The royal palace loomed in the distance, its towering spires cutting through the sky like jagged knives. Charlotte approached the grand gates, her boots dragging slightly from exhaustion. The battle in the forest had taken its toll, but her resolve remained unshaken. Beside her, Riva walked gracefully, her massive wings folded tightly against her body. The bird's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, ever vigilant.
Charlotte didn't need rest. She needed answers.
As she entered the palace, the familiar chill of its grand halls greeted her. The polished marble floors reflected the flickering light of torches, and the faint hum of palace life carried through the corridors. Servants bowed as she passed, their eyes darting nervously to the massive bird at her side.
"Let them stare," Charlotte muttered under her breath.
Riva tilted her head toward Charlotte. "They're more afraid of you than me."
Charlotte smirked. "Maybe they should be."
As they reached the inner chambers, a familiar figure emerged. Crown Prince Luciano Antonio stood waiting, his dark hair neatly combed and his green eyes focused. His expression was calm, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed his unease.
"Charlotte," he said, his voice measured.
She raised an eyebrow. "Luciano. What brings you out of your brooding tower?"
He ignored her jab, his gaze flickering to Riva. For a moment, he seemed to hesitate, but then he turned his full attention back to Charlotte.
"We need to talk," he said.
Charlotte folded her arms, her sword still strapped to her back. "About what?"
Luciano took a step closer, lowering his voice. "About Orion. About stopping him before it's too late."
Charlotte's expression darkened. She had known this moment would come, but the weight of it still pressed heavily on her chest.
"I'm listening," she said, her tone cautious.
Luciano glanced around, ensuring they weren't being overheard. "Not here. Follow me."
He led her through a series of winding corridors until they reached a small, private study. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of old books and parchment. Luciano shut the door behind them, locking it with a soft click.
"Alright," Charlotte said, leaning against the edge of a desk. "What's this about?"
Luciano hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I know you've been investigating the poisoning, the queen's disappearance, and everything else that's been happening. I also know Orion is behind it all."
Charlotte's hazel eyes narrowed. "You've been holding out on me."
He didn't deny it. "I had no choice. Orion has eyes everywhere. I couldn't risk revealing anything until I was certain I could trust you."
Charlotte scoffed. "Trust me? I've been cleaning up this kingdom's messes since the moment I arrived. If anything, I should be questioning your loyalty."
Luciano's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Fair enough. But I'm here now, and I want to work with you. Orion has to be stopped, and you're the only person capable of doing it."
Charlotte studied him carefully. There was sincerity in his eyes, but she wasn't one to trust easily.
"And what exactly do you bring to the table?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"I know Orion's movements," Luciano said. "I've been tracking him for months. I know where he's been, who he's allied with, and what his next steps might be. With your skills and my knowledge, we can catch him."
Charlotte tapped her fingers against the hilt of her sword, considering his words.
Riva, who had perched herself on a nearby chair, ruffled her feathers. "He's telling the truth, you know."
Charlotte glanced at the bird. "I know."
Luciano frowned. "What did she say?"
"Nothing you need to know," Charlotte replied.
He sighed but didn't press the issue.
"Alright," she said finally. "I'll work with you. But if you lie to me or hold anything back again, this partnership ends. Understood?"
Luciano nodded. "Understood."
"Good," she said, pushing off the desk. "Now, tell me everything you know."
Luciano pulled a map from a nearby shelf, spreading it across the desk. "Orion's been moving between several hidden locations. He's using old ruins and underground networks to gather his forces. His endgame isn't clear yet, but I believe it involves the forbidden relics stored beneath the palace."
Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "The relics? Those are nothing but myths."
"They're real," Luciano said firmly. "And if Orion gets his hands on them, he could plunge the kingdom into darkness."
Charlotte exhaled sharply. "Then we don't have much time."
Luciano nodded. "I've already arranged for a small team to begin searching the ruins. But we'll need to move carefully. Orion's spies are everywhere."
Charlotte stepped closer to the map, her mind racing. She traced the locations with her finger, memorizing the key points.
"What about the poisoned king?" she asked. "If Orion's goal is destruction, wouldn't it make more sense to kill his brother outright?"
Luciano's expression darkened. "That's what worries me. James being poisoned instead of Orion feels… deliberate. Almost like Orion wanted to misdirect us."
Charlotte clenched her fists. "He's always two steps ahead. But not for long."
Riva let out a soft cry, drawing their attention.
"She says we should start with the ruins closest to the palace," Charlotte translated.
Luciano nodded. "Agreed. If Orion's hiding there, we might be able to catch him off guard."
As they finalized their plans, Charlotte couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a trap. But she had no choice. This was her mission, her burden to bear.
"Luciano," she said, her voice quieter.
He looked up from the map. "Yes?"
"Do you really believe we can stop him?"
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "If anyone can, it's you."
Charlotte didn't respond. She wasn't sure if she believed him, but she knew one thing for certain—she wouldn't stop until Orion was defeated.
As they left the study, Riva perched on Charlotte's shoulder, her sharp eyes scanning the palace halls. Together, they stepped into the unknown, ready to face whatever darkness lay ahead.