Lord Dante stormed down the hall, arguing with every person who crossed his path.

“Your Highness, it’s time for your second meeting with Lords N_” the butler announced.

“It’s time to change things in this empire!” I declared, brimming with frenetic energy. “Um… Dumb question, but this is the Lucirion Kingdom, right?”

The butler gave me a perplexed look look before bowing elegantly. “Indeed, Your Highness. It is your Kingdom.”

“Perfect! Then it’s time for some changes,” I said, grinning. “Tell me butler, how long have I been meeting with Lord Dante?”

He stared at me, visibly concerned.

“I just happened to forget some details, hahaha,” I laughed nervously.

“Well,” he began cautiously, “Your Highness started meeting him when Your brother, His Majesty the King fell ill. You had trouble managing your responsibilities so the council had to step in…”

“And I guess he is the head of the council?” I guessed.

“Indeed, Your Highness,” he confirmed. “Has something happened between the two of you?”

“It’s time for a new era, butler! Justice will be served, and everyone will be equal! You have my word!”

With a dramatic flourish, I turned my heel and strode toward the corridor, only to bump straight into a pair of figures.

“Oof!” I stumbled back, blinking at the sudden impact.

Two identical faces stared back at me with wide eyes, their silver hair glowing like threads of moonlight. One had golden eyes, the other’s were a deep violet.

“Ah, Your Highness,” one of them said with a smirk. “Still charging into things headfirst, I see.”

“Or people,” the other added with a chuckle.

It’s the Narcis twins! Should I feign ignorance? After all, their egos are so inflated that I’d love to see it crumble. Their appearance sure is different.

“Remind me… who are you again?” I asked, tilting my head innocently.

Their smiles faltered for half a second, then shifted back into their usual smugness.

“You wound us, Your Highness,” said Aloen, placing a hand over his heart. “We’ve been your loyal spies or rather advisors, for the past five years.”

“Asher and Aloen Narcis, Your Highness,” Asher supplied, with a graceful bow.

“What business do the Narcis brothers have with me today I wonder?” I asked, folding my arms.

“We were told that you were unwell and wouldn’t be attending our meeting this afternoon,” Aloen replied. “So, we were on our way out. I hope that you’re feeling better, Your Highness?”

“Much better, thank you. Ahem… I just needed a moment to organize my thoughts,” I said.

“We overheard something earlier—something about making changes in the empire. What kind of changes do you intend to make?” Asher asked straightforwardly.

Both were glaring at me with fierce eyes. Like wolves pretending to be well —mannered guests.

They’re not even pretending to hide their intentions… Whatever they’re planning, I am sure it’s not in my favor. But this time, I’ll lead the dance.

I offered them a serene smile, the kind that made people second-guess whether I knew something they didn’t.

“Change is the breath of any empire,” I said lightly. “But of course, any adjustments will take your advice into consideration.”

Aloen tilted his head. “Our advice is always given in the empire’s best interest.”

“Naturally,” I replied. “Just as mine is given in the interest of its people.”

There was a flicker in Asher’s expression. Amusement? A warning? Perhaps both.

“Then I hope, Your Highness,” he said slowly, “your definition of people includes those who keep the gears turning behind the scenes.”

“It includes everyone,” I said, stepping closer, lowering my voice just enough to make them lean in. “But let me be clear, those gears will turn where I direct them. Whether they like it or not.”

The silence that followed was sharp enough to cut through steel.

“Your Highness,” Aloen said, dropping gracefully to one knee, “I sincerely wish you success. But be careful not to make ruthless enemies. You may end up losing everything.”

I stared down at him, unblinking.

“I’ll dispose of them one by one,” I said turning away. “I’ll show them what I am capable of.”

“I’ll announce everything at my next council meeting. I trust you’ll honor us with your presence,” I added.

“But of course, Your Highness,” he replied, his voice smooth, yet his clenched jaw betrayed the anger he tried to hide.

I went back to my room, and opened the wide balcony.

“This might be the third trial… But what am I supposed to accomplish? Justice? Maintain peace?” I thought. “All I know is that this is the perfect opportunity to make positive changes and help the oppressed!” I added enthusiastically.

Knock. Knock.

“Your Highness,” the butler said. “The next meeting with council will be held in three days, I am afraid. This is what the king wishes.”

“The king? Is he feeling better?” I asked, concerned.

The butler closed his eyes and bowed his head.

“His body is slowly withering, Your Highness. He wishes to keep his weak state a secret.”

“But if he appears at the meeting, he won’t be able to hide it will he?” I said.

“His Majesty certainly has his reasons… In any case, you should focus on what you intend to ‘change’ in our beloved kingdom. His Majesty is already looking forward to it.” The butler said.

“Alright! I am on it!”

Three days have passed. The day of the meeting arrived sooner than expected. The counselors arrived one by one, bowing in front of my brother and me. The king was pale, his breathing labored, yet his composure, his presence was commanding. His eyes pierced through each of the sly advisors who wished for his death.

Sensing my unease, he held my hand with his cold fingers and whispered: “Do not show any reaction. These men are predators that feed on any of our missteps, so be careful.”

“Yes, brother,” I said.

“You shall be the one opening the meeting today,” he said, his voice trembling.

I rose, firm and resolute, scanning each face in the room.

“Greetings everyone. We are gathered here today to discuss some of the new changes that will be instituted in our country. As of today, slavery is strictly forbidden. Whether they are children or adults, humans or Velathar, no one is born to serve others!” I said.

“Hmph!” Dante smirked. “With all due respect, Your Highness, humans who enter our realm are doomed to wither. If they become Vyraths, we’ll grant them an eternal life in exchange for their services. Isn’t that a fair trade?” he said turning to the audience seeking approval.

“Lord Dante, humans do not come to our Kingdom with their own volition, do they?” I countered fiercely. “They do not wield magical powers to open gates nor the power to teleport. As such, it is us that bring them here, maybe not under coercion, but by selling them lies and false hopes… you are more knowledgeable in that matter, Lord Dante, so no need to state the obvious. Curtailing contact with the human realm will be best.”

“Your Highness,” Asher said. “I’ve been to the human realm several times now, and I have noticed something. Some humans live in misery, some even think of ending their lives. Do not look shocked, some lead bitter lives to the extent that anything to get them out of there will do. Therefore, I personally saved some, brought them back with me, and are working at my estate, isn’t that right brother?”

“Indeed,” Aloen nodded. “Your Highness, as my brother stated, some humans are in desperate need of salvation. Hence, we appear before them, and them alone. Following us or not remains their choice. They usually either take our hand or… end their lives.”

His words triggered a memory: Asher, standing at the edge of the bridge... Was I one of those desperate souls?

“I see your point. But do you think using children as slaves or turning them as blood-sucking creatures is considered salvation?”

“No, Your Highness,” said a man cloaked in black. “Maybe, we shall restrict access to the human realm? Cutting ties completely might anger the mages.”

“Lucius…” I thought. “Yeah, it’s his voice. His statement was undoubtedly a threat disguised as a suggestion.”

“Don’t worry about them, I’ve already planned how to deal with them. The gates connecting the human and our realm will be sealed until further notice,” I commanded.

Watching them clench their fists while unable to defy my command was immensely satisfying.

“I shall inform the head mage of your decision, Your Highness,” Lucius said, rising to leave.

“The meeting is not over,” a knight called.

“Oh, it is, I assure you,” he glanced at me. “Your Majesty, Your Highness. I look forward to our next meeting.” Then, he vanished.

“Your Highness,” Aloen said. “As your loyal advisor, we’ll oversee the enforcement of this new law.”

“We’ll also release all human slaves, as per your command,” Asher added.

“What about those Vyraths?” Dante interjected. “They are already lost and they can only listen to their master’s orders! Can’t we at least take advantage of them?”

“Vyraths may have lost all their sanity,” the king said, “but they were human once. Capture them alive as well. Have the palace physicians examine them. All of them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Those were the final words of the meeting. With a single hand gesture, the counselors rose, bowed, and filed out. Soon, only the King and I remained.

He was pale, as if carved from ivory. His long eyelashes drooped slightly, lending him a solemn air.

“Is this how you gaze upon your king?” he teased. “At least pretend to play your role properly,” He added walking to the wide window.

“No shadow…” I whispered. “Sylavara.”

“You’re not going to enjoy this for long, Mia. But I am curious to see how everything will unfold.”

“One last thing,” Sylavara said, “this test is different. You may suffer the consequences of your own choices. So… don’t hold a grudge against me, alright?”

He smiled faintly. “Your chance to make a change is here, so seize it. And who knows…” His eyes began to dim. “…maybe you’ll even change the outside world.”

With that, he collapsed, motionless.

“The king — he’s dead!” a voice cried behind me.