(Royal Palace Velmoria – Evening)
(Training Ground)
Eyan stood in the center of the vast training ground, calm and composed, his hands resting behind his back. The knights standing at the sides remained completely still, not daring to interrupt the silence. It was clear their king was waiting for someone.
After a moment, the large doors slowly opened.
Luca entered first, followed by Aranel, Nolan, Nayra, and little Leo. The soft golden light of evening stretched across the stone floor as they approached.
A small amused smile appeared on Eyan's lips.
With a slightly teasing tone, he spoke, "What took all of you so long?"
Luca exhaled dramatically, clearly tired from the preparations.
With mild annoyance, he replied, "We were busy preparing for the birthday… the responsibility you gave us. Did you already forget?"
Eyan blinked once, then gave a small awkward chuckle.
Lightly scratching his neck, he admitted, "Ah… right."
Luca folded his arms, curiosity clear in his expression.
Looking directly at Eyan, he asked, "So… why did you call us here? You said you had something to show."
Nolan's eyes lit up with excitement as he stepped forward.
With impatience, he said, "Yes uncle! Show us!"
Nayra nodded quickly beside him.
Trying to sound brave, she added, "We came quickly!"
Eyan's gaze softened as he looked at the children. Slowly, he bent down so he was at their height.
With a mysterious smile, he gestured with his hand.
"Leo… Nolan… Nayra… come a little closer."
The three children stepped forward cautiously, curiosity filling their faces.
Eyan's expression turned slightly serious, but there was still amusement in his eyes.
In a calm voice, he warned, "Now… whatever you see… don't get scared."
Nolan and Nayra immediately stiffened.
They slowly looked at each other, nervousness spreading across their faces.
Without thinking, both of them tightly grabbed Leo's hands.
Nayra's fingers trembled slightly as she whispered,
"Brother Leo… I don't feel good…"
Nolan gulped nervously, trying to act brave but failing miserably.
"Uncle… what is it…?"
Leo gently squeezed their hands and gave them a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry… I'm here."
Eyan's smile widened slightly at their reaction.
Then his shadow began to move unnaturally.
Dark ripples spread across the ground.
With quiet command in his voice, Eyan spoke,
"Come out… boys."
Suddenly—
Large shapes began emerging from his shadow.
Massive wolves slowly stepped forward.
Talon… Fen… and Mara.
Their glowing eyes shone softly in the evening light as their enormous forms fully appeared.
For a moment… silence.
Then—
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
"WAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
Nolan and Nayra screamed loudly at the same time.
Their faces instantly turned pale.
Without hesitation, both children jumped straight onto Eyan, clinging tightly to him like frightened kittens.
Nayra buried her face in his shoulder, her small hands gripping his clothes tightly.
With a shaking voice, she cried, "Uncle!!! They are monsters!!!"
Nolan climbed halfway onto Eyan's back, clearly panicking.
Almost on the verge of tears, he shouted, "They are HUGE!!! They will eat us!!!"
Eyan froze for a second… then suddenly burst into laughter.
He laughed louder than expected, clearly amused by how terrified they were.
Trying to speak between laughter, he said,
"Nolan… Nayra… they are not monsters… they are wolves!"
But the two children refused to even look.
Nayra shook her head repeatedly, eyes tightly shut.
"No! No! No! They are too big!!"
Nolan held Eyan's arm tightly as if his life depended on it.
"Uncle! Make them go back!! Quickly!!"
Eyan continued laughing, clearly entertained by their dramatic fear.
Gently patting their heads, he tried to calm them, though his laughter still slipped through.
"Relax… they won't hurt you. Look at them carefully… they only want to play."
Slowly… very slowly… Nolan opened one eye.
Then quickly closed it again.
"They are still there!!" he whispered in horror.
Meanwhile, Mara had already laid down beside Leo, nudging him gently.
Leo giggled happily, hugging his neck without any fear.
Fen and Talon wagged their tails excitedly, lowering themselves onto the ground to appear less intimidating.
Eyan spoke gently again, still smiling,
"See? Leo isn't scared. They like children."
Nayra hesitantly peeked over Eyan's shoulder.
The moment Talon moved slightly—
"AHHH!"
She immediately hid her face again.
Eyan laughed once more.
"They are wagging their tails… not showing their teeth," he said teasingly.
After a long moment of hesitation…
Nolan slowly stretched one trembling hand forward.
Fen immediately lowered his head gently.
When Fen licked his fingers—
Nolan froze.
Then blinked.
"…it's warm," he whispered in surprise.
Nayra slowly peeked again.
Seeing Nolan still alive, she gathered courage and reached toward Talon.
Talon immediately rolled onto his back dramatically, paws in the air.
Nayra gasped softly.
"He… he fell!"
Eyan chuckled softly.
"He wants belly rubs."
Slowly, their fear began to fade.
Soon Nolan and Nayra were nervously petting the wolves, still staying very close to Eyan just in case.
Luca, who had been watching silently the entire time, stared at the wolves in disbelief.
Shock was clear on his face as he spoke,
"Eyan… your wolves… they returned? But… you said they died five and a half years ago…"
Eyan's gaze softened as he looked at them.
With quiet emotion in his voice, he replied,
"They did die… but somehow… they came back. All these years… they were the ones protecting Eva."
Happiness immediately appeared on Luca's face.
Relieved, he smiled warmly.
"That's wonderful news…"
As if recognizing him, Talon, Fen, and Mara suddenly turned toward Luca.
Their ears perked up.
Within seconds, the three wolves ran toward him excitedly.
They circled him happily, nudging him with familiarity.
Luca laughed warmly, bending slightly to pat their heads.
With affection in his voice, he said,
"Talon… Fen… Mara… I missed you three too… welcome back boys."
The wolves wagged their tails happily before running back toward Leo, Nolan, and Nayra.
Soon the training ground was filled with laughter, playful growls, and the sound of children still slightly nervous… but now excited to play with their enormous new friends.
--------------------------------------------------------
(Training Ground)
Eyan and Luca stood at the side, quietly watching Aranel, Leo, Nayra, and Nolan play with the wolves. The animals ran in joyful circles, their soft growls mixing with the children's laughter.
A gentle smile appeared on Eyan's face as he watched Leo stumble forward, trying to chase one of the wolves that kept teasing him by running just out of reach.
Luca glanced at him and smiled faintly.
"I'm happy, Eyan… you got your wolves back. Now you don't have to worry about your injuries anymore. They can heal you."
Eyan's eyes softened as he continued watching The wolves.
"Luca… now they can heal Eva too."
Luca turned to him in surprise.
"Really?"
"Yes," Eyan replied quietly. "I saw it with my own eyes… they healed her wound."
"That's even more wonderful," Luca said, relief clear in his voice.
For a moment, both men remained silent, simply watching the peaceful scene before them. The golden evening light fell gently across the training ground, making the moment feel calm… almost fragile.
After a short pause, Eyan spoke again.
"Luca… when will Leo be ready to use his power on Father?"
"Tomorrow," Luca answered confidently. "After resting tonight, he will be able to use his magic without any problem."
Eyan's expression grew slightly serious.
"He won't suffer backlash… right?"
"No," Luca assured him. "This time there won't be any problem. He has learned to control it."
Eyan's gaze returned to Leo, pride shining clearly in his eyes.
"My little boy is very good…"
Luca smiled warmly.
"Yes… he is very good."
They both stood there, quietly watching the children laugh as the wolves ran playfully around them.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the calm atmosphere.
A knight came running across the training ground and quickly dropped to one knee before Eyan.
"Your Majesty."
Eyan turned toward him, slightly surprised.
"What happened?"
"Your Majesty… Her Majesty the Queen is looking for you."
For a brief moment, Eyan froze.
Then his eyes lit up with unmistakable joy.
"Eva… she's back?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Queen has just arrived."
A wide smile spread across Eyan's face, relief and happiness clearly visible in his expression.
"Where is she right now?"
"In front of the Royal Palace, Your Majesty."
Eyan let out a small breath of relief, almost laughing softly.
"She's really back…"
Without waiting another second, he quickly turned and rushed out of the training ground, his steps faster than usual, unable to hide his excitement.
I thought she was still angry with me…
But she came looking for me…
His heart felt lighter than it had all day.
Eyan hurried toward the palace, a bright smile still on his face, eager to see her.
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(In front of the Royal Palace)
Eva was already waiting in front of the palace gates, seated on a strong black horse, the reins held firmly in her hands. She looked impatient, as if every passing second annoyed her more.
Just then, Eyan came hurrying toward her, a bright smile lighting up his face the moment he saw her.
"Eva—"
"Get on the horse. Hurry." Eva said immediately.
Eyan blinked in surprise.
"Wait… what? Where are we going?"
"Stop asking questions and get on," Eva said impatiently.
Still confused but unable to hide his happiness at seeing her, Eyan placed one foot on the stirrup preparing to climb up gracefully—
—but before he could even swing his leg over, Eva suddenly urged the horse forward.
"EVA—!"
Eyan hopped forward on one leg, trying not to lose his balance as the horse began walking out of the palace gate.
"Wait— wait— wait!" he complained, awkwardly jumping beside the moving horse. "Eva..at least let me sit first!"
Clearly annoyed, Eva grabbed his arm and pulled him up with surprising strength.
"There is no time."
"I can see that!" Eyan muttered, finally managing to climb up behind her, slightly out of breath. "Where are you taking me in such hurry?"
Eva ignored him and immediately increased the horse's speed as soon as they passed through the gate.
The sudden acceleration made Eyan stiffen. For a moment, he looked completely confused about where to place his hands.
"What should I grab?" he asked cautiously, trying to keep his balance as the horse moved faster.
"Hold my shoulders," Eva answered quickly.
Eyan nodded obediently… but instead, he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and leaned fully against her.
Eva's eyes widened slightly.
"I told you to hold my shoulders, not my waist," she said, clearly irritated.
Eyan only smiled shamelessly, tightening his hold just a little more.
"I like holding your waist more," he said softly near her ear. "This way… I definitely won't fall."
Eva's cheeks warmed, but instead of replying, she urged the horse to run even faster.
The wind rushed past them as the horse galloped forward, Eyan holding her securely, a satisfied smile on his face despite her obvious annoyance.
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(Velmoria Market)
The horse galloped through the evening streets before slowing as they reached the outer area of Velmoria's busy market.
Eyan sat behind Eva, his arms still loosely around her waist. But this time, instead of teasing her, his eyes were fixed on her face.
She looked distant… far too quiet.
Her gaze remained straight ahead, her expression serious, almost troubled.
Eyan leaned slightly closer.
"Are you still angry about last night?"
Eva did not answer.
The only sound was the steady rhythm of the horse's hooves against the road.
After a few moments, Eyan tried again, softer this time.
"Eva… are you still angry with me?"
No response.
Instead, Eva suddenly pulled the reins, bringing the horse to an abrupt stop near a quieter part of the market.
"We go on foot from here," she said calmly as she stepped down.
Eyan quickly got off first and instinctively extended his hand to help her down.
But Eva ignored his hand completely and stepped down on her own.
Eyan slowly lowered his hand, mumbling under his breath,
"She is definitely angry…"
Eva began walking toward a narrow alley without looking back.
Eyan followed silently, watching her carefully, his earlier playful mood now replaced with concern.
The alley grew quieter the deeper they went. Soon, the sounds of the busy market faded behind them.
Eva suddenly stopped near an abandoned area between old buildings.
Without a word, she quickly pulled Eyan behind a broken wall.
"Hide," she whispered.
Eyan's expression immediately turned serious as he followed her lead.
Carefully, he looked ahead.
Several rough-looking men stood in the open space, forcing frightened women and small children into large covered carriages.
Some of the captives were crying… others looked too terrified to even make a sound.
Eyan's eyes darkened instantly.
"What is going on?" he asked in a low voice.
Eva's expression hardened.
"They are human traffickers."
Eyan's jaw tightened. "what, how do you know that?"
"I saw them kidnapping a woman when I was returning from Lady Rose's house," Eva continued quietly. "So I followed them."
Eyan turned sharply toward her, clearly worried.
"You followed them… alone?"
"Don't worry," Eva replied calmly. "They didn't realize I was following them. I kept my distance."
Eyan looked ahead again, observing carefully.
He counted silently.
Twenty men… and five women working with them.
Some of them were loading unconscious women into the carriages, while others were pushing frightened children forward.
Eyan's grip slowly tightened.
"You should have told me before coming here," he said quietly. "I would have brought the Royal Knights."
"By then, they would have already left," Eva answered firmly.
For a moment, silence passed between them as the distant sound of chains and muffled cries echoed in the abandoned space.
Eyan slowly looked at them, his expression completely cold now.
"Eva..stay here," he said calmly.
Then he stepped forward.
"I will deal with them."
Without hesitation, Eyan moved out from the shadows, his presence calm… but filled with quiet danger.
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(Velmoria Market– Abandoned Alley)
The moment Eyan stepped out from the shadows, the traffickers froze.
One of the men squinted, then his eyes widened in shock.
"The King—!"
THUD!
Eyan's fist landed straight on his face before the sentence could finish.
The man collapsed instantly.
Another attacker rushed forward with a blade.
CLANG!
Eyan blocked lazily, almost bored. With one swift motion—
BAM!
His kick sent the attacker flying into a wooden crate.
More men surrounded him, but Eyan didn't even look concerned.
He cracked his knuckles slightly.
"Twenty men…" he murmured calmly. "You brought me here on a date with quite a crowd, Eva."
Before Eva could respond, one of the gang woman attacked Eyan from behind with a metal rod.
CLANG!
The rod hit his head.
Eyan frowned slightly.
But before the woman could swing again—
SMACK!
Eva's kick hit her so hard she rolled across the ground.
"How dare you hit my man," Eva said coldly.
Eyan froze for half a second.
Then a very pleased smile appeared on his face.
"My man…" he repeated slowly, clearly enjoying every part of that sentence. "You always know exactly what I like to hear."
Eva ignored him and stepped forward to fight.
A woman lunged toward her—
THAP!
Eva struck her throat.
Another grabbed her sleeve—
WHACK!
Eva twisted and threw her aside effortlessly.
Eyan leaned casually while knocking another attacker unconscious.
"You look absolutely breathtaking while breaking bones, my love" he said admiringly.
Eva kicked another attacker without looking at him.
"Eyan...Focus."
"I am focused," Eyan replied shamelessly. "My eyes simply refuse to leave you."
A man suddenly rushed toward Eva and grab her wrist.
Everything changed instantly.
Eyan appeared beside them in a flash. His grip closed around the attacker's arm.
His voice was calm… but dangerous. "I would strongly advise… letting go."
The man didn't.
SNAP!
His arm broke instantly. The scream echoed through the alley.
Eyan released him coldly.
"I do not repeat warnings."
Eva glanced at him briefly.
"You didn't have to break it."
"I absolutely did," Eyan replied shamelessly. "He touched you."
Another attacker charged Eva with full force.
Before the strike could land—
Eyan pulled Eva suddenly into his arms, lifting her effortlessly as he stepped aside.
SWISH!
The blade cut nothing but air.
Eva found herself pressed against his chest.
"You can put me down," she said flatly.
"Why?" Eyan asked softly, clearly enjoying the moment far too much. "I quite like holding you like this."
He gently placed her down… though his hands lingered at her waist just a little longer than necessary.
A large man rushed Eva, attempting to overpower her.
Eyan spoke calmly,
"Protect your leg."
The man frowned in confusion—
CRACK!
Eva's knee struck mercilessly between his legs.
The man froze, then collapsed silently.
Eyan winced.
"Ouch… that man's future children just disappeared."
Eva shot him an irritated look.
"You are talking too much."
"You are fighting too beautifully," Eyan replied shamelessly. "I feel proud… and slightly distracted."
Two men rushed Eva together, trying to restrain her arms.
Eyan's eyes turned cold.
"I said… DO NOT touch her."
He moved instantly.
CRACK!
He twisted one man's arm brutally before kicking the second attacker away.
Eyan stepped in front of her protectively.
"Anyone who touches her… loses the privilege of having working limbs."
Eva kicked another attacker behind him.
Eyan glanced at her admiringly.
"You know… watching you fight is very unfair."
Eva blocked a strike.
"Why?"
"Because now I cannot tell whether I am more afraid of our enemies… or of you."
Eva clearly tried to ignore him.
Three men rushed her together.
Before they could reach—Eyan stepped between them and Eva.
His eyes turned cold.
"Why are all of you so interested in touching my wife?"
BAM! THUD! CRACK!
All three fell within seconds.
Another attacker aimed a heavy strike toward Eva.
Eyan instantly pulled her into his arms again, shielding her completely.
CLANG!
The attack hit Eyan's sword instead.
Held securely against him again, Eva looked up with visible irritation.
"You keep doing this."
"I will continue doing this," Eyan replied calmly, "because I enjoy having excuses to hold you."
Eva pushed lightly against his chest.
"You are impossible."
Back to back, the royal couple stood surrounded by unconscious enemies.
Eva's breathing was steady.
Eyan looked at her again, smiling shamelessly.
"If I knew my queen looked this captivating while fighting… I would have started more battles long ago."
Eva glared at him.
"Say one more word."
Eyan leaned slightly closer.
"Careful… threatening me while looking this beautiful is dangerous."
Eva turned away, clearly refusing to entertain him further.
Eyan chuckled softly, stepping beside her.
Together, they walked forward through the fallen enemies — unstoppable, perfectly in sync… and still arguing while defeating criminals.
.
.
.
To be continued—