Light twisted.
Space folded in on itself, and in the blink of an eye—
Princess Seraphina, Princess Elowen, Elara, Lyria, and Hat reappeared inside the Valcrest mansion in the capital.
The teleportation glow faded.
Silent walls engraved with ancient protection runes shimmered softly, reacting to the presence of royal mana. The mansion itself seemed to breathe, acknowledging the arrival of those it was sworn to protect.
Princess Seraphina steadied herself, her sharp gaze sweeping the room.
"Where… are we?" she asked.
Her eyes hardened a moment later.
"And what is happening at the castle?"
Hat floated higher, his flame calm but alert.
"The capital is under attack. According to Master Kael, the attackers are specifically targeting Princess Seraphina and Princess Elowen."
A chill spread through the room.
"That is why Master sent us here," Hat continued. "Please remain inside this mansion."
Elowen clenched her fists.
"How can we stay here?" she cried. "Father, Mother, and Brother are still at the castle! How can we just wait while they're in danger?"
Hat's flame flickered uneasily.
"…You are right. But I cannot disobey my orders."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed.
"And how exactly do you plan to protect us?" she asked coolly.
"You're just a bird."
The air shifted.
Hat froze mid-air.
"…First of all," he said tightly,
"I am not a bird."
Crimson flames erupted around him. Heat surged outward, forcing everyone back a step.
"My name is Hat. I am a Flame-Bound Spirit."
The fire condensed—
And where the flames had been, a red-haired young man now stood. His sharp eyes burned with mana, his hair flowing like living fire.
Gasps filled the room.
Hat sighed. "This form drains mana. I dislike using it."
Elara stepped forward calmly.
"Princesses… Kael would not send us here without reason. Please trust him."
Hat nodded. "Master has a plan."
Lyria clapped excitedly.
"Hat, you're amazing! And my big brother can do anything!"
Suddenly—
The rings on Seraphina's and Elowen's fingers shimmered.
Dark mana pulsed from Seraphina's ring—deep, quiet, and overwhelming.
Soft light flowed from Elowen's—warm, gentle, and pure.
Both princesses froze.
Seraphina slowly lifted her hand, staring at the ring.
"…These rings…"
Elowen looked down as well.
"Kael placed them on us… back in the hall."
Her fingers trembled.
"He didn't explain anything," she whispered. "He just… did it."
Silence settled.
Seraphina closed her fingers around the ring.
"He knew," she said softly.
"He knew what would happen."
Elowen swallowed.
"He prepared everything… before the attack even began."
Her lips curved into a small, shaken smile.
"He protected us… without saying a word."
Seraphina's expression softened.
"…How like him."
Hat spoke quietly.
"These rings were specially made for you two. They amplify Dark and Light magic."
Seraphina's eyes widened.
"How do you know about our aptitude? Only Father and Brother—"
"Master knows," Hat said simply.
Elowen hugged her hand to her chest, feeling the warmth of the ring.
"He trusted us with something this important…"
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"…He trusted me."
Seraphina looked away, her cheeks faintly warm.
"A man who acts without seeking praise…"
She paused.
"…Dangerous."
Elowen lifted her head.
"Then we can go back, right?"
Hat's eyes widened.
"Wait—!"
Elowen suddenly grabbed Hat's hand—and Seraphina's.
Light exploded.
"PRINCESS—!" Hat shouted as he was dragged in.
They vanished.
"Mother!" Lyria cried. "Where did they go?!"
Elara stared at the fading glow, her heart racing.
Back at the Royal Castle
Flames roared overhead as the dragon circled the palace once more.
Kael turned sharply toward Riven.
"Riven," Kael asked calmly, "what kind of magic can you use?"
Riven straightened.
"Water magic and earth magic. I can also fight with a sword."
Kael nodded.
"Can you use healing and support magic?"
Riven hesitated only a moment.
"Yes. I can."
A faint, relieved smile appeared on Kael's face.
"Then I have the perfect job for you," Kael said.
"Go back inside. Help my brother Lucian. Heal the injured."
Riven glanced at the dragon tearing through the sky.
"But… can you handle it alone?"
Kael's gaze never wavered.
"I can handle it."
Riven clenched his fists—then nodded.
"…Very well."
He turned and sprinted back toward the shattered hall.
Inside the Grand Hall
The once-glorious hall had descended into chaos.
Broken pillars, shattered tables, and wounded nobles covered the floor.
Lucian stood near the royal seats, issuing orders with calm authority as knights rushed back and forth.
"My brother…" Alisiya whispered, hands trembling.
"Riven has little combat experience. Let me go back—"
Lucian gently caught her hand.
"It will be fine," he said softly.
"He's with Kael."
Alisiya looked up.
"Aren't you afraid?"
Lucian tightened his grip.
"I am," he admitted.
"But right now, my place is here—protecting everyone."
"Lord Lucian."
They turned.
Riven stood there, slightly breathless.
He raised an eyebrow, noticing Lucian still holding Alisiya's hand.
"…Why are you holding hands?"
Lucian flushed.
"It's not what you think!"
Alisiya laughed softly and hugged Riven.
"Why are you here?" Lucian asked. "Where is my brother?"
"Kael sent me back," Riven replied.
"I can use healing magic."
Lucian nodded.
"Good. Then come with me and help the injured."
Turning to the King, Prince August, and Aelric, Lucian spoke firmly.
"Father. Lord Aelric. Riven can heal the wounded. We must evacuate everyone immediately."
Prince August raised his voice.
"Knights! Assist with evacuation at once!"
Steel boots thundered across the floor.
Lucian looked at Alisiya.
"Stay with me."
She nodded, gripping his sleeve.
Outside — The Dragon's Descent
Kael stood alone in the ruined courtyard.
The dragon descended, wings beating like thunder.
"Why are you attacking this kingdom?" Kael demanded.
The hooded mage atop the dragon remained silent.
Instead—
"Fire Magic — Infernal Eruption!"
The ground exploded.
Kael barely dodged as scorching heat tore past him.
"Water Magic — Aqua Burst!"
A compressed sphere of water slammed into the dragon's chest.
💥 BOOM 💥
Steam erupted skyward.
The dragon roared.
The mage lost balance—
—and fell, crashing to the ground before Kael.
Kael stepped forward.
The dragon swooped low.
"Fire Breath!"
Kael leapt back as flames scorched the stone.
"Hand over the princesses," the mage demanded.
Kael's eyes hardened.
"That will never happen. They aren't here—and you'll never find them."
Mana surged violently.
"Intermediate Magic—!"
The mage raised his staff.
"Flame Magic — Abyssal Calamity!"
"Barrier Magic — Aegis Wall!"
But—
A massive magic circle appeared between them.
Light exploded.
"What—?!" the mage shouted.
Two figures emerged.
"KAEL!"
Princess Seraphina and Princess Elowen appeared—Hat hovering beside them.
Kael's blood ran cold.
"The spell—!"
The Abyssal Calamity surged forward, uncontrollable—
Straight toward the princesses.
Kael vanished.
Was Kael fast enough?
Or—
Would the abyssal flames reach the ones he vowed to protect?