The room was quiet, lit only by the warm glow of lanterns. Outside, the distant festival lights flickered faintly, but inside, the atmosphere was heavy with thought. Alex, Riven, Edrin, Kael, Saphira, and Lady Marriane entered together, their presence deliberate, unified.
Waiting for them in the hidden chamber were three figures: Duke Henry Rosetta, Duke Valerian Havana, and Duke Lucien Skyrim, Kael's father. Princess Selene of Hensville stood slightly behind her husband, her expression unreadable, though a faint tension traced her features.
Alex stepped forward, shoulders squared. "We've uncovered truths that cannot wait. About the King, the Kingdom's Mana, and a plan that threatens countless lives."
Riven followed his lead, his dark gaze unwavering. "We oppose the King's actions… and we oppose the planned revenge that would kill innocents. We need your counsel, your support, and your forces if we are to protect the kingdom."
Lady Marriane added, her voice steady and commanding, "Evidence has been gathered. Records, observations, and reports from trustworthy sources all point to the same reality. Hensville's magical power is derived from mystical beasts, manipulated and siphoned by the monarchy. The Dukedom of Veymore was destroyed to hide this truth."
Duke Henry's eyes narrowed, his hand resting on the hilt of his ceremonial sword. "Destroying an entire Dukedom… and its people?" His voice trembled with controlled anger. "My son, you are certain of this?"
Alex nodded firmly. "Yes, Father. We have proof. The King's corruption is systemic. And Lord Darius' plan to retaliate—he's willing to unleash monsters created from corrupted mystical beasts, and innocent lives will be at stake."
Duke Valerian Havana let out a low hum, his gaze softening toward Riven. "We've known of Darius' pain… but this… this endangers innocents. You did right to bring this to us."
Princess Selene's hands tightened briefly at her sides, eyes widening. "Wait… the King—he's been ruling all this time?" Her voice trembled, a mixture of shock and betrayal. "All these years… he was never replaced? He—he has been disguising himself?"
Riven stepped forward subtly, placing a hand near Alex. "Yes, Mother. He's the same ruler throughout, distorting his appearance with dark mana. No one, not even you, could have known."
Selene's gaze swept the room, lingering on Alex and Lady Marriane. "And all this… the Dukedom of Veymore, the mystical beasts, the siphoning of Mana… hidden from me?" Her voice cracked, disbelief heavy in each word. "I trusted him… my father… my brother…"
Lady Marriane stepped closer. "You've been deceived, Princess. But now that the truth is known, you can help protect the kingdom—and prevent innocent lives from being lost to revenge."
Duke Lucien Skyrim studied the group quietly, then inclined his head. "So we prepare. If these creatures attack, we must defend the Kingdom. Our forces, our strategy… everything must be ready."
Kael exchanged a brief glance with Edrin, subtle but meaningful. Edrin's slight smirk met Kael's faint nod—an unspoken reassurance that they would stand together in the battles ahead.
Alex continued, "We also need to gather more evidence, expose the King's crimes, and reveal the true source of Mana. The people deserve to know why the Dukedom of Veymore was destroyed, why Lord Darius was exiled, and the crimes committed in secrecy."
Riven's hand brushed over Alex's briefly—a grounding touch. "We cannot let innocents die for revenge, but we also cannot allow the King to continue hiding these atrocities. Together, we can protect lives while ensuring the truth is revealed."
Duke Henry Rosetta's stern expression softened as he looked at his son. "I am proud of you, Alex. Your mother would be proud too."
Princess Selene inhaled slowly, still grappling with the revelation, then nodded. "We must act… for the innocents. But know this—I will stand with you and my son, Riven. Together, we ensure no one suffers for vengeance alone."
Duke Valerian Havana chuckled softly, a faint flush coloring Riven's cheeks. "Yes, my son. The truth has a way of revealing itself."
Lady Marriane nodded approvingly. "Then we act. We prepare the forces, gather evidence, and ensure the Kingdom can defend itself when the time comes. But we do so without sacrificing the innocents caught in this conflict."
Alex, Riven, Kael, and Edrin exchanged quiet, determined glances. In that shared moment, they understood: the coming days would demand courage, strategy, and trust in one another. They were ready—united not just by friendship, but by the conviction to protect lives, expose the truth, and face whatever darkness awaited.
Outside the hidden chamber, the kingdom moved unaware, festival banners still fluttering in the wind. Inside, plans were being laid, alliances forged, and a quiet determination settled over the group like a shield—ready to face the storm ahead.