The arrival of Duke Kalen was like a massive stone plunging into a calm lake, rippling through the lively atmosphere of the ballroom. All eyes turned to the Duke, filled with awe and fear. As the Chancellor, second only to the Emperor, his every glance and movement exuded an imperious presence that dared not be challenged.
Eira's heart raced, as if it might burst from her chest. She was overwhelmed by a tumult of emotions - shock, fear, and rage. She stared intently at Duke Kalen, searching for any trace of difference from the murderer in her dreams, but all she saw was the same countenance.
"Eira, what's wrong?" Empress Anya noticed Eira's distress, her tone laced with a semblance of concern, though her gaze was icy and piercing, as if she could see into Eira's very soul. "You look so pale, are you unwell?"
"I... I'm fine," Eira shook her head, struggling to control the tremor in her voice, suppressing the fear and anger within. She could not afford to show any weakness in front of Empress Anya, lest it bring about her demise.
"Good to hear." Empress Anya replied dismissively, then turned to face Duke Kalen. "Brother, you've arrived."
"Your Majesty, Your Highness." Duke Kalen bowed respectfully, his tone deferential, but his gaze held a hint of arrogance and disdain, as if he did not truly regard the Emperor.
"No need for formalities." The Emperor spoke in a detached tone, his eyes slightly darkened, clearly displeased by Duke Kalen's haughty attitude.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Duke Kalen straightened, then moved to stand beside Empress Anya, quietly inquiring, "Sister, how is the banquet proceeding?"
"Splendidly." Anya smiled, "I've already introduced Eira to the nobles, and they are all quite pleased with her."
"Is that so?" Duke Kalen's gaze fell upon Eira, his eyes sharp and piercing, like a hawk's, making Eira shudder. "Lady Eira, it's been a while. You've grown even more beautiful."
"Your Grace is too kind." Eira curtsied, her tone calm, but her heart was a tumultuous sea. She did not know if Duke Kalen had recognized her, nor did she understand his purpose here, but she had to be cautious, revealing no vulnerabilities.
"I've heard you've been studying magic recently, Lady Eira?" Duke Kalen asked casually, his gaze never leaving Eira, as if probing and observing her reaction.
"Yes, I've developed a keen interest in magic." Eira nodded, not denying it. Magic was her greatest secret, her weapon for vengeance, but she could not expose it so easily, lest it bring about her downfall.
"Is that so? How wonderful." A glint of cunning flashed in Duke Kalen's eyes, as if he were hatching some scheme. "I've heard a recent prophecy in the Erylian Empire, about a young woman with extraordinary magical talents who will change the Empire's destiny. Have you by chance heard of this, Lady Eira?"
Eira's heart sank. She knew that the matter of the prophecy had caught the attention of Empress Anya and Duke Kalen. When she had studied magic in the secret chamber behind the stone door, the mysterious elder had mentioned this prophecy, but she had dismissed it as mere superstition. Now, it seemed the prophecy was not mere hearsay.
"I... I have heard of it," Eira hesitated, then continued, "but I don't believe in such legends."
"Is that so?" Duke Kalen chuckled, not pressing the matter further. "However, some legends often hold truth to them. Lady Eira, you would do well to be cautious, and not trust anyone who shows you undue affection."
With that, Duke Kalen turned and left, his retreating figure looming tall and ominous, like a demon from the depths of hell, bearing an ominous foreboding.
"Eira, don't listen to his nonsense." Empress Anya said, a hint of displeasure in her tone. "He's the type who loves to spread rumors and scare people. Don't let him frighten you."
Eira nodded silently, but she knew that Duke Kalen's words were not mere scaremongering, but a genuine warning.
After the banquet, Eira returned to her room, sitting by the window and gazing at the dark night sky, her heart filled with unease and anxiety. Duke Kalen's appearance and the prophecy made her realize that her path of vengeance would be far more arduous and perilous than she had imagined.
"What should I do? Whom can I trust?" Eira murmured to herself, feeling lost and helpless, as if adrift in a thick fog, unable to find her way.
Suddenly, she remembered the words the mysterious elder had once spoken to her in the secret chamber behind the stone door: "Child, when you feel lost and helpless, seek the guiding star, and it will illuminate your path."
Raising her head, Eira looked towards the brightest star in the night sky, silently praying, "Mother, please guide me, tell me what I should do."
As if in response to her prayer, the star seemed to shine even brighter, guiding her.
Eira's heart gradually calmed. She knew that she was not alone - her mother and the mysterious elder were watching over her, helping her.
Taking a deep breath, Eira's gaze hardened with determination. "I won't give up. I will keep moving forward, until I've completed my vengeance, until I've reclaimed what is rightfully mine!"