Chapter 21: Shadows of the future
Evangeline stood on the balcony of her private quarters, overlooking the vast gardens of the Augustine estate. The early morning light filtered through the dense trees, casting long shadows on the ground below. She could see Argus in the distance, training with Suzume. His movements were fluid, focused, and intense, a reflection of the power she knew lay dormant inside him. Even from this distance, she could feel the tendrils of his void energy swirling through the air, subtle yet palpable.
Her heart swelled with pride—and something darker. Love, yes, but love tainted with fear. Argus was growing stronger, faster than anyone would have thought possible. Awakening at the age of 7 had been nothing short of miraculous, and though she had ensured the world believed it happened at 9, she couldn't erase the memory of that moment. The raw, unbridled power that had erupted from him so young, so full of potential... and danger.
Evangeline clenched the railing of the balcony. Her love for Argus was consuming, overwhelming. She had done everything to protect him, to shield him from the world that would devour him if given the chance. But as he grew, she knew the time was nearing when she could no longer keep him hidden in her shadow. The world would come for him, sooner or later. And when it did, she would be ready to defend him—no matter the cost.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind her. A maid approached with a sealed letter, bowing deeply before handing it over.
"Lady Evangeline, a message from the Empress," the maid said, her voice respectful but laced with unease.
Evangeline's eyes narrowed as she took the letter. The seal of the Empire, embossed in gold, gleamed on the wax. The Empress, known only as the Golden Sovereign to many, was a woman of power and influence—a force that governed the central realm. But to Evangeline, she was someone more personal.
With a flick of her wrist, Evangeline broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. The words were brief, formal, and to the point: a summons from the Empress herself, requesting Evangeline's presence at the imperial palace.
Evangeline's lips pressed into a thin line. She had always been wary of the Alliance, and more specifically, wary of the Empress. Though they were friends—rivals, even—Evangeline had never fully trusted her. The Empress's golden eyes saw too much, and her plans ran deep. Even if she carried herself as a friend, Evangeline knew there was always an agenda hidden beneath that calm, regal exterior.
Her gaze flicked back to the courtyard, where Argus was sparring with Suzume. He had grown stronger—so much stronger—and yet, she feared it wasn't enough. Not for the world that awaited him. She wouldn't be able to protect him forever. That thought gnawed at her constantly.
With a sigh, Evangeline turned from the balcony, her decision made. She would go to the palace, but she would remain on guard. No one, not even the Empress, would take control of her son's fate.
Evangeline soared through the sky, the wind whipping through her dark hair as the powerful wings of her griffon beat against the air. Below her, the sprawling capital of the Empire stretched out, a maze of grand buildings and bustling streets. But Evangeline paid little attention to the city. Her destination loomed ahead—the imperial palace, its towering spires reaching toward the sky like fingers of gold.
The griffon beneath her let out a low growl as they descended toward the royal spire, a landing point reserved for those of status and power. Evangeline urged the creature lower, its wings folding back as it glided gracefully into the open-air stables perched atop the spire. Stable hands rushed forward, bowing deeply as they took the reins, but Evangeline didn't acknowledge them. Her mind was elsewhere.
With a single fluid motion, she dismounted, her black cloak billowing behind her as she strode toward the entrance. Her steps were swift, purposeful. She hadn't been summoned to the palace for any formal meeting—this was personal, and the informal nature of her arrival reflected that. There was no need for the usual decorum when it came to Aurelia.
As she made her way through the grand halls, Evangeline's thoughts remained on Argus. His training with Suzume had gone well so far, but the looming sense that the world was closing in on him haunted her. She had always known his power would draw attention, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.
When she finally reached the doors of the throne room, they swung open with little more than a flick of her fingers, the guards stationed outside making no move to stop her. They knew better.
Inside, the Empress stood by one of the large, arched windows, bathed in golden sunlight. Aurelia—golden-haired, golden-eyed, and as regal as ever. She turned as Evangeline entered, her face breaking into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Eve," Aurelia greeted, her tone familiar and warm, though her gaze was sharp. "You always know how to make an entrance."
Evangeline smirked, crossing the room with her usual graceful ease. "I don't do subtle."
"No, you don't," Aurelia replied with a soft laugh, turning to face her fully. "I take it you received my message."
"I did. What's going on?" Evangeline asked, not bothering with small talk. There was no need for pleasantries between them.
Aurelia's smile faded as she gestured for Evangeline to join her by the window. "Things are moving faster than expected. There are... factions within the Alliance that are growing restless. They've heard whispers of new talents rising."
Evangeline narrowed her eyes, her gaze shifting slightly. "You mean Argus."
Aurelia's expression didn't change, but there was a brief flicker of something in her golden eyes. "Not directly. But the rumors of his awakening at nine are already enough to stir interest. He's a genius, Eve. Even if the world doesn't know the full truth, they know enough."
Evangeline felt a surge of possessiveness rise within her, her jaw tightening. "He's not for them to use."
"No one's suggesting that," Aurelia said gently. "But you can't keep him hidden forever. He's growing stronger, and the world will notice, no matter how careful you are."
Evangeline's hands clenched at her sides. "And what do you suggest? That I hand him over to the Alliance? Let them mold him into whatever weapon they need?"
Aurelia sighed, stepping closer. "Eve, you know me better than that. I'm not here to take Argus from you. I'm here because things are changing. The Alliance is facing threats we haven't seen in centuries. Dark forces are rising, and we need to be prepared. Argus could be a part of that future—if you let him."
Evangeline's gaze sharpened. "I won't let anyone use him."
Aurelia's lips curved into a soft, knowing smile. "You love him, Eve. More than anything. But he's not a child forever. One day, he'll have to make his own choices."
Evangeline stiffened. "He's still mine to protect."
"And you will protect him," Aurelia said, her tone softening. "But you can't keep him caged. You know that as well as I do."
The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, Evangeline said nothing. She knew Aurelia was right—Argus was growing, and with that growth came the inevitable attention of the world. But the thought of letting him go, of allowing him to walk into that world without her constant presence, was unbearable.
"I won't stop him from finding his own path," Evangeline said at last, her voice tight with emotion. "But I won't let the Alliance—any of them—take him from me."
Aurelia's smile returned, warmer this time. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
Evangeline turned toward the window, looking out over the vast expanse of the palace grounds. Her mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. She had always known this day would come—the day when she would no longer be able to shield Argus from the world. But that didn't make it any easier.
Aurelia, noticing Evangeline's tension, stepped closer. "Eve, when the time comes, and Argus steps into the world... I will protect him, just as you would. He will be under my wing, not the Alliance's. No one will manipulate or use him without your say."
Evangeline's gaze shifted to meet Aurelia's, eyes narrowing. "And why would you do that? Out of friendship?"
Aurelia's expression softened. "For him, yes. And for you."
The offer gave Evangeline pause. Having Aurelia as an ally in Argus's future, someone to watch over him in places she couldn't, was reassuring—but it also felt like an admission that she wouldn't always be there.
"Fine," Evangeline said at last, her voice low and steady. "But if anyone tries to touch him, even you won't be able to stop me."
Aurelia smiled knowingly. "I wouldn't dare try."