Lyria's POV.
Morning came far too quickly.
I woke before sunrise, though I barely felt as if I had slept at all. Every time I closed my eyes, fragments of last night returned to me.
My lips against hers.
The memory alone was enough to make heat rush instantly to my face.
I buried my face into the pillow for several long seconds before forcing myself to get up.
"What exactly was I thinking…" I whispered to myself in embarrassment.
And yet…Despite the shame curling in my chest, another part of me replayed the memory with dangerous affection.
The softness of her lips.
The warmth of her skin.
The peaceful expression on her sleeping face.
Gods. I truly had lost my mind.
After changing clothes and eating a quick breakfast, I headed toward the duke's office where everyone had already gathered.
Kara stood near one of the windows with her arms crossed while Kalina leaned lazily against the wall, twirling one of her daggers between her fingers. Duke Alistair sat behind his desk looking more exhausted than yesterday.
And Raven…stood silently behind me the moment I entered the room.
For a brief moment, I wondered if she remembered anything from last night. But the moment I glanced toward her, her expression remained completely unreadable.
Maybe she truly had slept through everything. The thought relieved and disappointed me at the same time.
We spent the next hour explaining everything that had happened the previous night, including the interrogation of the man who had been following me and the agreement Raven made with him.
The duke listened carefully before finally asking the question all of us had been thinking about. "How did you know those monsters were once human?"
Then Raven spoke calmly from behind me. "Their mana pathways are still human."
The duke frowned immediately. "Mana pathways?"
"When a creature is born, its mana develops differently depending on what it is. Humans, beasts, monsters… they all circulate mana differently."
Her voice remained calm and emotionless, but every person in the room listened carefully.
"But theirs…" she continued quietly, "their mana was forced into another shape."
Kalina straightened slightly against the wall.
"What do you mean by forced?"
"It feels unnatural. Violent. Like something tore their humanity apart and stitched something else over it."
A faint chill crawled down my spine.
"Can forbidden magic really do something like that?" Kara asked quietly.
Raven was silent for a second before answering. "I don't know. But whatever transformed them… it's still incomplete."
The duke leaned forward slightly. "Does that mean there is hope of turning them back into humans?"
I noticed the slight tension in Raven shoulders before she finally spoke. "I think I can return them to humans," she said quietly. "But it will require a large amount of mana and time."
Then her gaze shifted toward the duke.
"And the longer they remain like this, the harder it will become to reverse the transformation."
The room fell silent again.
Duke Alistair slowly clenched one hand atop his desk. "Then we must move quickly," he said firmly. "Before more people are turned into monsters."
Kalina sighed softly. "But we still don't have anything leading us to the person responsible."
"We do," Raven answered calmly.
Everyone looked toward her immediately.
"The monsters' bodies still contain traces of the mana belonging to the person who transformed them."
Even the duke looked stunned. "You can track someone through that?"
"I'll examine them further and isolate the foreign mana inside their bodies. Once I do…" her eyes sharpened slightly, "…I'll know who is hiding behind all of this."
For the first time, I saw genuine hope appear on everyone's faces.
"And if I succeed in returning them to human form," Raven continued, "they will tell us who did this to them. Then we'll have proof."
The duke exhaled slowly.
Raven glanced toward the door.
"I'm going down to the underground cells now," she said calmly. "None of you should come near the dungeons while I'm working."
Everyone looked confused.
Raven continued before anyone could question her. "I'm saying this for your safety."
What exactly was she planning to do down there?
The duke nodded seriously. "I won't allow anyone near the lower floors until you return."
The meeting finally ended shortly after. Everyone began leaving the office one by one until only the four of us remained in the hallway.
Before heading toward the underground prison, Raven suddenly turned toward Kara. "Don't leave the princess's side," she said calmly. "Stay with her until I come back."
Kara nodded immediately. "Don't worry. I'll take care of Lyria."
Raven's gaze shifted toward me again. "Don't leave her alone. Even inside the palace."
I couldn't help laughing softly at how serious she sounded. "I appreciate your concern," I said with a small smile, "but I'll be fine. I'll wait for you to come back."
Then more quietly, I added. " And you… be careful too."
For a moment, Raven simply looked at me silently. Then a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"I'll be fine."
And with that, she turned and walked toward the underground corridor alone. I watched her disappear into the darkness until she was completely out of sight.
Only then did Kalina suddenly speak beside me. "It seems Raven really cares about you a lot."
Heat rose slightly to my cheeks. I tried to remain calm as I answered. "She's just very serious about her work."
Kalina looked at me for a long moment. Then slowly…A knowing smirk appeared on her lips.
Several hours had passed since Raven descended into the underground cells. And she still had not come back.
I had tried to go down there three separate times. The first time, Kara stopped me with a firm shake of her head. The second time, she physically stepped into my path. The third time, she simply folded her arms and gave me a look that made it clear she would not let me pass.
"Raven was very clear, Lyria," she said. "She told us not to come near the cells."
That did little to ease my worries. If anything, it made them worse.
As the hours dragged by, my imagination became increasingly difficult to control. What if something had gone wrong?. What if the monsters had awakened?. What if whatever magic had transformed them had affected Raven somehow?.
The questions refused to leave my mind.
By the time night fell over the palace, I had completely lost my ability to focus on anything else. Even during dinner, I found myself glancing repeatedly toward the doors as though Raven might suddenly walk into the dining hall.
She never did.
An hour after dinner, Kara, Kalina, and I were sitting together in one of the palace lounges, drinking tea in uncomfortable silence.
A maid suddenly hurried into the room and bowed. "Lady Raven sent me," she said.
I immediately straightened.
The maid continued.
"She requested the presence of the Princess and the Duke in the underground cells. The Duke has already been informed and is on his way."
Kalina stood up first. "Finally."
Kara released a long breath. "Half a day…" she muttered. "She spent almost half a day down there."
Without wasting another second, we headed toward the underground levels. When we reached the entrance, Duke Alistair was already waiting near the stone staircase.
Together, we descended.
The deeper we went, the heavier the air became. At first, I thought it was my imagination. Then I felt it.
Mana. An overwhelming amount of mana. Dark. Dense. Oppressive. It saturated the air itself.
Kalina suddenly covered her mouth and nose. "What is this?" Her face had gone pale. "The mana down here is suffocating…"
Even Kara looked uncomfortable. "So that's why Raven forbade us from coming near here."
I felt pressure against my chest with every breath.
When we finally reached the cell where the monsters were being held, the source became obvious.
The moment we entered, my eyes immediately found Raven. She was standing beside two stone tables. The transformed monsters lay atop them.
And Raven…She looked exhausted. genuine fatigue was visible on her face. Her skin looked pale. Dark shadows rested beneath her eyes. Even standing seemed to require effort.
She turned toward us. "Oh." Her voice was quieter than usual. "You arrived at a good time."
The Duke stepped forward. "Did you find a way to return them to—"
Before he could finish speaking, both monsters suddenly began to tremble violently. The creatures' bodies convulsed. A crimson light erupted from beneath their skin.
Their monstrous forms became covered in a thin stone shell. Cracks immediately spread across it. The entire layer shattered.
Stone fragments scattered across the floor. And from within emerged two humans. One wore the remains of a knight's armor. The other wore the tattered clothing of a hunter.
Silence. No one moved.
The Duke stared with wide eyes. "You…" His voice shook. "You actually did it."
Kalina looked equally stunned. "But why aren't they waking up?"
Raven leaned slightly against the wall to steady herself. "They're alive." Her voice sounded weaker now. "The transformation consumed nearly all of their mana."
She closed her eyes briefly. "They'll probably need a full day before they wake."
That was when I noticed it. A thin line of crimson. Blood. Running from her nose.
My heart immediately tightened.
"Raven!" I hurried toward her and pulled a handkerchief from my pocket. "You're bleeding."
She accepted it with a tired smile. "Thank you." She wiped away the blood. "I'm fine."
I stared at her. Then my eyes shifted around the room. Several bloodstained handkerchiefs lay discarded nearby.
My stomach dropped. This was not the first time she had bled.
"No." My voice came out quieter than I intended. "You're not fine."
Without thinking, I moved closer and supported her arm. Her body felt steadier than I expected, but there was no hiding how exhausted she truly was.
"You need to rest."
Raven sighed softly. "I will." Then she looked toward all of us. "But first…I found traces of the person responsible."
The Duke immediately became alert. "You found them?"
"I found their mana. I still don't know what they look like. They've hidden themselves well. But if they come close…I'll recognize them."
Kalina stepped forward. "We can discuss that later." she sounded concerned. "Right now, you look like you're about to collapse."
The Duke nodded in agreement. "Get some rest. We'll discuss our next move tomorrow."
Kalina folded her arms. "Go back to your room. I'll have the servants bring dinner."
I tightened my grip on Raven's arm. "Come on."
This time she didn't argue. Together, we left the underground dungeon. The cool palace air felt refreshing after the oppressive atmosphere below. For several minutes, we walked through the quiet hallways in silence.
Then Raven suddenly smiled faintly. "You know, I can walk by myself."
I didn't let go. "I know." I looked up at her. "But I want to help."
For a brief moment, she simply looked at me. Then her smile widened slightly.
"Has the bleeding stopped?"
She nodded.
I remained silent for several steps. Then finally asked the question that had been bothering me all day.
"Why do you push yourself this hard?"
Raven glanced toward me.
"You don't know any of these people."My voice softened. "You didn't even want to come to Velmora in the first place."
She was quiet for a moment. Then she looked directly into my eyes. A small smile appeared on her lips. "I'm not helping them."
I blinked.
"What?"
She shrugged lightly. "I'm helping you."
For a second, my heart forgot how to beat. Before I could respond, she added with a teasing smile,
"And besides, I'd like to catch the culprit quickly and finally go home."
I lowered my gaze. Then spoke quietly. "I appreciate everything you've done." My voice trembled slightly. "But I don't want you risking your life because of me."
She stopped walking.
I stopped too. Looking up, I met her eyes. "I don't want you getting hurt." I tightened my grip on her sleeve. "So please…Promise me you won't put your life in danger for me."
For a moment, Raven simply stared at me. Then she laughed softly. " sure, sure."
I sighed dramatically. "You really aren't taking me seriously, are you?"
That only made her smile grow.
The morning after Raven restored the two monsters back into human form, we gathered once again in Duke Velmora's office.
despite the warmth of the morning, the atmosphere inside the room remained heavy. Everyone knew the same thing.
We had a lead, we were no longer blindly searching for a shadow.
For hours we discussed possibilities. The Duke suggested increasing patrols. Kalina proposed questioning suspicious merchants.
Kara argued that the culprit was probably hiding among influential people and would never reveal themselves so easily.
One idea after another filled the room, only to be discarded moments later. None of them felt fast enough. None of them felt certain enough.
Finally, after listening in silence for most of the discussion, I spoke. "What if we invite them?"
The room fell quiet. All eyes turned toward me.
I folded my hands neatly in my lap and continued.
"Why don't we hold a Banquet?"
The Duke blinked.
"A Banquet?"
I nodded. "An official Banquet for my arrival in Velmora." I leaned forward slightly. " we invited everyone. Nobles. Council members. Wealthy merchants, influential families and everyone else important enough to receive an invitation."
The more I spoke, the more the idea took shape in my mind. "Velmora is too large for us to search street by street. We could spend weeks chasing leads."
I glanced around the room.
"But if the person responsible truly has influence here, they won't ignore an event attended by every powerful figure in the city."
Silence followed.
The Duke rested his chin on his hands.
Kalina narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
Kara crossed her arms.
No one immediately objected. Encouraged, I continued.
"I know a banquet may seem inappropriate while the city is suffering, but this is not really a celebration." A small smile touched my lips. "It's bait."
For several seconds nobody spoke. Then a familiar calm voice broke the silence.
"I think it's an excellent idea."
I didn't need to turn around to know who had spoken. As always, she had been standing quietly behind me, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, listening rather than speaking.
"We'll save a great deal of time and effort."
The Duke hummed thoughtfully. Then he finally nodded.
"Very well." His voice carried the weight of authority. "We'll do it. I'll arrange everything. Invitations will be sent throughout the city."
The meeting ended soon afterward. The entire palace erupted into activity. Servants hurried through hallways carrying flowers and decorations. Chefs rushed in and out of kitchens. Messengers rode from the palace gates with stacks of invitations. Every corridor buzzed with excitement.
By sunset, the palace looked entirely different. Golden chandeliers blazed with light. Fresh flowers decorated the halls. Music drifted through the air. And guests began arriving.
One by one. Then dozens at a time. Until the palace was overflowing with nobles, merchants, council members, wealthy families, and influential figures from across Velmora.
The trap had been set. Now all we could do was wait.
Meanwhile, I was still in my room. A maid stood behind me making final adjustments to my appearance. When she finally stepped away, I rose and faced the mirror.
For a moment, I barely recognized the woman staring back. My gown was breathtaking.
Deep crimson silk formed the heart of the dress, rich and vibrant like liquid rubies beneath candlelight. Layers of sheer black fabric flowed over the crimson foundation, creating the illusion of shadows dancing across fire.
Delicate black embroidery curled across the bodice like twisting vines, decorated with elegant lace butterflies that seemed ready to take flight.
The sleeves were made of translucent black fabric that draped gracefully from my shoulders, soft and weightless like mist. A matching black lace choker adorned my neck, adding a touch of mystery that perfectly complemented the dress.
The skirt cascaded all the way to the floor, crimson and black intertwining together in waves. Beautiful. Elegant. Like a rose growing in darkness.
My makeup remained subtle. Soft cherry-red lips. Gentle black shadows around my eyes.
Nothing excessive.
Nothing overwhelming.
My hair had been gathered loosely at the back of my head while several wavy strands framed my face naturally. Simple. Yet somehow perfect.
I smiled at the maid through the mirror. "This is beautiful." I turned toward her. "I truly love what you've done with my hair and makeup. Thank you."
The maid straightened proudly. "You are very welcome, Princess." Then she sighed dramatically. "Although I could have made it even more beautiful."
I laughed softly. "Perhaps next time."
The maid smiled.
I walked toward the door before glancing back. "You know…If you ever decide to leave Velmora, you'll always be welcome in Aurelia."
Her eyes widened. Then she laughed shyly. "Thank you, Your Highness."
With that I finally left my room. The moment I stepped into the hallway, my heart skipped a beat.
Raven was waiting outside. She leaned casually against the wall while fastening a pair of black gloves.
Unlike me, her attire was simple. Yet somehow she managed to look far more striking than anyone at the Banquet.
She wore fitted black trousers tucked neatly into tall lace-up boots. A crisp white shirt contrasted sharply against the dark clothing. A black ribbon was tied loosely around her collar.
Over everything rested a long black coat draped over her shoulders like a cape. The inside lining carried subtle dark-blue patterns that appeared whenever the fabric shifted.
She was Elegant. Refined. Dangerously handsome. Her short black hair framed her sharp features perfectly. Even standing still, she possessed the presence of a drawn blade.she was Impossible to ignore.
And to my growing frustration…I seemed to fall deeper in love with her every single day.
When she noticed me, she pushed herself away from the wall. "Are you ready, Princess?" She walked closer.
Then her gaze traveled briefly from head to toe. A small smile appeared. "You look beautiful tonight."
Heat instantly rushed into my face. I turned away and cleared my throat. "Thank you." I dared another glance toward her. "You look handsom too." I hesitated. "And elegant." I looked at her " and beautiful."
A quiet laugh escaped her. "Thank you, princess." She offered me her arm. "Shall we?"
I nodded and took her hand. "Let's go."
We began walking together through the palace corridors. After several moments of silence, Raven spoke. "Let me warn you about something."
I looked up at her. "Tonight I'll be following you everywhere. Like a shadow." Her golden eyes met mine. "It might become annoying."
Because she was taller than me, I had to tilt my head upward slightly. A smile tugged at my lips. "I wouldn't be annoyed at all." I paused. "Even if you stayed beside me for the rest of my life."
For a brief moment, Raven actually looked surprised. Then she laughed. "My, my." She shook her head. "You've become much bolder, Princess."
Her eyes gleamed with amusement. "What happened to the serious girl who only thought about her duties as a future queen?"
I smiled softly. "She's still here.My responsibilities are still the most important thing in my life."
Then I glanced back toward her. "But you entered my life, Raven." The words came easier than I expected. "You became someone important to me. When I'm with you, I feel like a different person."
A small laugh escaped me. "And strangely enough… I like that person."
Raven remained silent. As usual.
So I continued. "You don't need to say anything right now." I smiled. "These are simply my feelings."
The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable. It never was.
Eventually we reached the grand doors of the ballroom. Massive golden doors towered before us. Music echoed faintly from the other side. Voices. Laughter. The murmur of hundreds of guests.
Beyond those doors waited the trap we had carefully prepared. And perhaps…The monster hiding behind an innocent face.
I stared at the doors. Then took a slow breath. "We've arrived."
Beside me, Raven's expression sharpened instantly. The relaxed amusement disappeared. The hunter returned.
The moment the great doors of the ballroom came into view, my heartbeat began to quicken.
Golden light spilled from the gaps between the tall wooden doors.
A servant standing beside the entrance straightened immediately when he saw us approach.
Before I could take another step, a hand lightly touched my shoulder.
I turned.
Raven was standing behind me. For a moment, the sharpness usually present in her expression softened.
"Princess."Her voice was low enough that only I could hear. "Straighten your back."
I blinked.
"What?"
A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Your posture."
I immediately realized I had been unconsciously tensing my shoulders.
Raven gently lifted two fingers and motioned upward. "Chin up."
I obeyed without thinking.
Hergolden eyes studied me for a second. "And smile." She folded her arms. "Because the second those doors open, every eye in that hall will be on you, and remember Self-confidence is the key to success."
I took a slow breath. Then another. When I finally looked back at Raven, she gave me a small nod. Somehow, that was enough. I straightened completely. Lifted my chin. And smiled.
"Ready?" Raven asked.
I nodded.
"Ready."
The servant immediately stepped forward and struck the floor with his staff. The loud sound echoed through the hallway. Then he raised his voice.
"Her Royal Highness, Princess Lyria of Aurelia!"
The doors swung open. The music inside faded almost instantly. Conversations died one after another. And Hundreds of eyes turned toward me. For a brief moment, the entire ballroom fell silent.
The sight before me was breathtaking. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like frozen stars. Golden light reflected across polished marble floors.
Elegant nobles filled the hall in colorful attire. Servants moved gracefully between guests carrying silver trays filled with wine and delicacies.
Everything glittered. Everything sparkled.
Yet despite all that beauty…I couldn't stop myself from searching the crowd. Because somewhere in this room was a monster wearing a human face.
I stepped forward. The silence broke. Bows appeared across the ballroom. Nobles lowered their heads. Ladies curtsied. The entire hall welcomed me at once.
"Your Highness."
"Princess Lyria."
"Welcome."
I offered practiced smiles and greetings as I moved through the crowd. Years of royal education took over. The nervousness disappeared behind a calm mask.
At least on the outside. Inside, I was counting every face. Watching every reaction. Studying every expression.
And behind me, several steps away, Raven followed silently. Like a shadow. Like a blade hidden beneath silk. I could feel her presence. Every time I glanced back, she was there. Observing. Occasionally our eyes would meet across the crowd. And every single time, I felt strangely calmer.
The first noble approached. Then another. Then five more. Soon I found myself trapped in an endless stream of greetings.
A council member congratulated me on my arrival. A merchant praised Aurelia's prosperity. A noblewoman spent nearly ten minutes discussing flowers.
I smiled through all of it. Answered politely. Nodded at the appropriate moments.
Meanwhile, Raven remained several paces behind me, silent and vigilant.
Hours seemed to pass. The ballroom grew louder. Music filled the air. Glasses clinked. People laughed. Danced. Talked.
Yet despite the celebration, a tension remained beneath everything. At least for those of us who knew the truth.
I noticed Kara standing near one of the pillars, pretending to watch the musicians while carefully observing the crowd.
Kalina was moving from group to group with a glass in hand, acting like a guest while secretly studying every conversation she overheard.
The Duke stood near the center of the hall, welcoming arrivals and hiding his concern behind a perfect noble smile.
Everyone was playing their role. Everyone was waiting. And somewhere among the hundreds of guests…Someone was watching us too.
Someone who believed they were hidden.
Someone who had no idea that tonight's banquet was never truly a celebration. It was a hunt.
People came and went endlessly. I had expected a celebration. Instead, it felt like a battlefield. Only the weapons were hidden behind smiles.
One noblewoman proudly displayed a necklace covered in diamonds large enough to feed an entire village for a year. Another spent nearly ten minutes describing her newest manor and its gardens before inviting me to tea as though we had been lifelong friends.
Meanwhile, merchants approached one after another. Each carried a different proposal. A different opportunity. A different investment. Yet every conversation sounded exactly the same.
They praised me. Praised Aurelia. Praised my future as queen. Then, eventually, they revealed what they truly wanted.
Money.
Influence.
Connections.
Power.
Everyone wanted something.
I smiled. Nodded. Answered politely. Pretended to listen. Yet with every passing minute, the exhaustion grew heavier. A single minute felt like an hour. An hour felt like an eternity.
How had I never noticed it before? Or perhaps I had noticed it and simply chosen to ignore it. As a princess, I had grown up among nobles. I had attended countless banquets and celebrations.
But tonight everything felt different. the false smiles seemed more obvious than ever. The laughter sounded hollow. The compliments sounded rehearsed. The friendships felt transactional. I felt suffocated.
Eventually the crowd around me dispersed, leaving me alone for the first time in what felt like hours. I released a quiet breath. Finally. A moment of peace.
"Having fun?"
I turned and found Duke Alistair approaching with two glasses of red wine. A knowing smile rested on his face. He handed one to me.
"It seems difficult for you," he said. "I can see you're trying very hard to stay calm and keep smiling."
I accepted the glass. "Thank you." Taking a small sip, I sighed. "It's difficult."
The Duke chuckled. "I imagined it would be. They all want something."
I lowered my voice slightly. "Some of them offered business partnerships. Others invited me to private gatherings. A few practically tried to recruit me into supporting their interests."
The Duke laughed openly. "That's how wealthy people are." He raised his glass. "The rich always want to become richer."
I couldn't help smiling slightly. "And what should I do?"
He shrugged. "Smile. Tell them you'll consider it."
"That's terrible advice."
"It's the best advice you'll receive tonight."
Before I could answer, a familiar presence suddenly appeared behind me. My breath caught. I hadn't even heard her approach.
I turned my head slightly. Raven stood directly behind me. Far too close. Close enough that I could feel her body heat. Close enough that if I stepped backward, I would collide with her. My pulse immediately betrayed me.
She leaned down slightly. Her lips moved near my ear. I felt her breath against my skin. A shiver raced down my spine. Then she whispered quietly.
"I found him."
For a second my mind went completely blank. The Duke and I spoke at the same time.
"What?"
Raven's golden eyes remained calm. "I found our target."
"Really?"
She nodded. "I found him the moment we entered the ballroom, But there was no chance to tell you."
The Duke's expression darkened immediately. "Who is it?, Where is he?." His voice carried a dangerous edge. "Tell me."
Raven's gaze sharpened. "Please calm yourself." Her tone remained level. "We don't want him realizing we've identified him, yet."
The Duke inhaled deeply. A moment later he nodded. "You're right."After another breath he added quietly, "My apologies."
Raven shifted her gaze toward the opposite side of the ballroom. "It's the red-haired man standing beside Councilwoman Cecilia."
I followed her gaze. Across the room stood a tall man with dark red hair and broad shoulders, He wore a luxurious formal outfit adorned with gold chains.
Even from a distance, he commanded attention. People listened when he spoke. Several merchants stood around him. A few nobles laughed at his words.
He looked perfectly at ease. Perfectly confident. Perfectly normal.
The Duke suddenly went pale. "Surely not…" His eyes widened.
"Do you mean Malvicas?"
I looked at him. "You know him?"
The Duke nodded slowly. "Everyone knows him."His expression grew troubled. "That's Malvicas Orion."
"Who is he?"
"Councilwoman Cecilia's nephew." The Duke's voice lowered. "And one of the most influential merchants in Velmora."
"A merchant?"
The Duke shook his head. "Much more than that." He stared across the room. "People call him a Merchant Lord."
I blinked.
"A Merchant Lord?"
"He built an enormous trading empire from nothing." The Duke folded his arms. "He is intelligent. Ambitious. Charismatic." His expression darkened. "And known for doing whatever is necessary to obtain what he wants."
I studied Malvicas carefully. Even from here, I could feel his presence. He carried himself with confidence. The confidence of someone accustomed to winning.
A chill ran through me. Could a man like that truly be responsible?
I trusted Raven. Completely. Yet it was difficult to connect the elegant merchant before me with the horrors hidden beneath Velmora.
I looked at Raven.
"What do we do now?"
"Nothing."
The answer came instantly.
I blinked.
"What?"
"We don't move."
The Duke frowned. "Why not arrest him right here right now?"
"Because there are hundreds of innocent people here." Raven's voice remained calm. "If a fight breaks out, people could die." She glanced around the ballroom. "And the crowd would only become an obstacle."
The Duke clenched his jaw.
"Then When will we move?, I want this finished as soon as possible."
"So do I." Raven folded her arms. "It will end soon." Then her eyes narrowed slightly. "Act naturally."
I followed her gaze. Councilwoman Cecilia and Malvias were already walking toward us.
Raven immediately stepped backward three steps. Returning to her previous position behind me.
A moment later, Cecilia arrived. She offered a graceful curtsy. "Princess Lyria." Her smile was warm. "I am delighted to see you again."
I returned the smile.
"And I you, Lady Cecilia."
She laughed lightly. "This banquet came as quite a surprise." Her gaze swept across the ballroom. "Though perhaps it was needed. Everyone has been carrying far too much stress lately."
I nodded. " Even I was surprised by the Duke's decision." I smiled. " but I agree with you, perhaps everyone needed a chance to breathe."
Cecilia's eyes brightened. "You understand perfectly." Then she stepped aside. "And now, allow me to introduce my handsome nephew."
Malvias stepped forward.
"This is Malvias Orion." She smiled proudly. "He built his reputation and fortune entirely through his own efforts."
Malvias approached. Every movement was smooth. Controlled. He took my hand gently. Then bowed. His lips brushed my knuckles.
"At last." His smile was flawless. "It is an honor to meet you, Princess Lyria."
His eyes met mine.
"I had heard rumors that your beauty captivated hearts." The smile widened slightly. "It seems the rumors were true."
I carefully withdrew my hand. "Thank you for your kind words." I forced myself to smile. "And I am pleased to meet you as well."
The moment our eyes met, nausea twisted inside my stomach. I wanted to pull away.
How could someone who had ruined so many lives stand here smiling so easily? How could he laugh? How could he pretend innocence so perfectly?
His eyes never left me. Watching and calculating. Like a predator deciding how best to approach its prey.
Then Cecilia suddenly laughed. "Oh my." She glanced between us. "Look at you two."
She turned toward the Duke. "Come now." Her grin widened mischievously. "We old people should stop standing around and let the young ones talk Away from our boring conversations."
The Duke looked at me. Then at Raven.
For one brief second, I saw pure suffering in his eyes. He clearly didn't want to leave me alone with this man. Unfortunately, refusing would only create suspicion.
Finally, he sighed.
"Perhaps you're right."
The two of them walked away together.
And just like that, I was left standing alone with Malvias Orion. The man responsible for the monsters. The man smiling at me as though we had just met.
Three steps behind me, Raven stood silently.
And for the first time that night, I felt that the real game had finally begun.
The moment Duke Alistair and Lady Cecilia walked away, the noise of the ballroom seemed to fade into the background. I was no longer surrounded by laughing nobles, musicians, and glittering chandeliers.
There was only him.
Malvias Orion.
The man Raven believed was responsible for everything happening. And he was standing directly in front of me with a charming smile on his face. A smile that somehow made my skin crawl.
"Princess Lyria," he said smoothly, holding a glass of wine in one hand. "I hope my aunt hasn't embarrassed you. She tends to get excited whenever she thinks she has found an opportunity."
I returned a polite smile. "Not at all. Lady Cecilia has been very kind to me."
"She'll be pleased to hear that."
His voice was warm. The kind of voice people trusted without thinking. The kind of voice that built empires.
I forced myself to remain calm. Raven's warning echoed in my mind. Act normal. Do not let him suspect anything.
Malvias tilted his head slightly. "I've heard much about you, Your Highness."
"Oh?"
"Of course." He smiled. "The future Queen of Aurelia arrives in Velmora. People have spoken of little else for days ."
His eyes studied me carefully.
But I could feel him examining every reaction. Every movement. Every word.
"Then I hope I haven't disappointed anyone," I replied lightly.
His smile widened. "On the contrary." For a brief moment his gaze lingered on me. "You have exceeded expectations."
I laughed softly. A princess's laugh. Polite. Practiced. The kind I had spent years learning.
Inside, however, I wanted this conversation to end. The longer I stood near him, the worse the feeling in my stomach became.
Malvias raised his glass. "I must admit, I was surprised when I heard there would be a banquet tonight."
"I was surprised too. Velmora has suffered recently. Many disappearances. Monster attacks. Public anxiety . But the Duke insisted on throwing a banquet for me, and I couldn't refuse his request.
His expression darkened.
I watched him carefully. There was not a trace of guilt in his face. If Raven hadn't warned me beforehand, I would never have suspected him.
"Perhaps people needed hope," I said.
"Perhaps."
His eyes gleamed. "Hope can be a very powerful thing."
Before I could answer, another noble approached and greeted us. For several minutes the conversation shifted to trade routes, harvest yields, and politics.
I barely listened. Instead, I observed Malvias. The way he carried himself. The way others reacted to him. People respected him. Some admired him.
all of them listened when he spoke. He had influence. A tremendous amount of influence.
And if Raven was right…Then a man like this would be infinitely more dangerous than any monster lurking in the forests.
Because monsters could be seen. People like Malvias hid behind smiles.
Eventually the noble excused himself. Malvias turned back to me. "I was hoping to ask you something."
"Of course."
"How are you enjoying Velmora?"
"Honestly?"
"I prefer honesty."
I smiled faintly. "It is beautiful."
"I agree."
"The people are kind."
"Most of them."
"The food is wonderful."
That earned a small laugh from him. "Now that is definitely true."
For a moment the conversation felt strangely normal. Almost pleasant. If I didn't know the truth. Then perhaps I would have liked him.
That thought unsettled me. Because evil should have looked monstrous. It should have been obvious. Instead, it looked like a handsome young merchant standing beneath crystal chandeliers.
Malvias suddenly looked past me. For the first time since we met, his smile faltered. Only for an instant. But I saw it.
He was looking at Raven.
I resisted the urge to turn immediately. Instead, I glanced casually over my shoulder.
Raven stood exactly where she had been before. Hands on the hilt of her sword . Expression calm. Eyes fixed on Malvias .
The room around her seemed brighter somehow. Or perhaps everyone else seemed dimmer. Even dressed elegantly for the celebration, she still looked more like a warrior than a noble.sharp and dangerous.
Malvias's gaze lingered on her. Then he looked back at me. "Your guard seems exceptionally devoted she's been following you since the beginning."
I smiled and said "She takes her duties seriously."
"I can see that." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Have we met before?"
The question wasn't directed at me. It was directed at Raven.
The ballroom suddenly felt colder.
Raven met his gaze without blinking.
"No."
For several seconds neither of them spoke. And for reasons I couldn't explain, it felt as though two swords had just crossed invisible and silend yet deadly.
Then Malvias smiled again. The charming merchant returned. The dangerous tension vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
"My mistake."
Raven stared at him silently.
standing between Malvias and Raven, I felt as though I were watching the calm surface of a lake moments before a storm shattered it apart.
We walked slowly through the ballroom. The music continued to play around us.
Malvias spoke calmly as we moved through the crowd. He talked about trade routes. Business ventures. Investments. His rise from poverty to wealth.
The story was impressive. Perhaps even inspiring. If I had met him under different circumstances, I might have admired him. But now every word sounded rehearsed. Every compliment felt like a weapon wrapped in silk.
"And that was how I secured my first trading contract," Malvias said with a light laugh.
I nodded politely. "That is quite impressive."
"It wasn't easy."
"I'm sure it wasn't."
I was waiting. Waiting for a mistake. A slip of the tongue. Anything. But he was careful. He spoke about business. About ancient ruins he had visited. Everything except the thing I wanted him to talk about.
Eventually we reached one of the large balcony doors overlooking the city.
He turned toward me. "I would like to speak with you privately." A small smile appeared on his face. "It is difficult to have a meaningful conversation while your guard watches every step, why don't we go to the balcony and talk in a little more privacy?."
Then he glanced toward Raven and said rudely, " leave us alone and give us some privacy?"
I opened my mouth to answer.
But Raven spoke first and her face remained completely expressionless. " I will not leave the Princess side even if you asks me to."
Malvias looked at her. Neither blinked. Neither moved. The tension between them was so sharp that I felt trapped in the middle.
Why did he want privacy so badly?, Was he planning something?, Or was he simply annoyed by Raven's presence?, I couldn't tell.
After a moment, I turned toward Raven.
"It's alright." I offered her a small smile. "You can wait near the balcony entrance, I won't be long, I have a meeting with the High Priest in fifteen minutes anyway." I nodded to her with a slight movement so that malvias wouldn't notice.
Raven's eyes met mine. For a brief moment I thought she might object. Instead, she gave the smallest nod.
"As you command, Princess."
Malvias's smile widened slightly. It's as if he's saying, I have won. and I really heated that smile.
And together we stepped out onto the balcony. The moment we crossed the doorway, cool night air brushed against my skin.
The difference was immediate. The ballroom behind us was warm and crowded. Out here everything felt quieter.
The city lights stretched beneath us. The stars glittered above. The moon illuminated the rooftops of Velmora like silver paint.
It should have been beautiful. Romantic, even. Instead, I felt nervous. Because I was standing beside malvias.
I casually glanced toward the balcony entrance. Relief immediately flooded my chest. Raven was still there. Standing exactly where she said she would.
Malvias picked up two glasses of wine from a nearby table. He offered one to me.
I smiled politely.
"Thank you, but I shouldn't drink any more, I have an important meeting later with high priest, and It's best if I don't appear drunk, as that would be rude.."
Another lie.
A necessary one. The last thing I intended to do was drink something offered by a man who transformed people into monsters.
Malvias nodded. "Understandable." Then he set the glass aside. "My apologies."
"No need to apologize."
For a few moments silence settled between us. Then malvias glanced toward the doorway again. His eyes landed on Raven. A strange expression crossed his face.
" Your guard is rude and ill-mannered. She needs someone to teach her a lesson in manners and to respect those above her."
My smile almost cracked. Excuse me? I clenched my hand behind my back.
"She's simply doing her job."
Malvias hummed. "Perhaps. But that does not give her the right to look down on those of higher rank than her." His eyes narrowed slightly. " she needs to know the difference between a guard and a nobleman."
The audacity. I really wanted to punch him in the face with all my might.
How could he criticize Raven? Meanwhile he had destroyed countless innocent lives. And yet he spoke as though he were the victim.
I maintained my smile with tremendous effort.
"She follows the King's orders."
Malvias shrugged. "I still don't understand why someone like her was chosen to protect a future queen."
My fingers tightened.
"What do you mean?"
He tilted his head. "I don't sense any strength from her, Why don't you get her off work and I will appoint a strong and trustworthy person from my knights to protect you and guard you."
"Thank you, but Raven has proven herself to me many times and I trust that she can protect me."
That much was true. Without hesitation. Without doubt. I trusted her completely.
Malvias nodded slowly. "The thing is, I don't feel any power from her and I was worried about your safety,but if that is what makes you comfortable, who am I to interfere."
Then he changed the subject and his smile returned. "How long will you remain in Velmora?"
"I will stay for several days until I finish my work here."
"Work?"
I nodded. "You must have heard about the disappearances that have been happening. I have come to Velmora on behalf of the king to look into a matter."
I watched him carefully. Looking for even the slightest reaction. A twitch, A flicker, anything. But his face remained perfectly calm.
His expression became sympathetic." Oh yes, I heard about that. A number of people have disappeared from a city and neighboring villages. It's a terrible tragedy . I wonder what happened to these people. Have you found any information about this?."
I sighed. "No, not yet. We haven't discovered anything; we don't have any leads to follow."
"That is unfortunate, I hope the kidnapped people are found soon."
Kidnapped?. I never said they were kidnapped.I only said missing.
"I would be grateful if you could help me and tell me any information you hear on this subject., I'd really appreciate your assistance."
"Of course." His smile returned immediately. "You have my word."
The way he said it made my skin crawl. Then he stepped slightly closer. "Actually…" His voice softened. "I have no obligations tomorrow evening."
Oh no. I already knew where this was heading.
"Would you allow me to host you for dinner at my estate?" His smile widened. "Just the two of us. Then he glanced toward Raven. And of course, without your guard, you won't need any protection in my house ; I will protect you. You will be safe with me.
My eye twitched.safe?, The irony was almost painful.
I smiled sweetly. "That is very kind of you."
His eyes brightened.
Then I continued. "But I don't think I have time. I'm so busy with investigations that I don't even have time to rest. But thank you for inviting me, perhaps another time.."
The disappointment on his face lasted less than a second.
His smile returned and stepped closer. "Oh, that's really unfortunate. I was really enjoying talking to you and I wanted to spend more time with you and get to know you better, but it seems you're busy. So yes, maybe another time.
I can't spend another minute with him. Although his face is calm, his eyes, the way he looks at me, and the way he speaks make my body tremble with fear. I'm really trying to stay calm, but I can't.
the balcony door opened. I almost sighed in relief. Raven stepped outside She walked directly toward me.
She stopped in front me and bowed slightly. "My apologies for interrupting Princess ." Her voice was polite. "However, it's time for your meeting with the High Priest."
I almost laughed. Bless you, Raven.
Malvias looked annoyed immediately. "It seems you can't stay away , can't you."
Raven looked at him. "My duties require me to remain close."
"Although Princess won't tell you But being nearby all the time can be annoying."
Her expression didn't change.
"About as annoying as watching you desperately attempt to court a Princess he met less than an minute ago. It's truly painful to the eyes and truly disgusting."
Silence. Absolute silence. My soul left my body. Did she really just say that? To his face?
Malvias stared at her. His jaw tightened. "What did you say?"
Raven folded her arms. Nothing about her posture suggested fear. "You heard me."
The smile on malvias's face vanished Completely. For the first time that evening, his mask cracked. "How dare you speak to me like that? Who do you think you are? I can ruin your life." His voice turned cold. His eyes narrowed.
"You are nothing more than a guard."
Raven said calmly, which only made him angrier, "I'm just a guard with the king's permission to act with complete freedom towards anyone and everyone who crosses the line with a princess."
Malvias's expression darkened further.
Then Raven tilted her head and said with smirk. "Now that you're done with your private talk , Get out of here."
Malvias looked furious. His hands clenched. His teeth ground together. The charming merchant was gone. Now I could finally see the monster beneath. "You just wait,I'll make you regret this." His voice trembled with anger.
Raven simply stared at him unimpressed and unafraid.
And somehow that only made him angrier. A moment later he turned sharply and stormed back into the ballroom.
The balcony fell silent. I looked at Raven. Then toward the doorway. Then back at Raven. "What…What was that?"
Raven shrugged. "He was annoying."
I blinked Then, despite everything, laughter escaped my lips. " Oh Raven, you're truly amazing!"
The celebration continued for some time after my conversation with Malvias. More guests approached me. More smiles. More hidden agendas disguised as politeness.
At first, I tried my best to remain patient. I smiled, nodded, exchanged pleasantries, and listened to stories I had no interest in hearing.
But after hours of it, my cheeks hurt from smiling. Every noble seemed eager to secure my favor. Every merchant wanted my attention. Every conversation felt like a negotiation disguised as friendship.
I had never noticed it so clearly before. Perhaps because I had spent most of my life surrounded by people like them. Or perhaps because Raven had changed the way I looked at people.
Eventually, the celebration finally came to an end. One by one, the guests departed. The music faded. The ballroom emptied.
Servants began cleaning the tables and collecting empty glasses.
The grand hall that had been overflowing with people only an hour earlier now felt strangely quiet.
Soon only five of us remained.
The moment the last guest disappeared through the doors, Kalina immediately walked toward Raven. Her brows were furrowed. She looked troubled.
"Is what Father said true?" Her voice was hesitant. "Is Malvias really the man we've been searching for?"
The Duke raised a hand. "Not here." His expression was grim. "Let's go to my office."
A few minutes later we gathered inside the Duke's office. The heavy doors closed behind us.
The Duke walked to the center of the room and activated several magical runes carved into the walls. Blue light spread across the room. The air briefly vibrated. Then everything became still.
The Duke nodded. "No one can hear us now."
Kara folded her arms. "Then tell us, Raven." She looked directly at her. "How do you know Malvias is responsible?"
Raven stood beside the window with her usual calm expression.
"As I said before." Her voice remained steady. " The mana signature I found inside the transformed humans matches Malvias's mana."
Kalina immediately frowned. "Are you absolutely certain?" She sounded almost desperate.
Raven looked at her.
"Yes."
"But mana can be similar, can't it?" Kalina insisted. "Maybe you're mistaken." She shook her head. "Malvias is respected throughout Velmora. He has influence. Wealth. A reputation."
"Why would he risk everything?, And for what?"
For a moment, nobody answered.
Then Raven spoke. "Mana signatures are like fingerprints. Every living person possesses a unique magical pattern. It cannot be duplicated naturally."
She paused.
"The chance of two people having identical mana signatures is impossible."
Kalina looked away. I could see the conflict in her eyes. She wanted Raven to be wrong.
I slowly spoke.
"So What do we do now?"
Nobody answered immediately. Even the Duke seemed lost in thought.
Kalina lowered herself into a chair. "I still can't believe it." She rubbed her forehead. "Of all people…"
The Duke remained silent. Deep in thought. His expression had grown darker with every passing minute.
Then.
Knock. Knock.
Everyone looked toward the door.
The Duke frowned.
"Enter."
The door opened. A maid hurried inside and bowed. "My apologies for interrupting." She looked nervous. "The two gentlemen staying in the west wing have awakened."
The Duke straightened. "They're awake?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
The maid nodded. "They insisted on seeing you immediately." "They said it was urgent. I tried to stop them, but they are waiting outside."
The Duke exchanged a glance with Raven. Then nodded.
"Bring them in."
A moment later the door opened again. Two men entered. Both looked exhausted. As though they had aged years in only a few days.
They immediately bowed. "We apologize for the intrusion, Your Grace."
The Duke gestured for them to stand.
"It's fine. You said this was urgent?"
The soldier nodded. Before he could speak, Kalina suddenly stepped forward. Her eyes widened.
"Henry?"
The soldier froze. Then recognition appeared on his face.
"Lady Kalina."
She looked genuinely relieved. "I knew it was you." She grabbed his shoulders. When you and your patrol disappeared, we searched everywhere." Her voice softened. "I thought you were dead."
Henry lowered his head. "We nearly were."
The Duke spoke carefully. "Tell us everything."
Henry swallowed. Then began speaking. "When we were patrolling near the northern border…" His hands trembled slightly. "We were ambushed. A large group of monsters surrounded us."
The memories clearly haunted him. "We thought they were going to kill us." His voice grew quieter. "But they didn't. They captured us alive. They took us deep into the forest. To a cave."
His eyes darkened. "There were hundreds of monsters there. In the center of the cave…There was a man."
I noticed Raven watching him without blinking.
"He stood among the monsters like their master." Henry clenched his fists. "And in his hands…He carried an ancient book. A terrible book. I could feel its power even from far away."
The hunter beside him nodded. His face pale. "It felt wrong. Like something that should never exist."
Henry continued. "The man opened the book. And started reading. I didn't understand the words. But the moment he spoke…"He closed his eyes. "As if reliving the nightmare. My friends started screaming."
Henry's voice cracked. "Their bodies twisted. Their bones broke. Their skin tore apart. I watched them become monsters. then it happened to me too."
His fists trembled. "I became one of them. I could still think."Henry whispered. "I could still see. I could hear everything." His voice broke. "But I couldn't control my own body."
A chill ran down my spine. What kind of nightmare was that? To watch yourself hurt people…While being unable to stop it.
Kalina slowly stepped closer. "Henry."Her voice was gentle. "Look at me."She took a breath. "Do you know who that man was?"
Everyone stared at him. Waiting.
Henry's jaw tightened. For a second he looked angry. Betrayed. Heartbroken.
"I didn't believe it at first." He laughed bitterly. "The entire city respected him." His eyes filled with disgust. "I admired him."
The Duke slowly stood. His face pale. "Who was it?"
Henry looked directly at him. Then spoke. A single name. A name that shattered any remaining doubt.
"The Merchant Lord."His voice echoed through the room. "Malvias Orion."
Kalina staggered back into her chair.
The Duke closed his eyes.
Henry's words seemed to echo through the Duke's office long after he finished speaking.
"The Merchant Lord, Cassian Orian."
I looked toward the Duke. His face had gone pale. His jaw was clenched so tightly that I thought he might crack a tooth.
The Duke slowly lowered himself into his chair. he looked tired.
"I trusted him." His voice was barely above a whisper. "I welcomed him into my home, He built businesses. He funded orphanages. He donated to the city, I thought he was an honest man, Malvias contributed to the building and expansion of velmora, so why is he doing this? What is his goal.
The room became silent once more.
Henry said, "But what happened? How did we return to normal? The last thing I remember is that we were fighting with Lady Kalina and her friends."
Raven said before anyone else could speak, "That's not important right now. What is important is that you will not be leaving this place for some time. You will be staying here."
Two men were confused by Raven's words, so the Duke explained to Henry and another man.
"You will be my guests for only a few days until all this is over. If Malvias finds out that we can reverse the transformation and that his identity has been revealed, we do not know what he might do with all those monsters."
" so it is best that you remain hidden for a while."
The western wing is under guard. You'll have everything you need."
Henry and the other man exchanged glances before bowing. "We understand and we'll cooperate."
the two men left with a servant. The office door closed behind them.
Raven came out after them and said she wanted to ask Henry something. But she returned quickly, just ten minutes later.
The Duke exhaled slowly. Then suddenly his eyes shifted toward me.
"Actually…I forgot to ask you, what happened to you when you were talking to Malvias on the balcony, because he looked very angry and rushed out of the hall as if he was about to explode with anger, what happened?."
Kalina immediately looked interested. So did Kara.
I looked at Raven, but she looked away as if she had nothing to do with it., I sighed and said, "Raven literally told him to his face to get lost. And some other things that insulted and humiliated him.
The room froze. Everyone looked at Raven in shock, but Raven remained calm as usual, as if she hadn't done anything.
Kalina's eyes widened. "What?, wait, wait, she did what?!"
The Duke looked horrified. "Raven!" He slapped both hands against the desk. "Why did you do that? Didn't we agree not to attract his attention or make him suspicious of anything?"
Kara frowned and said. "Why did you provoke him?"
Raven didn't look remotely guilty. "Because he was trying to get uncomfortably close to Princess, and even though Princess was trying to move away, that worried me."
Heat immediately rushed to my face, Did she do this because she was worried about me? I looked away.
Raven continued. "He was also trying to touch her, so I had to intervene because we still don't know how his magic works. What if all his magic requires is just a simple touch?"
Nobody had considered that. Not even me.
Kara nodded first. "You're right, you did the right thing." Kara looked at me and said, "You shouldn't have stayed with him alone when you knew he was the one we were looking for, That was incredibly reckless."
I looked at Raven, "I'm sorry I worried you, but I thought I might be able to get him to say something or that he might slip up, but he was very careful about what he said, and he invited me to dinner at his palace, just the two of us, and he insisted that I not bring you with me."
Raven said, "There's no need to apologize, but I hope you declined his offer."
I nodded and said, "Of course I refused. I'm not reckless enough to go alone to that monster on my own two feet."
Raven said, "That's good, but we have to be very careful. He's very strong because of that book Henry talked about. I could see that book gave him unparalleled power, so we have to move carefully."
The Duke asked, "How will we catch him, and when?"
Raven said, "We'll move tomorrow."
The Duke told Kalina, "Inform the soldiers to prepare for tomorrow. We will capture that scoundrel who is harming my people and destroying my city and We end this tomorrow."
Tomorrow.
Everything would change.