The first light of dawn broke through the cracked palace windows, sliding across the floor where dark stains glimmered faintly. The air was heavy — thick with iron, silence, and something that felt like judgment itself.
On the cold ground lay Noa. His face still bore the traces of the night's torment — bruised brows, blood-filled eyes, and tears mixed with crimson, carving silent lines down his cheeks.
In the corner sat Lilya. Her crimson wings were half-unfolded, her eyes tightly shut. She said nothing, yet her silence trembled in tune with Noa's pain — as if her heart, too, was breaking alongside his.
The door creaked open. Heavy footsteps echoed. Two guards entered — the clatter of their armor cutting through the stillness.
Guard 1: "What happened here?"
His gaze swept the room — the bloodstained floor, the trembling boy, the silent girl. Then his eyes froze.
Guard 1 (in shock): "L–Lady Lilya?!"
The second guard knelt beside Noa, lifting his head slightly. His breath caught in his throat.
Guard 2: "This… this can't be. His tears… they're mixed with blood?"
They exchanged grim looks — silence hanging between them like a verdict.
Guard 1: "Princess Lilya, can you explain this? We know the truth — dragons don't cry from pain. No matter the wound, no matter the torture, they never shed tears. A dragon only weeps when the heart itself is torn apart. Blood-stained tears… are the mark of a soul broken beyond repair. Tell us — what happened to Noa?"
Lilya slowly raised her head. Her voice trembled, yet it cut like a blade.
Lilya: "If you value your lives… leave. Now."
The guards hesitated. One of them — a dark-haired man with sharp eyes — stepped forward, his stance unshaken.
Elyan: "My name is Elyan. I came here under the commander's orders. If I fail to explain what happened, I'll take full responsibility. But I need to know the truth."
At that moment, Noa's eyes opened slowly. In their depths — emptiness, coldness, and a dim flicker of red. He rose unsteadily to his feet and turned toward the window.
Elyan: "Noa! You're ordered to attend training. If you refuse, speak to the commander yourself. But you can't stay here."
Noa turned his face slightly. His hair clung to his pale skin, eyes swollen and red. Blood dripped from his palms — his nails had pierced his flesh.
Noa (coldly): "Training? For what? What purpose? Why am I still alive? Tell me… what's left of me now?"
Elyan's brow furrowed.
Elyan: "I don't care about your despair. I have orders — you're coming, with or without your will."
Noa's hand brushed against the table. He picked up a small blade — its edge glinted in the morning light. A wild spark lit his eyes. Without a word, he lunged at Elyan.
Elyan: "Have you lost your mind?!"
Elyan raised his hand — his claws extended as his dragon blood surged. Steel clashed against claw, sparks bursting across the stone.
They fought fiercely — blades and claws striking in a storm of fury. Each of Noa's slashes darted for Elyan's throat, chest, and ribs — relentless, unyielding. Elyan blocked, stepping back, his defense faltering.
Elyan: "Why are you doing this?!"
Noa (snarling): "I'm not insane! You're blind! None of you understand!"
He feinted low, then twisted upward — the blade flashing like lightning. Elyan caught it barehanded, muscles tensing, but Noa spun and kicked the hilt — driving the weapon deep into Elyan's neck.
Noa (screaming): "You don't understand!"
The blade tore through flesh. Blood sprayed. Elyan's eyes widened; his breath hitched. His body trembled, then collapsed to the floor.
Lilya staggered forward but found no words. Noa stood over the fallen guard — his face splattered red, eyes burning with a feral light.
Noa (whispering): "I'm not who I used to be."
The second guard roared, claws spreading as his dragon form stirred. He charged — each strike crashing through the chamber, shattering furniture.
Noa ducked, slammed his foot into the soldier's ribs, sending him reeling. Taking advantage, Noa struck his knee and slashed deep across his thigh. Blood burst out; the man fell, clutching his leg.
Guard 2 (snarling): "You filthy beast!"
He swung his clawed hand, but Noa's blade flashed — stabbing straight into his eye.
Guard 2: "Aaaaaaghhh!"
The scream tore through the air. Noa yanked the blade free — then stabbed the man's neck again and again in a blur of motion. The guard fell lifeless to the floor.
Silence.
Noa, drenched in blood, breathed heavily. His gaze locked on Lilya.
Noa: "Lilya… how did you know about their deaths?"
Lilya looked away, her voice trembling.
Lilya: "My brother sent the message. Their deaths haven't been announced yet. But when they disappeared, the nobles were in panic… no one knows why, or how they were killed."
Noa stepped toward the window. The dawn light illuminated his bloodstained face, his shadow stretching long across the floor.
Noa (coldly, steady): "I don't believe it. Not until I stand before their graves myself. My brother once sent me word — I have to go to him."
Lilya stayed silent. Only the trembling of her heart betrayed the storm inside her.
Noa turned away. Each step he took left behind a dark trail of blood.
---
Hello, my friends. 🌑
I know the story is growing heavier — the violence sharper, the shadows deeper. But this is the nature of a dark antihero's tale. It's not for everyone. If such scenes weigh on you, I truly suggest you stop here.
But for those who choose to continue — know this: this is only the beginning. The darkness will return, stronger than before. Because this world demands it.
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