I wake up, tears staining my cheeks, their warmth quickly fading in the cold air of the unfamiliar room. My chest feels tight, as if the weight of that memory still lingers, pressing down on me like an invisible force.

  I try to move, but my body refuses. Every inch of me aches, the soreness locking me in place. All I can do is breathe—shallow, ragged breaths—as I stare blankly at the ceiling above me.

  The golden details shimmer faintly in the dim light, but they feel distant, meaningless. No matter how luxurious this place is, it can't erase the heaviness in my chest.

  I blink, and for a moment, I swear I can still see her—my mother, lying there, blood pooling beneath her, her voice fading yet so painfully clear in my mind.

  "Kelvin, don't blame yourself..."

  But how could I not?

  Even in this new world, even with all this strength, all this power—I was still powerless when it truly mattered. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, but the pain wasn't enough to drown out the voices in my head.

  "Maybe I didn't choose you, but you're not far from me..."

  The figure’s words echoed through my mind. I still didn’t understand what he meant. Who was he? Why was I chosen? If I even was chosen.

  Did I even deserve this second chance?

  I closed my eyes, but the darkness brought no comfort. Instead, it felt suffocating, pressing down on me like an unbearable weight. The echoes of my past still clung to me, refusing to let go.

  Then, a voice—soft, almost melodic—broke through the silence.

  "Hey… why are you crying?"

  The gentle tone startled me. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure if I had imagined it. But no, it was real. Someone was here.

  Who… is that?

  My eyes snapped open, adjusting to the dim light of the room. And then—I saw her.

  A girl sat beside me, watching me with quiet intensity. Long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the faint glow of the lanterns in the room. Her golden eyes shimmered like molten gold, calm yet piercing, as if they could see straight through me.

  I recognized her. The last thing I saw before losing consciousness… it was her.

  She didn't look concerned, nor did she seem surprised to find me crying. Instead, she simply observed, as though she had been waiting for me to wake up.

  I swallowed, my throat dry. "...Who are you?"

  She tilted her head slightly, a small, unreadable smile forming on her lips.

  "Ellianthriel Aurewyn," she said, her voice smooth, almost hypnotic. "But you can call me Lia."

  Ellianthriel… The name felt foreign yet familiar, like a distant memory just out of reach.

  I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my body, forcing me to wince. My muscles ached, a reminder of everything I had just been through. I barely even remembered how I ended up here.

  Lia reached out, pressing a gentle hand against my chest.

  "Don't push yourself," she murmured. "You're still healing."

  I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. My mind was clouded, lingering between the past and present. The weight of my mother’s final words, the voice of that figure, the choices laid before me—it was all too much.

  "...Why am I here?" I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

  Lia studied me for a long moment, her golden eyes searching mine. Then, with quiet certainty, she spoke.

  "Because I didn’t want you to die."

  Her words settled between us, absolute and unshakable.

  I frowned. "You… saved me?"

  A soft chuckle escaped her lips—not mocking, but almost affectionate.

  "Of course," she said, tilting her head. "Did you really think I’d just leave you there?"

  I didn't know how to respond.

  She shifted closer, her gaze unwavering. There was something unsettling about the way she looked at me—like she knew me better than I knew myself. And yet, it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was… grounding.

  "You were crying in your sleep," she said, voice softer now. "Even now, your eyes are swollen. You must have seen something painful."

  I clenched my jaw, turning my head away.

  "It’s none of your business."

  She didn’t flinch at my cold tone.

  "Maybe not," she admitted.

  I expected her to pry, to demand answers. But she didn’t. She simply sat there, waiting.

  And for some reason… that made something inside me waver.

  "...I saw my mother," I muttered.

  Lia didn’t react—not with shock, not with pity. She simply listened.

  "She died… a long time ago," I continued, swallowing hard. "But I keep seeing her. Over and over. I thought I had accepted it, but… I don’t know anymore."

  For the first time, something in Lia’s expression shifted. A flicker of sadness passed through her golden eyes.

  "Memories like that never fade," she said softly. "No matter how much time passes, the pain will always find a way back to you."

  I exhaled shakily, gripping the bedsheets beneath me. "Then what am I supposed to do?"

  Lia was quiet for a long moment. Then, finally, she said:

  "You keep going."

  Her words were simple, but they carried a weight that settled deep in my chest.

  "You don't run from it," she continued. "You don't try to erase it. You carry it with you. Because pain is proof that you lived, that they lived. And as long as you keep going, they never truly fade."

  I stared at her, something in my chest tightening.

  For some reason… I wanted to believe her.

  Silence stretched between us, heavy yet strangely comforting. Lia didn’t press me for more, didn’t drown me in empty reassurances. She just sat there, her golden eyes steady, waiting.

  I swallowed hard, forcing my breath to even out. The ache in my chest didn’t disappear, but it didn’t suffocate me as much as before.

  “…Why do you care?” I finally asked, my voice hoarse.

  Her expression didn’t change, but I noticed the slightest flicker of something in her gaze. Amusement? Sadness? Something else entirely?

  "Does there need to be a reason?" she asked lightly.

  I frowned. "Yes."

  She chuckled softly. "Then maybe I just like you."

  I blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

  Lia leaned forward slightly, resting her chin against her hand as she studied me. "You intrigue me, Kelvin. There’s something about you… something different. And I don’t like leaving things that interest me unattended."

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  I narrowed my eyes, shifting uncomfortably. "That makes me sound like some kind of experiment."

  She smiled—soft, knowing. "Maybe. Or maybe I just don’t like watching people destroy themselves."

  I inhaled sharply.

  She saw right through me.

  The suffocating thoughts that had followed me for so long—the doubt, the self-hatred, the guilt—they were all laid bare under her gaze.

  I looked away. "...I’m not trying to destroy myself."

  "Really?" Her voice was gentle but firm. "Then tell me… if I hadn’t found you, would you still be here?"

  I had no answer.

  Lia didn’t need one.

  She reached out, and before I could react, her fingers brushed against my cheek. It was a simple touch, yet it sent a strange warmth through me, as if I had been pulled back to the present.

  "You don’t have to answer," she murmured. "Not yet. Just think about it."

  I clenched my jaw, swallowing back the lump in my throat. I hated how easily she saw through me. Hated that she wasn’t wrong.

  "...Where are we?" I asked instead, forcing the conversation elsewhere.

  Lia pulled back slightly, giving me that same unreadable smile. "Somewhere safe."

  I scowled. "That doesn’t tell me anything."

  "Good," she said, leaning back. "Because I’m not planning to tell you just yet."

  I stared at her, irritation flickering through me. "You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"

  "A little."

  A tired sigh escaped me. "Great. I wake up injured, confused, and apparently kidnapped by a cryptic woman who finds my suffering amusing."

  Lia laughed, the sound unexpectedly light. "Kidnapped is a strong word. Rescued is more accurate."

  I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

  She only smiled, but there was something in her expression that I couldn’t quite decipher.

  "You’ll understand soon enough," she said simply.

  I frowned but didn’t press further. I was too exhausted to argue.

  Instead, I let my head fall back against the pillow, exhaling slowly. My body was still sore, my mind still clouded, but for the first time in a long time…

  I didn’t feel completely alone.

  Lia suddenly pointed at herself, a wide grin spreading across her face.

  Then, without warning, she burst into laughter. "Sorry—I couldn't hold it in!" she managed between laughs, her voice carrying an amused lilt.

  I blinked, confused. "What?"

  She wiped a stray tear from the corner of her eye, her laughter simmering down to a smirk. "Are you stupid or something?"

  I frowned. "Huh?"

  Lia leaned in slightly, resting her chin on her hand as she studied me with playful amusement. "Maybe you can’t hear well," she teased. "But can you repeat my name for me?"

  I hesitated but obliged. "Ellianthriel Aurewyn."

  She smiled, tilting her head.

  "I don’t get it," I admitted.

  Her smirk deepened as she straightened up. "What kingdom are you in right now?"

  Oh… shit.

  I froze. My mind raced, piecing together the implications.

  The extravagant room. The golden decor. The sheer presence she carried.

  Lia watched me expectantly, her smirk not fading.

  "The Aurewyn Kingdom…" I muttered under my breath.

  She clapped her hands together softly. "Ding ding ding! Looks like you’re not completely hopeless."

  I swallowed hard. This wasn’t just some noblewoman messing with me—she was the Aurewyn. The royal family’s name.

  My eyes snapped back to her. "Wait… You’re—?"

  Lia pointed at herself again, her smirk turning into a full-blown grin. "Ellianthriel Aurewyn. Archmage, Grand Magnus, and, oh… I dunno, the princess of this kingdom."

  The air in my lungs felt heavy.

  Why was a royal this casual? And more importantly…

  "Why am I here?" I asked cautiously.

  Lia leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to something almost conspiratorial. "Now that is the real question, isn't it?"

  I waited for her answer, but she just sat there, watching me—amused, patient, and maddeningly unreadable.

  Lia finally spoke, her voice calm yet unwavering.

  "Kelvin, I want to help you…" She paused briefly before adding, "Actually, both of you."

  I narrowed my eyes. "Both of us?"

  "Yes, you and your friend," she replied without hesitation. "I haven't seen you fight yet, but surely it would be much harder without a left arm."

  I didn't look down. I didn’t need to.

  I knew it was gone. The moment it was severed, the pain had burned itself into my mind. The weight of its absence wasn’t something I could ignore—not now, not ever.

  Still, hearing her say it so bluntly sent a dull ache through my chest.

  Lia stood, pointing at me with complete confidence. "I'll help you climb. I'll help you reach the top—complete your dreams!"

  I stared at her, my body heavy with exhaustion.

  My dreams? What dreams?

  I couldn’t bring myself to react, could barely find the words. In the end, I only muttered, "Why…?"

  Her expression softened, but there was a fire in her eyes that didn’t waver.

  I swallowed, forcing out the next question. "What am I supposed to accomplish?"

  She tilted her head slightly, as if amused by the question. "Accomplish?" she echoed before stepping closer.

  Then, she lifted her pinky finger toward me.

  "When you get stronger, promise me this," she said, her voice steady.

  I furrowed my brows, waiting.

  "You will always be kind to others," she continued. "And never—never—lose yourself."

  Her words hung in the air, pressing down on me.

  Then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, she added—

  "And after that, we'll get married."

  Silence.

  A long, deafening silence.

  I blinked.

  I definitely heard that wrong.

  "...What?"

  Lia smiled. "You heard me."

  I stared at her, my brain struggling to keep up. My body was broken, my arm was gone, my mind barely hanging together—and now this woman was talking about marriage?

  I let out a short, disbelieving laugh. "Are you messing with me?"

  Lia just smiled wider, tilting her head as if she knew something I didn’t. "Nope."

  I stare at her pinky, my mind racing. The determination in her eyes, the unwavering certainty in her voice—it’s as if she truly believes in me, despite everything.

  Maybe this is fate.

  With a slow breath, I finally lift my remaining hand and link my pinky with hers.

  A small, satisfied smile spreads across her lips. "Good," Lia says softly. "Then it's a promise."

  She holds onto my pinky for a moment longer before tightening her grip slightly. Her expression grows more serious, her gaze locking onto mine.

  "And definitely that last part," she says firmly. "Don’t forget."

  I don’t look away. I knew what she meant. I had already made my decision.

  "I won’t," I answer, my voice steady.

  Something flickers in her eyes, something deep and unreadable. Then, slowly, her lips curve into a smile—not playful, not teasing, but something softer. Something real.

  "Good," she whispers.

  A sudden knock echoes through the room, breaking the moment. Before either of us can react, the door swings open without waiting for permission.

  A tall figure steps inside, moving with effortless grace. His lean frame is clad in dark, fitted armor with a long coat draped over his shoulders. His white hair falls just past his shoulders, slightly disheveled yet deliberate, framing a face that is both sharp and refined. But it’s his eyes that draw attention—deep red, cold yet piercing, like a predator assessing its prey.

  Lia doesn’t seem surprised. If anything, she looks slightly amused, as if she had been expecting him.

  "You sure know how to ruin a moment, Veyrin," she sighs, crossing her arms.

  The man—Veyrin—doesn’t react to her teasing. His gaze shifts to me, studying me with quiet intensity. There’s no hostility in his expression, but there’s something else… an undeniable presence, as if the air itself bends slightly around him.

  "So this is the one," Veyrin finally speaks, his voice low and even, neither impressed nor unimpressed.

  I don’t move. Something tells me that showing any weakness in front of this man would be a mistake.

  Lia tilts her head. "What do you think?"

  Veyrin doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "I think he’s broken," he states simply. "But not beyond repair."

  I narrow my eyes, clenching my jaw. "Tch."

  Lia chuckles, stepping between us. "Now, now, play nice. Veyrin isn’t just a soldier—he’s my strongest soldier," she says with a grin. "And maybe the strongest in the entire kingdom."

  Veyrin doesn’t acknowledge the compliment. Instead, he looks at me one last time before turning his attention back to Lia.

  "He's still weak," Veyrin says bluntly. "But if you’re serious about him, then he has no choice but to become strong. Quickly."

  Lia's smile widens. "Oh, I’m very serious."

  Veyrin sighs, rubbing his temple. "I had a feeling you’d say that." Then, looking back at me, he adds, "I hope you’re ready, Kelvin. Because from now on, survival isn’t enough. You’re expected to win."

  I don’t answer right away. The weight of his words lingers in the air. But deep down, I already knew—there was no turning back now.

  "I was never planning on losing," I say, my voice steady.

  Veyrin watches me for a moment longer before letting out a quiet, almost imperceptible smirk.

  "Good."

  Lia’s expression remains firm as she crosses her arms. “Now, Veyrin, I order you to bring him to…”

  “To who now?!” Veyrin suddenly yells, his frustration evident. “Do you have any idea how far north that is?!" He throws his hands in the air. "Not only did you leave me behind, but you also turned me into an errand boy! Making me deliver letters to that Eli kid—do you have any shame, Lia?!”

  “Eli?” I mutter, catching onto the name.

  Lia’s gaze shifts to me, her expression softening slightly. “Ah, yes. Eli.” A small smile tugs at her lips. “He’s someone who caught my interest. He was the one fighting the Archdemon.”

  The Archdemon? I tense at the mention, but she continues before I can ask more.

  “I had him enroll in The Aurewyn Grand Academy of Magic and Combat,” Lia explains. “Just like you, he needs to start from scratch again. That place will shape him into something greater.”

  She pauses before adding, “And I’ll also send your friend there.”

  I glance at her, processing her words. So that means… Varis too?

  Veyrin groans dramatically, running a hand through his white hair. “Ugh. Do I really have to take him there?” He scratches his head in frustration. “That place is too far! And cold! You know how much I hate the cold!”

  Lia simply tilts her head. “Are you complaining about a direct order?”

  Veyrin freezes, his mouth opening as if to argue, but no words come out. Instead, he lets out a heavy sigh, muttering under his breath, “You’re so lucky I respect you.”

  Veyrin halts mid-step, his tall frame stiffening before he slowly turns his head back toward me. His crimson eyes narrow, irritation flickering across his face. “What do you mean you can’t?”

  I exhale, staring up at the ceiling. “I literally can’t,” I clarify, my voice flat. “My body is still fatigued. I can’t move.”

  There’s a beat of silence. Then Veyrin lets out a sharp sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He mutters under his breath before glaring at Lia. “First, you send me across the damn kingdom like some errand boy, and now I have to carry him too?”

  Lia tilts her head, a teasing smile forming on her lips. “That’s right. You’re so dependable, Veyrin. I knew I could count on you.”

  He groans, running a hand through his white hair. “You’re pushing it, Lia…”

  “Don’t be so dramatic,” she chides, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s just a little manual labor.”

  Veyrin clicks his tongue but finally crouches down beside me, eyeing me with clear annoyance. “Fine. But if I hear one complaint, I’m dropping you.”

  Before I can respond, he moves swiftly, hooking an arm under my back and legs. He lifts me effortlessly, like I weigh nothing at all.

  I wince as the motion jolts my sore body, but I bite my tongue, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a complaint.

  Lia clasps her hands together, watching with amusement. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

  Veyrin shoots her a glare but doesn’t argue. Instead, he adjusts his grip on me and starts toward the door, muttering under his breath.

  “Let’s just get this over with.”