Amanda_K1N9

Sage awakens in her body in the Aethoria Empire after a 27-year absence on Earth, where she died during a concert.

 With her memories of her life in Aethoria faint due to her prolonged absence, Sage sets out to uncover the truth behind her mysterious three-year coma and the incident that caused her to faint. 

Determined to protect herself and those close to her from potential threats, Sage navigates her way through the complexities of her past life, seeking answers, justice and revenge.

The Noble Lady's Reckoning

After her number one problem was solved. Sage's eyelids drooped, her body feeling heavy with fatigue. The excitement of the past few hours had masked her exhaustion, but now it was catching up with her. She yawned, her jaw cracking with a satisfying pop.

Without bothering to change, Sage collapsed onto her bed, her mind racing with thoughts of Ragnelle, the Helix bird, and the mysteries still unsolved. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she surrendered to the allure of sleep.

As she drifted off, her dreams were filled with fragmented images: whispers in dark corridors, shadowy figures lurking in the background, and a recurring figure etched into her mind - a creepy shadow with hallowed eyes and mouth.

Sage's dreams grew more unsettling, the creepy shadow looming larger, its hollow eyes and mouth seeming to bore into her soul. She tried to flee, but her legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot.

The whispers in the darkness grew louder, the words becoming clear: "Rembrandt. You can't hide forever."

Suddenly, the shadow vanished, replaced by a vision of the Somerset estate, its windows blazing with an eerie light. Sage's heart raced as she saw herself standing at the entrance, beckoned by an unseen force.

The dream shifted again, and she found herself facing a figure shrouded in shadows, its presence radiating malevolence. "Sage,.....you....ne...s" it hissed out unchorrant words.

Rushed breathing echoed through out the room.

"Lord Argent, two letters have arrived," The old butler of the Argent estate, Marcus Rashford, replied as he bowed.

"Thank you Rashford. Who are they from?" Duke Argent asked as he looked up from the heap of files.

Pushing his glasses up, Rashford read, "The first one is from Duke Marshal. And the other is from... Emperor Raoul III."

With a deep frown, Duke Argent questioned, "That's odd, he never sends letters. It mostly just decrees,"

Getting up, he personally took the letters then excused Rashford.

Contemplating on which letter to read first, Duke Argent sat on the sofa.

"Hmm, I'll read Duke Marshal's letter first,"

He took the paper cutter from the glass table. Then used it to open the sealed letter.

The letters emblem had a black eagle, signifying it was from Duke Marshal.Taking the brownish coloured paper out, he stared reading:

Our meeting shall start on the 14th of the 5th month. We will discuss all necessary things on that day. If there is more negotiations needed, then we all shall agree on another day to meet after this first meeting. As the details of our a discussion is too delicate, everything shall be discussed on that date in your Argent Duchy

Your friend,

Duke Maxwell Gage Marshal

Don't forget to bring wine with you~

'Hmm, I guess it's fine. 4 days from now won't be a hassle.

That Duke Ashwood really makes me curious.' Duke Argent rubbed his forehead, as he was already used to his friends instantaneous decision making.

Placing the letter down, he grabbed the another letter with a white lion emblem.

Cutting it open, a slightly golden paper could be seen.

I would like to meet you when your schedule is clear. The Prince of the Mumford Empire has come to the Aethoria Empire. You will be needed for further discussions.

Your brother,

Lachlon (Raoul III) Jagger Argent~

Chapter Nine: Exhaustion Catching Up