Hours slipped away, filled with the echoes of music and laughter. As the night wore on, the grand hall began to empty. Princess Arya, radiant in her emerald gown, bid a happy farewell to her guests.
Cable turned his gaze toward Sofia, his smile warm. "Thank you for helping make this day so unforgettable, Sofia. You have truly become an honorary member of our family." Sofia blushed, moved by his words. As the final guests vanished, King Duke gently urged everyone to retire, and the palace settled into a peaceful stillness.
But beyond the palace walls, the night was far from peaceful...
That same night, a small caravan of guests was traveling through the dense forest road. The flickering torches cast long, dancing shadows against the ancient trees. Suddenly, the horses began to rear in terror, and a deathly chill gripped the air.
Before anyone could react, blurred shadows lunged from the canopy. There was no time to scream. The attack was surgical—faster than any beast and more silent than any man. In a heartbeat, the forest returned to its haunting silence, leaving behind only hollowed-out husks of what were once living men—each one drained of every single drop of blood.
**The celebration was over, and a new reign of terror had begun**
As the palace settled into its quiet evening routines, Sofia found herself adrift in thought. Her encounter with Prince Rayan still echoed in her mind, but her heart had already sought refuge elsewhere. Cable's warm smile and gentle nature had captured her attention in a way she couldn't explain, leaving her wondering... did he harbor the same feelings for her ?
Seeking clarity, Sofia decided to walk through the palace gardens under the silver glow of the moon. As she strolled along the winding stone paths, a figure emerged from the velvet shadows—it was Cable. His gaze locked onto hers, filled with a soft, inviting light.
"Sofia, have you and Arya grown close?" Cable asked, his voice low and intimate.
Sofia offered a gentle smile. "Yes, Princess Arya is a very kind soul. In such a short time, we have become quite good friends."
He watched her face closely; her piercing red eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight as she smiled. "It seems you have made many friends here," Cable noted with a hint of curiosity.
Sofia stopped and spoke softly, "No, Princess Arya is my one and only friend."
Cable's footsteps halted abruptly. He reached out, taking Sofia's hand in his, and asked in a hushed tone, "Am I not your friend?"
Sofia was stunned, her breath hitching in her throat. A deep flush crept up her neck to her ears and cheeks. She bowed her head, unable to meet his intense gaze, and whispered, "You are also my friend."
A spark ignited in Cable's navy blue eyes, and a slight, knowing smile played on his lips. Sofia found herself smiling back, the air between them thick with a connection that felt like more than just friendship.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the palace...
The air was heavy with dread. Soldiers stood before King Julian, recounting the grim events of the previous night's massacre in the forest. As they described the bloodless husks left behind, the King's face paled, his features etching with profound worry. The secret he had been guarding was now bleeding into his reality. He knew the darkness had not just returned—it was already at their gates.
As the birthday celebration raged on inside, Sofia slipped out into the palace gardens to find a moment of solace. Her peace was shattered by the sound of raised voices and muffled cries for help near the fountain.
Following the sound, her eyes narrowed as she discovered three palace guards harassing a young servant girl.
Without a second thought, Sofia intervened with fierce resolve. "Enough!" she declared, her voice as cold as tempered steel.
The guards turned, sneering at her. One stepped forward with a mocking grin, "This doesn't concern you, Butler Sofia."
Sofia's eyes flashed with a dangerous spark as she moved into his space. "It concerns me when those sworn to protect use their power to abuse. Release her, now."
Intimidated by her unwavering presence, the guards exchanged uneasy looks before retreating into the night. Sofia turned to the girl, her expression softening. "Are you hurt? Do you need assistance?"
Out of the shadows stepped a figure—Rayan Igthen. With flawless skin, platinum blonde hair, and piercing ebony eyes, he possessed an almost ethereal beauty. He had been watching the encounter, clearly captivated by Sofia's bold defense.
"Well done, Sofia," Rayan said, his voice low and smooth. "Your savage spirit is truly captivating. I am Rayan Igthen, a visiting noble from the Kingdom of Valtoria."
Sofia met his gaze, her instincts still on high alert. "Who are you, really?" she asked curtly.
Rayan offered a charming smile. "As I said—a noble from Valtoria. But I have been watching you from afar... your strength is quite intriguing."
After the servant girl was escorted to safety, Rayan approached Sofia again, inviting her to a secluded garden bench. "I have observed you, Sofia. You fit into palace life perfectly, yet there is a hint of mystery that clings to you. Tell me, do you truly enjoy your role here?"
Sofia remained polite but guarded. "I do, Your Majesty. I appreciate the trust the Royal Family has placed in me."
Rayan leaned in closer, his ebony eyes shimmering with intent. "Trust is earned, Sofia. You have certainly earned mine, and perhaps... something more. Would you care to walk with me and discuss the affairs of the court?"
Sofia's eyes narrowed slightly, her voice firm. "I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty, but my duties require my return."
Rayan's smile didn't falter. "Very well, Sofia. Perhaps another time." As she walked away, Rayan's gaze lingered on her, his mind already weaving a plan for their next encounter.