"My king, we have spotted them a mile from Crystal Lake," a scout reported, his voice tense as he approached Xavier Beaumont.
Xavier's usual warmth faded instantly, replaced by a cold, steely gaze. "Any trouble?" he asked, each word measured, calm but sharp.
"They got tangled up with Leroy," the scout continued, swallowing nervously. "Leroy might not make things easier for the young princess."
A flash of anger swept across Xavier's face. His jaw tightened, and his eyes, normally calm and inviting, glimmered like steel. "Varsa Academia was built by my grandfather," he said, voice heavy with pride and authority. "I am confident that something will protect my daughter in enemy territory. Your father ensured the legacy it holds—the greatness that Lucian and his family destroyed."
Darcy, standing nearby, scoffed. "Lucian is my family too," he said, with no trace of fear, only unwavering duty.
Xavier's gaze didn't falter. He knew the weight of the Leo zodiac bloodline and the stakes of every decision. "That's why I am here," Darcy continued, standing tall. "To remind you that they stole what was yours."
Even as his council shifted uneasily, Xavier's eyes remained unmoved, unlike every Zorah who wielded their abilities. "I have a daughter to attend to," he said, already calculating how a confrontation with Darcy might unfold. It turned out, however, to be an unnecessary battle of words.
"You cannot go out in the open," Harper objected, his voice calm but firm.
"Xanthus Asgerthis died long ago. No one can detect my true identity," Xavier replied, reasoning with careful precision.
"Then let's put it to a vote," Darcy suggested, tension in his posture. In the end, Xavier won—five to four. Relief flickered across his face. "Thank you!" he said, a small, tight smile breaking through. "Wait to leave the city, all of you. I leave first; you follow to different towns."
The council meeting dissolved with the noon bell.
"Xavier, wait!" Darcy called, catching up to him. "A moment aside, please."
Xavier remained silent, knowing that time was a more dangerous opponent than Darcy.
"Everything I say and do is for you," Darcy whispered. "The mask of Xavier Beaumont will fall. I will stand and wait for King Xanthus Asgerthis to rise."
"When he rises, I assure you, you will beg for the mask—but it won't come," Xavier whispered back, every syllable laced with quiet menace and unspoken resolve.
"If you would excuse me, I have a daughter to attend to," Xavier said finally, walking briskly from the silver skyscraper. His brown hair was messy, a wild contrast to the calm he carried within. His features, rugged and unpolished, bore a faint resemblance to Lucian and Elijah. Around his neck, a silver necklace with a small sword no longer than a finger rested tightly in his grip.
"I am coming for you, princess," he muttered under his breath, a promise that carried the weight of both danger and hope.
"Dad!" Celeste's voice seemed to catch the echo of his words.
"Celeste, he is all the way in the East Mountains," Alvine said, passing her a sushi roll.
"It's funny… I could hear his voice in my ears," Celeste said softly, eating as her thoughts swirled. "It was almost like he was worried…and here, in Citadel."
Eleanor paused for a moment, breaking the tension. "I think you have exam fever," she said, offering a smile to lighten the mood.
"I don't have exam fever," Celeste replied firmly, passing the chicken to Alvine.
"Just admit it—you have exam fever," Alvine teased, leaning closer, a playful glint in his eyes.
"No, I don't. I'm confident I can handle whatever trial they throw at me," Celeste said, her voice steady, though her heart raced. She set down her cutlery and straightened her posture. "I'm full." She smiled faintly. "It's only a five-minute walk to the portals." Eleanor's eyes scanned the area, ensuring safety as she nodded approvingly.
"I want to see the seniors enter the portals," Celeste said, her excitement palpable, her enthusiasm brightening her features.
"All right, Alvine," Eleanor said, clearing the bill. Around them, students buzzed, the portals countdowns glowing above each. Celeste and Eleanor sat on a quiet bench, their eyes following the activity.
"Let me get a drink first," Alvine excused himself, preparing for the confession he had rehearsed countless times.
"Celeste, let's grab some water," Eleanor said, excusing herself to contact Xavier.
"Fine," Celeste said, her voice calm. She was left alone but not uneasy—her instincts kept her aware of every shadow, every movement.
Seconds passed before a group of freshmen approached, forming a semi-circle around Celeste. The leader had an uncanny resemblance to a Virgo girl she had seen on the shuttle.
"Come to earn back your sister's dignity?" Celeste said, her voice icy, her aura sharp.
"I appreciate the brave talk—but your boyfriend isn't here to hit any royals," Emile said, eyes glowing faint green with magic.
"Magically cute. Honey, I don't need my boyfriend to protect me," Celeste said, her voice low but firm. She felt power surge through her veins, her entire body buzzing with energy. A path opened around her, and the world seemed to slow. Every movement around her froze, every person paused mid-step.
Then, through the slow-motion world, a man approached her. Xavier Beaumont.
She froze in disbelief. "Hello, princess," he said warmly, smiling as if nothing could threaten them.
"Dad! You're here!" Celeste exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him. Her heart pounded in disbelief and joy.
Time resumed, and everything unfolded as normal. The girls around them, though bewildered, stepped back as if compelled to respect him.
"Your friends are supposed to be kind," Xavier said, sitting down casually on the bench, his presence calm and protective. "Now, fire away with your questions."
"How are you here?" Celeste asked, curiosity mingling with awe as she sat beside him.
"I boarded this morning," Xavier explained. "I couldn't let you go without giving you this." He pulled out the silver necklace, its sword glinting in the sunlight.
"Do you remember when you were young? You didn't like going to the Temple of Sagittarius," he said gently, placing the necklace around her neck. "The villagers blamed you for my behavior, but it had nothing to do with you."
Celeste turned, studying the sword embedded in the necklace, its presence commanding yet comforting.
"They were right. I did the same thing when I was young. My parents promised my elder brother anything he wanted… if only he would have faith in the Celestial Signs," Xavier admitted, his voice heavy with unspoken pain.
Celeste, reading his emotions, asked softly, "First, I have you speaking about your parents… or even having an elder brother?"
"My father gave me this necklace after my brother failed to have faith," Xavier said, pointing to the sword. "The Celestials protect whoever wears it." He smiled faintly.
"Do you believe him?" Celeste asked, her eyes searching his face.
"This necklace was supposed to be your birthday present this year," Xavier said, shifting the topic with a gentle tone.
"Thanks…but the question still needs to be answered," she said, her voice soft yet firm.
"I don't know," Xavier admitted, his tone heavy. "All I know is that my daughter is about to enter the Zodiac Realm's most dangerous place."
"You're worried…not happy about it," Celeste said, feeling his tension and care.
"Varsa Academia has turned the people I love and care about into monsters," he confessed, pain clear in his eyes. Celeste remained silent, absorbing the gravity of his words.
"It won't do the same to you," he continued, holding her hand gently. "You are strong, smart…my brave little princess."
Celeste exhaled, relief washing over her—her father's pride in her was a shield, a promise that she was capable of facing what lay ahead.
"Who studied there?" she asked, letting go of the past with tentative trust.
"My entire family, besides me," Xavier said, clearing his throat.
"What's your brother's name?" Celeste asked, curiosity sparkling despite the tension.
"Lysander, L.A.," Xavier answered, his voice carrying unspoken sorrow.
"Xavier, you're here!" Eleanor exclaimed, returning to the scene, surprised to see him in Citadel.
"Yeah, I wouldn't miss this for the world," Xavier said, standing.
Eleanor understood immediately the risk of his presence. "Xavier, a moment, please," she said delicately, indirectly sending Celeste away. She left.
"Xavier, are you trying to get yourself killed?" Eleanor asked, concern sharp in her voice, aware of the danger his true identity carried.
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