Facing The Heads

When I stepped into the portal, my vision blurred. A wave of dizziness hit me, making me feel disoriented until I finally landed on different ground. The sensation around me was completely different from Zestella's royal castle.

I could hear people running around, shouting, with some wearing pale expressions, and others looking conflicted. They were of various races, all from Sancta Vedelia. They appeared to be high nobles from every country, assembled here for some reason.

But I had no interest in them.

I scanned the area, desperately searching for my mother. My amber eyes wandered over every corner, behind people, and on the ground, wondering if she might be lying injured somewhere.

No matter how thoroughly I looked, I couldn't see her nor feel her presence anywhere.

Then, I heard a familiar voice, filled with sobs. It was my sister, Christina. She was speaking with a white-haired girl with horns.