The air in Altheon Royal Academy had shifted. The moment Caelum's name was linked to Princess Seraphina, whispers turned into discussions, and discussions into schemes. Noble factions were paying attention to him now.
And not all of them were friendly.
---
Seated in his dorm, Caelum reread the invitation from House Aldren. The noble house was influential, known for its wealth and strong connections within the kingdom. Aligning with them could be beneficial—but at what cost?
> [Quest Alert: A Web of Alliances]
- Decision Required: Accept or Decline House Aldren's invitation.
- Consider the risks and potential benefits.
Seraphina's warning echoed in his mind.
"House Aldren is powerful, but they play both sides."
Caelum exhaled. Did he really want to step further into this political battlefield?
Before he could decide, a knock on his door interrupted his thoughts.
A familiar voice followed. "Cael, may I come in?"
Seraphina.
---
Seraphina entered, her elegant violet dress flowing as she took a seat. "You're deep in thought."
Caelum leaned back, holding up the letter. "House Aldren. They want a meeting."
She smirked. "And you're wondering if it's a trap?"
"More or less," he admitted.
She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "They wouldn't invite you if they didn't see value in you. But that doesn't mean their intentions are pure."
Caelum studied her. "And what would you do?"
Seraphina smiled. "I'd go. But I'd be prepared for treachery."
> [Quest Updated: A Web of Alliances]
- You have chosen to attend the meeting.
- Prepare accordingly.
"Very well," he said. "I'll see what they want."
Seraphina's smirk widened. "Good. Just don't let them manipulate you, Cael. That's my job."
Caelum chuckled. "Duly noted."
---
Across the Academy, Evelyn sat alone in her dormitory. Her hands trembled as she held onto a letter—one she had intercepted.
House Aldren's invitation to Caelum.
Her stomach churned.
"They're trying to steal him away."
Her thoughts were a storm of emotions. First Seraphina, and now this? It wasn't fair. Caelum was hers.
Tears pricked at her eyes.
"He doesn't understand… but he will."
She had to act before it was too late.
---
Three days later, Caelum arrived at the Silverleaf Pavilion, a luxurious estate owned by House Aldren. The meeting room was lavish, golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors.
A middle-aged noble, Lord Aldren, sat at the head of a grand table, a pleasant but calculating smile on his face.
"Lord Drayton," he greeted. "I appreciate you accepting my invitation."
Caelum took a seat. "You have my attention."
Lord Aldren leaned forward. "I'll be blunt. Your recent actions have stirred the nobility. Some see you as a threat. Others, like myself, see potential."
Caelum remained silent.
"We wish to support you," Aldren continued. "Financially, politically. In return, we expect your cooperation in certain matters."
> [Negotiation Phase: Influence Roll Required]
- Attempt to bargain for better terms? (Yes/No)
Caelum smirked. Of course, he would negotiate.
"Your offer is generous," he said, "but I don't align myself with those who would use me as a tool."
Aldren chuckled. "Clever. Then tell me—what do you want?"
Caelum's eyes glinted. "Autonomy. I accept support, but I remain in control of my actions."
Aldren stroked his beard. "Hmm… an independent thinker. I like that."
> [Influence Roll: Success]
- House Aldren has agreed to support you with minimal restrictions.
- You have gained a powerful noble ally.
"Very well," Aldren said. "You have my support, Lord Drayton."
Caelum extended his hand, and Aldren shook it.
But just as the deal was sealed—
A loud crash echoed through the room.
The doors burst open.
Evelyn stood in the doorway, her face pale, her breath ragged.
And in her trembling hands—
A dagger.
---
Caelum's blood ran cold. "Evelyn…?"
She was shaking. Her emerald eyes were filled with a mixture of pain, fury, and desperation.
"I…" Her voice cracked. "I won't let them take you."
The tension in the room snapped as guards rushed forward, but Evelyn reacted instantly. She lunged.
Caelum moved on instinct, intercepting her just as the dagger's tip grazed his arm. He winced at the sting but managed to disarm her, twisting her wrist just enough for the weapon to fall.
Evelyn gasped, her knees buckling as she collapsed against him. "Cael…"
Her entire body trembled.
"I just wanted… to protect you," she whispered.
Caelum held her wrists firmly. "Protect me from what, Evelyn?"
Tears slipped down her cheeks. "From them."
She looked at Lord Aldren with undisguised hatred.
"They're using you… just like I did," she choked out. "And I won't let them."
Caelum's chest tightened.
This wasn't just obsession anymore. It was delusion.
> [Quest Update: The Chains of Obsession - Final Stage]
- Evelyn has taken direct action.
- The situation is now irreversible.
Guards surrounded them, awaiting orders. Lord Aldren's expression was unreadable.
"What do we do with her?" one of the guards asked.
Caelum looked down at Evelyn.
She had lost everything.
She had been his fiancée, his first love. And now?
Now she was a broken shadow of what she used to be.
"Let me go," she whispered.
Caelum inhaled sharply.
Then, he made his choice.
---