The same Hero who, in my past life, had led the charge against me—who had looked me in the eye, called me a monster and plunged his sword through my chest.
I clenched my fists, my heart pounding in my ears. Why? Why is he here?
Leonhardt's eyes scanned the room until they landed on me. For a brief moment, something flickered across his face—recognition? Confusion?
But then, just as quickly, his expression hardened, and he gave a curt bow. "Greetings, Lord Zanov," he said, his voice calm but laced with authority. "I am Leonhardt Ashford, Captain of the Hero's Guild. I've come on urgent business regarding Lady Estella."
Grandfather's smile was as thin and sharp as a dagger. "You must have traveled a long way. What could possibly be so urgent that it brings the Hero's Guild to our doorstep?"
Leonhardt's gaze didn't waver. "We have reason to believe that Lady Estella may be connected to an ancient threat—the return of the Demon King."
My heart stopped. What?!
I must've made some kind of noise because Grandfather's hand rested lightly on my shoulder, a silent command to stay calm.
"The Demon King?" Grandfather repeated, his tone deceptively casual. "I was under the impression that the Demon King was slain centuries ago. What could my granddaughter possibly have to do with such a thing?"
Leonhardt hesitated for a fraction of a second, but at that moment, I could see the doubt flickering in his eyes. "We are… not certain yet," he admitted. "But signs point to her awakening as a key event in the resurgence of dark forces. We need to take Lady Estella with us for questioning."
I bit back a hysterical laugh. Yeah, no thanks. I've seen how that ends—and it usually involves a pointy sword in the chest.
Grandfather's grip on my shoulder tightened just enough to send a clear message: Do not panic. Let me handle this.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Grandfather said smoothly, his voice like velvet over steel. "Estella is under the protection of the Zanov family. She will remain here."
Leonhardt's jaw tightened. "Lord Zanov, with all due respect—"
"—No," Grandfather cut him off, his smile turning razor-sharp. "With all due respect, Captain, you are not taking my granddaughter anywhere."
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. The other Heroes shifted uncomfortably, casting nervous glances between their captain and Grandfather.
Leonhardt's gaze flicked back to me, his expression unreadable. Why do I get the feeling this isn't over?
After a long, agonizing silence, Leonhardt gave a reluctant nod. "Very well. But we will return soon, Lord Zanov. The Hero's Guild will not ignore this matter."
With that, he turned on his heel and marched out of the hall, his cloak billowing behind him. The rest of the Heroes followed close behind, and the heavy doors slammed shut behind them.
When they were gone, I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
Grandfather turned to me, his gaze sharp as a dagger. "Estella," he said quietly, "is there anything you wish to tell me?"
I shook my head, still trying to process what had just happened. "I... I really have no idea what that was about."
Grandfather studied me for a long moment, and for a terrifying second, I thought he didn't believe me. But then, to my relief, he gave a slow nod.
"Very well," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "But from this moment on, we will take no chances. You are now the most important person in this family."
I gulped. Great. No pressure or anything.
What the hell had I just gotten myself into?
After the Heroes left, I stood rooted in place, my heart pounding so loudly that it echoed in my ears. Every instinct told me to run—no, sprint—in the opposite direction of this whole mess.
The Hero's Guild suspects me of being connected to the Demon King. That's like being handed a death sentence... twice.
Grandfather George didn't say a word for a long moment, which was far more unnerving than any scolding. His cold blue eyes were locked on me, studying me like a puzzle piece that refused to fit.
"Estella," he said finally, his tone dangerously soft, "it's time you explained a few things."
I swallowed hard. "I… I wish I knew more, Grandfather. I just woke up, remember?" I gave him what I hoped was an innocent, confused expression. Please, please buy it.
He narrowed his eyes ever so slightly. "A guild captain does not march into my estate on a whim. They knew you would awaken. How?"
"I don't know!" I said quickly, my voice rising just a bit. "Maybe they're wrong? Maybe this is all just some crazy coincidence."
"Coincidences do not happen to a Zanov." His words were cold and heavy, making it clear he wouldn't accept vague answers for much longer.
Great. So now I had to lie—convincingly—to a man who could probably smell fear from a mile away.
Just as I was scrambling for an excuse, Aldric, my golden-haired brother, waltzed into the room. "That was quite the performance, Estella," he said, grinning like a cat who'd found the cream. "Are you secretly plotting world domination, or did the Heroes just show up to flirt with you?"
I shot him a glare. "Can you not?"
Aldric chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Seriously, what did you do to get the Hero's Guild on your tail when you woke up? That has to be some kind of record."
"I didn't do anything!" I snapped. "I was asleep for 500 years, remember? How exactly would I have managed to annoy the Heroes from inside a magical coma?"
Grandfather raised a hand, silencing Aldric before he could make another snarky remark. "Enough. Estella, you may not understand the situation yet, but I suggest you take this matter seriously." His gaze was sharp as a blade. "The Heroes are not to be underestimated."
I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling inside me. "What am I supposed to do, then? They think I'm tied to the Demon King! If they keep pushing this, it won't matter how many denials we give them—they'll find an excuse to drag me away."
Grandfather's expression darkened. "Then we will ensure that doesn't happen."
A chill ran down my spine at the cold finality of his words.