One night, Dominic entered the library.
Seraphina had kicked out all the pixies, and now, books and notes lay scattered across the table and floor. Various magical formations flickered throughout the room.
One after another, books slipped from the shelves and thudded to the ground.
She searched relentlessly, compartment after compartment.
He stood silently at first, then lost his patience.
"Searching for something, love?"
She glanced up and replied,
"Oh, Dad... yeah. A lot of questions need answering—about the past and the present."
She stepped toward the window, and time froze. Floating tomes and magical sigils halted mid-air.
His dark eyes flicked toward the glow of her golden magic. Calmly, he warned,
"One step at a time, Princess..... Just one misstep... could destroy it all."
Her gaze returned to him, unwavering.
"Where is the Book of the World, Dad?"
"Mom passed it down to me, but I've yet to claim it."
His eyes narrowed, unreadable.
"You must claim the Book of Truth first, Princess. Only then will the Book of the World reveal itself."
"And where is that?" she asked sharply, her tone resolute.
He studied her.
"Why are you in such a hurry? Why do I see the fear of losing something precious in your eyes?"
Seraphina didn't respond.
Dominic sighed. He knew his daughter too well. He sank into a chair.
"Calestra Astra Magna—CAM. The empire's most elite academy."
Seraphina froze. Her eyes widened. Her lips trembled.
Now, it made sense. Why had Dominic sent her there in her past life? The truth of her mother's death ten years ago—
The mystery of her very existence—
It was all hidden there, at Calestra Astra Magna Academy.
And now, for Asher, she had to return.
But this time, she wouldn't stay in the shadows.
This time, she would be the chaos that flipped the world.
At that moment, Asher stepped into the room.
Dominic snapped,
"How did you get in here, you little brat?"
Unbothered, Asher replied with a smirk,
"Oh, my dear father-in-law, how could you forget? My soul is bound to your daughter. I go where she goes."
Arrogance dripped from every word.
Dominic gritted his teeth. Of course. Through the soul bond, Asher could borrow Seraphina's magic—and vice versa.
Then Seraphina's voice cut through the room like a whip, her fury catching them both off guard.
"Why are you here? I put you in a healing barrier! What does this mean, Asher?"
Like a child caught sneaking sweets, Asher lowered his head, scuffing the floor with his boot.
His voice was barely a whisper.
"I just… missed you. I can't sleep without you."
Dominic's features softened, and reluctantly, he took Asher's side.
"Sera, it's been two months. You've locked yourself away. Everyone's getting restless."
She said nothing. Her breath caught in her throat.
Then finally:
"You're coming to CAM with me, Asher."
In her past life, he hadn't gone. This time, he was trying to find a reason to stay close to her.
She didn't want him away, either. Yet, he still insisted on playing games.
"Why?" he asked, feigning confusion.
Seraphina gritted her teeth. She knew exactly what he was doing.
"To be my servant. Got a problem with that?"
Asher shrugged, casually playing with a few magical orbs.
"No. I've been your servant, darling, and your baby since I was five. What's new? You order, I follow."
Her sigh was quiet but heavy.
"Uncle will catch on your soul crack, and don't forget the South Tower isn't what it used to be. The Council eyes are everywhere now."
Asher waved it off.
"Is that all? I've survived worse. I'm not worried about some spies."
Seraphina closed her eyes and pulled him into a tight hug.
"I don't want you to be away from me. I'll go crazy. Please.. stay ..with me...
Fine. Seraphina gave in. She always did when he acted like this.
Dominic rolled his eyes.
"Brat," he muttered.
'Romancing my daughter right in front of me…
But at least I don't need to worry anymore. That brat will protect Sera. Just like always. '
He thought, stepping out, giving them space.
Asher smiled, truly smiling for the first time in weeks. He nuzzled into her neck, arms tightening around her waist.
"I'm scared, Ash. I'm scared. I can't lose you."
Asher's voice was soft but firm.
"Don't be scared, the council can't do anything."
She pushed him away slightly, her voice low and bitter.
"One forbidden magic, Asher. Just one… and Mom lost everything. They used her weak state as leverage."
Her eyes flared with rage.
Asher's face hardened, too. He remembered.
"The independent South Tower, despite its loyalty, failed to protect the Tower Master. Even Uncle Sylvio—the Archmage—was outmaneuvered."
She continued coldly,
"Now, even the old loyalists are struggling to protect the truth. The Royal Council has corrupted the South Tower. Spy mages, faction wars… It's all tainted."
She began arranging pieces on a chessboard. Asher noticed something.
The king and every pawn guarded the queen. He smiled.
In her game, he was the queen.
He nudged a pawn forward.
"Your man isn't weak."
Seraphina turned to him.
"Wrong. My man was never weak. But now, Ash... you have weaknesses. That forbidden magic trace of our past life left its mark. It may be from a past life, but the stain is in your soul."
She clenched her fist.
"They don't have proof. But even that is a weakness. Lack of evidence only delays action—it doesn't prevent it."
Asher's eyes turned sharp, focused on the chessboard.
"So what's the plan?"
Seraphina leaned over the table, hand resting on the side. Her voice dropped.
"Council… against Council."
Asher nearly choked.
"What?! An unofficial Council? Sera, private Councils are forbidden."
Seraphina smirked.
"Exactly. Which means the royal council can't touch us. It can't interfere with something that doesn't exist."
Asher exhaled, excitement bubbling.
"So you'll gather pawns and form a shadow council. No titles. No official positions. Just influence."
She nodded.
"Exactly. My Shadow Council will mirror theirs. Force them to double-check. They'll be trapped in a golden prison—visible to all, yet untouchable."
Asher grinned widely
The queen had started her game.