The torches lining the corridor burn low, their flame trembling against the thick silence that followed the night carnage. General Lucian walked alone along the marble floor, his steps echoed like hollowed drums. The scent of ash still lingered in the air- a reminder of the beast that had clawed their way into the heart of Elarion. The heirs had fought triumphant the people will sing their name and again he remained forgotten.
He clenched his jaw. Every battle, scar on his skin, sleepless night defending a nation that never truly saw him- all meant nothing when peace return.To them, he was just a tool, a man needed when there was blood to spill.
He entered his chamber, tore his armour piece to piece, each clatter on the ground with restrained fury. His eyes caught his reflection- hardened face lined by discipline and silent service. But, beneath it was emptiness.
A general not a prince. He muttered... bitterly. "Not even a name they sing in the feast."
He sat at the edge of his bed rubbing his temples. His thoughts churned like restless wave. Even the silence mocked him. He had led armies to victory, saved nobles from ruins but yet when the council gathered ,he stood behind them like shadow.
As he leaned backwards, exhaustion began to drag his eyes close. But, before sleep could claim him, a sudden chill crept through the room and suddenly whispers brushed through his ears.
"Forgotten... always forgotten."
Lucian froze. His hands reached for the dagger at his bedside, but something pressed his chest- not a hand, but weight, something cold and commanding.
"Who's there?", he hissed.
Then from a corner of his room, darkness rippled like ink disturbed by drop of water. It gathered slowly, forming cold tendrils that twisted and coil, until a faint shape emerged.
Lucian's throat tightened. You are no spirit of Elarion. Who are you?
The darkness pulsed as though amazed. I am malveth, the spirit that appears when truth is too bitter for the heart to bear.
The name struck something deep within him, a vibration that echoed through the marrow of his bones.
He stepped forward, trying to steady his breath. "Whatever you are, leave this place."
Malveth laughter slithered through the air, soft and unhurried. "You command soldiers,not shadows." But are you ever recognized.
The words pierced like arrows, he wanted to deny them but the truth has already start festering in his heart.
"What do you want", he asked quietly.
Malveth drifted closer, it shape weavering, as though, it drank the light in the room. "Nothing... Only to remind you of what you deserve, you fought their wars, you bled, but what did they give you?"
Lucian turned away to the window frame, staring at the moonlight. Elarion need order, without it, there would be chaos.
Malveth voice softened, almost pitying. Elarion needs strength, not pampered heirs who play at destiny. It needs someone who understands the cost of peace.
Lucian hands trembled. His reflection in the glass... strange. The darkness around his face stretched slightly as though the shadow behind him leaned closely.
Malveth tone grew softer, let me give you what they denied- the strength to be remembered, to rule not serve.
Lucian shook his head, "I am loyal to crown."
Which crown?, the crown that forgot you. The heirs who will never bleed as you bled. Tell me when the beast tore through your men, did the princes ever saw their face? or did they hide in their divine abilities while you stood in the mud.
Memories flared. The cries of injured soldiers, the smell of steel and blood, the flash of magic as the heirs tire through the monsters.
His eyes darkened.
What are you doing to me?
I am showing you truths. Malveth whispered.
Lucian fell to his knees, gasping. He wanted to resist, to scream but his voice didn't answer.
Malveth 's presence lingered like a whisper in his ears. "Rest now, general".
Lucian exhaled slowly, a strange calm settling over him. He stood adjusted his armour and looked once more at his reflection. The bitterness that once weighed at him felt... distant. Replaced by purpose, a cold, sharp purpose.