Evening had fallen over the Royal Palace.
Eyan stood in the dim torchlight, clad in a black hooded cloak, his mouth covered, only his crimson eyes glowing faintly under the shadow.
He faced the knights who stood silently in front of him.
"Are you all prepared?" Eyan asked, his voice low and steady.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they answered in unison.
"Good," Eyan said, his gaze sharp. "I'll go inside the guild. If I sense anything suspicious, I'll send a command through this magic device." He held up a small glowing crystal.
"Is that clear?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With a nod, Eyan turned and disappeared into the shadows. The knights, dressed in plain clothes, followed discreetly behind him.
-----
Inside the guild, warm candlelight flickered against red curtains and velvet walls. A man behind the desk greeted him with a practiced smile.
"Welcome to our guild. What can I help you with?"
Eyan glanced around, pretending to be unfamiliar. "I'm new here. I don't know much about this place. Can you recommend something?"
The guild manager leaned in slightly. "Are you here for a good time?"
Eyan looked at him. "What if I say yes?"
The manager chuckled. "Then you've come to the right place. How much can you offer?"
Eyan reached into his cloak and pulled out a heavy pouch, setting it on the desk with a soft thud. Gold coins spilled out.
The manager's eyes widened at the sight, barely hiding his greed. "Of course, this is more than enough. Please, come this way. I'll prepare a VIP room for you."
Eyan followed him down a hallway, every step echoing softly.
The manager opened a door to a luxurious room draped in velvet with a wide couch, a wine table, and soft lighting.
"Stay here. I'll make the preparations," the man said, then left with the door closing behind him.
Eyan stood still, scanning every corner of the room.
"I think I know where this is going," he muttered under his breath.
Pulling out his magic device, he spoke calmly, "Knights, be ready. In fifteen minutes, you will attack. Make sure no one escapes this place."
"Yes, Your Majesty," came the reply.
----
Outside, another figure approached the guild.
Eva stepped in, her eyes darting around nervously.
"Welcome, my lady. How can I help you?" the guild manager asked smoothly.
"I came earlier today for work. I was told to return in the evening," she replied.
"Ah, are you Lady Eva?"
"Yes… that's my name."
"Perfect. I have a very special customer for you. Please come with me."
Eva hesitated. "Customer? For… serving food?"
The manager smiled. "Yes, you'll just be serving him tonight."
He led her down the hallway and stopped at the same VIP room. He handed her a silver tray with a bottle of wine and a glass.
"Your customer is inside. Also, wear this." He held out a delicate silk veil.
Eva frowned. "Why do I have to cover my face?"
"That's how our staff works here," he replied, voice firm.
Reluctantly, she took the veil and tied it across her face.
"Now go inside."
Eva pushed open the door and stepped in quietly.
She froze.
A man stood by the window, his black cloak silhouetted against the moonlight.
The moment he turned, their eyes met—and time stopped.
Eva's body went cold. Her fingers trembled against the tray.
Something felt deeply, terribly wrong.
"I need to leave… before it's too late," she thought, turning swiftly to the door.
But it was locked.
She slammed her hand against it.
From behind, Eyan's calm voice spoke. "The door won't open, my lady. Don't try too hard."
She spun around, pressing herself to the door, eyes wide in fear.
"Don't come near me!" she cried.
Eyan's breath hitched.
That voice…
He stepped closer, slowly, then yanked the veil from her face.
His entire body stiffened.
"You…" His voice was barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"
Eva stared at him with terror in her eyes. "Please… let me go. Don't hurt me…"
Eyan stepped back in shock.
"Don't be afraid," he said quickly. "I won't hurt you."
He pulled down his mask and lowered his hood, revealing his face.
"See? I'm not someone suspicious."
But instead of relief, Eva looked even more horrified.
Because standing in front of her… was the man who had executed her in her past life.
"…Your Majesty…" she whispered.
Eyan's brows furrowed. "You… know who I am?"
Eva backed against the wall, trembling.
"I told you… don't be afraid."
A loud shout broke the tension.
"It's the Royal Knights! Run!"
A knight burst in. "Your Majesty! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Did you capture everyone?"
"We're almost done, Your Majesty."
Eyan turned back to Eva. "My lady, come with me—"
But before he could finish, she ran.
"Wait! Don't run! It's dangerous!"
She rushed down the hall. A knight saw her veiled figure and assumed she was escaping.
"Stop right there!"
But Eva didn't stop.
He pulled his bow, aiming fast.
"No!" Eyan shouted. "What the hell are you doing?!"
But it was too late.
The arrow flew and hit Eva's arm. She let out a cry and fell, blood dripping down her hand.
Still—through the pain—she forced herself up and vanished into the night.
Eyan scanned the surroundings, fury and panic rising in him.
He summoned his wolf.
"Mara—find her. Go!"
----
Elsewhere, Eva stumbled into a narrow alley. Her hand was drenched in blood, and her steps faltered.
"What was he doing there…? I should've never come…" she whispered, sinking down.
"Please… don't find me…"
But her breath caught when she heard soft growling.
Mara approached slowly.
Then behind the wolf, Eyan arrived, eyes wide as he saw her condition.
He rushed to her side and knelt down.
"I told you to stop… Why didn't you listen?" he said, voice trembling. "You've lost so much blood…"
"Are you in a lot of pain?"
Eva didn't answer. Her eyes were locked on his face in fear.
"Please… don't kill me," she whispered.
Eyan flinched. "Kill you? Why would I ever do that?"
Eva tried to calm herself. I didn't do anything… I have no reason to be afraid…
"Are you in pain?" he repeated softly.
"Yes…" she breathed.
"Let me help you."
But before he could move, Eva's eyes rolled back and she fainted.
"Lady!" Eyan caught her just in time.
He cradled her face, brushing blood-matted hair away.
"Princess… open your eyes…"
He lifted her into his arms and called for a carriage, his voice filled with urgency.
----
Back at the palace, he stormed inside.
"Hans! Hans!"
Hans came running. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Call the royal healer and physician—now!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Eyan brought Eva straight to his chambers and laid her gently on the bed.
Moments later, the healer and physician rushed in.
"You called, Your Majesty?"
"Quick—heal her!"
The healer began his work immediately, magic glowing faintly from his hands.
"It's done, Your Majesty," he said moments later.
Eyan frowned. "Then why hasn't she opened her eyes?"
He turned to the physician. "You—check her."
The physician stepped forward and examined Eva carefully.
"She's lost a significant amount of blood, Your Majesty. That's why she's unconscious. I've given her medicine. She should awaken by morning."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Everyone—leave the room. Hans, you too. Close the door behind you."
Hans bowed and exited with the others, quietly shutting the door.
Silence fell.
Eyan sat beside her and gently took her cold hand in his. He placed it against his face.
"Princess… please wake up. Don't make me worry like this…"