Nyx stepped out of the bathroom, steam still clinging to his skin like a soft mist, wearing a fresh robe that Nyami had helped him put on.
The warmth from the bath eased the aches from his long sleep, but his mind was full of questions.
Nyami followed closely, her black maid's dress neat again, a faint blush on her cheeks from their earlier closeness.
She moved gracefully, her pink hair swaying and the elegant horns on her head catching the lantern light as they entered the royal bedroom.
Nyx paused by the bed, running a hand through his damp black hair, his dark eyes distant as he thought about everything: the attack, his awakening, and now he needed information.
"Nyami," he said, turning to her with determination.
"Take me to the library. Now."
She tilted her head.
"The library, Master? You're still recovering. Lady Leyina would be angry if she knew I let you wander off so soon after... everything."
Her voice teased but her eyes showed real concern after their recent closeness.
"I know but it'll be fine," Nyx said firmly but kindly.
"And staying here won't give me answers. The elves' attack and the prophecy about me—it all ties back to history. I have to read it myself."
Nyami sighed softly but didn't resist. She stepped closer and gently fixed his robe collar.
"Of course, Master. I wouldn't let you go alone in your state. The secret royal library is through the east wing—it's quiet now and I know hidden paths there. Just promise me you'll come back immediately after you're done."
"I promise," he nodded slightly. "Let's go."
They left the bedroom together, Nyami linking her arm with his for support as they walked through palace halls.
Servants bowed as they passed but Nyx barely noticed —his thoughts raced ahead to game's timeline.
"Well if it isn't the fragile prince,"
Near the grand staircase, a figure appeared from an alcove—a powerful presence like a storm cloud on a clear day.
Cyanthia Mya Evernight
Nyx's aunt and previous Empress' sister, stood tall in regal beauty.
Her teal hair flowed in loose waves around bright red eyes that burned fiercely. Dark demonic horns curved from her forehead adorned with golden jewels shining like stars.
She wore sheer dark lace under a flowing white robe that looked like mist, with large glowing teal wings spreading slightly from her shoulders —signs of her demonic heritage pulsing softly with magic.
She looked every bit a queen: elegant and proud but with an edge of cold disdain that made the air heavier.
She eyed Nyx coolly and smirked mockingly.
Cyanthia said smoothly but sharply.
"Already up? Even gods get tired of spoiling weakness —or are you just trying to prove you're not a burden?"
Nyx felt irritation flare inside him; her words stung like court gossip about his 'fragile' health before he changed worlds—and now after his collapse too.
But he stayed silent, knowing any reply would only give her power over him. He met her gaze steadily without speaking.
Nyami tensed beside him but stayed respectful, lowering her eyes softly.
"Lady Cyanthia," she said quietly, "we're just heading to the library for the prince's studies."
Cyanthia glanced at Nyami dismissively then back at Nyx.
"Studies? How charming. Try not to tire yourself out nephew —the empire has enough problems without you adding more." With a sweep of her robe and folding wings, she glided away down the hall, footsteps fading around the corner.
Nyx exhaled slowly as tension left him.
"Whats her problem," he muttered more to himself than Nyami. "Like I chose this mess."
"Don't mind her, Master," Nyami said softly as they continued walking. "Lady Cyanthia hides behind sharp words —you're stronger than she realizes. Now The library is this way."
They moved quietly until reaching a hidden door behind a Moon Goddess tapestry. A narrow staircase spiraled downwards lit by glowing crystals set into stone walls leading to the secret royal library —a treasure trove known only to their bloodline.
The air grew cool and smelled of old paper and leather bindings stacked high on shelves reaching up to vaulted ceilings; some books chained in place.
Nyx's eyes widened in excitement as he approached a central table lit by a floating orb of soft light and sat down in a tall chair.
"Nyami," he said firmly, "bring me everything on the Second Cataclysm —chronicles, decrees, eyewitness accounts—I need all of it."
She nodded quickly; her horns caught light as she pulled heavy tomes and tied parchments from shelves marked with imperial seals onto the table carefully decorated with moon symbols.
"Start here —the official imperial chronicle is most complete," she said kindly while asking if he wanted tea.
"No thanks," Nyx replied already opening a book eagerly.
"Leave me be for now—I need focus but will call if I need anything."
"As you wish," Nyami said softly watching him before quietly leaving upstairs.
Alone now, Nyx dived into pages filled with formal script shining silver under orb light starting with an event twenty-three years ago:
"In shadow of doom foretold by oracles—the Second Cataclysm—a divine war threatening all realms—the Mooncrest Empire summoned an ancient ritual calling forth one hero from another world: one not bound by our gods' rules—to protect against chaos."
He leaned closer reading how this hero arrived confused yet determined with powers beyond natural limits —abilities from another realm amplified by summoning magic.
"The hero quickly became unmatched—defeating rogue kingdoms tied to Cataclysm forces; destroying evil cults; hunting leaders through dark forests and cursed ruins—all working to stop disaster foretold by prophecy."
Empires bent beneath him forming alliances under his banner; hope shone bright for a time like moonlight on still water.
But then things turned darker:
"The gods grew jealous as his power grew beyond their control—a mortal surpassing divine favor—they themselves caused the Second Cataclysm themselves —not distant danger but deliberate trap."
Armies of ghostly beasts poured through rifts created by gods while celestial beings attacked secretly betraying their supposed protector who fell in their engineered disaster.
A chill ran down Nyx's spine reading how gods were schemers not saviors.
"The hero was blamed cruely —accused of arrogance wiping out his sacrifices."
In this lie came Goddess Nyxiana, descending in radiant fury ordering her followers,
'Withdraw now till next chosen one comes—no wars just defend.'
This explained why Mooncrest isolated itself—a wound caused by divine betrayal—and why old allies like elves and werewolves broke away during chaos claiming independence under new flags.
Nyx leaned back feeling history weigh heavily on him: twenty-three years spent cautious because gods stabbed them in back —and now spoke of Third Cataclysm centered on him —is he next chosen?
Suddenly a warm yet scolding voice broke silence:
"Sneaking off into dusty books when you should rest —what am I going to do with you, Noah?"
Startled he looked up to see Leyina at stair base arms crossed, wearing elegant deep blue gown shining silver threads under orb glow.
"Leyina?" he blinked closing book surprised she returned so soon when dinner seemed far away.
"It's night already idiot —the sun set while you read." She stepped closer half annoyed half caring.
He glanced at small window where full moon hung silver in dark sky confirming night had come unexpectedly.
"Ahh...I didn't realize," he admitted sheepishly rubbing neck.
Leyina softened putting hand on shoulder.
"I see that's good that you want to studies since the entrance exam is just a month away but again that worries me —well... talk can wait come eat now no arguments or I'll drag you myself."
He chuckled standing nodding.
"Fine You win."
"Good boy," she smiled linking arm as they climbed stairs leaving library behind.