On a calm, bright morning, despite the heavy clouds that still reminded the world of what had happened months before, Ethan left the palace of the Kingdom of Luin, heading towards the new kingdom that had been united after the incident, a union of the Kingdoms of Light and Hell. His face bore the sternness of resolve and unwavering confidence, while inside, a fire of anxiety burned whenever he recalled Saruto's features as he lay in his long slumber.
The streets of the united kingdom teemed with activity; soldiers of Light and Hell marched side by side. Ethan strode steadily towards the grand palace, a structure built from the fusion of gleaming stones of Light and glowing black rocks of Hell, its unique gray hue suggesting both power and balance.
At the gate, the guards stood, bowing respectfully, and parted the way, saying in unison, "Lord Ethan, the two kings await you."
He entered with measured steps until he reached the throne room. The hall was vast, its right half glowing with a radiant golden light, while the other half was shrouded in a dim, reddish darkness. The King of Light sat in his luminous majesty, beside him the Queen of Hell in her black robes studded with volcanic stones, their faces a mixture of regret and caution. Ethan bowed slightly and said firmly, "You both know perfectly well what has become of Saruto... He was a victim of your conflicts, your zeal to uphold family traditions, and now he is trapped between life and unconsciousness because of you."
The Queen lowered her eyes and said softly, "Yes, we know, and we regret what happened... but don't forget that he interfered in matters that didn't concern him. He defied sacred traditions."
Ethan interrupted her sharply, taking a step forward. "I know that very well, but his defiance was motivated by a desire to save, not by rebellion. That is why I have come today to ask for your help."
Seraphil raised his head with interest and asked, "Our help? And how can we help you?"
Ethan smiled mysteriously and said confidently, "I have a way. I simply need someone who can bear the energy of both demons and saints... She's the only one who can help me reach him."
The two kings looked at each other in surprise, knowing perfectly well who Camellia was referring to. "And what do you intend to do with her?" the king asked slowly.
Ethan moved closer and murmured in a mysterious tone, "Leave this to me... Just allow me to meet her."
The king signaled to the guards, and two of them stepped forward and took Ethan to the west wing, where Camellia spent her days in solitude and silence, consumed by regret.
She sat by the window, gazing at the gray sky, her tears dried from weeping. Every day she blamed herself and wished she could turn back time. A guard knocked lightly on the door. "My lady, Lord Ethan wishes to see you."
Surprised, she quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks and replied in a hoarse voice, "Let him in."
Ethan entered quietly, bowed respectfully, and said gently, "I didn't expect to see you so vulnerable, Camellia... You've always been too strong to be crushed by regret."
She smiled sadly and said, lowering her head, "How can I not be vulnerable? Everything that happened to Saruto was because of me... If I hadn't been the cause of my sister's demise, he wouldn't be in this state."
Ethan sat down opposite her and said reassuringly, "I heard your apology, and Saruto himself will hear it... But before that, I need your help."
She looked up at him, her eyes shining with hope for the first time in a long while. "My help? With what?"
Ethan said, "There's only one way to get him back. A risky one, but possible... You now carry your sister Eliza's memories and energy. We can merge her soul with yours, and you'll become one—a new being will emerge, carrying both your energy and memories. Are you willing to take this risk?"
Her breath quickened as she whispered, "What? Is it possible?"
Ethan smiled confidently. "Yes. And we'll bring Saruto back with her. Only then will he stop blaming himself... and come back."
Camellia stood up abruptly, tears glistening in the refracted red light. "I will! Yes, I'll do anything to wake Saruto up and bring him back to me. If that means merging with my sister, I'll pay it without hesitation!"
Ethan also rose, bowing his head respectfully. With a quiet smile, he said, "Then let's begin... Thanks to you, we will awaken the one everyone thought would never return."
Outside the window, dawn had broken, and the sun's rays pierced the clouds to fall upon the palace, as if the sky itself had blessed the beginning of a new plan… a plan to bring back Saruto.