Keiran's cold gaze locked onto Felicia, his face an unreadable mask. The dim light did nothing to soften his sharp features, his expression as rigid as if it were carved from stone. He did not speak, did not move—he merely observed, letting her words hang in the air between them.
Felicia, undeterred by his silence, straightened her back, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.
Her voice was steady, but there was an undeniable fervor in it. "It has always been my dream to meet and fight alongside a hero." Her deep black eyes held a flicker of something resolute, something unshaken. "All my life, my brother has been the closest thing to what I can call a hero. He was strong, determined, and unyielding in his beliefs. But now, a real hero has emerged—you." She took a step closer, her gaze unwavering. "I want to fight with you and join you in your battle to drive away the darkness."
Keiran remained silent for a moment, weighing her words. His piercing eyes scrutinized her, as if peeling away every layer of her resolve, searching for weakness, for hesitation. Then, finally, he spoke, his tone even and commanding.
"Being my subordinate is not a simple matter." His voice was devoid of warmth, firm as steel. "Once you swear your allegiance to me, your loyalty will no longer belong to Harheim. It will be mine and mine alone."
Felicia inhaled sharply, but she did not falter. She had expected as much. She had come to this decision knowing the cost. She nodded, determination etched into her features. "I understand," she said, her voice unwavering.
Keiran studied her for a long moment before giving a single nod. There was no need for further words—her conviction had been laid bare.
Keiran took a step forward, his boots pressing into the soft earth beneath him. His sharp gaze remained locked onto Felicia, his expression unreadable yet heavy with authority. The wind carried a faint rustling of leaves, but it did nothing to waver his presence.
"Are you willing to accept such a term for the sake of your dream of fighting side by side with a hero?" Keiran's voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight, a challenge woven into his words.
Felicia knelt before him, her long crimson dress pooling around her, the fabric shimmering under the moonlight that filtered through the trees.
Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her delicate yet determined face. Despite the cool night air, her skin felt warm, her heart pounding against her ribs as she raised her chin to meet his gaze.
"My loyalty is yours," she declared, her voice steady yet filled with conviction. "My soul, my body... You can use me as you see fit. I will forever follow you and obey your every command without a second thought. This is my pledge of loyalty."
Keiran did not hesitate. Raising his hand, he activated Sovereign's Edict, the ancient power crackling to life around him. The air shimmered as an invisible force wrapped itself around Felicia, binding her fate to his. A brilliant light erupted from within her, illuminating the shadows of the night.
Felicia's entire body pulsed with a radiant glow, her breath hitching as the energy coursed through her veins.
It was not pain she felt—it was exhilaration. A deep warmth spread through her chest, an overwhelming sense of fulfillment settling into her very being.
She smiled, wide and unrestrained, her eyes glistening with happiness. She was no longer alone. She was his, and nothing in the world could make her waver.
Keiran's voice was firm yet composed as he declared, "Rise, Felicia Harheim. My new subordinate."
Extending his hand toward her, his sharp gaze remained steady, assessing the woman before him.
Felicia, still on one knee, felt a rush of emotions surge through her—relief, gratitude, and a newfound sense of purpose.
Without hesitation, she reached out and placed her hand in his. His grip was strong and assured as he pulled her to her feet with effortless ease.
As she straightened her posture, her eyes met Keiran's, filled with admiration and unwavering loyalty. This was the moment she had longed for—the recognition of her worth, the acknowledgment of her abilities.
Keiran gave a small nod and said, "I am looking forward to working with you."
The weight of his words settled within her, solidifying her resolve.
However, when he released her hand, a flicker of disappointment crossed her face.
The warmth of his touch was gone, leaving behind a lingering emptiness she dared not voice. Instead, she merely clenched her fingers slightly, as if holding onto the brief connection they had shared.
Coming from the light of the settlement, Ihalot emerged from the dense foliage, his hooves pressing into the damp earth as he pushed aside a low-hanging branch.
The glow from the settlement behind him cast long shadows on the ground, flickering with the movement of torches and lanterns.
Ihalot's lips curved into a smile as he strode forward. "Oh, there you are, my lord. I have been looking for you."
Keiran turned slightly, his expression unreadable. He exhaled, shifting his weight before giving a casual shrug. "I know," he replied simply. "I am going to do my paperwork now."
Ihalot let out a hearty laugh, his shoulders shaking. He lifted a hand and scratched the back of his head, his fingers brushing through his slightly unkempt hair. "Of course, my lord. Always the diligent one."
A soft giggle escaped Felicia as she observed the exchange. Her eyes twinkled with amusement, her posture relaxed. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a smile as she watched the two men banter.
•••••
Morning had come, and the army of Casimiro began their march towards the open space of the capital. The rhythmic clanking of armor and the synchronized steps of soldiers filled the air as they advanced with unwavering determination.
Their banners fluttered in the wind, displaying the sigil of Casimiro, a symbol of strength and heroism.
On the cobblestone road, lionkin warriors stood tall, their golden fur gleaming under the morning light. Their muscular frames, adorned with intricately designed armor, exuded raw power. Their feline eyes burned with a warrior's spirit, their sharp claws gripping their weapons tightly.
Alongside them, cervitaur warriors maintained a composed and vigilant stance. Their antlers rose high, their equine lower halves shifting slightly as they adjusted their footing.
While his army prepared for battle, Keiran stood near the camp, facing Ismael and Cecily. The three stood in a moment of quiet amidst the rising tension, knowing that their paths were about to diverge once again.
Ismael crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. His expression was a mix of concern and exasperation as he spoke. "You just won a war, and you're already joining another one?" His voice carried a hint of disbelief, though it was laced with familiarity.
Keiran met his gaze with steady resolve. "It is my duty," he said simply, his voice firm.
He had no hesitation, no second thoughts. This was the path he had chosen, and there was no turning back.
Cecily let out a soft chuckle. Her hair swayed gently as she smiled at Keiran. "You should visit Harheim again sometime," she said warmly. "You'd love the scenery of peaceful Harheim once you visit again."
Keiran gave a small nod. "I will," he said.
Ismael looked at Felicia, who was standing behind Keiran. His gaze lingered on her, taking in the sight of his younger sister in a completely different appearance than he was used to.
Felicia was no longer wearing a dress. Instead, she was clad in Casimiro armor, the polished plates reflecting the light. The insignia of two mountains and a crowned sun was proudly displayed on her shoulder plating, marking her as one of Keiran's warriors.
A soft smile appeared on Ismael's face as he addressed her. "Our father warned me about you suddenly swearing allegiance to Lord Keiran," he said. "And here you are, becoming one of his subordinates."
Felicia returned his smile, her eyes brimming with determination. "This is always my dream," she said, her voice unwavering.
"I know," Ismael replied, his expression gentle. "That's the reason why I tried my best to be the hero of your dreams. I failed, but luckily for me, a real hero took my place and made your dream into reality."
Felicia shook her head, her gaze filled with unwavering respect. "You never failed to be a hero," she said firmly. "You are a hero. The hero of the Harengons and all of Harheim. And that will never change."
Emotion swelled in Ismael's chest. He stepped forward and embraced Felicia, pulling her close. She wrapped her arms around him without hesitation. A moment later, Cecily joined them, encircling both her siblings in a warm embrace.
Felicia had chosen her path, her destiny, and her siblings accepted it wholeheartedly. No matter where they stood, their bond remained unbroken.
After sharing one last moment together, Ismael and Cecily stepped back. With a final glance at Felicia, they turned and departed, making their way toward Harheim, leaving their sister behind to walk the path she had always dreamed of.