"My princesses, my prince... this is where my duty ends. I wish you a pleasant day."
The attendant bowed slightly and quickly vanished back into the elevator. Suddenly, we were alone.
My sister gave me a gentle tug, urging me forward as we approached the grand gate. There would be no turning back once I crossed.
The moment I stepped through, a Nightmare Seed would be planted in my soul, dormant and waiting for the time of my first Nightmare. There, I would meet Ki Song and partake of her blood to officially become her son—an heir to the blood of the Beast God—and receive my name.
Well, I suppose I never really had a choice from the start. Even if I could turn back time to that snowy night, my only choice then would have been to grasp my mother's hand once more.
After all, what chance of survival is there in a world like this without a powerhouse to back you up? Especially in the Outskirts.
. Not everyone is like Sunny, those fated ones born under an eclipse and destined for greatness. Some of us have to write our own legends without the help of a Shadow, a blind seer, or an girl with autism.
Hahaha... Who am I kidding? I'll cling to my mother's skirt for help without a shred of shame.
My dear mother, your little prince is coming.
As I crossed the threshold, a strange sensation washed over me—my first true contact with the Dream Realm. I didn't dwell on it and kept walking.
The majestic palace was something the novel truly failed to describe. Whether called the Raven's Heart or the Jade Palace, it was a towering construct of obsidian, marked by ancient structures carved into the main opening.
The contrast was breathtaking; while the exterior looked like a fortress of dark obsidian, the interior was a pristine, flawless white—like pure jade.
Walking through the vast halls, it was clear that some were built for humans, while others were meant for creatures far larger. The palace felt like a sprawling labyrinth, a city of stone with countless halls, chambers, and staircases.
According to the lore, the palace was divided into three main sectors: the smallest surrounding the gate for the public, a larger, warm area for living, and the vast majority which remained silent and uninhabited—a haunting reminder of the palace's grandeur and mystery.
The palace housed three throne rooms. Two were within the structure itself: one regal and human-sized, the other a cavernous hall for much larger beings.
The third throne room was hidden deep within the frozen caves beneath the palace, built by Ki Song as a vault for her Pilgrims. The clan builders had also refined many caves there to create sunless facilities for Revel, due to her unique condition.
At least, that was the future; I wasn't sure if construction had begun yet.
Awakened guards nodded as we passed, their eyes trailing me. Rumors of the Queen adopting her first son and House Song gaining its first Prince had clearly spread. By tomorrow, it wouldn't just be a rumor.
We walked for what felt like half an hour, venturing deeper until the Awakened guards were replaced by my mother's Pilgrims, standing silently in the corridors.
"This is the inner palace," Seishan said as we walked. "Reserved only for us, mother, and those with permission."
Was my face really that easy to read?
"Yes, it is," Eunbin added.
I clicked my tongue. "I didn't even say anything."
"You didn't have to. The question was written all over your face."
Hmph. I just ignored her, a talent I've perfected over the past month.
"We're here," my sister's voice cut through my thoughts.
Ahead, a massive gate stood open. Inside was a hall with soaring ceilings and jade-white walls reflecting the flickering candlelight. In the center sat a massive table of polished dark wood, surrounded by twelve elegant chairs.
At the head stood a larger, more ornate throne—the Queen's seat—dominating the room with absolute elegance.
As we entered, eight pairs of eyes turned toward us—a mix of curiosity and boredom. My sisters. Eight girls sat around the table with a graceful yet poised presence, their hair a spectrum of colors and their eyes shimmering like pearls.
"Shan, you're finally here," Yareesa said, waving a lazy hand.
"Hello, everyone. I see I'm not late," Seishan replied.
"Not at all. I might have died of boredom if you hadn't shown up," one sister quipped, while another smirked, "Who told you to be the first ones here?"
Before a squabble could break out, Vera looked my way. "Well, well... look who finally decided to visit our humble abode. Is this our little brother?"
I gave her a smile and started toward her. "Sister Vi—"
But before I could reach her, the sound of the rear door opening echoed through the hall. Heavy, regal footsteps approached.
Ki Song had arrived. The Queen of Worms, the Queen of Ravens and Dead.