"Be present at the western summit of Veylor’s Crown by 1600 hours tomorrow."
Only a single line was written on the envelope, with a logo at the bottom—a triangular pattern with three eyes.
"It’s the Third Eye Sect again," Mirena whispered.
"It’s that wretched sect, isn’t it? That healer you asked for help ca and gave this. And asked to make sure you get it by tonight. It’s sothing bad, isn’t it?" Adlan asked.
He never wanted to tangle with them in the first place. But Mirena was hell-bent on using them to test Logan. The plan had failed, and now this. There was already a kidnapping attempt just a few days ago. His instinct told him that this letter wasn’t good news either. And seeing Mirena’s expression after reading the contents, he was now certain of it.
"Yes. They’ve invited to Veylor’s Crown," Mirena said.
"Veylor’s Crown? That’s the highest mountain in all of Arcadia. And it’s in a desolate area outside of Aerundale, far from the towns. Don’t tell , you are actually planning to go there," Adlan said.
"Do I have any other option? If I don’t go, then they will co here looking for . And if that happens, then it won’t be long before the news about sending soone to kill Logans spreads."
Mirena had to go. She had brought this upon herself. She knew it wouldn’t do any good going to the summit and eting them. But she had no other option.
Back in Solvane...
After a long ti, the carriage slowly ca to a halt with a soft screech. It had arrived at the royal palace.
Though the carriage stopped smoothly, it still sent a small jolt that woke up all the people sleeping inside—Rowan, Daliah, and Logan. Even Daliah had fallen asleep.
All of them slowly opened their eyes.
"Have we arrived already?" Daliah asked.
Before anyone could reply....
Creak!
"Your Highness! We have arrived at the palace," the coachman opened the door and inford them.
Daliah stretched a little. "Finally! Let’s go. I am feeling so hungry."
It wasn’t just Daliah. Logan and Rowan were also starving. The earlier fight had drained everything from their bodies, and even rest hadn’t fully helped them recover.
They stepped down from the carriage one after another. The sky above was now dark, scattered with soft stars. The palace gates shimred ahead, glowing under the moonlight. Servants bowed silently as the three entered.
The dining hall was already prepared.
The long rectangular, polished table stood in the middle of the room, covered with golden fabric and lined with crystal jugs and steaming dishes. The sll of roasted at, fresh bread, and sweet fruits filled the air, making all their stomachs growl a little louder.
"Looks like they were expecting us," Rowan said with a tired smile.
Logan gave a light nod. "It’s good, we don’t have to wait."
Daliah was already at the table, eyes fixed on a juicy cut of roasted boar. "I’m eating this whole thing. No one gets a share."
"Like you can swallow that whole thing alone!" Rowan laughed at his sister’s childishness.
Servants poured drinks and laid down hot plates as the three finally sat together.
The atmosphere was calm. After the lively afternoon, finally a rare mont of peace.
They ate slowly, chatting in between.
Then suddenly, the mood shifted—just a little heavier.
"Why did you have do this, Rowan? What if you got seriously hurt." Daliah’s question ca out of the blue.
Rowan was startled. He hadn’t expected such a question.
"Because I couldn’t....I couldn’t turn a blind eye to people being killed. I had to do sothing. If I had walked away while they scread for help... I wouldn’t be able to live with myself," Rowan replied slowly.
"And what about ?" Daliah asked back. "What would have happened to if you were seriously injured or...." She couldn’t finish her sentence. Her eyes trembled slightly. Tears were welling in them.
"I...." Rowan’s lips parted but nothing ca out. He didn’t know what to say. After their mother’s death, they were the only ones who cared for each other genuinely. Their father was also there but his existence equaled to nothing.
"You know I would have co back to you." That’s the only answer he could co up with. Though he was a true prodigy whose existence had beco a threat to many, his ability to handle such situations was not even diocre.
"Oh really!" Daliah mocked. "But your injuries didn’t say the sa story."
Rowan fell silent. He knew she was right. The wounds he carried weren’t shallow, and his recklessness had left her terrified. But in that mont—when the market was crumbling and people were screaming—he hadn’t thought about the consequences. Only about doing what was right. And if the sa situation arises again, he knew he would do the sa.
"...I’m sorry," he finally whispered.
Daliah looked away, biting her lip. The tears in her eyes didn’t fall—but the silence between them said everything.
She poked her fork into a piece of at, voice softer now. "Just don’t do sothing that stupid again. Or next ti, I’ll beat you up myself."
That drew a slight chuckle in Rowan’s face.
Even Logan, who had remained quiet through the whole exchange, gave a faint smirk. "You’d better be scared, prince. Your sister sounds serious."
Daliah puffed her cheeks. "I am serious."
The mood slowly shifted. A bit lighter. A bit warr.
They finished their food in peace after that, not saying much—but sohow, the silence now felt comforting.
Outside, the moon hung high above Solvane, and the stars watched quietly over the royal palace.
After the dinner, Daliah went back to her room. Rowan guided Logan through the hallway to his room.
When they were almost in front of Logan’s room, Rowan stopped. Then turned back at Logan.
Rowan bowed to Logan respectfully.
Logan was startled. He didn’t expect this sudden gesture and didn’t know what Rowan was doing.
"What are you doing, prince?" Logan hurriedly said, stopping Rowan midway.
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