Whispers in the Shadows

The night sky blanketed the White Lion Clan in a veil of stars. Jin sat by the window of his guest room, gazing out at the moonlit gardens. The world outside seemed calm, but within him, there was only turmoil. Each attempt to recall his past felt like chasing shadows—elusive, taunting, and just out of reach.

He clenched his fists. "Who am I really? Why can't I remember?" The questions gnawed at him, but no answers came.

Each attempt to piece together his fragmented memories brought him closer to despair. All he could summon were walls drenched in blood, the echo of his own rage, and a name—Faith. "Who is faith " Jin wounded.

A knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. Jin turned to see a young maid peeking in timidly. "Dinner has been prepared, young master. Shall I escort you?"

Jin nodded, forcing a small smile. "Thank you."

The maid led him through the grand hallways, her footsteps light as a feather. The dining hall was just as opulent as the rest of the clan grounds, with chandeliers that sparkled like constellations and long tables adorned with golden cutlery. Lady Eleanor was already there, sitting at the head of the table with an excited grin.

"Jin! Over here!" she waved enthusiastically, her bright energy lighting up the room.

He approached hesitantly, his discomfort evident. Eleanor patted the seat beside her. "Sit! The food here is amazing; you have to try it!"

As Jin sat down, the doors opened again, and Aria entered. Her presence was like a cold gust of wind, and the room seemed to quiet at her arrival. She gave a curt nod to Eleanor before sitting across from Jin, her eyes flickering to him briefly.

The meal began, but the atmosphere was far from relaxed. Eleanor chatted away, trying to make Jin feel comfortable, but Aria's watchful gaze weighed heavily on him.

"So, Jin," Eleanor said between bites, "how do you like the clan so far?"

"It's... impressive," Jin replied honestly. "I've never seen anything like it."

Eleanor beamed. "Right? My father built most of it! He says a strong clan needs a strong foundation, and—"

"Lady Eleanor," Aria interrupted, her tone sharp but polite. "Perhaps Jin would prefer to eat in peace."

Eleanor pouted. "Aria, you're no fun."

Aria ignored her, her piercing gaze locking onto Jin. "Where did you come from?" she asked bluntly.

Jin stiffened. The question hung in the air like a dagger. He hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I… I don't remember," he admitted quietly.

Aria's eyes narrowed. "Convenient."

"Aria!" Eleanor snapped, her cheerful demeanor replaced by rare anger. "Don't be rude!"

"It's fine," Jin said quickly, not wanting to cause more tension. "She has a right to be cautious."

Aria's expression remained unreadable, but she said no more.

---

In the Depths of the Clan

As the night deepened, Aria made her way to a hidden chamber beneath the clan's main hall. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, and the dimly lit room was lined with ancient scrolls and relics.

A man cloaked in shadows stepped forward as she entered. "Captain Aria," he greeted, his voice low and gravelly.

"Report," she commanded.

The man nodded. "The Mercenary Guild has begun their investigation. It seems the boy's arrival coincides with strange activity in the northern regions. There are whispers of unrest among the beasts."

Aria's eyes narrowed. "Unrest? Elaborate."

"Beasts that would normally remain in their territories have been moving closer to human settlements," the man explained. "And there are rumors of an ancient power stirring in the mountains."

"Could it be connected to him?" Aria asked, her mind racing.

"It's too early to say," the man replied. "But there's more. The guild found traces of a battle near the northern pass—a clash between powerful beasts. It's possible the boy was caught in the aftermath."

Aria nodded, her jaw tightening. "Continue the investigation. I want answers."

"Understood, Captain."

As the man disappeared into the shadows, Aria remained in the chamber, her thoughts heavy. Who are you, Jin? And why do I feel like your presence here is no coincidence?

---

A Father's Vigil

In the Patriarch's private chambers, Eldred stood by a window, gazing out at the night sky. His expression was unreadable, but his hands were clasped behind his back, his posture tense.

A knock at the door drew his attention. "Enter," he said.

A messenger stepped inside, bowing deeply. "Patriarch, the Mercenary Guild has sent word. They are investigating the boy's origins as instructed."

Eldred nodded. "Good. Keep me informed."

As the messenger left, Eldred turned back to the window. His thoughts drifted to the past, to the battles he had fought and the family he had lost. Elias… if only you were here.

His gaze hardened. "I will not fail again," he vowed softly. "This time, I will protect what matters most."