The faint sound of hooves thundered in the distance, growing louder as the morning mist lingered over the hills. Elysia stood by the window of her chamber, her hands gripping the stone ledge tightly. The sight of Eamon Malarkar's banner fluttering in the wind the day before had unsettled her deeply. Though she didn't know the full extent of the prince's intentions, she could feel them bearing down on her like the storm clouds gathering in the distance.
Her fingers ran over the mark on her palm, hidden beneath the folds of her cloak. The glow had faded since the night before, but she still felt the faint warmth it carried a constant reminder of the prophecy that tied her to a destiny she didn't yet understand.
A knock at the door startled her, pulling her from her thoughts. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and her mother, the Queen, stepped inside. Her presence was a mix of elegance and authority, her gown flowing behind her as she entered the room. Her sharp eyes swept over Elysia, narrowing slightly as they landed on her.
"Mother," Elysia said, her voice steady despite the unease curling in her chest.
The Queen closed the door softly behind her, her expression unreadable. "You've been quiet since the prince's arrival," she said, her tone calm but probing. "Is there something troubling you?"
Elysia hesitated, her mind racing. Did her mother know about the mark? Had the King and Queen discussed Eamon's presence in private? If they had, they hadn't told her. "I'm fine," Elysia replied carefully. "The arrival of House Malarkar was... unexpected."
Her mother studied her for a moment, her gaze piercing. "Eamon is a dangerous man," she said finally. "His ambitions are no secret. If he's here, it's for a reason, and I don't believe it's simply to enjoy our hospitality."
Elysia's chest tightened. She could sense the unspoken tension in her mother's words, the way they seemed to hint at something deeper. "Do you know why he's here?" she asked.
The Queen's lips pressed into a thin line, her usual composure faltering for the briefest of moments. "It isn't your concern," she said quietly, her voice tinged with an edge of authority. "Your father and I will handle this."
"But if it involves the prophecy..." Elysia began, her words cut off as her mother's eyes flashed.
"Enough," the Queen said sharply, her tone brooking no argument. She stepped closer, her voice lowering as she continued. "You must stay out of this, Elysia. For your own safety."
Elysia's heart pounded as she stared at her mother, torn between obedience and defiance. The mark on her palm burned faintly, as though it too resisted the idea of staying hidden. "Is there something you're not telling me?" she asked, her voice trembling with quiet determination.
The Queen hesitated, her expression softening just slightly. "There are things you're not ready to understand," she said finally. "But trust me when I say this: Eamon Malarkar is not to be underestimated. You would do well to keep your distance."
With that, she turned and left the room, leaving Elysia with more questions than answers.
Elysia sat alone by the window for what felt like hours, her mother's words replaying in her mind. The Queen's warning was clear, but it only fueled Elysia's determination to uncover the truth. If Eamon was dangerous, then why were her parents allowing him to stay? And what role did the prophecy and her brother play in all of this?
The mark on her palm glowed faintly as she traced its edges, her mind racing. She couldn't ignore the feeling that her parents were hiding something from her, something tied to the prophecy that bound her to Elric. If they wouldn't give her answers, then she would find them herself.
Another knock at the door drew her attention, and this time Isolde entered, her face pale and filled with urgency.
"My lady," she said, her voice trembling. "The prince has been asking questions about you."
Elysia's stomach dropped. "What kind of questions?"
"He's speaking with the guards, the servants," Isolde explained. "He's asking if there are secret passages beneath the estate. If anyone has seen strange markings."
Elysia's blood ran cold. The passage. The pedestal. The mark. If Eamon found any of it, he would know beyond a doubt that the prophecy was real and that she was part of it.
"We need to stop him," Elysia said, rising to her feet. "If he finds the pedestal, then I'll have no way to protect myself."
"My lady, it's too dangerous," Isolde said, her voice pleading. "Prince Eamon isn't alone. He has knights with him trained soldiers."
Elysia clenched her fists, her marked hand burning faintly as though in agreement with her resolve. "I won't let him take this from me," she said firmly. "Come, we don't have much time."
The corridors of the estate felt colder, the air heavy with a sense of unease as Elysia and Isolde moved swiftly through the shadowed halls. Every corner they turned seemed darker, every distant murmur louder. Elysia's mind raced with thoughts of what she might find or worse, what Eamon might have already uncovered.
"This way," Isolde whispered, her voice low as she led Elysia toward the entrance of the hidden passage. "The guards have been stationed further away. They won't see us."
Elysia nodded, her marked hand throbbing faintly as though urging her forward. She couldn't shake the feeling that time was slipping through her fingers. If Eamon reached the pedestal before her, she had no way of knowing what might happen.
As they neared the entrance, Elysia stopped abruptly, her ears straining. Voices echoed faintly from ahead, sharp and deliberate. She pressed herself against the wall, motioning for Isolde to stay behind. Peering around the corner, her suspicions were confirmed.
Eamon stood at the open door to the passage, flanked by two of his knights. One of them carried a torch, its flickering light casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. Eamon's voice was steady, his words clipped with authority.
"Keep watch," he ordered the knights, gesturing toward the surrounding area. "I'll see what lies within."
Before Elysia could move, the Queen's voice rang out behind her, firm and cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Prince Eamon."
Eamon paused, turning to face her as she approached. The Queen's presence filled the corridor, her expression cold and unreadable. The knights stiffened but didn't move, their torches lighting the space in flickering gold.
"To what end are you wandering my halls?" she asked, her tone sharp.
Eamon offered a faint smile, inclining his head slightly. "Your Majesty," he said smoothly. "Forgive me for my curiosity. I had heard rumors of passageways beneath the estate, and I was eager to explore their history. I meant no disrespect."
"These passageways are not yours to explore," the Queen replied, her gaze hardening. "You are a guest in this house, and you would do well to remember your place."
Elysia watched silently from the shadows, her breath caught in her chest. Her mother's composure was flawless, but Eamon's presence carried an undeniable weight. He wasn't the type to back down easily.
"My apologies, Your Majesty," Eamon said, his tone polite but firm. "But surely you understand my position. The rumors I've heard speak of something far greater than simple passageways whispers of a prophecy tied to your family. Can you fault me for seeking the truth?"
The Queen's jaw tightened, her hand gripping the folds of her gown. "You seek shadows," she said coldly. "Stories spun by those who envy House Thalor's standing. There is no truth to these rumors."
Eamon held her gaze for a long moment, his smirk returning. "Is that so?" he said softly. "Then you won't mind if I continue my search."
Before the Queen could respond, Elysia stepped forward from the shadows, her voice steady but laced with quiet fury. "You will not."
Eamon turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as they met hers. The Queen's expression flickered with surprise, but she quickly composed herself, stepping protectively in front of Elysia.
"Eamon," Elysia continued, her marked hand clenched tightly at her side, hidden beneath her cloak. "You've already taken advantage of my family's hospitality. Do not overstep."
The prince's smirk widened, his gaze lingering on her as though assessing her carefully. "Princess Elysia," he said smoothly. "How bold of you to join us. I must admit, I've been curious to meet you."
Elysia's chest tightened, but she held her ground. "Curiosity is not a justification for intrusion," she said firmly. "Leave this place. Whatever you're looking for, you won't find it here."
Eamon tilted his head slightly, as though considering her words. "Won't I?" he said softly, his tone laced with amusement. "Forgive me, Princess, but I suspect there's far more to this estate than you're willing to admit."
"Eamon," the Queen interrupted sharply, her voice rising. "You will leave this passage. Now."
The prince hesitated, his smirk fading as he glanced between Elysia and her mother. For a moment, the air was thick with unspoken tension, the weight of the prophecy looming over them all. Finally, Eamon inclined his head slightly, stepping back from the passage entrance.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," he said, his voice calm but edged with warning. "For now."
As Eamon and his knights disappeared down the corridor, the Queen turned to Elysia, her expression unreadable.
"What were you thinking?" she demanded, her voice low but sharp. "Do you have any idea how dangerous he is?"
Elysia met her gaze, her anger bubbling to the surface. "I won't stand by and let him dig into the secrets you've kept from me," she said fiercely. "If you won't protect this family, then I will."
The Queen's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and something Elysia couldn't quite name fear? Sorrow? "You don't understand what you're risking," she said quietly, her voice softening. "This prophecy... it's not what you think."
"Then tell me," Elysia pressed, her heart pounding. "Stop hiding things from me. I deserve to know the truth."
The Queen hesitated, her expression faltering for the briefest of moments. But before she could respond, the sound of distant footsteps echoed through the hall. Guards were approaching.
"We'll speak later," the Queen said firmly, stepping back. "For now, do as I say and stay away from Eamon."
And with that, she turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Elysia alone once more.
The heavy oak doors to the royal council chamber creaked open as Elysia stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the flicker of candlelight casting shadows across the high, vaulted ceiling. Her father, the King, stood by the table at the center, his hands resting heavily on its surface as he studied the documents spread before him.
Elysia hesitated, her marked hand hidden beneath her cloak as she approached. The weight of her mother's warnings lingered in her mind, but the urgency of Eamon's pursuit was too great to ignore.
"Father," she said softly, her voice cutting through the silence.
The King looked up, his sharp features lined with age and authority. His gaze softened slightly as it landed on her, though his expression remained unreadable. "Elysia," he said, his tone measured. "What brings you here at this hour?"
She stepped closer, her heart pounding. "I need to speak with you. It's about Eamon."
The King's jaw tightened, his fingers curling around the edge of the table. "The prince's presence is troubling," he admitted. "But your mother and I are handling the situation. You need not concern yourself with it."
"I can't ignore it," Elysia said, her voice rising slightly. "He's asking questions about the prophecy about me. If he finds the passage beneath the estate, he'll know the truth."
The King's gaze darkened, his expression hardening as he straightened his posture. "And what truth do you believe he'll find?"
Elysia hesitated, her hand clenching beneath her cloak. The mark burned faintly, as though urging her forward. "The mark," she said finally, her voice trembling. "He knows about it. He knows about the twin-born."
The King's silence was deafening, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. For a moment, Elysia thought he might dismiss her entirely, but instead, he sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging slightly.
"Elysia," he said quietly, his voice softer now. "There are things about the prophecy that we've kept from you things we believed were better left buried. Not out of malice, but out of love. To protect you."
"Protect me?" Elysia repeated, her anger bubbling to the surface. "You've kept me in the dark while others hunt me like prey. How is that protecting me?"
The King looked away, his gaze distant. "We made choices hard choices to ensure the prophecy didn't consume you. But I see now that those choices may have only delayed the inevitable."
Elysia stepped closer, her voice trembling with frustration. "Father, I need answers. The prophecy is real, and I'm tied to it. If you and Mother won't tell me the truth, then I'll have to find it myself."
The King's eyes met hers, and for the first time, she saw the weariness behind his stoic demeanor. "The prophecy speaks of balance," he said finally. "Light and shadow, intertwined by blood and destiny. Your brother Elric is the shadow to your light. You are tied to him, and the choices you make will shape the fate of this realm."
Elysia's breath caught in her chest, the weight of his words pressing down on her. "Elric," she whispered. "He's alive?"
"Yes," the King said, his voice heavy with regret. "But he walks a dangerous path, one that mirrors your own. The mark you bear is proof of your bond, and Eamon seeks to control it for his own ends. That's why we've kept you hidden for your safety and his."
The revelation left her reeling, her thoughts spiraling as the pieces fell into place. Her father's words confirmed what Sarin had told her, but they also added layers to the complexity of her fate. Elric was alive, and their bond was undeniable. But the path ahead was filled with uncertainty and danger.
The sound of distant footsteps echoed through the hall, breaking the tension in the room. The Queen entered, her expression tight with urgency.
"Eamon is moving quickly," she said, her voice cutting through the silence. "He's dispatched his knights to search the estate. If he finds the passage, the prophecy will no longer be a secret."
The King's jaw tightened, his fingers curling into fists. "We'll stop him," he said firmly. "Elysia, you must stay out of sight. Let us handle this."
"No," Elysia said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her chest. "I won't hide anymore. If Eamon finds the pedestal, then he'll use it against me. I need to stop him."
The Queen's eyes flashed with frustration, but the King raised a hand, his gaze locking on Elysia. "Then let's make one thing clear," he said. "If you choose to confront him, you cannot falter. The prophecy is not just about you it's about the entire realm. If you fail, the consequences will be catastrophic."
"I won't fail," Elysia said firmly. "I promise."
The King studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Go," he said finally. "But be careful. The fate of Eryndor rests on your shoulders."
As Elysia left the council chamber, her resolve hardened. Her parents' warnings weighed heavily on her, but she couldn't turn back now. The mark on her palm pulsed faintly, its warmth spreading through her veins like fire. The prophecy was real, and her role in it was undeniable.
The sound of distant voices reached her ears as she approached the entrance to the passage. Eamon's knights were stationed nearby, their torches casting flickering shadows on the walls. Elysia took a deep breath, her marked hand burning with determination.
The game had begun, and Elysia was ready to play it on her own terms.
Elysia pressed herself into the shadows as she crept closer to the entrance of the passage. The muffled voices of Eamon's knights reached her ears, their words clipped and cautious. She could hear the scrape of their boots against the stone and the occasional flicker of their torches as they moved about. She knew she didn't have much time.
Her pulse quickened, the mark on her palm burning faintly as if responding to the proximity of the pedestal hidden deep within the passage. She clenched her fists, drawing strength from the warmth that spread through her veins. Eamon's knights were too close they couldn't be allowed to discover the secrets that lay beneath the estate.
Elysia's mind raced, formulating a plan. She spotted an old iron lever embedded in the wall a mechanism that controlled the passage's outer gate. It had been unused for years, likely forgotten by most. If she could activate it, she might be able to seal off the entrance, buying herself and her family precious time.
Steeling herself, Elysia slipped closer. The knights remained oblivious to her presence, their attention focused inward. Her hand trembled as she grasped the lever, her fingers wrapping around the cold metal. With a deep breath, she pulled it down with all her strength.
The grinding sound of stone against stone echoed through the corridor, a low rumble that drowned out the startled shouts of the knights. The outer gate began to descend, its massive weight shaking the ground as it closed off the passage. Elysia stepped back, her heart pounding as she watched the barrier fall into place.
"Stop her!" one of the knights shouted, their torchlight flickering wildly as they scrambled to react.
Elysia didn't wait for them to recover. She turned and darted down a side corridor, her cloak billowing behind her as she disappeared into the shadows. Her breaths came in rapid bursts, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she made her way back toward the safety of the main estate. She knew she hadn't stopped Eamon entirely, but she had delayed him. For now, it was enough.
Back in her chamber, Elysia leaned against the door, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. Her hands shook as she examined the mark on her palm, its glow faint but steady. She knew the moment was fleeting. Eamon would regroup, and the search would continue. The weight of her father's words lingered in her mind: The prophecy is not just about you it's about the entire realm.
A knock at the door startled her, and she tensed until a familiar voice broke through the silence.
"My lady," Isolde called softly. "May I come in?"
Elysia nodded, realizing the maid couldn't see her gesture. "Yes," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.
Isolde slipped inside, her expression filled with worry. "I heard what happened near the passage," she said quietly. "The guards are saying the gate collapsed."
"I pulled the lever," Elysia admitted, her voice low. "It was the only way to slow them down."
Isolde's eyes widened, but she quickly nodded in understanding. "You did what you had to do. But Prince Eamon won't stop. He's sending word to his allies. Reinforcements are coming."
Elysia's jaw tightened, her resolve hardening. "Then we have to be faster. We have to find Elric before he does."
Isolde hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. "There's someone who might help," she said finally. "Kaelen. He's... he's a rogue, but he knows the land better than anyone. If anyone can find your brother, it's him."
Elysia's heart quickened at the name. She had heard whispers of Kaelen a mercenary known for his skill and cunning, but also for his unpredictability. Trusting him would be a risk, but what choice did she have?
"Where can I find him?" Elysia asked.
Isolde glanced toward the window, her expression conflicted. "He moves often, but the last I heard, he was in the southern forests near the old ruins. If you leave at first light, you might catch him."
Elysia nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "Then I'll leave at dawn."
As dawn broke over the estate, Elysia prepared to leave, her cloak wrapped tightly around her shoulders. The air was cool and sharp, biting at her skin as she stood at the edge of the grounds. She glanced back at the estate one last time, her mind racing with thoughts of what she was leaving behind and what lay ahead.
Kaelen was her next step. The rogue mercenary was infamous for his cunning and unpredictability, his name whispered in both admiration and fear across the kingdom. Trusting him would be dangerous, but Elysia didn't have a choice. If she was going to find Elric before Eamon did, she needed Kaelen's knowledge of the land.
As she stepped forward into the unknown, the mark on her palm pulsed faintly, a quiet warning she couldn't ignore. For the first time, doubt crept into her mind. What if Kaelen wasn't the ally she hoped for? What if his reputation for betrayal was more than just rumor?
The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, and Elysia could feel the weight of every decision pressing down on her. But she would face it all whatever it took to find her brother and protect the prophecy.