DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE FROM THE FLOWELL RESIDENCE

The early morning sun cast soft rays of gold over the horizon, bathing the world in a warm glow. Selentia stood in the grand courtyard of the Flowell estate, her eyes briefly closing as she absorbed the peaceful silence before the storm. The world around her was tranquil, but inside, she could feel the anticipation bubbling like a hidden tide.

Zike and Zeo stood by her side, both men silently waiting, their presence as steady as the carriage they would soon board.

"Are we ready?" Selentia asked softly, her voice carrying the weight of an unspoken promise.

Zike, his black cloak flowing with the wind, nodded. "Everything is packed, My Lady. We can leave whenever you wish."

Zeo, his gaze ever-watchful, stood just slightly behind, his hand resting near the hilt of his sword. "The route is clear. No one will know we're leaving."

Selentia gave a brief, almost imperceptible smile. She trusted them both more than anyone else, and their unwavering loyalty was a source of quiet strength. She wasn't one for sentimental goodbyes, but there was a momentary tug in her chest as she glanced back at the grand house that had been her home for so long. I wonder what awaits me in Cevallos...

"Let's go," she said, her voice cool but firm. There was no turning back now.

The three of them boarded the carriage in silence, the door closing with a soft thud that marked the beginning of a new chapter. The wheels of the carriage creaked as it slowly began its journey out of the Flowell estate, the guards standing at attention, their silent watch over the duchess a reminder of her power, even as she left it behind for now.

ON THE ROAD TO THE CEVALLOS EMPIRE

The journey was long and uneventful at first, the carriage rocking gently as it rolled through rolling hills and sparse forests. The wind, now cool, brushed against Selentia's face as she gazed out of the small window, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her mind wasn't on the view, but on the upcoming mission—on the Dark Killer, on Evren, and the city that awaited her arrival.

Zike leaned forward from across the carriage, his voice low. "My Lady, have you considered how you'll approach the Crown Prince?"

Selentia's gaze turned to him, her expression unreadable. "I'm not sure yet. But one thing is certain—Evren Van Cevallos won't be easy to face. He knows more about the Dark Killer than he's letting on." She paused, her lips curving into a faint, almost amused smile. "And he's no fool."

Zeo, ever the silent watcher, spoke up from his place by the door. "He'll be expecting us, My Lady. But he doesn't know you."

"That's true," Selentia mused. "He doesn't know who I really am—or at least, he doesn't know the real threat I pose." She leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment, her mind racing. "Cevallos Empire... it will be a dangerous game. One I intend to win."

The carriage continued its journey, the rhythmic sound of the wheels against the cobblestone road almost hypnotic. The landscape outside shifted from tranquil farmlands to darker, more foreboding woods, signaling that they were nearing the borders of the Cevallos Empire.

A DARKER ATMOSPHERE

As night began to fall, the atmosphere grew heavier, the sky clouded over with ominous dark clouds. The air felt charged with tension, as if the very land was holding its breath. The carriage slowed as they neared a dense forest area, the trees thick and twisted, their branches reaching like skeletal hands toward the sky.

Zike's voice broke the silence. "We should make camp for the night. The roads aren't safe past this point."

Selentia nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Agreed. We'll rest here and continue at dawn."

Zeo stepped down from the carriage first, his sharp eyes taking in the surroundings. "I'll set up the perimeter, My Lady."

Selentia watched him go, her thoughts drifting back to the task at hand. There was a strange feeling in the air, something ancient and unsettling, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Her fingers gently traced the Flowell crest on her sleeve, grounding herself in the familiar comfort of her status, even as she prepared to face a future that could be anything but certain.

Zike remained seated beside her, watching her carefully. "Are you alright, My Lady?"

Selentia glanced at him, offering a soft smile, though there was a distant look in her eyes. "I'm fine. Just... lost in thought."

Zike's eyes softened. "I know this isn't easy for you. But we're with you, always."

A rare flicker of gratitude passed over Selentia's face, but she quickly masked it, her eyes hardening again. "I know. And I'm grateful for that. But we all have our roles to play."

A FINAL LOOK AT THE ROAD AHEAD

As the camp was set up and night fell, Selentia stood on the edge of their temporary shelter, gazing toward the horizon where the lights of the Cevallos Empire flickered faintly in the distance. Her heart beat faster as she thought of what was to come.

In the darkness, the future seemed uncertain, and the only thing she could rely on was her own strength. The game was about to begin, and the final pieces were slowly but surely falling into place.

Tomorrow, they would cross into the empire.

Tomorrow, she would face Evren Van Cevallos.