King Alan’s gaze both met a broken window. Prince Avery’s gaze also met the window, and he crossed his arms.

  “Somehow, they infiltrated through this window, and immediately, a potion smashed to the ground. It was also done amidst our patrol routes. Only someone who is a knight would know of that…” He explained.

  “They must’ve been spying,” King Alan said.

  “Or worse. Someone within these walls might have given away that information.” Prince Avery said, leaning against the opposite wall of Alan and the knight.

  “Sir Beckett Lowell… It would be wise for you to do a little background check on your knights.” He said.

  “Yes, I agree. Gods… That could have gone terribly. Something horrid could’ve happened to me or you. How does madness still find us?... We can’t allow the mania of the old Genesis to return.” King Alan massages his temples and sighs.

  Prince Avery shuffled against the wall, his nose wrinkling as he inhaled the scorching dregs of the potion.

  “Father… That potion is the assassin’s cocktail.” He smirks, pushing off the wall and walking near the window, crouching down. Avery touched the damp carpet, bringing his fingers up to his nose and sniffing.

  “I knew I wasn’t mistaken,” Avery added.

  “The assassin’s cocktail? How do you know of it?” King Alan said.

  “It was when our ties with the Matsumoto family were beneficial.” Prince Avery said. King Alan hissed out air, shaking his head.

  “I’ll inevitably have to pay that accursed family a visit, then,” Alan said.

  “Your majesty, may I be excused?” Beckett questioned.

  “Yes, you may be excused. Make sure to keep an eye out.” King Alan said. Beckett left, the clanking of his boots growing distant.

  “It is unbelievable how vulnerable we are without Echthron and Xena… All it takes is another calculated attack like this to create utter chaos.” King Alan said.

  “No rest for the king, I suppose. What a stressful role you play, father.” Prince Avery said before leaving King Alan in the halls by himself. His mind led astray, Alan swore he could hear war cries, the clashing of blades, the neighing of horses, and the overwhelming sight and rotten smell of decaying corpses.

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  Outside the entrance gates of Leviara was an oppressive crowd of travelers being upheld by knights.

  “No one is allowed in or out of Leviara at this time!” A knight shouted out.

  “The hell you talkin’ about?! I walked damn near a whole fucking week just to get here! Like the damned if I can’t get in!” A balding man screamed out. Hidden within the crowd were Veyric and Vera.

  “What the hell happened for them to not let anyone in?...” Veyric said.

  “An attack, maybe?” Vera said.

  “If anyone is wearing any secretive clothing, we humbly ask that you remove it at this time! One of the council’s envoys was kidnapped by an assassin. We’re still searching, and if you’re cooperative, we can rule out any innocents!” Another knight explained. Beneath Veyric’s hood, his gaze sharpened.

  “Vera, this is where we split up,” Veyric said.

  “... Alright.” She replied.

  “You go out and do what you need to. Us sticking together won’t help each other, now. I’ll find you later when this all blows over.” Veyric said.

  “How’ll you know where to find me??... Leviara’s massive.” She muttered, looking up at him. Vera was able to see his face underneath his hood—she watched a smile crack from his lips.

  “Been around you long enough to remember your scent.” He said before the knight’s attention turned to him.

  “You there! Unhood yourself at once!” A knight began to approach. Veyric pushed through the crowd, rushing off trail into the forest.

  “After them!” The knight said, chasing after Veyric. A couple of others followed him into the forest. Their movements were restricted by their clunky armor, unable to keep up with Veyric’s swift dashes and maneuvers. Eventually, they had been lost from Veyric’s sight, but he ran until he could no longer see the kingdom’s towering walls. He rested his hand against a tree, chest heaving, and sweat beading down his forehead. After his breathing evened out, he sat down and leaned up against the tree.

  He sat alone under the tree until night fell, his golden flame brightly burning in the center of a makeshift campfire. Winds wafted through, and he slipped his hood off, running his fingers through his hair, keeping his hands entangled in his blonde strands.

  “Why’d you have to die…?” His voice weakened and shrunk, fire fizzling back at him while the winds flowed past.