The celebration after the hunting contest slowly stretched into evening. Lanterns were lit one by one, their soft golden glow flickering in the cool air. Nobles gathered in small groups, talking loudly, laughing, some even arguing about who hunted better. Servants moved between tables with trays of food, while guards remained at the outer line of the forest, alert but relaxed.
Children played near the tents.
Oliver sat on the grass with Samuel and Lucas, holding a slice of fruit. He wasn't really hungry, but the peaceful atmosphere made him feel calm.
"This was fun," Ryan said, leaning back on his elbows, staring at the sky.
Samuel stretched his arms. "Next time we'll join the hunt. I'm serious."
Lucas nodded immediately. "We should start training properly. Not just practice with wooden swords."
Oliver smiled a little.
For once, everything felt… normal.
---
Then a strange chill passed through the air.
It wasn't cold exactly, but something felt off. Oliver frowned slightly, his fingers tightening around the fruit.
Something feels wrong…
Before he could say anything, shouting erupted near the outer guards. The sound of metal clashing cut through the calm like a blade.
Theo turned instantly. "Protect the children."
Adrian moved at the same time, his eyes sharp and cold. The peaceful mood vanished in seconds.
Shadowy figures rushed from the tree line.
Assassins.
---
Chaos broke out.
Knights drew their swords. Nobles stumbled backward, some panicking, some calling for guards. Magic flickered faintly as a few mages tried to form barriers. The calm evening turned into noise and confusion.
Charles quickly pulled the children closer. "Stay behind me. Don't move."
Samuel clenched his fists. "Cowards…"
Lucas stepped in front of Oliver without thinking.
Theo moved forward, his sword flashing. One attacker fell instantly. Sebastian joined him, wind magic slicing through the air. Adrian released a cold aura that forced two assassins back.
Everything was happening too fast.
And in the confusion… one slipped through.
---
Oliver suddenly felt a hand grab him from behind.
He gasped, the air leaving his lungs.
Samuel shouted, "Oliver!"
Lucas tried to grab him, but the masked man pulled Oliver back, pressing a blade lightly against his neck. It wasn't deep, but the threat was clear.
"Don't move," the assassin hissed.
Everything froze.
Theo's eyes darkened. "…Let him go."
Charles's face went pale. "Please… don't hurt him."
Samuel trembled in anger. "Let him go!"
The assassin stepped backward slowly, dragging Oliver toward the cliff hidden behind the trees.
"Stop following," he warned.
Adrian moved carefully, voice calm but dangerous. "You won't escape."
The assassin's grip tightened. He looked panicked now.
And then—
He pushed Oliver.
---
Oliver lost balance.
The ground disappeared.
For a moment he felt weightless. The sky spun above him, trees blurring together.
Samuel screamed, "OLIVER!"
Theo rushed forward, but he was too far.
Oliver fell over the cliff.
Then—
A splash echoed below.
Water.
---
Silence.
Heavy and unreal.
Theo reached the edge, breathing hard. The drop was steep, and the river below moved fast, dark and cold.
"…No…"
Charles collapsed to his knees. "Oliver…!"
Samuel shook his head again and again. "He… he can swim… right?"
Lucas stared down, pale. "…We need to search."
Adrian's voice cut through the shock. "Search the river. Now."
---
Torches were lit quickly.
Knights spread along the riverbanks. Theo didn't hesitate, he rushed down the lower path, slipping on rocks but not stopping. Sebastian followed close behind. Adrian moved silently through the trees, scanning every shadow.
Hours passed.
The river kept flowing.
No sign.
Charles's hands trembled as he whispered, "He's strong… he's strong…" almost like he was convincing himself.
Samuel sat near the edge, whispering, "He promised… we would train together…"
Lucas said nothing. His fists stayed clenched the whole time.
Even the nobles began whispering quietly.
The cliff was too high.
The current too strong.
Hope slowly started fading.
---
Near midnight, Theo stood by the river, soaked and exhausted. His clothes clung to him, but he didn't seem to notice.
He looked at the water again.
"…Oliver."
His voice broke softly.
No one had seen him like that before.
Adrian placed a hand on his shoulder. "…We will continue searching."
But even he looked uncertain.
Many lowered their heads.
They all thought the same thing.
The young heir… was gone.
---
Far downstream, the river slowed slightly.
Soft waves carried a small body toward the muddy riverbank. Oliver lay unconscious, barely breathing, clothes soaked and cold.
A figure stepped out from the trees.
An omega.
Young, calm, with gentle silver eyes.
He quickly knelt beside Oliver and checked his pulse. For a moment his expression tightened… then softened.
"…Alive."
Relief appeared on his face.
Carefully, he lifted the child into his arms. Oliver didn't move, his breathing shallow but steady.
"Don't worry… you're safe now," he murmured quietly.
The stranger carried Oliver away from the river, disappearing into the dark forest.
While the kingdom believed…
Their little heir had fallen forever.
Will the little heir survive, or will some new problem arise?.