After his triumphant yet haunting return to Laper, Essien set his sights on the grand castle of laler. The castle, with its towering spires and ancient stone walls, loomed in the distance—a place he once considered home but now approached with unease. He was no longer the boy who left its gates; he returned a changed man, carrying the weight of the battle and the mysterious power he had unleashed.
As Essien entered the grand halls, the echoes of his footsteps reverberated through the air. Servants paused in their duties, their gazes filled with a mix of fear and curiosity. The once-dismissive guards stood at attention, their expressions betraying a newfound respect—or perhaps apprehension.
At the heart of the castle, King Ishmael awaited him on the throne. The king's stern gaze met Essien's, a silent tension thickening the room. Ishmael's once faint acknowledgment of his youngest son had now turned into a careful scrutiny, as though he was trying to unravel the enigma before him.
Emelia and Elara stood by the side of the great hall, their presence grounding Essien amidst the weight of the moment. Emelia's eyes were filled with a mother's worry and love, while Elara's unwavering loyalty shone brightly.
Essien knelt before his father, ready to face the storm of questions, accusations, and perhaps revelations that awaited him. He was no longer just Essien, the weakest prince—he was now a force that even the king couldn't ignore.