’...What the FUCKKK!!!?? The empire declared war on us? We had a fucking peace treaty.
What in the actual fuck happened when I was gone? Is Henry dead or sothing? Are the nobles planning so shit?
But Isabella is leashing them. She’s dumb but not that dumb. Claire. I want to talk with Claire.’ Atlas muttered under his breath, confusion swirling like a storm inside him.
As his mind raced through the implications of the news, Lara and the others remained silent for a few seconds, equally stunned. Denish broke the silence first, his voice rough with disbelief.
"...What? Say that again, boy?" he demanded, staring at the mage as though questioning reality itself.
The mage didn’t respond. Instead, he waved his staff, conjuring an ethereal ssage mid-air. Its sender was unmistakable—Claire. And it wasn’t just a declaration of war; it was a call to arms. Knights, mages, everyone loyal to Berkimhum were being summoned back—including Lara, the spearhead of their kingdom’s defense. Her brilliance alone had kept neighboring nations at bay, ensuring years of uneasy peace.
"Your Highness..." Denish began, concern etched into every line of his face. He wasn’t just worried about his n—he feared for the commoners who would bear the brunt of this impending chaos. War ant famine, destruction, death.
And war with the Empire? A country three tis larger and far more powerful than theirs? It was madness.
Lara gritted her teeth, gripping the sleeping potion tightly in her hand. She knew what duty demanded—she should run back to her kingdom imdiately. Yet, her resolve wavered only slightly before hardening once more. With resolute determination, she tipped the cap off, ready to drink.
’Stop, Lara!’ Atlas’s voice echoed sharply in her ears, cutting through her thoughts like a blade.
The potion hovered near her lips as she froze, startled by the familiar voice.
"...Brother?" she whispered, scanning the room frantically, finding no one.
’...It’s okay. It’s . I’m still in the dreaming. I’m safe. Don’t worry,’ he murmured softly, his words vibrating directly into her soul.
’Lara, listen to . I know you want to save , but put that potion down and heed my words. Go! Go back to our kingdom! Now!’
Her heart clenched painfully. That voice—it was undeniably his. No matter how impossible it seed, she knew without question that it was Atlas speaking to her. Her fingers loosened around the vial, trembling ever so slightly.
"...Brother... Atlas, is that really you?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
’Yes! Like I told you, I’m okay. And thank God you are too. But Lara, please. Go! Our kingdom needs you.’
She stayed silent, her cold facade cracking as warmth flooded her chest. Tears threatened to spill, but she blinked them away fiercely.
"No... I am coming in," she muttered stubbornly, clutching the potion tighter.
’...Wait! Lara. For fuck’s sake, just listen to ... Listen. I know you care about and want to see safe. And I am. Just believe . I really am safe. So please, leave the Dark Continent.’
"NO!" she shouted, her voice ringing out loud enough to startle those around her. They exchanged glances, confused by her apparent conversation with thin air.
"You need there!" she bellowed, her voice breaking. "And... and... I need you." Her tone softened, almost fragile. "So I don’t want to hear it. You can lecture all you want later," she argued, defiance burning in her golden eyes.
Atlas felt a headache brewing behind his temples. He knew Lara was difficult—but not like this. Stubborn, unyielding, and fiercely loyal to those she loved. She had beco this way because of him, and he understood why. From an adult’s perspective, the mories were clearer now—the days after her incident with the Marquise Henderson. His regret gnawed at him; how could he have been so blind, following others judgnt? But after that incident As children, they were inseparable. Atlas always protected her, shielding her from every problem that ca her way. Sotis even defying their parents—the King and Queen—to ensure she stayed safe.
But over ti, as Lara grew stronger, sothing inside him shifted. His ego bruised under the weight of her brilliance. He rembered it vividly—the mont after she awakened, when the King’s attention turned entirely toward her. The jealousy burned hot in his chest, pushing him to distance himself from her. Now, with the clarity of hindsight, he realized just how foolish he’d been. Watching her sadness as he pulled away—it wasn’t strength; it was cowardice.
’...Why was I such an asshole back then?’ he thought bitterly. ’But she needs to go. It’s better for her to stabilize the kingdom than to get tangled up in this holy ss...’
’Lara... How can I convince you to go?’ he asked honestly. This version of him—the one reborn through poison, through Arnold lding into his soul—saw her differently. Not with contempt or envy but with admiration, care, and love. He wanted to reflect the warmth she radiated, the light sparkling in her golden eyes.
And Lara felt it. Every ounce of his sincerity resonated deeply within her. For years, she craved genuine connection with her brother, soone who would see her not as a tool or a rival but as family. Finally, those words spilled into her ear, raw and heartfelt.
".....Promise ," she whispered delicately, tears welling up in her eyes. "Just promise you’ll never let go again. Promise you won’t run away like before. Promise you won’t push away... And promise ...promise you’ll co back to alive."
Atlas smiled—a rare, genuine smile that broke through the shadows lingering around him. After so long, after brushing against despair yet again, these words of love and care ward his battered soul. For a fleeting second, the darkness surrounding him didn’t feel quite so suffocating.
’....Of course. I’ve been a unworthy brother. Let make it up to you when I return,’ he replied softly, his voice trembling with emotion. Even if it were a lie, Lara wanted to believe it. Tears spilled down her cheeks freely, cleansing wounds that had festered for years. Finally, after all this ti, her brother was back.
While Lara communed silently with Atlas, her companions exchanged uneasy glances. They watched as she nodded repeatedly, her gaze fixed on so distant point only she could see. Confusion rippled among them, but none dared speak. Fear gripped their hearts—not because of her humanity but because of her royalty. A single misstep, one careless word, and they might find themselves swinging from a noose.
After what felt like an eternity, Lara exhaled deeply. Her expression softened, though traces of sadness lingered in her downturned lips. But there was also light—a radiant smile breaking through the gloom. She looked down at the sleeping potion still clutched in her hand, hesitated briefly, then hurled it across the ground. The glass shattered against the stone, blue liquid spilling out like blood seeping into cracks.
"I will be waiting..." Lara voiced softly, her tone laced with satisfaction and closeness. The connection between them felt tangible, almost electric, as if Atlas’s presence lingered in the air around her like a warm embrace.
They talked more about their respective situations—Atlas giving her instructions on what to do next, urging her to consult with Claire for guidance. His voice carried urgency but also trust, knowing that she was strong enough to carry the burden of leadership until his return.
After a few minutes, Lara straightened up, her golden eyes blazing with resolve. "...We are leaving!!" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the halls of the castle. Without another word, she strode past her companions, walking away from the door with purposeful strides.
No one questioned her decision. There was no need; the ssage was clear. They were going back. Back to their ho. The look in the princess’s eyes—a storm of confidence and determination—kept anyone from daring to ask questions. Even Denish, who had always been vocal, remained silent, choosing instead to follow her lead without hesitation.
Gon and Ale exchanged glances before letting out sighs of relief. They would finally return ho, and Gon couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. Lara noticed the subtle change in their deanor and turned to study them both. Curiosity simred within her thoughts—for so reason, Atlas had specifically told her to take care of these two. She didn’t understand how he could see what she saw or communicate with her so intimately while they were worlds apart, but there was sothing comforting about it. It made her feel connected to him even when they weren’t together.
She would ask questions later. For now, all that mattered was that he was safe and had promised to co back to her. That knowledge alone was enough to calm the raging tempest inside her heart.
’Don’t worry, brother. When you arrive, the Empire will already know their place, that being under our feet,’ she muttered under her breath, her words sharp and resolute.
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