Second Chance in the Moonlight

The cloaked figure took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them."Look at you," he said mockingly, his gaze drifting over Velrith's pale skin."You look like you're dead..." He paused for a moment, then added with a mocking glint in his eyes, "Oh wait, you are dead."He let out a sharp, cold laugh.

Velrith rolled her eyes, showing no emotion.Kael laughed, continuing,"You're asking what a dead person wants?"

Velrith gave him an aloof, sarcastic smile, replying,"You're really pushing it with a dead person."

Kael blinked in surprise for a moment before letting out a small laugh. He walked up to Velrith and threw his arm around her shoulder."My name is Kael."

Velrith looked at him for a moment, then replied,"Now that I know your name, tell me what you want."

Kael removed his arm from her shoulder and took a few steps back."You said you'd tear the empire apart with your own hands. I'll help you."

Velrith looked at him with a puzzled expression, and Kael shrugged."You don't have to trust me... but you have no other choice."

Velrith paused, her thoughts racing. She didn't know anyone in this new life, and she had no other options.But Kael's aura was strangely reassuring.

Velrith smiled faintly,"You insisted, so I won't go back on my word."

Kael's eyes shone with excitement.He turned and beckoned Velrith to follow him, starting to walk.

Kael glanced back at Velrith a few times as they walked, and she silently followed.

In the moonlight, Kael's hair shimmered faintly. At first, Velrith had thought it was black, but now, with the glow of the moon, she realized it was a deep shade of blue.She smiled involuntarily.

"That looks nice..." she murmured.

They passed through a misty corridor, reaching an ancient door flanked by two towering stone columns.Kael traced a silver symbol on the door, and it creaked open, allowing a faint light to spill into the darkened hallway.

Inside, flames danced on the walls, casting light on ancient writings sprawled across the floor. A figure emerged from the shadows.Their silver hair shone under the moonlight, and amber eyes surveyed every detail.They wore a deep blue cloak and a robe adorned with mysterious symbols on their chest.

Velrith thought to herself,"They look much younger than I expected."

Kael walked toward a marble platform and nodded his head slightly."Lucas, the one you wanted is here," he said.

The young man descended the platform with heavy steps. He looked at Kael with a mocking smile:"Oh, Kael! Perfect timing. And you must be Velrith."

Velrith stepped forward. Lucas' gaze was warm but inquisitive, measuring her."Welcome, Velrith. You arrived sooner than I expected, honestly..." he said, then smiled lightly."I thought it would take longer to convince you."

Velrith glanced at Kael for a moment:"Well... Kael insisted so much, I couldn't refuse," she said with a faint smile.

Lucas turned to Kael with a threatening look."Hmm... so you forced her here," he said, slowly walking toward Kael. A dagger appeared in his hand.Kael's eyes widened in surprise.

Lucas kept walking:"I told you not to bring her by force," he said, a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes.

Velrith was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond. Kael quickly intervened:"I-I didn't force her! I just asked once, and she agreed," he said quickly.

Velrith nodded, backing him up:"Yeah, I wasn't forced."

Lucas' expression softened then, and he patted Kael on the back in a friendly gesture:"Ahahaha! I was just joking. Would I hurt my dear friend?" he said, then gave Kael a knowing look.

Kael clenched his teeth, his voice strained:"Yes... of course... definitely," he confirmed.(Inner voice) I almost lost my kidneys, that crazy bastard.

Velrith sighed softly:"I see..." she said, then continued,"So, you're the one who called me here?"

Lucas shrugged and winked at Kael:"Kael is right. You're the new fire that will stand against the empire. I'll help you."

Velrith was still cautious. But Lucas shared the same aura as Kael. At least she felt she could trust them.

Kael's silver eyes glittered.As the heavy door closed behind them, Lucas' cloak fluttered gracefully in the wind.At that moment, Velrith realized that for the first time, she didn't feel alone with these two mysterious companions by her side.

Lucas added with a mocking expression:"Kael, not even showing respect and just calling me 'Lucas' directly... well, whatever."His expression softened:"You can call me Lucas without hesitation, Velrith."