THE SHIELDS OF ELDORIA

Chapter 123:The Calm Before the Next Storm

The capital of Eldoria was alive with celebration.

Victory banners stretched across the city, golden lanterns illuminating the streets in honor of the empire's triumph over Xelthar. The war was over, and for the first time in years, peace reigned.

But Kael Veyrin?

He was far from at ease.

Kael rubbed his temples as he sat in his private quarters. Across from him, Ilyra Xelthar stood, elegant and unreadable as ever.

The Binding Sigil glowed faintly on her wrist, a symbol of her new role.

"Let me get this straight," Kael muttered. "You're supposed to be my maid, but you refuse to act like one."

Ilyra tilted her head. "I am bound to obey your commands, not your expectations."

Kael sighed. "So you'll follow orders, but you won't pretend to be a normal servant?"

Ilyra smirked. "Would you prefer if I acted meek? Called you 'Master' with trembling devotion?"

Kael visibly cringed. "Gods, no."

"Then we have no issue." She folded her arms. "You command. I listen. But I am not some powerless girl who will bow at your feet."

Kael exhaled. Why was this his life?

He studied her for a moment. Despite everything, despite losing her kingdom, she held herself with the same quiet confidence as before.

"You're adjusting to this rather well," he noted.

Ilyra chuckled softly. "I learned long ago that survival is about adapting."

She met his gaze, violet eyes sharp. "And if I must serve you to survive, then so be it."

Her voice was calm. Steady.

But Kael sensed something beneath it.

She didn't grieve Xelthar's fall. But that didn't mean she had no purpose left.

He would have to keep an eye on her.

The next day, the Vanguard stood before the Emperor himself.

The throne room was silent as Emperor Adrian Eldoria observed them from his golden throne.

"You have done what even my generals could not," the Emperor said. "You have ended a war that threatened our empire's future."

His golden eyes gleamed.

"And for that, you will be rewarded."

Lucian, standing at the head of the Vanguard, nodded. "We did what had to be done."

The Emperor smiled slightly. "And that is why you will all be recognized as the Shields of Eldoria."

A new title.

A new identity.

The room shifted.

This was no longer just a recognition of skill.

It was a declaration.

They were no longer just students.

They were the empire's strongest warriors.

As the ceremony ended, the Vanguard stood outside the palace, adjusting to their new reality.

"So, we're not just the Vanguard anymore," Cassian mused. "We're the Shields of Eldoria now?"

Selene smirked. "Fitting, don't you think?"

Darius cracked his knuckles. "If it means fewer idiots getting in our way, I'll take it."

Mira exhaled, staring at the city below. "It's strange, isn't it?"

Lucian glanced at her. "What is?"

"Peace." Mira folded her arms. "We've been fighting for so long… what happens now?"

A heavy silence fell over them.

Kael looked at his friends.

For years, they had fought together, bled together, survived together.

Now, they were no longer students preparing for war.

They were the ones who would protect the empire from whatever came next.

And deep down, Kael knew—

This peace would not last.

But for now?

He would let them enjoy it.