The fire roared fiercely, fueled by the intensity of Aya's words. These were not mere words in passing; they described the inferno that Nosil would unleash with her.
It wasn't necessary to dwell on it because Aya was resolute, having contemplated this decision since morning. Nosil, sensing her determination, did not question her further.
"Good," he said, his voice hard and unyielding. "I won't debate it… This morning, I nearly killed that bastard Victor… I was this close to…".
Nosil looked at his hand, clenching it tightly. "This blood exists only to fight… Let's shake this world and bring down those fucking four families."
Aya watched him as he spoke, admiring his fervor. She smiled, placed her hand over Nosil's, and declared, "From now on, we will prevail."
With their resolve fortified, they decided to stay in the hut, biding their time until the ceremony began.
Meanwhile, the city of Lenine was enveloped in festivities, eagerly awaiting the promised day. Victor, however, was besieged by pressure and anxiety like never before. The proximity of the newly made dominator Maxim offered him scant solace.
For Sophie and Philip, the past two days had been grueling. They bore the brunt of the recent attack's aftermath. Philip knew that any misstep would be his downfall. Sophie, on the other hand, struggled to comprehend what had happened to her. Her mother, Margaret's, attempts at consolation provided little comfort.
Finally, the long wait ended. Fireworks illuminated the sky of Lenine, heralding the grand day for the Kilian family. Representatives from the other three families had arrived to witness the ceremony.
Joy and celebration permeated the city. Children were delighted by puppet shows and acrobatic performances, while traditional attire was prominently displayed. However, chancellor Philip focused on highlighting the family's storied history, tracing back to its founding a century ago by the eldest father, Kylian, who had been exiled from the Mother family, Ram.
Legend had it that Ram left behind three boys and two girls. After his death, the children scattered, with most perishing. Only the two daughters survived assassination attempts after the fall of their father's rule.
The elder daughter founded the Mother family, named Ram family, in her father's name, while the younger daughter vanished without any trace.
Returning to the present, Margaret, Victor's wife, entered her husband's room with the intention of discussing the final details before the evening ceremony.
Draped in a long black dress that accentuated her glowing hair, she walked elegantly toward Victor. He stood by the window, gazing at the city's celebration.
He wore a white dress embroidered with intricate designs, studded with gold and rubies. Nearby, a thick silver necklace, adorned with interconnected pieces bearing the Kylian family's crest, lay waiting.
This necklace, a symbol of rule and power, was worn only by the family ruler on such significant occasions.
As Margaret approached, she noticed that Victor had not yet put on the necklace. Taking it in her hands, she extended her arms to place it around his neck. "I've never seen you frown like this before... Everyone is celebrating outside... What kind of ruler grieves when his people rejoice?".
Victor turned to his wife, his expression serious, "A ruler who feels a foreboding sense... For some time now, things have been worsening... like sparks flying from a raging fire."
Margaret thought Victor was being pessimistic and spoiling the joy, so she chose not to continue the conversation. Smiling slightly, she said, "No matter how bad things get, my dear husband will handle it...". She lifted the necklace and held it out, "Now, would you bend a little... What ruler doesn't wear his crown?".
Victor lowered his head slightly to allow his wife to place the necklace around his neck. Margaret then adjusted it to align perfectly with Victor's attire. Once she was done, she wrapped her arms around his back in a hug-like manner and said, "Everything will be alright, my dear".
Victor maintained eye contact with her, feeling a sense of peace and calm from her words. He attempted to flirt, "Black suits you... You're as stunning as ever".
This unexpected compliment filled Margaret's heart with joy. She couldn't help but kiss her husband.
"Sometimes I forget how romantic you can be when you want to..." Margaret kissed him again, and for a moment, they were lost in their intimate moment.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and their young son August rushed in, catching the couple off guard and interrupting their tender moment.
Margaret stepped back a bit from Victor, and they both looked at August who yelled as he was approaching, "Mom, mom... Look at my new armor, isn't it great?",
His mother smiled and gently pinched his cheeks, "I told you, warriors wear armor... You're the heir to the ruler... you should wear the formal clothes I got for you".
August clung to his armor, "No way... I'm wearing my new armor... I have waited long for it... It's amazing."
Margaret glanced at Victor, hoping he would persuade their son to abandon his stubbornness, but Victor didn't seem too concerned.
"It's alright, he's still young... What worries me is Sophy... I hope she doesn't do anything reckless", Margaret sighed and released August, "Don't worry... What she went through was tough, but I talked to her... She understands what she needs to do."
Victor turned and walked back to the window. He said "This is an important day for the family... no room for mistakes."
In the main hall, Philip, Maxim, and Amelia were discussing security matters before the evening's main event.
Philip was the most anxious among them; ever since the Nomads reappeared, he hadn't had a wink of sleep from worry.
"I don't understand why they chose now of all times to reappear," Maxim wondered aloud. "It's been a long time without any sign of them..." Philip sighed, leaning back. "That's what troubles me... We had forgotten about them entirely for years... Why now?"
Amelia had a different perspective on the matter. "Hmm, I don't find their reappearance as troubling as I find their targeting of Miss Sophy, of all people, suspicious."
Amelia's words caught Philip's attention, as if he realized he had overlooked something. "What are you suggesting?", leaning forward.
Amelia continued, "If they had targeted young Master August, we would understand... Or even our leader Victor, or carried out sabotage against the populace... All of this would seem logical from a group that harbors hatred for us... But targeting Sophie specifically or even Lady Margaret has no tangible benefit... August is the heir, not Sophy... Do you understand what I mean?".
Philip and Maxim fell into deep thought, trying to rationalize the connections Amelia had pointed out. However, they couldn't find a thread that led to the truth, no matter how thin it is.
After a while of pure silence, Philip spoke up,
"I'm tired of thinking... Let's just hope everything goes as planned... I trust you both to make that happen... You have full authority to do whatever it takes… don't hold back, got it?", Philip commanded, placing his faith in the dominator Maxim and the most promising predator Amelia.
Maxim nodded in agreement. "Leave it to us," he said confidently. Amelia, however, remained silent, her sharp gaze fixed on Philip as she drummed her index finger on the table, her worry evident in the rhythmic tapping.
"I heard Lady Sophy was saved by a stranger... Is that true, Chancellor?" Amelia inquired.
Philip confirmed the rumor. "Indeed… Her guards were incompetent... It was a kid who saved her life."
Amelia's curiosity deepened. "Is that so... So where's this hero who saved her?... I'm interested... I think if I could talk to him, I might get a better idea about these Nomads."
Philip was skeptical. "Who knows... Our leader let him go… There's been no trace of him since."
Maxim asked for permission to leave, eager to tour the city and check on the security guards.
Amelia, on the other hand, was determined to learn more about the incident. She wanted to see Sophy and ask her what happened. Philip advised against it, considering the traumatic experience Sophy had endured, but Amelia was insistent.
"I understand your concern, chancellor," Amelia said firmly, "but I need to know more... Sophy might hold the key to understanding this whole threat."
Philip sighed but relented, recognizing the resolve in Amelia's eyes. "Very well, but tread carefully... She's been through a lot."
Amelia nodded and left the room, her mind focused on uncovering the truth behind the incident, while Maxim set off to ensure the city's defenses were impenetrable for the upcoming ceremony.
Lying on her bed and staring at the ceiling, Sophy couldn't stop thinking about Nosil, the boy who had saved her. His distorted face was etched in her memory, a haunting image she couldn't forget.
She tossed and turned, plagued by insomnia and thoughts of him, struggling in vain to forget. Every now and then, she'd scream out threats, "I'll get you... just wait." Then she'd lapse back into her restless state, trying in vain to erase him from her mind.