Melton's sister was asleep when she suddenly awoke, a strange unease tightening her chest. She looked around and realized that her father was not on the bed—and neither was her brother. Alarmed, she rose quickly and stepped outside. Her feet carried her instinctively toward the hills. There, in the pale stillness, she saw her brother sitting beside a grave. Their father's sword lay planted in the earth near him, but their father himself was nowhere to be seen. She rushed closer, and when she saw her brother's eyes filled with tears, the truth struck her without words—her father was gone. She broke down, sobbing, and her brother stood and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as they shared their grief.
As the scene faded, dawn began to rise. The sun prepared to lift itself over the horizon, and the story shifted to Haunt Island. Tabitha sat beside her brother Rigel, each mounted upon their own dragon, poised and ready to depart—wings tense, breath steaming, prepared to take flight. Ozar approached them, his expression grave, and said, "The times ahead are dangerous. Do not break the promise I have given you."
Rigel replied with calm certainty, "She is not one to break promises—nor the trust of anyone."
At that moment, Tabitha's dragon let out a thunderous roar that echoed across the cliffs. Tabitha placed her hand upon the beast's spiked scales and spoke firmly, calling its name. "Karl… let's go."
The dragon surged forward, wings beating the air with immense force, rising into the sky. Beside them, Rigel's dragon followed—both shapes lifting into the morning light as they flew toward an uncertain fate.
The day began at Medown House. Lyna was lying asleep on the bed, her face pale and her body still weak. She was not fully well yet. Tyler sat beside her, watching her closely with worried eyes.
"We were really scared," Tyler said softly. "Your whole body was shaking badly last night."
Lyna slowly opened her eyes and replied in a tired voice, "I don't know what suddenly happened to me… but for now, I feel a little better."
The scene then shifted to Tyler's chamber. Tyler stood in front of a tall mirror, dressed in her beautiful wedding gown. Two women stood beside her, carefully adjusting the fabric, fixing the folds, and straightening the delicate details of her dress. Sunlight streamed through the window, making the silver threads of her gown glow softly.
Soon after, the scene moved to the church. Calm, peaceful music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of silence and serenity. Guests sat quietly as candles flickered along the walls.
At the front of the church stood Bruno Mars, Tyler's groom, waiting with steady hands and a gentle smile. Beside him stood the priest.
The large doors of the church opened slowly. Branth entered, walking step by step with his daughter Tyler by his side. He held her arm firmly yet lovingly, guiding her forward. Together, they walked down the aisle toward Bruno.
When they reached the altar, Branth placed Tyler's hand into Bruno's.
The priest spoke in a clear, solemn voice:
"Before the eyes of God and the witnesses gathered here today, do you, Bruno Mars, take Tyler Modsun as your lawful wife— to stand beside her in joy and sorrow, in strength and weakness, for as long as you both shall live?"
Bruno answered without hesitation, "I do."
The priest then turned to Tyler.
"And do you, Tyler Modsun, take Bruno Mars as your lawful husband— to walk with him in faith, love, and loyalty, until death parts you?"
With tears of happiness in her eyes, Tyler whispered, "I do."
Bruno and Tyler leaned toward each other and shared a gentle kiss. The church erupted with applause. People stood, clapping and offering congratulations. Smiles filled the hall, and joy spread through every corner.
From her seat, Lyna smiled brightly, her heart full. "Congratulations," she said happily, wishing them with all her heart.
The location then shifted to the Southern Land. The place was alive with movement and work. Some people were selling goods in open markets, others were busy forging weapons at the blacksmith's fire. Shepherds fed their sheep, and craftsmen worked with skilled hands. Life flowed steadily in every direction.
In the distance stood a massive castle—far more magnificent and different from all others. This was Haunt House, rising proudly over the land.
Inside the grand throne hall sat Ellia Haunt, the Queen of the Southern Land. She was the first woman in history to rule a kingdom, a position once held only by kings or their sons. No woman before her had ever ruled alone.
A wounded man entered the hall. His face was marked with deep cuts and scars, as if he had just returned from a brutal battle. He knelt before the throne and said,
"My lady… Lady Tabitha and Lord Rigal have arrived."
Hearing this, Sir Black, who was seated on a chair beside the throne, rose immediately. His voice was firm and commanding as he ordered,
"Send them at once to Bondli Ground. We are coming there as well."
Ellia raised her hand calmly and said,
"Do not worry, Black."
She then stood up and placed the crown upon her head. The crown bore the image of a dragon's face, crafted in gold and green, shining with authority and ancient power.
The Southern Land fell silent as its queen prepared to move.
Ellia spoke calmly, her eyes fixed on Sir Black. "What do you think," she asked, "will she be able to complete the task she has come here for?"
Sir Black replied after a brief pause, "It is not that simple, my lady. Rigal has already warned us—he believes that even before Tabitha fully arrives here, the beginning of a war will already be set in motion."
The scene then shifts to Medown House, where a grand celebration is underway. In one corner, common people and nobles alike are enjoying a lavish feast. Music fills the air as Tyler and Bruno sit together, smiling, while guests approach one by one to offer their gifts. Among them comes a man—the leader of the soldiers—who presents a special gift: a necklace engraved with the symbol of the moon. Handing it over, he says, "May this always stay with you and guide you toward the right path." Tyler smiles warmly and thanks him. Nearby, Lyna lifts a goblet filled with wine and takes a sip. Tyler gently warns her, "Don't drink too much, Lyna. You're still not fully well." Lyna smiles in return and replies, "I'm fine now. And today is a happy day—for you, and for all of us."
The scene changes again. A large bowl filled with water and live fish is brought forward as part of a ritual. Bruno's eyes are blindfolded, and a sword is placed in his hands. He is asked to strike the fish without seeing them—an old custom meant to show his devotion to Tyler and to foretell the strength and length of their bond. With steady focus, Bruno swings the sword. In a single motion, he strikes—not one, but two fish at once. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause as the moment is celebrated with joy and pride.
Outside the castle, carts arrive carrying fresh supplies—meat, fish, and vegetables—for the household. Slaves and traders purchase the goods quickly and move theminside. Among these traders, however, are spies from Haunt House, hiding in plain sight. Quietly, without drawing attention, they gather baskets of meat and fish, watching everything carefully as the celebration continues, their true purpose concealed behind ordinary faces.
The scene thenshifts to North Fell. Melton gently explains to his younger sister that it would be safer if she stayed for a few days with their uncle Frankers. Though she is reluctant, she finally agrees, understanding the danger around them. Soon after, Melton mounts his horse and rides out toward the mountains along with a group of food suppliers. The path ahead is buried under endless snow, and light flakes continue to fall, carried by the cold wind. After traveling a long distance, they reach a distant tribal settlement, where Melton and the others decide to stop. A man from the tribe approaches them and warns in a serious tone, "Our journey from here is not without danger." As he speaks, darkness slowly spreads across the land, and night begins to fall.
The next moment shows members of the tribe sitting around a fire, talking quietly as the flames crackle against the cold night. Among them sits the tribal chief, a respected and watchful figure. This tribe lives on the eastern side of North Fell, far from the castles and cities. Melton is seated inside a tent with several men, sharing warmth and food. Beside him are his close friends—Goitan, Richie, and Hydrie—each alert and thoughtful, aware that the road ahead may be far more dangerous than it appears.
Melton tells his friends, "I'll be right back. I just need some fresh air."
He steps out of the tent, taking a deep breath of the freezing night.
Outside, he notices a girl nearby—slender and beautiful, her hair neatly braided, with two loose strands falling softly over her eyes. She is dressed in simple, respectable clothes of a poor Gharyana family—thick woolen fabric, worn but clean, meant to survive the cold rather than show beauty.
In one hand, she holds a lantern, its warm light trembling in the wind. With the other hand, she is guiding a sheep into her small shelter. Suddenly, a lamb breaks free and starts running.
Without thinking, Melton rushes forward and catches the lamb. He walks over and helps her guide the sheep inside.
"They trouble people a lot, don't they?" Melton says with a faint smile.
The girl hears him, says only, "Hmm," and smiles softly.
"Do you live here?" Melton asks.
She looks at him and replies, "What do you think?"
Melton smiles awkwardly.
She continues gently, "It seems so… don't mind my words. It's just that it's very cold here."
Melton, shivering from the cold, replies, "Yes…"
Noticing him trembling, the girl says quietly,
"Maybe you're not used to this much cold."
Meanwhile, at Medown House, the wedding celebrations had finally come to an end. As the night grew quieter, several food suppliers were seen moving toward the castle with carts of leftover roasted meat and vegetables. What no one realized was that these men were spies from Haunt House, hiding their true purpose behind ordinary faces. A gate guard stopped them and demanded sharply, "Who are you, and where are you going?" One of the men replied calmly, "We are taking the leftover meat and vegetables inside the castle." Hearing this, the guard signaled for the gate to be opened.
The moment some of them stepped inside, one man suddenly grabbed the guard and dragged him into the shadows, pressing a knife tightly against his neck. In a cold whisper, he warned, "Do not dare to make a sound, or not even a part of your body will remain." Nearby, in a small hall, a few servants were present—only five or six of them—but the spies numbered more than seven. Without hesitation, the spies killed the servants one by one, silencing them completely. Turning back to the trembling guard, one of the spies demanded, "Show us the way deeper into the castle." Terrified, the guard stammered and pointed ahead. "Through that door, there is a staircase. It will lead you to the main gate inside the castle. From behind it, you can enter any room."
The spy's eyes narrowed as he asked quietly, "Will that path lead to Lyna's chamber?" The guard could not answer—fear sealed his lips. In the next heartbeat, the spy slit his throat. Blood sprayed across the spy's face as the guard collapsed lifelessly to the floor, and the shadows of Medown House grew darker than ever.
The spies moved forward from there, advancing deeper into the castle. A few of them split away and exited through a hidden back passage that led toward the sea. Near the rear gate, two guards were standing watch—but the spies struck swiftly and killed both of them without raising any alarm. Meanwhile, the remaining men made their way toward Lyna's chamber. Along the corridor, a man suddenly appeared and demanded, "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" One of the spies replied smoothly, "Nothing, sir—this is a request from Haunt House." Before the man could react, the spy finished his sentence by sliding a knife across his throat, silencing him instantly.
The spy then pushed open the door to the chamber. Inside, Lyna was asleep, unaware of the danger closing in. Another spy joined him, and together they covered her mouth and rendered her unconscious. Moving quickly, they carried her through the castle's rear passages, reached the hidden shoreline, and placed her onto a small boat. Without looking back, they rowed away into the dark sea, disappearing into the night as Medown House remained unaware that Lyna had been taken.
Inside a vast hallroom, Tabitha and Rigal stood side by side. The chamber was enormous, with ceilings so high they disappeared into shadow. Moments later, Sir Black entered the hall. His face lit up with joy as he walked straight to Rigal and embraced him warmly. "How are you, my lion?" he said, his voice filled with pride and happiness. Tabitha watched calmly before stepping forward and saying, "I know it has been many years since I returned, Sir Black—but my memory is still sharp." Saying this, she moved closer to the throne. Sir Black smiled faintly and replied, "My lady, I still remember the day you left this place and all of us behind. It is not something I could ever forget." Rigal then spoke with a cold certainty, "The day is close when our revenge will be complete—and the rule will finally be ours." At that very moment, Ellia Haunt entered the hall. Her presence silenced the room as she said firmly, "I do not want any war or revenge. I want nothing but the girl's power—the power that is the very lifeblood of Haunt House."
The scene then shifts to the open sea, where a small boat cuts through the dark waters. Inside it sit the spies of Haunt House, with the unconscious Lyna lying between them. Meanwhile, chaos erupts in Medown House. Panic spreads through the castle halls as Branth grows increasingly distressed—because from his kingdom, the daughter of another ruling house, a princess under his protection, has disappeared.
The scene then shows Branth standing restless and deeply troubled. He calls for a servant and orders firmly, "Send Varior Thath to my chamber at once." But moments later, the servant returns with grim news—Varior Thath cannot be found anywhere in the castle. No one knows where he has gone.
At the same time, Varior Thath is seen entering a small house on the edge of a village. A woman there secretly shelters him and quickly hands him a small box. Inside it lies a ring. The moment Varior takes it into his hand, the golden ring begins to glow with a deep red shimmer, as if awakened by his touch. Suddenly, the sound of horses and voices rises outside the house. Sensing danger, Varior leaves at once. Slipping out through the back gate, he mounts his horse, covers his face with cloth, and rides away at full speed into the darkness, vanishing before anyone can stop him.