"Is that you, Kieran?" Serena repeated her question. The strong wind tousled her soft, black hair.For a moment, Kieran couldn't find words. He returned Serena's gaze, looking at her for quite some time. Then, he glanced down at his heavy shopping basket. Somehow, he didn't want Serena to know about him. He just didn't want the girl to know him too well. Because after the issues in Rainvale, if Kieran was fortunate enough to survive the impending attack, he might have to travel to another place. Keep traveling until his steps led him back to Umbravale as the savior. He was just a small particle in Serena Swiftwind's life."Oh, goodness," Serena sighed in frustration. The girl stood with her hands on her hips, annoyed. "I know you're a shy guy, but you have to tell the people of Umbravale who you really are! I feel sorry for those who keep hoping for the Nyxshade descendant to come and save them. We don't even know where that child is, right?"Kieran blinked. Serena misunderstood. "Ser
As Serena's sea-colored eyes stared at him, Kieran could feel sadness and disappointment mingling there. He swallowed. "It's okay, right?" he asked softly.Serena placed her car keys down and drew her knees to her chest. "I don't have any problem if you come along," Serena said. "But the problem lies with you. You said you're a fugitive, right? They could catch you."Kieran had been thinking about it since he left Valorthorn. Making him swear not to return there anytime soon. But circumstances were different now. "It's not a problem," Kieran said. Besides, he now knew how to use the revenant's power. He could protect himself. "Besides, you're right. We need crucial information on when and how Dravon will attack. I don't even know with who he'll do it with."They locked eyes for a moment, and suddenly Kieran felt Serena was too far. Even so, they shouldn't get any closer. He quickly stood from the single bed and walked to the door. "Arlo and I have cooked. Let's have lunch together," h
Two years ago."Your academic achievements last year surpassed all the schools in the Varidianth kingdom, Kieran. I hope this year you continue to maintain your brilliant performance." After saying that, the headmaster smiled warmly and politely at Kieran, without a word of thanks or congratulations, as if it was only natural and deserved that Kieran achieved the highest rank in Varidianth. However, Kieran was already accustomed to the burden of expectations and others' confidence in him."Of course, Prof," Kieran said. He stood up and shook hands with the headmaster, then carried away a box adorned with golden velvet layers given by the Varidianth kingdom.As Kieran stepped out of the headmaster's office, he paused in the corridor, gazing out of the window. The sky was bright blue with a few clouds, and distant cheerful sounds of students playing ball or basking in the sun could be faintly heard. It was such a pleasant atmosphere. However, why did Kieran feel nothing?He bowed his he
"Ouch!" Kieran exclaimed as Serena's scissors pierced his skin. His hand reflexively held the girl's hand in the air, and glanced at her in surprise from the mirror. He could feel his skin trying to regen with massive force without Serena knowing."Did I hurt you?" Serena gasped and examined Kieran's scalp. But after examining for a while she did not find any wounds there. "Oh my, hold it in a bit!""I seriously doubt your ability to cut hair," Kieran grumbled. He was about to reach for the milkshake on the dressing table, but Serena had already turned his chair so that Kieran was facing her. Suddenly the girl leaned very close to him, and pressed something over his lips. Something that Kieran realized was a fake mustache from his reflection in Serena's sea-colored eyes."Gosh when did you buy this fake mustache?" asked Kieran, failing to hide his surprise."I bought it when I was buying a milkshake," Serena replied casually. "It's so hard to find milkshakes in this town that Arlo and
On the grounds of Nyxshade's abandoned family manor, Will dismounted from his carriage. He jerked the toe of his boot on the gravel road for a moment, feeling the texture was slightly different. That meant there had been a recent battle between Grand Duke Silverlake and the palace knights who attacked him.Three knights wielding magic swords and magic arrows also dismounted from their horses and stood behind Will. "Master Will, we will inspect the manor first before you enter it," said one of the knights in a firm tone that Will could not argue with. After all, it was Will's father, the Duke of Zephyr, they were obeying.Will simply nodded. While his family's knight stormed into the empty manor, Will leaned against the body of his carriage. He looked up at the overcast sky as he played with the air around his wave-colored hair. He suddenly remembered how Dravon had banged on his bedroom door a few days ago. At that time, all Will could think about was how he could pull himself togethe
"Arlo, did you understand what I said earlier?"Kieran who was fixing his bow tie grinned at Arlo's frown. The boy was lying on the single-bed, looking dissatisfied with the snacks and magazines he had."Arlo!" Serena called out to the boy in exasperation. Kieran noticed that a pinch of her hair had escaped from its neat bun, so that it fell softly over the latte-colored off-shoulder dress she was wearing, right in the hollow of her shoulder."Oh my! Fine! I'll stay in the room while you and Kieran go to the ball!" Arlo blurted out with a huff. The boy now looked genuinely hurt. "I'll stay in, trying to eat these chips until I'm bored to death.""You have children's magazines, Arlo!" Serena retorted fiercely."And it was printed in Valorthorn!" Arlo exclaimed angrily. "Printed in Valorthorn and in black and white too!""Then what do you really want?!" Serena caught her breath with difficulty. Kieran who had just finished putting on his shoes also sat facing Arlo. The little boy bit hi
Tonight, Vikrant realized the night sky was as dark as raven feathers. In the distance, lightning crackled, casting a beautiful streak of white across the canvas of the sky. Vikrant smiled at the pile of documents and proposals awaiting his approval, his tongue craving the taste of rich wine on his palate.Vikrant snapped his fingers, and a loyal servant emerged from the door behind his desk. "Do you need something, Your Highness?""I want to know what that boy is up to," he said. His throat growing thirstier, Vikrant was eager to finish his daily tasks and retire to his study for relaxation."Prince Dravon is attending a ball he organized himself, Your Highness," the servant replied calmly."A ball?" Vikrant blinked cynically. "What sort of ball is not planned for weeks and doesn't seek my approval beforehand?""This ball is fully endorsed by the King, Your Highness," the servant explained. "To welcome the arrival of Earl Swiftwind's daughter from the land of Varidianth."Vikrant fur
Ten minutes earlier."So..." Kieran awkwardly stepped back as an unfamiliar noblewoman approached him out of the blue. She was wearing a sunset-colored gown with a silk shawl trailing from her shoulders to the floor. A dress that Kieran thought was entirely unsuitable for a royal dance party. "Are you from the kingdom of Varidianth?"Kieran winced. "I was raised in Valorus," he replied with a weighted tone. Kieran took a sip of champagne to ease his nerves. Just a second ago, Kieran remembered seeing Serena and Dravon dancing in the middle of the ballroom. But the next moment, he found the two of them ascending the grand staircase, and Kieran couldn't guess where Dravon was taking Serena with him. "I suppose I'll go look for my fiancée, then."Kieran placed his still full champagne glass on the table, but the noble girl had already hugged his arms, causing Kieran to accidentally push his champagne glass until it toppled over and spilled onto the table."Excuse me, Lady," Kieran attemp