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Chapter 52 – A Kingdom Left Behind
The sun barely rose over the horizon when the courtyard of Asher's estate filled with the subtle tension of parting. Armored soldiers lined the stone paths, their polished blades gleaming and glowed like morning frost. The noble banners fluttered in the cold breeze, and among them stood familiar faces—each one marked by loyalty, worry, or silent farewell.
Asher adjusted his long black coat, his silver shoulder guards freshly polished, his sword strapped tightly to his back. His eyes scanned the crowd of his inner circle.
Princess Lily stood closest to the exit gates, dressed regally yet practical, her piercing eyes never leaving Asher's. Next to her was Darian, wheeled in by a maid, the proud minister now a silent shadow of his former self. His legs were still paralyzed from the last battle, but his mind—Asher knew—remained as sharp as any blade.
Talon, his smirk ever-present, leaned against a pillar. Garek stood behind him, arms crossed, eyes watchful. The Queen, graceful and stoic, stood beside Fin's brother, Tony, who fidgeted with uncertainty. And then there was Lyria, holding close to her chest the egg that radiate a warm glowing energy , as if it emits light when ever it glows.
Asher's voice broke the silence. Strong. Clear. Authoritative.
"I won't sugarcoat this," he began. "I'm being sent on a suicide mission to retrieve Magical Power Stones from the Vampire Continent. But instead of dying, I intend to bring something back that will change the balance of power."
The courtyard remained silent, everyone listening intently.
"I'll be taking Fin and Selena with me," he announced, placing a hand on Fin's shoulder. "Selena for her intellect and political knowledge. Fin for his unique power and knowledge of ancient relics. The rest of you will stay here."
There were a few shocked looks.
Asher turned to Darian, who raised an eyebrow.
"Darian," Asher said, "you're in charge of the territory in my absence. Despite your condition, your brain is unmatched. But…"
He paused.
"…if I find any opportunity of healing I will do everything in my power to make get it."
Darian didn't flinch. He gave the ghost of a smirk. "Expected."
Asher's gaze shifted to Lily.
"Princess."
She perked up, her golden hair catching the morning light. "If you think I'm going to sit here while you—"
"No," Asher interrupted, stepping closer. "I need you here. And not just to sit around and pout. You've studied military law, economics, trade routes. You've been raised in royal halls and trained in manipulation. Use that."
He leaned in.
"If the people see you leading in my absence… if they see a royal figure working with Darian and the Queen… the enemy will hesitate. You're not just a spoiled noble anymore, Lily. Be the woman I know you are."
Princess Lily flushed—equal parts pride and frustration—but she nodded.
Next, Tony stepped forward, nearly stumbling over his own feet.
"I want to go with you," he said, trying not to sound like a pleading child. "I can fight. I can—"
"No."
Asher's voice was final.
Tony opened his mouth again but was quickly silenced by Asher raising his hand.
"You want to help me? Prove your worth. The mission isn't the only battlefield. While I'm away, The Prince, Lysar and the other nobles will try to sabotage this place. Protect it. Protect the Queen. Protect Lily. That's how you serve me."
" I don't plan to stay here for too long and I plan to go back to my father's territory" The queen whispered to Asher while Tony lowered his head. But after a moment, he nodded.
Asher turned back to all of them.
"Lysar and the prince will make their move while I'm gone. Maybe assassination, maybe political sabotage. That's why I'm leaving you with this—"
He held up a glowing communication stone, pulsing with a faint violet light.
"Use this to report everything. Don't let a single rumor go unnoticed. Keep me updated daily."
They all nodded.
Then, slowly, Asher approached Selena.
She stood silently, straight hair flowing, her eyes softer than usual. There was a storm behind them—a hint of resistance, like she wasn't fully herself.
Asher knew why. And yet, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"We leave now," he said.
Selena gave a slow nod.
Fin approached, his black leather armor sleek and custom-fitted, a thin relic blade strapped to his back. His expression was unreadable, but his fingers twitched slightly—an unconscious habit when nervous.
Asher turned, and without another word, the three of them walked to the awaiting courageous carriage—a military-grade, enchantment-lined vehicle pulled by iron-horned wyverns.
As they boarded, The Queen called out one last time, her voice breaking just a little. "Don't die, you arrogant bastard!"
Asher didn't turn back.
"I don't plan to."
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The Journey Begins
Hours passed.
The road to the coast was long and winding. Their carriage moved fast, crossing fields and forests, passing neutral territories and outposts under different flags.
Inside, Fin sat beside a window, gazing silently at the passing trees. Selena sat across from Asher, her hands folded on her lap.
The silence inside the carriage was heavy.
Asher finally broke it.
"We'll be crossing into neutral waters by nightfall. Once we arrive, the other nobles will join us. Until then…"
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small vial—clear, with glowing blue liquid swirling within.
"…we need information."
Fin blinked. "What's that?"
"A Dreaming Elixir," Asher explained. "I made it myself. Enhances your consciousness in sleep. It can allow you to make contact with other layers of existence. Specifically…"
He looked at Fin.
"…the Order of Existence."
Selena leaned forward, eyebrows raised.
"You know about that ancient cult?"
Asher didn't answer.
Instead, he handed the vial to Fin.
"You hesitated before, but now you don't have a choice. Drink it. Find out what they know."
Fin looked between him and the vial. She gritted her teeth. "I don't like magic messing with my mind."
"It's not magic," he said softly. "It's knowledge."
That convinced her.
Fin took the vial, popped the top, and downed the liquid in one gulp. Her eyes widened briefly, then she slumped against the side of the carriage.
Selena stood to help, but Asher held her back. "She's fine. Let it take her."
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The Order of Existence
Fin's eyes snapped open.
But she wasn't in the carriage.
She stood in the middle of a circular platform floating above a vast void. Stars blinked beneath her feet like lights in a submerged galaxy.
Around her, seven hooded figures stood in a circle. Their faces were obscured by shadow, but she could feel their minds pressing against her own.
"You are late," said one voice. Male. Old. Tired.
"She is untrained," said another. Female. Crisp and cold.
"Still, she has potential," said a third, neither male nor female. "She holds a blade once kissed by relic-blood."
Fin reached for her sword, but it wasn't at her side.
"Where—"
"You are not here in flesh," one explained. "This is the Mind Layer. Your soul is speaking."
Fin swallowed hard. "What do you want from me?"
"We want nothing," they said in unison. "But your master seeks answers. And answers have cost."
"What cost?"
"Trust. Sacrifice. Willingness to accept the truth."
Another figure stepped forward.
"You seek knowledge about the Vampire Continent. About Power Stones. About ancient relics."
Fin nodded.
"Then you must first understand: Vampires were not born. They were made. The first vampires were humans who stole power from the dead gods."
She stiffened.
"They drank from the Fountain of Decay, a relic older than even the fairies' creation. That fountain still exists—hidden beneath the Scarlet Spires in the vampire capital."
Fin absorbed the information, her instincts sharpening. "So… the Power Stones…"
"…are fragments of that fountain's guardians," the Order finished. "Slain. Broken. Their bones became conduits of blood magic."
Before she could ask more, the figures began to blur. Their forms warped as if dissolving into water.
"Wait!" Fin shouted. "What about Lysar? What about Selena?"
The oldest voice whispered in her ear.
"Lysar is not a man. He is a vessel. And the parasite inside him is awakening."
Then darkness.
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Return to Reality
Fin gasped as she woke in the carriage, sweat pouring from her forehead.
Selena leaned forward. "Are you okay?!"
Asher knelt beside her, his hand already checking her pulse.
"I saw them," Fin muttered. "The Order. The Power Stones. The vampires… they were never meant to exist."
She looked up, eyes wide.
"And Lysar… he's not just dangerous. He's unnatural."
Asher stood, eyes narrowing.
"Then we're right on time."
The carriage rattled as it passed into vampire territory. The sun dimmed. The skies turned red. And shadows grew longer with every mile.
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