The Hall of Theon gleamed with both wealth and power. Sunlight streamed in through high-arched windows, bouncing off polished marble floors and banners of deep crimson stitched with the symbol of a shield. Soldiers stood in rigid lines, their iron-plated armor shining, the air thick with discipline.
The pillars that held the vast chamber were wrapped in silk garments of the richest dye, while torches and lamps burned with steady golden flame. At the far end of the hall, the throne loomed — a monument of power carved from black stone, its surface lined with jewels and golden inlay.
And then the hall grew silent.
A door of gilded iron opened. A man strode through, broad-shouldered, his golden robe sweeping the floor. Upon his brow rested a heavy crown, and in his hand he carried a long staff tipped with sapphire. His beard was thick, trimmed sharp, his eyes colder than steel.
The sheer weight of his presence pressed down on the hall, and even the proudest knights bent their heads.
The voice that followed rumbled like thunder.
"At ease."
The soldiers straightened but kept their gazes low.
This was Rilias Theon, King of Theon.
He ascended the dais with slow, deliberate steps and lowered himself onto the throne. His hand tightened on the staff as he leaned forward, eyes sweeping the chamber like a predator.
"The Kingdom of Hera grows bold," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "And Kirola, like the jackals they are, crawl at their heels."
A silence followed, broken only by the faint crackle of torches.
Rilias exhaled heavily through his beard. "And Nuan…" His voice hardened. "Neutral, as ever. Cowards hiding behind their trade fleets while the world burns."
A general in red-plated armor stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, should we mobilize? Hera's provocations will not end with words. Their eyes are set upon the borderlands."
Rilias's fingers drummed against the armrest of the throne, the gold rings on his hand glinting under torchlight. His jaw tightened.
His gaze fixed on the marble beneath his feet. "But they forget who shields this continent. Who bears the weight of its wars."
When he lifted his eyes again, the sharpness returned — cold, unyielding.
"Send word to every vassal lord. If Hera or Kirola make a single move across the line, Theon's armies will march. And if Nuan dares betray us…" He paused. "…they will learn that neutrality is nothing but a noose."
The generals bowed deeply, their armor clattering like a chorus of iron.
The hall once more filled with silence, heavy and absolute, broken only by the distant cry of a horn beyond the palace walls.
***
Two weeks passed in an instant, We were getting closer to the chained forest. More and more beast mutated by chains started to appear.
Nolan, Lex and Phoebe had advanced and were much stronger compared to others, others too were close to advancement all except me. It felt like I need a push
We stopped at a small stream, taking a day's rest.
The stream glittered faintly as the sunlight broke through the canopy. My boots were already soaked from wading in, but the cold didn't bite as much anymore. Everyone's hair clung damp to their faces, steam rising faintly from warm skin against cold water.
Lex shook his head, flinging droplets everywhere. "This is bliss. I swear, a stream like this should count as a miracle."
"Miracle?" Lily dipped her katana in, the water sliding clean down the blade. "It's just water, Lex. Try not to act like you've never bathed."
Lex smirked. "Bet you'd notice if I didn't."
"Don't flatter yourself."
I snorted quietly, earning a sharp glance from Lily. Worth it.
Nolan was perched on a rock, boots in the water, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Still, she's right. Even little things like this… feel good. Almost normal."
"Almost normal," Phoebe said, sitting on her knees at the bank. Her damp hair clung to her cheeks as she let her fingers stir the current. "This is just an illusion of it."
I leaned against a mossy stone. "So you're saying we should stop enjoying it?"
She tilted her head, smirking faintly. "I didn't say that. But you'd be the type to ruin the moment by overthinking it."
"Wow," I muttered, pretending to look offended. "Targeted assault."
Lex laughed, too loud. "She's not wrong."
"Shut up," I shot back, flicking water at him. He ducked, and the droplets smacked Phoebe instead.
She blinked, wet strands clinging to her forehead. Her eyes narrowed. "Really?"
"It was meant for Lex," I said quickly, but there was a smile tugging at my lips.
"Sure." She cupped both hands, scooping a wave straight into my chest. Cold water soaked through my shirt.
I stared at her, deadpan. "You realize this is war now, right?"
Her small laugh was almost enough to make me forget the chill. Almost.
Behind us, Vivi chose that exact moment to splash Nolan, setting off a chain of chaos. Nolan retaliated. Lex leapt in. Lily tripped him into the water again. For once, even Veyra didn't scold us, she only sat with her arms crossed, the faintest curl of amusement tugging at her lips.
By the fire, Nolan's mother watched, quiet as ever. The way her eyes softened when Nolan laughed, it was fragile, like she was trying to memorize him in this moment.
And me? Soaked shirt, freezing chest, and petty enough to already be plotting revenge on Phoebe next time she let her guard down.
After a while everyone settled down, While I decided train for a while.