Elianna's body felt tense, with her eyes involuntarily darting back and forth as she walked beside Nicholas through the hallway. Her eyes settled on a maid carrying a large tray with several miscellaneous items. When the maid's gaze found Nicholas and Elianna, she politely nodded as she stood to the side, giving them more than enough room to walk past. Elianna continued forward, walking a few more steps, when a sudden loud noise had her body go rigid.

  Images flashed before her eyes of the alley, with the cultist grinning at her while slamming her to the ground. Elianna's head whipped around toward the noise, her feet stumbling. Her heart was racing as her eyes flicked to the maid, the source of the noise, who was kneeling on the ground, picking up the items from the tray she had dropped. Elianna could hear her heart pounding in her ears, with her breathing ragged and fast, as she told herself to calm down.

  "Lia?"

  Elianna jolted slightly, feeling something light and warm touch her shoulder. Her head snapped to the sensation, seeing Nicholas' hand gently resting there. Raising her head, her gaze fell on Nicholas, seeing that he was looking at her with a worried expression.

  "Are you okay?" Nicholas asked softly.

  Taking a deep breath, Elianna smiled slightly and nodded, "Yeah." She looked forward, eyeing the maid as she placed the last of the items back onto the tray. "I'm fine."

  Elianna's gaze rose, darting between the numerous guards standing around her and Nicholas. Feeling Nicholas' warm, comforting grasp on her shoulder, and seeing the guards around her, she reminded herself that she was safe.

  Taking another deep breath, steeling herself, she looked at Nicholas and gave him a small smile. "Come on, let's go."

  Nicholas stood there, eyeing her for a moment, his expression full of concern. Finally, he returned her smile and nodded, "Okay."

  Turning, they both continued on their way through the hall, with the sound of the guards walking in unison behind them echoing down the hall. As they made their way down the stairs and exited onto the lower floor, Elianna noticed the large number of guards who were either roaming throughout the palace or taking sentry positions throughout the halls.

  Continuing down the hall, with her eyes flicking between the knights and mages, Elianna asked, "Is it me, or are there a lot more guards around here than usual?"

  Nicholas nodded, his eyes scanning the halls, "My father ordered an increase in security around the palace, and more guards to escort the royal family members." He looked at Elianna, "Including you."

  Elianna looked at Nicholas, brows raised, "Me? But, I'm not a member of the royal family."

  "I'm not going to question my father's decision about it," Nicholas shrugged. Nicholas' eyes scanned her beautiful facial features before looking forward, "I'm just glad to know you have more protection."

  Elianna's lips curled slightly, her cheeks reddening. But as she looked at Nicholas, she noticed how quickly his eyes were darting around, like he was searching for something. Elianna tilted her head slightly, "Does your father think the cult will try something again?"

  Elianna noticed as Nicholas' jaw clenched and his eyes fell as he said, "I'm not sure. I would assume so, with the increase in security."

  With her gaze flicking to the floor, Elianna swallowed hard as a shiver ran down her spine at the thought of the cult attacking the palace. But her eyes suddenly shot to her hand as a warmth washed over it, and she noticed Nicholas had taken it, interlacing his fingers with hers.

  Elianna's beautiful, celestial blue eyes flicked to Nicholas, who gave her a reassuring smile as he said, "They'd be stupid to do so, though, with all these guards around." A red tint appeared around Nicholas' cheeks as he looked forward and cleared his throat, "Still, it'll probably be best to stay close to me. For uh, protection of course." He cleared his throat again, "Since uh, you know, there is strength in numbers."

  Elianna's smile grew, and she stepped closer to him, "I suppose I can do that."

  Nicholas chuckled a little, and Elianna looked forward as they continued down the hall. Eventually, the double doors to the dining room came into view, and Elianna noticed the large number of guards standing before the entrance. The guards bowed slightly as Elianna and Nicholas approached, before moving to the side so they weren't in their way.

  Elianna felt as Nicholas let go of her hand as one of the guards opened the door for them. Elianna thanked the guard before she followed Nicholas into the small dining room. Her eyes immediately scanned the area, seeing small plates of appetizers on the table. Standing at the back of the room were two knights and a mage, who gave Elianna a nod when their gazes met. Finally, Elianna's gaze settled on the right side of the table, where she saw Celine sitting there.

  Celine was leaning forward in her chair, with her elbow braced on the table, her chin in the palm of her hand. She had a small plate in front of her, but she was just pushing the food around with her fork, with a dejected expression. At the sound of the door closing, Celine looked up, and her sapphire eyes lit up with her gaze widening.

  Celine shot up from her chair, nearly toppling it over, "Oh, thank the divine!" Celine ran around the table and almost slammed into Nicholas and Elianna, taking them both into a tight hug. "I'm so glad to see you both up and moving," Celine breathed.

  Elianna smiled as she gave Celine a one-armed hug, "I'm glad to see you, too."

  Celine broke the hug and stepped back, revealing her teary gaze. Wiping her eyes, she said, "I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry."

  Elianna's brows furrowed, and by Nicholas' expression, she could see he was just as confused as she was. "Sorry about what?"

  Celine's eyes flicked to Elianna, "What? For what happened to you, of course. I'm the one who gave Nicholas the idea to ditch the guards so you two could have fun."

  Elianna blinked before she let out a small breath, "You two are more like siblings, I swear."

  Celine tilted her head slightly, while Nicholas raised a brow.

  Elianna smiled at Celine, "Nicholas was blaming himself, too. But I'm going to tell you the same thing I told him: it wasn't your fault. You didn't know we were going to be attacked, so please don't blame yourself."

  Celine blinked before her eyes snapped to Nicholas, "What the heck were you blaming yourself for?"

  Nicholas' eyes fell, and he sighed, "Because Elianna wouldn't have gotten hurt if she weren't with me. The cultist was after me, after all."

  Celine's eyes narrowed, "After you? Why? You're sure?"

  Nicholas nodded, "Yeah, he—"

  The three of them stopped and looked toward the door as it opened. Elianna's eyes fell on William as he walked in, followed by Freya. Freya gave Elianna a small smile, which Elianna returned. But Elianna's smile faded and her brows raised in surprise as a familiar figure with black hair and sapphire eyes stepped into the room.

  "Dad?!" Celine said, her voice full of surprise and glee.

  "Uncle Mathew!" Nicholas chirped.

  Elianna swore she saw William's eyes fall a little.

  Mathew quickly stepped toward Nicholas and Celine, "Thank goodness you two are okay."

  Elianna smiled as Mathew took Celine and Nicholas into a hug, but she still felt a little confused, as she thought he was in Tri-Union City.

  The sound of footsteps caught Elianna's attention, and she looked forward just in time to see her mom and dad storm into the room. Both of their eyes darted across the room before they both fell on her, and looks of relief crossed both of their facial features.

  Elianna's eyes widened at the sight of her parents, and it was as if the dam of emotions she had been holding inside finally broke. Her face crumpled as she held her arms out to her parents, and she broke down into tears.

  Katarina and Lucian didn't waste a second as they moved toward her swiftly, taking their daughter into a tight, reassuring hug.

  Elianna broke down harder, feeling their warm, comforting embrace around her, and she leaned her head against her mother's shoulder.

  Katarina gingerly placed her hand around the back of Elianna's head, "Shhhh, it's okay, sweetie, we're here." Elianna nodded, crying, not saying anything as her parents held her.

  Elianna didn't know how long she had cried for, but when she raised her head, her eyes felt dry, and her throat hurt.

  Katarina cupped her hands around Elianna's face, wiping her tears with her thumbs, "Oh, sweetheart, we came as soon as Freya called."

  Elianna's eyes flicked to Freya, whose gaze was watery, as she nodded to Elianna.

  Lucian leaned forward, placing a light kiss on his daughter's forehead, "I'm so glad you're okay." Lucian's face contorted into rage as he looked at Freya, "Where is that son of a bitch?"

  Mathew, who had broken the hug with Nicholas and Celine, looked at Freya, "I would also like to know this."

  "He is currently being held at the prison," Freya stated. She sighed, "William and I went there to see if the guards made any progress in his... interrogation."

  "And?" Mathew asked.

  Freya sighed, "No luck."

  Lucian's expression darkened, "Perhaps I could give it a try."

  "Not now, Lucain," Katarina snapped. Her eyes scanned Elianna, "Are you alright?"

  Elianna swallowed, her throat feeling dry, and she nodded, "Y-Yeah. The mages healed my injuries."

  Katarina eyed her daughter before she took her into another hug, holding her closely.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  "Your Majesty," Victor, the head butler, stated as they stepped into the room. "Dinner is ready, shall I have it served?"

  William looked at Lucian and Katarina, "Would you two like some dinner?"

  Katarina looked at Elianna, "Are you hungry?"

  Elianna nodded a little, "Y-Yeah."

  "Dinner would be nice, Your Majesty," Lucian stated.

  William nodded, then looked at Victor, "Have the dinner served. Also, have someone tell Tristan that dinner is being served."

  Victor nodded, "At once, Your Majesty." Victor turned and left.

  William looked at everyone and gestured to the table, "Please, everyone, take a seat."

  Everyone moved to the table where they took their seats, with William taking his place at the head of the table. Nicholas sat to William's right, keeping one seat open in between them. Elianna sat to Nicholas' right, with her mother beside her, followed by Lucian. Across the table, Freya sat beside William, followed by Mathew, then Celine.

  Once everyone was seated, Lucian asked no one in particular, "So, what happened exactly?"

  Nicholas' and Celine's eyes fell.

  Freya leaned forward, "Nicholas, Celine, and Elianna were out today in the city. Nicholas and Elianna got separated from their guards when a cultist ambushed them. Arch-Mage Helena located Nicholas and Elianna in time and managed to apprehend the cultist while the guards brought Nicholas and Elianna to the palace."

  Lucian's expression hardened, "How in the fuck did they get separated from their guards?"

  Freya sighed and was about to answer.

  "It was my fault," Celine said, then looked at Lucian. Lucian, Katarina, and Mathew blinked. "I gave Nicholas the idea to ditch the guards and helped them do so. I was just trying to let them have fun." Her eyes watered, "I'm so sorry."

  "I'm the one who should apologize," Nicholas said sorrowfully, gaining another confused expression from Lucian, Katarina, and Mathew.

  "Nick," Elianna sighed with a whisper.

  Nicholas looked toward Lucian and Katarina, "The cultist was after me. If Elianna hadn't been with me—"

  "Can you just stop?!" Elianna snapped, gaining a surprised look from Nicholas. Elianna sighed, "How many times do I need to tell you to stop blaming yourself. You couldn't have known the cultist was going to attack." She looked at Celine, "You too. Stop blaming yourself."

  "Elianna is right," William said, looking between Nicholas and Celine. "If anyone is to blame, it is the cultist and this infernal cult."

  "I do have a question," Lucian stated, looking at Nicholas curiously. "Why do you think the cultist was after you?"

  Nicholas sighed, "Because he said so. He said I was in the way of their plans."

  Lucian's brows furrowed, "Plans? What plans?"

  "That's what we were hoping to figure out," Freya stated, looking at Lucian. "But the cultist is resilient to the interrogation techniques."

  "In any case," William began. "I've increased security around the palace, to include the number of guards to escort each member of the royal family, including your daughter."

  Katarina smiled, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

  William nodded, "Of course." He looked directly at Lucian, "Gaelin has numerous squads scouring the city for any further traces of the Infernal Cult. If there are more, they will find them."

  Lucian leaned forward, "I can contact Raina to have some Tri-Union troops assist, with your permission, Your Majesty."

  "The assistance is welcomed," William said. "I'm sure Gaelin will also appreciate the assistance."

  Lucian nodded, "I will contact Raina and Gaelin after this, Your Majesty."

  The doors opened, and everyone looked as Tristan walked in. Trsitan let out a yawn, stretching his arm over his head, "Sorry for my tardiness, I was having such a blissful nap." He froze, his eyes scanning the table, "My my, more visitors." He relaxed, tilting his head slightly, "To what do we owe this visit?"

  William's eyes narrowed, "Surely you've heard the news by now."

  Tristan hummed before his brows raised, "Ah, that's right." He looked at Nicholas, "I heard you had a run-in with a cultist, I believe it was. How exciting."

  Nicholas' jaw clenched, and Elianna glared at Tristan. Freya shook her head while Celine pinched the bridge of her nose.

  Katarina's eyes flared as Lucian growled, "Exciting?" His hands clenched into fists, "My daughter almost died, and you say it was exciting."

  Tristan's eyes snapped to Lucian, his gaze cold. He raised his chin, about to speak.

  "Please, excuse my son's poor choice of words," William stated, shooting his son a glare. "He is obviously tired from his nap. Now, take your seat, Tristan."

  Tristan stared at Lucian for a moment, who held his gaze. Tristan then suddenly smiled at William, "Yes, Father." He walked around the table and took his seat beside Nicholas.

  Nicholas just ignored Tristan as he reached out, taking Elianna's hand under the table. Elianna looked at Nicholas, giving him a small smile.

  Then, all heads turned toward the doors as they opened again, seeing several maids pushing carts that were full of food.

  "Perfect timing," William stated, looking at the carts. He looked around the table, "Let's all just relax and enjoy this dinner together, shall we?"

  Everyone nodded, with Freya smiling and saying, "That will be nice."

  The maids placed down the food, plates, and drinks, ensuring everyone was served before leaving. Everyone began to eat as William started a conversation, steering away from discussing the cultists or today's events. But as they sat there eating, Elianna didn't say much, as images of the cultist in the alleyway kept surfacing in her mind.

  ***

  "So, you and Nicholas have been sleeping across from each other this entire time, huh?" Lucian asked as he looked out the window in Elianna's bedroom.

  "Lucian," Katarina scolded, sitting on Elianna's bed.

  Lucian looked at her, "What?"

  The door to the bathroom opened, and Lucian and Katarina looked toward it, seeing Elianna walk out in her pajamas after taking a shower.

  "Yeah," Elianna said, walking over to the bed. She sat beside her mom, undoing her long, silvery white hair from a bun and letting it flow freely. "Even at the beach house."

  Katarina got out of bed and grabbed a comb from the vanity. "Oh yes, it sounds like you had a lot of fun at the beach." She sat back down beside Elianna, then turned her slightly before she began to brush her daughter's hair. "Plus, from what you described, it sounds beautiful out there."

  Elianna's lips curled as she looked down, remembering the beach house as Katarina brushed her hair. But, as she remembered, her smile slowly faded as she remembered the cave and the dreams.

  Lucian tilted his head slightly, eyeing his daughter curiously, "Little one, you okay?"

  Elianna was silent for a moment before she looked at her dad, "Can I tell you something that might sound crazy?"

  Katarina chuckled as she brushed Elianna's hair, "Crazy, huh? You can tell us anything."

  Elianna pursed her lips, feeling her mother brushing her hair. Finally, she took a deep breath before she talked about the beach. She told her parents about the pull she felt as soon as she arrived, then about the dreams that led her and Nicholas to the cave. Elianna felt Katarina stop brushing her hair as she told them about the pillar, the same one in her dreams, and what happened to her when she touched the wall.

  After Elianna was done, she continued to look at the floor, noting the silence in the room. Finally, she looked up, seeing her father staring at her with an intense expression.

  Elianna's brows furrowed. "What is it?" She looked at her mother, and her mother looked surprised as well.

  Lucian looked at Katarina, who met his gaze, and they shared a look.

  Elianna looked between her parents, "What?"

  Lucian adjusted on his feet as he cleared his throat, "Elianna, there is something I need to tell you."

  Elianna blinked, feeling a little nervous, "W-What?"

  Lucian took a breath, "You see—"

  "We decided you can go with Nicholas during his field training," Katarina smiled.

  Elianna's head whipped to her mother, "What?!" Excitement filled her eyes, "Really?"

  Katarina smiled and nodded, "Yep."

  "Thank you!" Elianna chirped as she lunged forward, taking her mother into a hug.

  Katarina smiled and chuckled, "You're welcome, sweetie. Of course, your father and I have some stipulations, but we can go over that later."

  Elianna nodded as they broke the hug, "Okay!" Elianna looked at her father, "Thanks, Dad!"

  Lucian blinked at his wife, who shot him a look. Lucian then smiled at his daughter, "You're welcome."

  "In regard to the dreams," Katarina began. "Don't worry about that, okay. Just focus on having fun with Nicholas during the training."

  Elianna nodded happily, "I will."

  "Good," Katarina said as she got up from the bed. She walked over to the vanity and placed the brush down. She looked back at her daughter, "Now, are you sure you don't want me to stay with you?"

  Elianna took a breath and nodded, "Yeah, I'll be fine."

  Katarina stared at her daughter for a moment before smiling and nodding. "Okay." She walked over to Elianna and placed a small, loving kiss on her forehead. "See you tomorrow. Your father and I will be staying down the hall."

  Elianna nodded and looked at her father as he approached, giving her a tight hug.

  "Goodnight, little one," Lucian said as he broke the hug.

  "Goodnight, Mom, Dad," Elianna said, as the two of them approached the door.

  Katarina gave her daughter one more smile before she followed her husband out, closing the door behind them. She sighed as she began to follow Lucian down the hall, with some assigned guards following.

  Lucian looked at Katarina, "Why did you stop me from telling her the truth. You've been pushing me to do so."

  Katarina sighed, "She's been through enough. She needs time to process this before we shove more information in her face."

  Lucian nodded, "Fair." He looked forward, "Are you going to your room?"

  "Yeah," Katarina said, then looked at Lucian. "Are you going to meet Gaelin?"

  Lucian's expression darkened, "Yes. I have some questions for the cultist."

  ***

  The darkness of her room and the silence were drowning as Elianna lay there in her bed. She stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep, as every time she closed her eyes, images of the cultist surfaced. She turned on her side, before turning again, and again, unable to get comfortable or settle her mind. She was beginning to regret not asking her mother to stay, as she didn't want to be alone.

  Finally, Elianna pushed the covers off her and got out of bed. She walked over to the door and exited into the hall, where the guards standing by snapped to attention. She looked down the hall toward her parents' room, but instead of heading toward it, she walked across the hall.

  Without bothering to knock, Elianna opened Nicholas' door and peered inside. Her brows rose as she saw Nicholas sitting in his bed with his lamp on, drawing in his sketchbook.

  Nicholas looked in her direction, surprised. "Lia?"

  Elianna smiled softly as she walked in, closing the door behind her, "Hey."

  Nicholas looked at her for a moment before he sighed, "Can't sleep?" She shook her head. "Me neither."

  Elianna looked to the side, suddenly feeling nervous, "Would it be okay if I stayed here for the night?"

  Nicholas blinked, a rosy tint slowly forming on his cheeks, "Y-Yeah." He closed his sketchbook, "Of course."

  Elianna smiled as she walked over to Nicholas' bed. Nicholas placed his sketchbook onto the nightstand before pushing the sheets down. Elianna lay down, covering herself with the sheets. She watched as Nicholas turned off the lumous stone to the lamp, before lying down beside her.

  "You okay?" Nicholas whispered.

  Elianna shuffled closer, snuggling up to Nicholas. She smiled slightly, feeling his comforting warmth seep into her, "I just didn't want to be alone."

  Nicholas swallowed hard before wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. "Well, you can always stay with me."

  Elianna smiled and nodded before she and Nicholas closed their eyes and slowly fell asleep beside each other.

  ***

  "What the fuck happened?!" Gaelin seethed, standing beside Lucian.

  Lucian's jaw was clenched, his eyes darting around at the scene before him. Knights and mages were quickly moving around as the entire right wing of the prison was engulfed in fire. Smoke rose high into the sky, with the heat from the flames washing over him like an oven.

  "We're not sure," The lieutenant coughed, soot covering their face. "There was a series of mana fluctuations from the right wing before everything exploded. We can't find anyone who was stationed there."

  "Hurry!!" A knight near the fire was yelling. "All water magic users to the front!"

  Lucian looked at the lieutenant, "What about the cultist?"

  The lieutenant shook their head, "U-Unknown, sir."

  Gaelin looked at Lucian, "You thinking what I'm thinking?

  Lucian's jaw clenched as he stared at the burning prison, "Only one way to find out." He looked at Gaelin, "The cultist was in the cell, ninety-five?"

  Gaelin nodded, "Correct."

  Looking forward, Lucian nodded, "Let's see if he's still there."

  Lucian coated himself in a mana guard and water magic. He burst forward at blinding speed, heading directly toward the prison. Reaching the flames, the water around him burst out, rotating and flowing around the structure. Lucian dashed forward through a hole in the wall, his water magic reaching out and flowing as he moved through the prison, extinguishing the flames as he went. He traveled at blinding speed, steam flowing through the air as the flames died out around him.

  Finally, he reached his destination and slammed his fist to the ground. The water magic exploded, spreading in all directions and extinguishing the flames. Once the light from the flames died out, Lucian canceled his hold on the water magic, letting it fall to the ground, with steam all around him. Getting to his feet, Lucian clasped his hands together, and wind magic coated him before bursting out, blowing the steam away.

  Once the fire and steam were gone, Lucian lowered his hands and took a breath, smelling the scent of burst flesh and wood. He looked at the cell before him, seeing five charred bodies lying on the ground in front of the door. He kicked the door to the holding cell open, and his eyes narrowed on the charred walls. He stepped inside, hearing footsteps behind him.

  "Impressive," Gaelin said, stepping toward the cell. He looked down at the bodies outside the cell, "I had some fine men guarding this cell. They were strong and skilled, too."

  Lucian's eyes scanned the room, and his fists clenched, "No body. The cultist is gone."

  Gaelin took a deep breath and stepped into the cell. "So, the cult did come for him."

  Lucian nodded, then looked at Gaelin, "I've already contacted Raina. She's approved Tri-Union soldiers to assist; they'll be here soon."

  "Good, we'll need them," Gaelin said, looking around. He looked at Lucian intently, "Who knows what they'll do next."