PREVIOUSLY-
She leaned her head against his chest, careful not to press against the wound. "Don't do it again, if you do, I will skewer you with a thousand thorns"
His arms wrapped around her slowly, like he didn't feel he deserved to. "I won't," he promised, whether it was a vow or a hope, neither of them knew.
But in that quiet hallway, for a moment, they let the weight of fear and love settle between them, unspoken but understood.
—X—
The doors to Alexander's chambers burst open with a loud slam.
"Alexander!" Edward's voice rang out as he stood in the doorway, panting and disheveled, his coat clinging to him due to sweat.
But the room was quiet—no Alexander in sight.
Instead, pairs of eyes turned to him from their places around the hearth, the warmth of the fire painting golden light on their faces. A beat passed… and then smirks bloomed like flowers after a storm.
Edward blinked, confused. "What?"
"Nothing," Henry drawled from a nearby armchair, swirling a half-filled glass of wine. "You just look like you galloped here shirtless through a storm."
Edward ran a hand through his damp hair, muttering under his breath. "Not far off…"
His gaze drifted to Amelia, seated on a low settee with her embroidery. She stood up the moment her eyes met his. Hesitant, yet calmly, she walked towards Edward.
"Father!" cried Evangeline and Delphine in unison, rushing toward him with open arms.
He dropped to his knees as they tackled him with childish force, laughing despite himself. He embraced them tightly, burying his face in their hair.
Raphael approached slowly, arms folded.
"How are you, father?" he said simply,
Edward sighed and rested his forehead against his son's. "I am fine, son…"
He looked at Raphael with a warm smile,
"How are things at the fortress?"
Raphael's lips curved into a smile,
"I am doing good, the instructors often praise me."
"Would you like a glass of water, Uncle Edward?" came Vincent's voice—poised, polite, and just a touch amused. He held out a goblet with both hands, the picture of formal grace.
Edward took it gratefully. "Thank you, Vincent. Always the gentleman."
"Alexander went to see Sophie," Olivia said from her seat near the window, not looking up from the book in her lap. Her voice calm.
Lastly, Edward's arms wrapped around Amelia,
"I am back, darling."
Amelia only buried her face on his shoulder,
"I missed you."
Before Edward could respond, another voice piped up from the corridor behind him—
"Uncle Edward!"
Edward turned just in time to catch Leon hurling himself forward, barely skidding to a stop before colliding with his knees. The boy's arms latched around his waist with reckless enthusiasm. Elise followed close behind, more composed but no less eager, her eyes shining.
"Cutie pies! How are you?" Edward beamed, pinching Leon's cheek.
"Ralph!" Leon shrieked, completely ignoring the question. He dashed past Edward and straight toward Raphael. The boys bumped fists and erupted into giggles, already caught in their own world.
"Elise!" Evangeline called, waving excitedly while Delphine—never far from food—waved a half-eaten cookie in the air.
Elise gave a small nod, regal as a princess, then scampered off to join the girls. The three huddled together with their cookies, immediately falling into a chorus of chatter, crumbs dusting their gowns like confetti.
Then—
"Ed!" a familiar voice boomed.
Edward turned, his heart skipping a beat. Alexander approached with that damnable effortless calm, Sophie beside him, graceful as ever. They moved like a matched pair—no longer the boy and girl from a life ago, but a Duke and Duchess forged by fire.
Edward rolled his eyes, but his scowl broke into something gentler. He patted Alexander's shoulder with a brotherly firmness.
They both smiled—fond, familiar, unspoken.
But then the smile faded.
"Alex…" Edward began, his tone shifting. His lips parted as frustration bled into the words.
"Who the hell told you to pull such a stunt!"
Alexander's smile didn't waver, but there was a flicker of tension in his jaw. Sophie raised an eyebrow; Amelia pursed her lips into a thin line.
"Edward—" he began, a gentleness in his tone.
"No," Edward cut in, eyes locked on Alexander. "You confronted the emperor. You knew the Ashen Church would be watching—and you still did it! And why did you fight for me?"
"You were supposed to address the issue with the church blatantly attacking Duskrane!"
"I did," Alexander replied evenly.
"Pray do not insult us both by denying it. You know very well what you have done.!" Edward hissed, his voice low but sharp.
"What if they had you executed before I even returned from Ardellia?"
The room quieted a little. The children were still laughing, but the adults sensed the sudden gravity. Amelia looked away, lips pursed. Olivia set her teacup down with a gentle clink.
"I didn't plan to die," Alexander said.
Edward stepped forward, voice thick. "You don't plan for fire either, but it still burns down the house."
Sophie laid a hand gently on Alexander's arm. He didn't move.
"I meant to do the same," Alexander said, his voice deliberates, "but it appears the ministers had already decided your fate. You were to be branded a traitor—caught in Ardellia, of all places."
"Did you note who they were?" Edward snapped. "I would wager my spear they were ministers of the Church."
"They are still ministers."
That stopped Edward short.
"I had to act," Alexander continued. "With or without support. Someone had to call the emperor out while the rest of us were being used as pawns."
Edward opened his mouth, then shut it. His fists clenched.
"You're not wrong," he said quietly. "But that doesn't mean you can act recklessly."
Alexander's gaze softened. "I know."
They stood there, neither backing down, but no longer fighting.
After a moment, a tiny voice broke the tension.
"Father?" Raphael tugged at Edward's coat. "Are you mad at Uncle Alex?"
Edward glanced down, guilt flickering across his face. He crouched and ruffled Raphael's hair.
"No, son," he murmured. "Just worried about him. That's all."
Raphael nodded solemnly, then whispered, "He looked really cool though."
Edward sighed, shaking his head with a wry grin. "Yeah. Too cool for his own good."
Alexander chuckled, and finally—so did Sophie.
Henry's voice echoed from the couch, loud as ever. "Alright, someone pour drinks before these two kiss and make up."
That earned a few muffled laughs.
Amelia stood and crossed to Edward's side, slipping her hand into his.
"Come sit," she said softly.
Edward gave her a tired smile, and with one last glance at Alexander, he let himself be led toward the hearth.
Alexander and Sophie followed soon after.
The fire crackled. The children laughed.
Afternoon turned to evening, and evening drifted into night. The grand dining hall had long since grown dim, its chandeliers now casting a golden glow across emptied plates and half-finished cups of tea and wine. The long table, once a battlefield of laughter and food, now settled into a lull, filled only with the soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of silverware.
Olivia dabbed her lips with a napkin and set it neatly on her plate. She leaned back slightly, her eyes sweeping over the gathered family. There was warmth in her gaze, but also command—like a matriarch surveying both her legacy and her duty.
"Everyone," she said gently, but with unmistakable authority, "it's time we ended the dinner."
A few adults sat up straighter, sensing the cue.
She turned her attention to the younger side of the table, who had long since migrated to a pile of cushions and rugs by the hearth. "The children should go to sleep now."
"No, Grandma!" Leon immediately protested, standing up from his cushion like a knight appealing a great injustice. "We still haven't declared the winner!"
Raphael stood as well, though more reserved. "We need to duel one more time, Grandma. Just one…"
Delphine yawned loudly and blinked. Elise tried to hide a napkin full of pilfered cookies behind her back. Evangeline reached for one anyway, whispering conspiratorially.
Olivia's brow arched slightly. Her tone dropped—not cruel, but solid as bedrock.
"No," she said firmly. "You need to go to sleep. Now."
The weight of a grandmother's command, more fearsome than any general's shout, rolled through the room.
Leon opened his mouth to protest again, then noticed both Alexander and Sophie giving him "the look." He immediately sat down, muttering into his sleeve.
"Yes, Grandma," Raphael mumbled, already resigned.
Sophie rose from her seat, brushing her gown smooth as she walked toward the children.
"Come along, little knights and ladies," she said softly. "Bedtime. Even heroes need their rest."
Elise sulked but took her hand. Evangeline and Delphine followed, yawning and leaning on each other. Vincent helped gather up pillows with quiet efficiency, even as Leon trailed behind, dramatically dragging his toy wooden sword along the carpet.
Amelia came to help, scooping Delphine into her arms.
"We'll tuck them in," she whispered to Edward.
He gave her a grateful nod, then turned back toward the hearth, rubbing his temples.
Once the children were ushered out of the hall, the air shifted again. The echoes of little footsteps faded down the corridor.
Olivia remained seated at the head of the table, her fingers laced under her chin now. She didn't speak immediately—just observed the quiet gathering of her grown children and their spouses.
"Now," she said finally, voice smooth as still water, "with the little ones asleep…"
Her gaze sharpened.
"Let's speak plainly."
Silence fell.
The fire crackled.
Its warm glow danced along the carved walls of the chamber, but no one felt warmth now. Olivia's gaze, sharp as a hawk's, fixed itself on Vincent with unwavering precision.
"Vincent Duskrane," she said, her voice low but firm, "don't you think you've been keeping too many secrets?"
Vincent stiffened. The name Duskrane still carried weight—especially when Olivia used it like a blade.
He bit his lower lip. "I understand, Grandmother," he said with deliberate calm. "Just… wait a few minutes."
Olivia's brow lifted. "A few minutes—?"
But before she could finish, the great doors of the hall groaned open.
All heads turned.
A tall man stepped in, the lamplight catching on the edges of his dark coat as he adjusted the collar and strolled forward with a presence too quiet to be casual.
"I'm not late, am I?" the man asked, brushing invisible dust from his sleeves.
For a moment, silence gripped the room like a vice.
Sophie's breath caught in her throat.
Amelia's hand slipped from her goblet.
Their voices came out in unison—soft, bewildered, and edged with disbelief.
"Father?"
Thomas closed the doors behind him with a soft thud. His eyes swept over the room, not coldly, but like a man watching over his family. There was a tension in the way he stood—relaxed in posture, but coiled beneath the surface.
"I called him," Vincent said, raising a hand as if pre-empting judgment. "Since I would be telling all my secrets, it seemed only right he be here too."
The words settled over the gathering like a fresh snowfall—soft, but heavy with meaning.
No one moved.
The atmosphere tightened.
Olivia's hands slowly lowered to her lap. She said nothing, though her gaze flicked between Vincent and Thomas with unreadable depth.
Alexander leaned forward; his fingers laced. Edward looked like he wanted to say something but thought better of it. Henry's usual smirk had vanished, his expression unreadable for once.
The fire popped.
A gust of wind moaned faintly beyond the windows.
Tension loomed in the chamber like a bowstring drawn taut—ready to snap with one more pull.
Vincent stepped into the center of the room.
"Let me start with the history of our world Elyndra..."
A FEW HOURS LATER-
"We have only about a decade or two before they break in. Both, Leon, Ralph, even the whole continent needs to get stronger."
"Raphael…?" Amelia asked confused.
"Leon..." Sophie muttered.
Vincent nodded,
"Yes, they too are beings born with the memory of their past life… though I sealed them."
Amelia pondered for a while, her voice cracked,
"Then what happened to our children, where are the real Raphael and Leon?"
Sophie wanted to say something but couldn't open her mouth. Alexander and Edward waited for Vincent to reply while Olivia and Thomas looked at Vincent with a sad expression. Tears welled in Orianne's eyes while Henry frowned.
"They are your real children," he looked at Amelia, "It's just that they have memories of their past life," his gaze flickered to Sophie, "A body is a soul's shell, no soul can survive in a foreign body for long."
Everyone's expression softened as Amelia and Sophie exhaled a sigh of relief.
"But, what about you?" Orianne's lips quivered as her eyes dampened at the revelation.
"I…" A lump lurched in Vincent's throat, he wanted to scream, to say that he too, is the son of Orianne and Henry Duskrane.
'I-I am your son too mother!'
Tears trickled down his confident cheeks as Vincent hung his head,
"I am your son too, mother, father." He glanced at Henry, then at Orianne.
"I don't even know what my name was in my past life. All I know are the skills and knowledge I had."
His voice cracked,
"Bu-But if you find me uncomfortable. I am ready to be disowned, and I am sorry for lying to you for so many years."
"NEVER!" Orianne sprang up from her chair, rushing to Vincent, pulling him in her embrace.
Henry soon followed, wrapping his arms around them, "Whatever the circumstance, remember, you are 'our' son."
"Tomorrow I will deal with the matter." Vincent spoke in a calming tone.
The room fell into a shocked silence as the boy pulled out from the hug, slowly walking towards the door. Following him, everyone went back to their respective rooms.
IN ALEXANDER'S ROOM-
Alexander and Sophie sat on the bed, neither saying anything.
Alexander broke the silence, "I am sorry."
Sophie caressed his cheek, "Okay." Her voice faint.
Alexander hugged her,
"I know you are worried about Leon," he pecked her cheek, "But isn't this the reason we have to become stronger… for him, for us."
Sophie turned her face towards him,
"I am worried for Vincent too, how can such a young child shoulder such a responsibility," tears welled her eyes, "All this time he suffered… But I didn't even notice… What type of aunt am I?"
Alexander kissed her hand softly, "You are the best aunt, and now that we know everything let's focus on the future."
Sophie nodded weakly before laying on the bed. Her head resting on Alexander's stretched hand. Alexander hugged her before closing his eyes.
EDWARD'S ROOM-
Edward stood near the entrance while Amelia sat at the sofa. Her eyes became watery as her hands covered her face.
Hesitantly, Edward walked towards Amelia. He knelt before her, his hand gently patting her knees.
Amelia parted her hands and looked at Edward,
"Ed," she spoke, "Just what is happening? Raphael, Vincent, Leon these little boys, why is there such a responsibility on them?"
Edward's gaze softened, "Amy, I can understand you… Can I say something?"
Amelia nodded slowly. Edward stood up, straightened his shirt then kneeled again. He held her hand as his words escaped his throat,
"First, I still consider Raphael as our son," his eyes met hers, "And I would like to ask your opinion on the matter."
Amelia blushed, "W-What are you saying?"
Edward continued, "I am saying what needs to be."
"Of course, he is our son, and will remain so!" Amelia responded.
He rose to his feet and sat next to Amelia; her head nested on his shoulder.
"As for the kids and the prophecy… we will get stronger, we will protect them."
Amelia looked at Edward, her arms wrapped around his,
"Yes, and we will do it together."
HENRY'S ROOM-
Henry looked out of the window while Orianne sat on the bed. Silence loomed in the room.
"Am I not good enough?" Orianne broke the silence.
Henry walked towards her,
"No, my dear," he caressed her cheek, "It's me who is not good enough for you."
Orianne grabbed his hand,
"Then why do you and Vincent hide everything from me?... Am I not a good wife and mother."
Henry looked at the ceiling then sighed,
'If only you could listen to my heart, you would realize how much I love you.'
Henry picked Orianne up, placing her on his lap, his arms wrapped around her waist.
Orianne, flustered opened her mouth,
"Hsh!" Henry whispered in her ear, his warm breath brushing against her skin.
"Me and Vincent love you more than meat loves salt," he continued.
"Hah," Orianne let out a small laugh, "Didn't you propose to me saying the same thing."
Henry chuckled, "Yes and I will say it every day till you truly understand how much you worry me."
He rested her face on his chest and patted her back,
"Sleep for now, wife-of-mine. Matters with Vincent can be talked with a calmer mind." He smiled.
IN LEONHART MANSION GARDENS.
Thomas and Olivia sat on a bench as Olivia rested her head on Thomas' lap as Thomas caressed her hair.
"Dear, to think I would hear something this interesting in my old age." Thomas laughed.
"And to think our grandchildren have such a torturous fate ahead for them." Olivia sighed.
"It will be fine dear, like it's always been." Thomas whispered.
CHILDREN'S ROOM-
On a bed Leon and Raphael slept. Raphael slept straight like a soldier while Leon's arm and leg stretched over Raphael.
Beside them Evangeline and Delphine slept peacefully with Elise cuddled between them.
Vincent sat by the window, his gaze was fixed on the stars that illuminated the dark sky.
SOMEWHERE ELSE-
An eagle perched on the window of a grand, crumbling cathedral. Its beady eyes gleamed, reflecting the image of a tall, slender man in white and gold robes. A golden screen hovered before him, rippling with light.
The man grinned, a single gold tooth glinting.
"Haha!" His laughter echoed off the marble pillars.
—
Somewhere far beyond, in a realm untouched by time, three planets floated in perfect alignment. Each planet was divided into a fixed number of rings like a roll of sushi. The topmost—golden and vast—glowed like a god's crown. Upon its highest peak, atop a dormant volcano, sat a throne of molten stone.
A man stood before it, draped in flowing robes like those of ancient titans. His fiery red hair shimmered, streaked with blue at the roots.
Behind him, footsteps crunched against obsidian rock.
A knight in crimson armour approached, horned helm tucked beneath his arm. He knelt. "I greet Lord Aerithar."
Aerithar turned, eyes narrowing.
"Velkarion… This is the first time since the Epoch of Celestial Clashes that my plans have unravelled. Someone shelters the remnants of the Liberation Frontier."
A low laugh rose from his chest. "Hahaha…"
—
Vincent looked up.
His eyes sharpened.
"…Aerithar," he murmured. "Enjoy the limited time you have."
—
Back on the volcanic throne, Aerithar raised his gaze to the same stars.
"It seems our plan has been hijacked by quite a variable. But the dice—"
—
Vincent smiled.
"—has been cast."