Shadows and Misunderstandings

The Grand Council Palace

The Sovereign Council Palace stood as the beating heart of Velmora's power, an unshakable fortress of both authority and security. Towering walls, reinforced with state-of-the-art defense systems, loomed over the landscape like silent guardians. Machine gun turrets sat strategically along its perimeter, their barrels gleaming under the sun, while electrified barriers ensured that no intruder—man or beast—could cross unscathed. Beyond these layers of protection, the palace itself stood in striking contrast: an architectural marvel of elegance and might. Intricate gold and silver carvings adorned its grand halls, each telling tales of Velmora's deep-rooted history. It was a symbol of power, a place where leaders shaped the future of the nation while ensuring its enemies never forgot its strength.

As Kael Rogathrone and his council made their way through the capital's bustling streets, the people of Velmora turned their gaze upon them with admiration and respect. Some bowed deeply, their faces reflecting unwavering loyalty, while others simply watched in awe, whispering among themselves about the young sovereign leader. Merchants halted their trades, offering glimpses of their finest goods—exotic silks, shimmering trinkets, and baskets of rare fruits, a tribute to those who ruled.

The city itself was a spectacle—a seamless blend of tradition and progress. Stone-paved roads wove between lush gardens and towering spires, their glass facades reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. The air carried a mix of freshly baked bread, the rich aroma of spices, and the distant scent of incense from the temples. Children ran through the streets, their laughter cutting through the afternoon hum, adding to the city's vibrant life.

Yet beneath this beauty, Kael knew the truth.

Velmora was not at peace.

Beneath the veil of admiration and order, shadows lurked—whispers of conspiracies, the echoes of old rivalries, and enemies plotting beyond the borders. Even as he walked among his people, Kael's mind remained elsewhere, focused on the storm that had already begun to gather.

A... Unfortunate Encounter

After a long day of inspections, Kael returned to his personal quarters in the palace. He was about to freshen up when he realized that most of the bathrooms were occupied. Annoyed, he walked toward the last available one and knocked. No response. Thinking the door was jammed, he pushed against it with his strength. The lock gave way, and the door swung open.

Inside, the warm glow of lanterns reflected off the steamy water. And standing there—completely bare—was Rose.

Time seemed to freeze as they locked eyes. Water droplets cascaded down her toned skin, her long hair clinging to her shoulders. Kael blinked, his gaze momentarily drifting before he smirked. "Well, those are... impressive."

A deep red flush spread across Rose's face as she registered what he just said. "You BASTARD!" she screamed, grabbing the nearest bucket and launching it at him.

Kael dodged, barely avoiding a soaking. "It's not my fault! I thought the door was stuck!" he defended, laughing as he bolted out of the room.

Lukas, who had just woken up, sighed. "They're really energetic in the morning."

Yui, rubbing her temples, groaned. "I swear, I'm going to lose my mind living with you two."

Before Lukas could reply, Rose stormed out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her, and delivered a powerful kick straight to his stomach. "DON'T COMMENT!" she snapped, her face still flushed.

Kael, peeking from the hallway, chuckled. "Thanks God got saved ."

The Truth Behind the Assassination

That evening, as the laughter of the morning faded, a heavy silence settled in Kael's study. A man in a dark uniform entered, bowing respectfully.

"Sir, we have completed our investigation," he reported. "Out of the sixty-three assassins, only two survived. Our intelligence team extracted information from them under interrogation."

Kael leaned forward, his gaze cold. "And?"

"They revealed that the order came directly from Rhinestone's monarch."

A sharp silence filled the room.

Kael's fingers tapped against the desk. "Did they give a reason?"

"Yes, sir." The man took a deep breath. "It was vengeance. Decades ago, during the battle between Velmora and Rhinestone, a knight of Velmora personally slew the then-monarch of Rhinestone. That knight later became our prime minister—your father."

Kael's expression darkened. The weight of the revelation settled deep in his chest. His father wasn't just assassinated for power—he was hunted down for an old grudge, a past war still casting its shadow on the present.

A slow, dangerous smile spread across Kael's face. "So... that's how it is." His voice was almost a whisper, yet it carried an unshakable resolve. His fingers clenched into a fist. "Prepare yourselves... I'm coming."

A cold wind howled outside the palace walls. The storm had begun.

© 2025 Jatin. All Rights Reserved.

This story, [VOID RE-BORN], is an original work by Jatin. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, distribution, or adaptation of any part of this story without the author's written consent is strictly prohibited.

Any resemblance to actual events, people, or other works is purely coincidental unless otherwise stated. If you find this story published elsewhere without credit, please report it immediately