Colden's chest rose and fell, his breath sharp, his heart pounding. June's words still echoed in his mind — the weight of lineage, the demand for worthiness. For the first time, he understood. The spirit of his kind, the fire of his ancestors, reignited within him.
Arthur's patience snapped. He rose from his throne, his voice dripping with disdain. "Enough of this nonsense. Whatever bullshit this girl was saying — if you believe it, prepare to die. But if you choose not to believe, if you have a mind of your own, then join me. Together we will destroy our enemies and reign here."
He extended his hand, his eyes locked on Colden.
Colden lifted his gaze. His face was fearless, his stature dignified. The fire in his eyes told the truth Arthur already knew.
Arthur's hand hung in the air, unanswered. His lips curled in dismay. "So be it," he spat. "Guards! Kill them all!"
The chamber erupted. Steel clashed, shouts rang, and the guards surged forward. Colden and his brothers rose against them, Isabelle at their side, her voice sharp with command.
"Colden!" she cried, her blade flashing. "Go! Run outside! Marco needs you… the most!"
Colden's breath caught. He turned toward her, but before he could move, a spear flew through the air. It struck, grazing Isabelle's shoulder, and a splash of blood smeared across Colden's face.
His mother's scream tore through the hall. "No! No, no, no! God, no!!!"
Colden's eyes widened. He looked up — and saw June.
She had leapt forward, shielding Isabelle. The spear had pierced her heart.
Colden's body froze, his breath shattered. "No…" He stumbled toward her, desperate to protect, desperate to undo what had been done.
June's eyes met his, filled with guilt and tears. Secrets shimmered there, secrets she had carried too long. Her voice broke, but it was steady. "Go! Your loved ones need you… just go."
Colden shook his head, his body trembling. But his mother's hands gripped him, dragging him away. The sound of battle evaporated from his ears, replaced by a hollow silence.
It was a feeling he knew. A feeling familiar. Why? Why would it be familiar?
He stumbled toward the entrance, his chains broken, his heart burning. He leapt forward, running, as though he had been locked in a cage all his life and now, at last, had broken free. The shackles of truth shattered, and he derailed toward the life of beginning.
He looked back once. The feeling lingered, heavy, familiar. But he did not know why.
Outside, the air was sharp, the sky heavy. Isabelle knelt beside June, her hands trembling as she caressed June's head. Tears streamed down her face, her body worn and exhausted.
June's voice was faint, her breath shallow. "I am tired of keeping this secret. I don't want to die knowing that I didn't get to tell him the truth."
Isabelle's sobs broke the silence. "I know, my precious. Just… just hold on, please. I am scared — too much now. Please, don't die."
June's lips curved into a faint smile. "I remember the time I accidentally met him… and got a beating. But it was worth it, you know. Because I got to meet him. To see him."
Her eyes shimmered, her voice trembling. "Just promise me… you will tell him the truth. Please. Just promise."
Isabelle's tears fell heavy, her voice breaking with exhaustion. She smiled faintly through the sorrow. "I promise."
June's breath slowed, her smile lingering. The secret weighed heavy, but the promise carried it forward.
The battle raged inside. Colden ran into the night, his heart burning, his spirit reignited. The shackles of truth had broken, but the cost was heavy.
And Isabelle held June, her promise binding the future.
To be continued…
NEXT CHAPTER ON 13th APRIL 2026