The Clan’s Heart

Th

Walking through the grand entrance of the White Lion Clan, Jin felt his breath catch in his throat. The sight before him was unlike anything he had ever imagined. Towering white walls gleamed in the sunlight, adorned with golden carvings of majestic lions. Lush gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, with vibrant flowers in full bloom and crystal-clear fountains flowing gracefully. Even with his blurry memories, Jin was certain—this was the most beautiful place he had ever laid eyes on.

For a moment, he forgot his weariness and the ache in his chest. He was lost in awe, his eyes darting from one breathtaking sight to another.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" a cheerful voice broke through his reverie. Jin turned to see Lady Eleanor standing beside him, her face lit with an innocent, radiant smile. Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand, her excitement bubbling over. "Come on! I'll show you around!" she exclaimed, tugging at him eagerly.

Jin stumbled forward, caught off guard. "Wait, I—" he began, but Eleanor had already started pulling him along, her laughter filling the air like a soft melody.

"My lady," a stern voice interrupted, cutting through the moment like a blade. Aria appeared in front of them, her sharp gaze fixed on Eleanor. "I believe he still needs rest," she said firmly. Her tone was respectful, but there was no mistaking the authority behind her words. Jin felt the weight of her presence, as though she were silently evaluating him, stripping him down to his very core.

Eleanor pouted, her grip on Jin's hand loosening. "But he looks fine to me," she protested, her voice carrying a playful defiance.

"You can show him around when he's stronger," Aria replied, her expression unyielding. Her eyes briefly flicked to Jin, cool and calculating. She didn't trust him—not yet.

With a resigned sigh, Eleanor released Jin's hand and dashed off, her dress billowing behind her. "Fine! But don't think you've escaped me!" she called over her shoulder, her tone playful. A maid hurried after her, concern etched on her face. "My lady, please don't run! You might fall!"

Aria's attention shifted back to Jin. Her gaze was sharp, unwavering, as though she were trying to read his soul. "Gim," she called, her voice steady but firm. "Take him to the guest room." Without another word, she turned and walked away, her white cape flowing behind her like a banner of command.

"Yes, Captain," Gim responded, stepping forward. He glanced at Jin with a mix of amusement and curiosity. "You're a lucky one, kid," he muttered under his breath before gesturing toward the path ahead. "Come on, let's get you settled."

Jin hesitated, still trying to process what had just happened. The warmth of Eleanor's hand, the coldness of Aria's gaze—they left him unsure of where he stood. But he nodded and followed Gim, his feet moving on their own as his mind wandered.

Every step through the clan's grounds revealed more wonders: grand halls adorned with intricate tapestries, sparring grounds filled with warriors training under the sun, and towering statues of lions that seemed to watch over everything. Yet, as beautiful as it all was, Jin's thoughts were elsewhere. His head throbbed as he tried to piece together his fragmented memories. Whenever he tried to focus, all he could see were blurry images and hear distant screams filled with rage and pain.

"Here we are," Gim's voice broke through his thoughts. They had stopped in front of a large wooden door. "This'll be your room. The maids will be here soon to attend to you. Rest up, kid. You'll need it."

Jin nodded, murmuring a quiet thanks as he stepped inside. The room was simple yet elegant, with a soft bed, a wooden table, and a window that overlooked the gardens. But no matter how comfortable it seemed, Jin couldn't shake the unease creeping into his chest.

---

In a dimly lit chamber, a man sat on a grand throne. His golden and white robes glimmered faintly in the low light, the intricate lion insignia on his chest seeming to come alive. The air in the room was thick with his aura—an overwhelming presence that demanded respect, if not fear.

"You say the boy appears weak," the man said, his deep voice resonating through the room. His tone was calm, but there was an underlying edge to it that made the listener tremble.

"Yes, Patriarch," Aria replied, her voice steady but laced with tension. Despite her rank, standing before him was no easy task. "But his identity remains unknown. I've sent someone to the Mercenary Guild to investigate his background."

The man rose from his throne, his tall figure casting a long shadow across the room. His gaze shifted to the paintings on the wall—portraits of fierce warriors and serene landscapes. His fingers brushed over one in particular, a portrait of a woman with gentle eyes and a kind smile.

"Good," he said after a long silence. "But remember, Aria, caution must always be our priority. The safety of the clan is paramount."

Aria bowed deeply. "Yes, Patriarch."

"Dismissed," he said, his back still turned to her.

As Aria left the room, she let out a shaky breath. Despite her calm exterior, the Patriarch's presence always left her feeling as though she'd faced a beast far beyond her strength.

The man—Patriarch Eldred—remained where he stood, his gaze lingering on the portrait. His expression softened, his hand trembling slightly as he traced the edge of the frame.

"I failed to protect you, Elias," he murmured, his voice filled with regret. "But I will not fail her." His eyes hardened, a fierce determination replacing the sorrow. "I will protect our daughter. No matter the cost."