LOGINThe public execution grounds had not been used in years.
At dawn, the vast stone plaza of the capital city was already filled with people. Nobles stood beside commoners. Warriors in full armor lined the perimeter, their grim expressions.
Whispers spread through the crowd like a restless current, heavy with anticipation and unease. Everyo
Riela’s recovery went smoothly, and as soon as she was well enough, Gavriel asked Prophet Elior to explain everything that had happened to her.Today, Althea visited Riela for tea on the palace balcony on the palace’s second floor that faced the forest on the west side. One of the reasons she had come was because she still occasionally noticed foul spirits lingering outside Riela’s bedchamber. Fortunately, none of them could get near her anymore because Riela had been assigned a guardian angel of her own.“How are you feeling?” Althea asked.Riela had remained weak for three days after waking up. During that time, Lord Arturo had barely left her side, personally taking care of her.“I’m feeling much better now. It’s just that…” Riela hesitated as her gaze drifted toward the far side of the balcony.Althea followed her line of sight and immediately frowned.Standing in that exact spot was the guardian angel who had been watching over Riela.‘Could it be that she can see him?’ Althea w
Arturo never left Riela’s side.He personally took care of her and would often fall asleep while sitting beside her bed, his head resting against the mattress as he kept watch over her.The Queen Mother let out a soft sigh before quietly leaving the room and gently closing the door behind her.“If you want, I can talk to him,” Marius offered. He had been waiting outside for Wilma, leaning against the wall.Wilma gave him a faint smile and shook her head.“Let him be. He’s just worried.” Her gaze softened. “And honestly, I appreciate it. It’s comforting to see someone so devoted and sincere toward my daughter.”She paused before continuing,“Riela has been through so much. But I’m glad things are finally going to be alright for her. She has someone whose feelings for her are genuine. I can only hope and pray that she wakes up soon.”Marius sighed before stepping closer and draping an arm around her shoulders.The moment he did, Wilma finally let go of the emotions she had been holding
Everyone panicked when a servant suddenly arrived and reported that the King had collapsed unconscious.Althea had no choice but to explain everything to them.“What are you saying?” the Queen Mother exclaimed in disbelief. “We already lost our wolves, and now you’re telling us there’s a spiritual realm invisible to our eyes? That my son has been fighting demons there? And Riela just underwent a deliverance where a demon was cast out of her?”She paused before adding, “And the admiral was knocked unconscious so he wouldn’t interfere?”The Queen Mother had practically summarized Althea’s entire explanation herself.“I know this is a lot to take in,” Althea said gently. “But rest assured, Lord Arturo will wake up soon.”“And what about your sister-in-law?” the Queen Mother pressed further.Althea failed to answer immediately.Because she knew very well that Riela would not wake up anytime soon.“It may take some time, Mother…” Althea answered softly. “It depends on Riela herself…”“What
Althea quickly stepped in before the butler could answer.“Mother, Gavriel already went to call them personally. They may take a little longer since we arrived with a guest, and they likely stopped for a brief conversation in the garden. He sent me ahead so no one would worry. We can begin dinner while waiting for them.”“Oh, alright then,” the Queen Mother hummed in understanding.Althea quickly took her seat.She could only hope Gavriel would finish everything as quickly as possible. Still, she felt reassured knowing Prophet Elior was with him.Though deep inside, she also couldn’t help missing the sight of her husband fighti
Gavriel and Althea happened to meet Prophet Elior on their way to Ward Manor, so Gavriel invited the older man to join them for dinner since the manor was along the way anyway.“It’s so nice to see you again,” Althea said with a warm smile while they sat inside the carriage. “How long are you planning to stay in our kingdom? Can you stay longer?” she asked enthusiastically. She genuinely wanted to learn more from him and hoped he would remain for a while.She already had his written guides and scriptures, but it felt different having Prophet Elior personally there to teach and guide them.The prophet chuckled softly. “Yes, I will be staying longer. His Majesty also requested it. He wants me to oversee the Spiritual Elite Guards that he recently formed.”Althea nodded excitedly.Soon, their carriage came to a stop as they arrived at Ward Manor.The moment they stepped inside, Althea suddenly felt something unsettling.“What’s wrong?” Gavriel asked when, instead of following the butle
Riela was smiling brightly as she watched Beatrice and Uriel together. Beatrice was clearly in cloud nine, her smile radiant and full of happiness. The two of them walked hand in hand as they left first, heading to Ward Manor to have dinner with Minister Marius and formally ask for Beatrice’s hand.“Women in love bloom like flowers. It’s so refreshing to watch,” she heard her mother say from behind.Riela smiled and gently took her mother’s arm, hugging it affectionately. “Indeed. I’m so glad Beatrice and Uriel ended up together like this. They look really good together,” she seconded with a bright smile.“Let’s head out as well,” she added, leading her mother toward their carriage. Her mother had represented Uriel in place of his parents, who had both passed away long ago in battle.Uriel had practically grown up under their household, alongside Riela and Gavriel, under their mother’s care.So they decided to accompany him, even personally helping him choose gifts for the Ward hous
Candice threw her hands up. “A cursed little crystal that can pierce veils, hide in plain sight, and connect two beings across distances without leaving magical traces. No spell can’t intercept something like that.”Osman’s eyes darkened. “Meaning Zander can talk to her whenever he wants through th
Althea bit the inside of her cheek, trying to steady the wave rising in her chest. Seeing the familiar handwriting of her mother, warmth washed through her so suddenly it almost hurt.Zander gently lifted another stack of manuscripts — thicker, older, bound in deep blue paper marked with the Ivanov
Candice stood a few steps inside the chamber, her hands clasped in front of her as if she needed to keep herself from shaking. Althea could feel Gavriel’s arm still locked around her waist, as if even this moment required him to keep her close.Candice took a deep breath before she continued, “My f
There was silence in the room, broken only by the faint glow pulsing from the shard. Althea focused, channeling her energy into it just as her mother had taught her when she was young. She felt grateful that those memories were still so clear — every gesture, every whispered instruction.Moments l







