A Hero’s Deception ( 342 )

As she dangled helplessly from Javier's back, her mind drifted. She wasn't focused on this humiliating moment; instead, her thoughts pulled her back to before the nightmare began—back to Amazarak's grand castle.

Zania had been training, pushing her combat limits in the warrior courtyard when a royal Amazarak warrior approached her.

"Princess Zania. The Queen requests your presence at the royal palace."

Zania paused mid-training, her eyes narrowing. The Queen. Her sister. Zephyra. She never called for an audience like this.

As Zania entered the grand throne room, the air felt heavier than usual.

At the very end—upon the throne—sat Queen Zephyra. Cold, regal, unreadable. Her eyes gleamed beneath her dark veil, her presence absolute.

But Zania's focus shifted. Before the throne knelt a man—a human—missing his left hand. Zania's brows furrowed slightly.

A human? Here? Who is he?