Morning.
Gates, Wydkeep Castle.
Wyfellon, Wyfn-Garde.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~
Priscilla stumbled as the guard dragged her along the cold stone corridor, his grip bruising her arm. The other maids watched silently, their faces a mix of pity and grim satisfaction.
She had been humiliated by the prince himself—forced to cut her own hair, her pride stripped along with every lock she severed. And now, they were casting her out.
As they neared the castle gates, the guard guiding her slowed, his grip loosening but not in mercy. He leaned close, his lips brushing against her ear, voice thick with mock sympathy.
"If you'd only agree, I'd marry you, you know. Even with all they say about you. Might be your last chance at a decent life." His hand lingered, rough fingers tracing her waist.
A surge of anger boiled within her. Without hesitation, she stomped down hard on his foot, the sickening crunch of bone followed by his grunt of pain.
She jerked free, storming ahead toward the open gates without looking back. The other guards exchanged uneasy glances but made no move to stop her as she passed.
Outside the castle walls, she seethed, the memory of her disgrace burning in her mind. They would pay for this, she vowed, fists clenched. Every last one of them. She would bide her time, wait for the right moment, and then she would return.
~~~{─────────────
Noon.
Guests Chambers, Wydkeep Castle.
Wyfellon, Wyfn-Garde.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~
Alaric guided Salviana down the wide corridor, his hand resting lightly on her back, until they reached the guest quarters.
There, the doors opened, and a simply dressed yet cheerful woman stepped out to greet them.
"Your Grace," she said, bowing respectfully.
With a slight smile, she straightened and introduced herself. "I'm Jean Goliath."
As Jean looked up, her gaze settled on Salviana, and her eyes widened with recognition. "Wait… I remember you," she said, her voice filled with surprise.
Salviana's face softened. "I wasn't sure you'd recognize me. But yes, Jean—we have met before."
Alaric raised an eyebrow. "How do you two know each other?"
Jean looked at Salviana, her voice hushed. "She saved my life, Your Grace."
Salviana shook her head modestly. "I merely did what I could."
Jean smiled warmly, a touch of awe in her expression. "It's an honor to serve the divine lady."
Salviana blinked, caught off guard. "Serve… me?"
Alaric, clearly enjoying her surprise, interjected, "Yes, my love. Jean is to be your new lady-in-waiting."
Salviana looked between them, a small smile of curiosity tugging at her lips. "Oh? And when did you find her?"
"Just yesterday," Alaric replied smoothly.
She raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you rather cross with me yesterday?"
Alaric's gaze softened, his hand lingering on her waist. "I was furious with myself, Salviana. Furious at how much you give for others' approval without seeing your own worth."
Salviana's eyes met his, gratitude flickering in her expression. "Thank you, Alaric," she murmured softly.
Jean, sensing she was witnessing a private exchange, cleared her throat with a grin. "So… I start today?"
Salviana looked at her, amused. "I suppose that depends."
Alaric pulled Salviana gently into his arms, holding her with a possessive warmth. "Actually, Jean, the divine lady is occupied today. She'll be spending her day with me."
Jean chuckled, unable to hide her delight. "Very well, Your Grace. I'll be here when she's ready."
Alaric turned to Jean, giving her a nod. "Thank you, Jean. We'll leave you to settle in."
As Alaric led Salviana away, Jean watched with a satisfied smile, almost giddy at the prospect of joining Salviana's service.
Then Alaric heard a whisper of Lucius in his head, "I'll keep her company soon enough. But for now, enjoy your day, Your Graces."
Alaric rolled his eyes and continued his walk.
~~~{─────────────
~~~{─────────────
"Hello, Jean." A voice said like whisper in Jean's mind.
The voice was low and smooth, seemingly drifting through the walls, and yet it was unmistakably close. Jean froze, heart racing as she searched the empty corridor, but no one was there.
A chill ran down her spine, and with a yelp, she turned and sprinted back into her room, slamming the door shut.
Inside, she leaned against the door, trying to steady her breath. This wasn't the first strange occurrence since she'd arrived at the castle; the third prince, if she remembered Correctly yesterday, had also said something strange, but hearing an unseen voice greet her directly was enough to make her nerves unravel.
Jean was no stranger to mysterious finds and hidden worlds—she was an archaeologist, after all, with a love for venturing into long-lost places and uncovering relics of the past. But she'd never imagined encountering a voice that seemed to come from nowhere.
Unbeknownst to her, Lucius watched with a hidden smirk. His form remained invisible to human eyes, but his presence filled the room, unseen yet undeniably there.
He hadn't expected Jean to be quite so skittish. It was mildly frustrating. If he was going to achieve his goal, he'd need her to be a little less of a "scaredy cat," as he bitterly noted.
Lucius had seen potential in Jean—potential that went beyond her archeological expertise or the calm bravery she usually displayed in her work.
This woman was a rare piece on his game board, someone Alaric had unknowingly delivered into his hands. Now, all he needed to do was make her trust him enough to do his bidding.
She had no idea what kind of creature she was about to encounter—or that she was part of a plan she'd never have chosen for herself.
He allowed his voice to drift through the air again, a whisper just loud enough to reach her ears. "No need to be afraid, Jean. I need your skills… and, believe me, you're far more valuable than you realize."
She pressed herself against the wall, pulse pounding, her mind spinning with questions she wasn't sure she wanted the answers to.
But something about the voice intrigued her; it sounded ancient, alluring, and strangely comforting despite its mystery.
The scholar within her whispered that this was no ordinary spirit.
Tentatively, she called out, "Who are you?"
The air around her shifted, almost like a breeze brushing her cheek, and the voice replied, laced with a hidden purpose, "I am Lucius, and I am here to change everything you thought you knew."
"L-Lucius… Drake?" Jean stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.