Chapter 31: The Crown Prince's Interest
The night air felt colder than usual.
Liora walked slowly through the castle garden, her thoughts still tangled after the war and the sudden arrival of the Silver Kingdom's Crown Prince.
She stopped near the fountain.
The moonlight reflected on the water.
Her fingers brushed the surface lightly.
"So many things… happening at once."
"You'll get used to it."
She turned.
Leon stood behind her again.
She smiled faintly.
"You always appear quietly."
He shrugged.
"Old habit."
He stepped closer.
"You should be resting."
"I couldn't sleep."
"Thinking about the war?"
"...Yes."
Leon leaned against the stone railing.
"Kael won't stop."
"I know."
She lowered her gaze.
"I'm scared… but I can't run away."
Leon looked at her carefully.
"You're brave."
She shook her head.
"I'm just stubborn."
Leon smiled softly.
"Same thing."
They both laughed quietly.
For a moment, the tension faded.
But suddenly—
A cold presence filled the air.
Both turned.
The Shadow King stood nearby.
His dark eyes moved from Leon to Liora.
"...You're still awake."
Liora nodded.
"I couldn't sleep."
He looked at Leon.
"...You too?"
Leon smiled slightly.
"Just keeping her company."
Silence fell.
The tension became visible.
Liora felt awkward.
"I… should go back."
But the Shadow King spoke.
"Stay."
She paused.
Leon smirked slightly.
"Looks like he doesn't want you to leave."
The Shadow King's eyes darkened slightly.
"I didn't say that."
Leon chuckled.
Liora sighed softly.
Why does it feel strange…
The next morning arrived quickly.
The castle buzzed with activity.
Soldiers trained harder than before.
War preparation continued.
Liora walked toward the training ground.
She needed to get stronger.
When she arrived—
Both Leon and the Shadow King were already there.
She blinked.
"You're both here?"
Leon smiled.
"I offered to help with your training."
The Shadow King's expression remained calm.
"...We'll train together."
Liora nodded.
"Okay."
Training began immediately.
The Shadow King summoned shadow blades.
Leon drew his silver sword.
Liora raised her light.
They attacked.
She dodged.
Blocked.
Countered.
Both men watched her carefully.
Leon spoke first.
"You're fast."
The Shadow King added.
"But unstable."
She nodded.
"I know."
She concentrated.
Her Light Seal glowed.
Golden wings appeared.
Leon looked surprised.
"That's impressive."
The Shadow King watched silently.
She attacked.
Light burst forward.
Both blocked.
Leon smiled.
"You're improving."
She smiled faintly.
"Thanks."
But suddenly—
Her wings flickered.
Her breathing became heavier.
The Shadow King stepped forward.
"Stop."
She lowered her power.
"I'm okay."
"...You're pushing too hard."
Leon nodded.
"He's right."
She sighed softly.
"I just want to become stronger."
The Shadow King looked at her.
"...You will."
Later—
They rested under a tree.
Liora sat quietly.
Leon handed her water.
"Here."
"Thank you."
The Shadow King watched silently.
Leon looked at him.
"You don't talk much."
"...No need."
Leon chuckled.
"You're still the same."
Liora looked between them.
"You really know each other well."
Leon nodded.
"We fought together during the northern war."
She blinked.
"Really?"
The Shadow King nodded slightly.
"...Long ago."
Leon smiled.
"He saved my life once."
Liora looked surprised.
"Really?"
The Shadow King looked away.
"...It was nothing."
Leon laughed.
"He's humble."
Liora smiled softly.
She felt happy seeing this side of him.
Suddenly—
A soldier rushed toward them.
"Your Majesty!"
"What is it?"
"We detected dark portals forming near the eastern border!"
The Shadow King's expression hardened.
"...Already?"
Leon stood.
"Let's check."
Liora stood too.
"I'm coming."
The Shadow King hesitated.
Then nodded.
"...Stay close."
They reached the eastern border quickly.
The air felt heavy.
Dark portals flickered in the distance.
Liora felt chills.
"Something's wrong…"
Suddenly—
The portals opened.
Dark creatures poured out.
The battle began instantly.
Knights attacked.
Leon joined immediately.
His sword flashed.
Enemies fell.
Liora raised her light.
Golden wings appeared.
She attacked.
Light burst across the battlefield.
The Shadow King fought fiercely.
Darkness clashed with enemies.
The battlefield turned chaotic.
Suddenly—
A familiar aura appeared.
Cold.
Terrifying.
Liora froze.
"...Kael?"
But it wasn't him.
Another general stepped forward.
Black armor.
Red eyes.
Leon narrowed his eyes.
"...Another one."
The general smirked.
"My name is Raven."
The Shadow King's expression hardened.
"...Kael's third general."
The battle intensified instantly.
Raven attacked.
Too fast.
Leon blocked.
Shockwave spread.
Liora attacked with light.
Raven dodged.
"Interesting."
He attacked again.
The Shadow King joined.
Darkness clashed.
The battlefield trembled.
Liora clenched her hand.
She had to help.
Her Light Seal glowed brighter.
Golden wings expanded.
She attacked.
Light exploded.
Raven stepped back.
First time.
He smiled.
"You're growing stronger."
The battle intensified.
Shockwaves spread.
Suddenly—
Raven raised his hand.
Dark storm formed.
The battlefield darkened.
Liora felt chills.
This is bad…
She attacked again.
Light burst forward.
But Raven blocked.
He's strong…
Leon attacked from the side.
Sword flashed.
Raven blocked.
The Shadow King attacked simultaneously.
Darkness exploded.
Raven stepped back.
Silence fell briefly.
Then—
Raven laughed.
"This is fun."
He stepped back.
"But next time…"
Dark portal opened.
"I'll kill her."
He disappeared.
The battlefield quieted.
Liora breathed heavily.
"It's over…"
But suddenly—
She staggered.
The Shadow King caught her again.
"You pushed yourself."
"I'm okay…"
Leon smiled slightly.
"You always collapse."
She laughed weakly.
Later that night—
Liora sat near the window.
Her thoughts heavy.
The Shadow King entered quietly.
"You should rest."
She looked at him.
"...Are you worried?"
He paused.
"...Yes."
She smiled softly.
"Me too."
Silence lingered.
Then—
He stepped closer.
"Liora…"
Her heart raced.
Their distance closed.
But suddenly—
A loud explosion echoed far away.
Both froze.
Another attack.
The war—
Was far from over.