MARIA VOLKSLOVA
As I wandered through the camp, one thing became painfully clear—these soldiers were preparing for war. The air buzzed with urgency, the clanking of armor and weapons mixing with murmured conversations. Yet amid the organized chaos, one figure stood idle, a stark contrast to the movement around him.
I recognized him immediately.
"M-Mr. Utah?" My voice betrayed my surprise.
The man before me shared the same piercing crimson eyes as my classmate, Uriel. Though I had always been aware of Boltaire's secret connection to my father, I never expected to meet Mr. Utah directly—a man who served not only in the national army but also as a double agent.
He inclined his head in a respectful bow. "Miss Volkslova. An honor to finally make your acquaintance."
I waved him off with an awkward smile, unsure how to respond to such formality.
Utah continued, his tone businesslike. "Lord Vestiron is tending to the soldiers. The bandits have put up a harsher resistance than anticipated."
I exhaled, rolling my shoulders. "Bandits. Why attack us at all? It was an unnecessary gambit."
His expression shifted, a wry smile curling his lips. "The Eukaphrotes. They're the ones behind this."
A chill ran down my spine.
"It wasn't about capturing you. Or Agrievious." His voice darkened. "It was about sending a message."
I crossed my arms, locking eyes with him. "A message about what?"
Utah's tone grew almost theatrical, as if narrating a grim fable. "War. They're making their intentions clear." He paused, watching me carefully. "But the real question is: why? Why would the Eukaphrotians wage war against us?"
I sighed, frustration creeping into my voice. "What do they hope to gain? Is this just greed, or is there something deeper?"
His expression hardened. "I'd say the latter. They're seizing an opportunity. With our forces already stretched thin dealing with the rebels, they intend to take control of the situation before we can react."
I clenched my fists. "Their Monarch…" I hesitated before continuing, my voice quieter now. "He's a half-diviner, isn't he?"
Utah raised a brow, clearly impressed. "You've done your homework."
"Not me," I admitted. "It was my father."
Mr. Utah scoffed before bowing slightly. "And he's here."
I turned without hesitation.
For the first time in a week, I saw my father.
The past seven days had felt like an eternity, locked away in quarantine, isolated from everything familiar. The moment my eyes landed on him, my composure wavered. My mouth twitched, my nose stung with the threat of tears. Without thinking, without caring who was watching, I jumped to him with my arms wide.
He caught me in a firm embrace, his arms strong yet weary. "Maria," he murmured, his voice gentle, as if I were still a child. "It's going to be alright. I'm here."
I wanted to speak—to demand answers, to ask the questions that had tormented me in solitude. But the words lodged in my throat. Instead, I held onto him tighter, afraid to let go. Afraid that if I did, he might disappear.
When I finally pulled back, I took a good look at him. His sharp features, once unwavering and proud, were dulled by exhaustion. Fatigue weighed on his shoulders, and yet—his presence remained unshaken. He was different now. Not just a father, but a leader among the fallen.
His gaze shifted forward, landing on Mr. Utah, who had been waiting in silent patience.
"Where is Agrievious?" my father asked.
Mr. Utah inclined his head. "In the dungeons. With your student, of course."
At last, I found my voice. "Just who is Agrievious, Father? Is he only a situational ally, or does he have ulterior motives?" I hesitated, then added, "You would know. You're one of the Seers."
He exhaled, his expression unreadable. "He's the leader of an allied organization. Their roots trace back to Eukaphrote. They rebelled against their own nation, just as we have. Our interests align… for now."
Utah wasted no time, stepping forward. "Lord Vestiron, it's high time we meet the Eukaphrotian soldier. He may be the one you've been searching for."
"Alright."
And just like that, my father turned and walked away.
I clenched my fists, watching his retreating figure, a familiar ache spreading in my chest. I understood his role. I understood his duty. But understanding didn't ease the loneliness.
I hadn't even realized I was pouting until he glanced back at me with a soft chuckle.
"Join us, Maria," he said, waving me over. "This is important for you too."
My heart lifted. My face brightened. Without hesitation, I ran to catch up.
Together, the three of us marched forward.