Erased

Astra was a very interesting person. She was loyal to the monarchy, she was also very knowledgeable. 

However, people regard her as a person full of pride, therefore leading to the people not exactly liking her.

She was famous in some parts, and not in others.

Aren leaned forward, his hands on the table. He gazed at Alex for a moment, before turning his eyes back to Astra who sat at the start of the table.

"What of the new Guard? Has Lyra noticed anything suspicious yet?"

Alex assumed Lyra to be another member of the North Star Order. That made him feel a bit relieved, knowing somebody was watching Zivko's movements.

Astra held a piece of paper, then started reading the contents on it. After a few seconds, she replied:

"He proved himself, and he also vowed to protect Aurora until his last breath. Right now, she's in her room with Melina. He seems to be guarding the door. So far, he's in the clear." 

She read as if the writing in the paper was constantly changing, giving them live-time updates. It seemed like they were all awake, anticipating anything. 

Adelia calmly spoke, "I think he seems like a trustworthy person. I heard that he and the Princess were also closer now."

However, Alex knew the nature of Zivko. He knew he was planning on assassinating the Princess, which meant that he had to speak. 

If the North Star Order lowered their guard, it could be fatal. 

Alex quickly rose up from his seat, then interrupted, "He is–" 

But, before he had the chance to say anything, Kaene cut him off. 

"No. I don't trust him." She said, her voice as calm as the ocean. 

Alex was lost. He quietly sat down, a bit frustrated by the way he was cut off, but he wanted to hear what she had to say. 

He still planned on intervening, and revealing the truth about Zivko, but that would come later.

Adelia raised a brow, somewhat surprised by Kaene's sudden interference. She was most likely the type of person that wouldn't talk much in meetings. 

"It's because he was involved in the tragedy that fell on Elanor. I also found private information about him from a certain person."

They all looked in a daze at Kaene as she continued, "He fought in many battles against Cirolea, including the Battle of Maysai River. He was only thirteen, his family were all dead at that time."

Adelia grew even more confused, so did the others. "But what does that have to do with him betraying the Princess?" 

Kaene slightly narrowed her eyes, she raised her hand and put it over her chest, revealing a black bead chain that hung from her wrist. 

"If he was a part of the massacre, then he must hold some kind of prejudice against the decision of the monarchy on Elanor. He followed General Armen's army, which were known for their cruelty and obsession with sacking cities, but even then, he was the one that stood out the most despite his age."

The room's atmosphere shifted as they all listened to Kaene, this was classified information, which meant that no one knew about it except Kaene, and whoever gave her the information in the first place.

'How was it even hidden for so long?' thought Alex.

Kaene added, "He participated in murdering and burning down entire villages in the campaign against Cirolea. For a reason that even I don't know, he never became famous… That should prove his loyalty to Aeloria, but he'd pick fights with the General and the high ranking officers, quite often. He was the only person to come to aid the Princess, but he is from Elanor. How is that not suspicious considering the outrage sparking outside?"

'I was also there…' He thought. Kaene was acting as if Alex never even came to be the Guard for Aurora. 

Aren put his elbow on the table, two fingers rubbing down his chin.

"It is suspicious, but I don't recall hearing his name being mentioned at all. If he was standing out on that scale, my father should have informed me." 

Cecilia and Clara stayed quiet as they both listened to the group speak. Adelia, Astra and Aren were the ones likely doing most of the work.

Alex was getting tired of this, he had to speak about it otherwise they would just be going in circles. 

He hadn't heard about Zivko participating that much, he only heard a small part of it. Alex would have never thought that Zivko played such a part in a big war like that.

Alex opened his mouth to speak, a hint of annoyance on his face. 

"I have met him before in person. He himself told me that…" 

Alex stopped talking. His mouth still open, looking for the right words. 

"He told me that…" 

His eyes widened.

What did Zivko tell him? Alex put a hand over his face, trying to remember what he was going to say.

Cecilia looked at Alex, a bit suspicious. "You must be tired. You could rest if you need to. We can handle this." 

Alex shook his head, a frown on his face. His heart was beating intensely, as a strong feeling of stress surfaced up within him.

"In any case, we should put that aside for now. How is Nyctis? Does he need help?" Aren spoke, turning his gaze back to Astra, ignoring Alex's behavior.

Astra took a few moments to reply. "He managed to infiltrate into the walls of Albrac's capital city, but he found nothing useful. Their different weather and atmosphere does seem amusing, but they seem to be more quiet about attacking us, unlike a different country."

Silence hung over the room, Alex was in a bad state. He felt as if his memories were dripping out of his brain, leaving him frustrated.

"In any case, that is all for today. Go rest, now. We have to be prepared for the ceremony tomorrow. If anyone hears of any of the Sovereigns, be sure to inform me." Astra confirmed as she got up from her seat, the others following as they nodded to her. 

Astra seemed serious, her prideful attitude was nowhere to be seen. She knew when to act serious, and when not to.

They all began to go in their own direction, but Kaene stayed. She was still seated next to the frustrated Alex.

"Do you know what a human needs in order to proceed in his life?" She asked, staring into Alex with her ghostlike face. 

Alex slowly raised his head up, locking his eyes with hers. "Huh?"

Her voice turned into a whisper, "Memories. Without memories, you lose your value. You lose yourself… You lose others." 

Alex didn't exactly understand Kaene, but her words stirred something bitter and familiar inside him.

With what happened earlier, he felt a weird, sudden sense of regret.

She got up from her seat, her haunting presence growing only stronger. Alex caught a glimpse of her crescent necklace hanging before she said:

"May the North Star guide us."