Chapter 10: Shadows of the Heart
The journey back to the capital was tense and silent. The weight of the recent battle hung over everyone like a storm cloud, and Kaito couldn't shake the unease growing inside him. He rode alongside Darius at the front of the formation, keeping a watchful eye on the darkened horizon. Emilia and Lilia followed closely behind, their gazes never leaving Kaito for long.
"The Shadow King won't stop here," Darius muttered under his breath. "This is just the beginning."
Kaito nodded but said nothing. His thoughts were elsewhere—on the obsessions that were slowly tightening around him.
Simmy's familiar voice echoed in his mind. "You know they're not just following orders, right? They're following you."
"I didn't ask for this," Kaito grumbled internally.
"No one ever does, but here we are," Simmy replied. "Brace yourself, Kaito. Things are only going to get messier."
---
A Return with Consequences
The gates of the capital came into view just as the sun began to set. The towering stone walls, usually a symbol of safety, now felt more like a prison. The streets were quiet, and the few citizens who remained outside moved with hurried, anxious steps.
The group dismounted in the main square, where they were met by High Commander Verius. The man's piercing eyes scanned the group, lingering on Kaito.
"Report," Verius ordered.
Darius stepped forward. "The village of Erindale has been secured, but we suffered casualties. The shadow beasts are becoming more organized."
Verius's expression darkened. "And the Shadow King?"
"No direct sighting, but his influence is undeniable," Darius answered.
Verius turned to Kaito. "And you? Did you notice anything unusual?"
Kaito hesitated. "The shadows seemed to target me specifically."
"Typical," Simmy muttered. "You're like a magnet for trouble."
Verius didn't look surprised. "Stay vigilant. The Shadow King's interest in you is dangerous."
With that, the High Commander dismissed them. Kaito was grateful to escape the scrutiny, but he knew it was only a temporary reprieve.
---
The Calm Before the Storm
That evening, Kaito retreated to his quarters, hoping for a few moments of peace. The room was simple but comforting, with a small bed, a writing desk, and a single window overlooking the city.
He sank onto the bed, exhaustion weighing him down.
"Maybe I'll actually get some sleep tonight," he murmured.
As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door.
Kaito groaned. "Who is it?"
"It's me," Emilia's voice called softly.
Kaito hesitated. He considered pretending he wasn't there, but Emilia wasn't the type to give up easily. With a resigned sigh, he opened the door.
Emilia stood in the hallway, holding a small tray with two cups of tea.
"I thought you might need this," she said, offering a tentative smile.
"Thanks," Kaito said, stepping aside to let her in.
They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, sipping tea. Emilia seemed unusually nervous, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her tunic.
"Kaito, about today—" she began.
"You don't have to say anything," Kaito interrupted. "I'm just glad you're okay."
Emilia's eyes softened. "I'm always worried about you. You're reckless, but you care too much. You keep everything bottled up, and one day it's going to break you."
Kaito looked away. "I'm doing what I have to."
"Maybe you don't have to do it alone," Emilia said, reaching out to touch his hand.
The moment was interrupted by another knock at the door.
Lilia's voice cut through the quiet. "Kaito? Are you there?"
Emilia pulled back, her expression hardening.
"Great timing," Simmy muttered. "Let the chaos begin."
---
Tensions Rise
Lilia entered the room without waiting for an invitation. Her eyes immediately locked onto Emilia.
"What are you doing here?" Lilia asked, her tone sharp.
"I was just leaving," Emilia said, standing.
Kaito's head pounded. "Both of you, stop."
Lilia ignored him. "You can't keep hovering around him like this."
"And you can?" Emilia shot back.
Kaito stepped between them. "Enough. This isn't the time for fighting."
Lilia's gaze softened slightly. "We're just worried about you, Kaito."
"I know," Kaito said. "But the more you push, the harder this gets for all of us."
The tension lingered, but neither woman pressed further. They left reluctantly, leaving Kaito alone with his thoughts.
"You're walking a tightrope," Simmy warned.
"Tell me something I don't know," Kaito replied.
---
The Next Day
Morning came too soon. The capital was alive with activity as preparations for war intensified. Kaito joined Darius and the other knights for another strategy meeting.
"Scouts have reported increased shadow activity near the northern mountains," Darius said. "We're mobilizing tomorrow."
Kaito felt a sense of dread. The Shadow King's forces were closing in, and time was running out.
As the meeting ended, Emilia and Lilia approached him once more.
"We're coming with you," Lilia said firmly.
Kaito opened his mouth to protest, but Emilia cut him off.
"We're not asking for permission," she said.
Simmy's laughter rang out in Kaito's mind. "You're doomed, buddy."
Kaito sighed. "Fine. Just try not to get killed."
As they prepared for the battle ahead, Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that everything was spiraling out of control. The shadows weren't the only threat—the bonds that tied him to Emilia and Lilia were growing stronger, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could hold everything together.
"Whatever happens, we face it together," Kaito thought.
But deep down, he knew that some battles couldn't be won with swords alone.
--- End of Chapter 10 ---