(Dravareth Empire — West)
(Prince Velco’s Chamber)
Night had already settled over the western capital of the Dravareth Empire. Beyond the tall windows of the royal palace, the city flickered with torchlight, its towers rising proudly against the dark sky.
Inside the chamber, Prince Velco stood by the great window, his hands resting behind his back as he gazed calmly at the distant horizon.
His expression carried an unsettling ease. As if the storm he had unleashed meant nothing to him.
Suddenly—
Bang!
The chamber doors burst open.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor as Emperor Kaelthar Morvalis stormed inside.
The older man’s usually dignified composure was completely shattered by panic. The moment his eyes landed on Velco standing safely in the room, relief washed over his face.
“Velco!”
Without hesitation, the emperor rushed forward and pulled his son into a tight embrace.
“Where have you been all this time?” Kaelthar’s voice trembled with emotion. “I searched everywhere for you. No one knew where you had gone.”
Velco remained still for a moment before gently stepping back.
“Forgive me, Father,” he said calmly. “I left without informing you because there was… something I needed to take care of.” His lips curved into a faint smile. “But now, it is done.”
Kaelthar let out a long breath, the tension in his shoulders easing. “I am simply grateful that you returned safely, my son.”
Velco’s gaze sharpened slightly. “Father,” he said quietly, “you should begin preparing the royal army.”
The emperor frowned. “Preparing the army?” His brows knitted together in confusion. “For what purpose? Are you planning to attack someone?”
Velco slowly shook his head. “No.” His voice carried a strange calmness. “It is not we who will attack.” A brief pause followed. “It is we who will be attacked.”
Kaelthar stiffened. “Attacked?” His voice rose in disbelief. “By whom? Who would dare to provoke the Dravareth Empire?”
Velco turned slightly, his gaze drifting back toward the dark horizon beyond the window. “The Emperor of Velmoria.”
The words struck the room like thunder.
Kaelthar stared at him in shock. “The Emperor… of Velmoria?” His voice grew uneasy. “But why? We have done nothing to provoke them.”
Velco smiled faintly. “It is not the empire, Father.” His eyes glinted with quiet amusement. “It is me.”
Kaelthar’s expression hardened. “What did you do?”
Velco answered as if discussing something trivial. “I abducted the Emperor’s wife.”
For a moment— Time itself seemed to stop. Kaelthar Morvalis stood frozen, the color draining from his face.
“You… what?” His voice trembled with disbelief. “You abducted the wife of the Velmorian Emperor?”
Rage suddenly erupted across his face. “You fool!” His voice thundered through the chamber. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!”
He pointed a trembling finger toward Velco. “You have just invited the wrath of the most dangerous ruler on this continent!” His breathing became heavy. “You wish to see this empire destroyed? You wish for us all to die?”
Velco, however, remained perfectly calm. “Relax, Father.” His voice carried unsettling confidence. “Nothing will happen.”
Kaelthar stared at him in disbelief.
Velco’s smile widened slightly. “And do not concern yourself with the Emperor of Velmoria.” His eyes darkened. “When he arrives here…” A faint trace of cruelty flashed in his expression. “I will deal with him personally.”
Silence filled the chamber. Kaelthar studied his son carefully. Then he slowly turned toward the door. As he walked away, his voice echoed through the room, heavy with warning.
“Velco…” He paused near the doorway but did not look back. “I trust the confidence with which you speak.” His tone hardened. “But remember this. If you fail to stop him…”
The emperor’s voice dropped into something grim. “Both you and I will meet a brutal end.” A long pause followed. “And it will be entirely your fault.”
Without another word, Emperor Kaelthar Morvalis left the chamber. The doors closed behind him.
Silence returned.
Velco slowly turned his gaze back toward the window. The western horizon stretched endlessly before him. Somewhere far beyond those lands… An army was marching toward him.
Yet Velco only smiled. “Do not worry, Father.” His voice was calm, almost amused. “I will not lose.”
__________________________________
(Dravareth Empire)
Velco stepped out of his chamber, the heavy doors closing quietly behind him.
The corridor was silent, illuminated by the dim glow of wall torches. A maid who had been standing near the door immediately bowed the moment she saw him.
“Your Highness.”
Velco’s gaze drifted toward the tray of food she was still holding.
The dishes remained untouched.
His eyes narrowed slightly. “Did she not eat?”
The maid lowered her head respectfully. “No, Your Highness. The lady refused to eat anything.”
Velco studied the tray for a moment before a faint smile slowly appeared on his lips. “I see…”
Without another word, he pushed the door open and walked inside.
The moment he stepped into the chamber, his gaze swept across the room.
Broken glass littered the floor. A shattered vase lay overturned beside the wall. A chair had been knocked over. Several objects lay scattered as if they had been thrown in anger.
Velco raised an eyebrow slightly. “I did not know you were capable of throwing such tantrums.”
His eyes settled on the woman sitting on the bed. “You have broken quite a number of things, Eva.”
Eva’s eyes burned with fury. “Don’t you dare call my name with that filthy mouth of yours.”
For a brief moment, Velco’s expression twisted with irritation. In two swift steps, he closed the distance between them and grabbed her jaw harshly, forcing her to look up at him.
Eva struggled against his grip, trying to pull away. Velco’s fingers tightened. “How dare you speak to me like that?” His voice turned cold. “Just because I have been treating you gently does not mean I am incapable of hurting you.”
His eyes darkened with warning.
“So keep your voice lowered… and your eyes down when you stand before me.”
With a rough motion, he shoved her face away.
Eva steadied herself and glared at him with undisguised hatred.
“Since when did you return to the past… and why?”
Her voice trembled with anger.
“You had everything you wanted. You gained Zeradros. You conquered Velmoria.” Her gaze sharpened. “So why return?”
Velco’s lips curved slowly, a strange amusement flickering in his dark eyes.
“You are right, Eva,” he said softly. “I had everything I ever wanted.”
He began to pace leisurely across the room, his steps slow and unhurried, as though the conversation itself entertained him.
“The power… Zeradros… the conquest of kingdoms.” His voice carried a faint note of mockery. “Even Velmoria eventually fell into my hands.”
He stopped beside the window, gazing out into the night. “But after some time…everything became unbearably dull.”
Velco turned his head slightly, looking at her over his shoulder. “So I asked Zeradros about you.”
Eva’s eyes narrowed.
“I asked him what you wished for… what choice you made when you sacrificed your life.” A faint chuckle escaped him. “And he told me everything.”
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Velco slowly walked back toward her, his gaze never leaving her face. “Then I asked him about this timeline.” He leaned casually against the table near the bed. “I asked him what was happening here.”
His smile widened. “And do you know what he said?...He said you were living peacefully… happily.” His tone turned almost mocking. “With your beloved husband.”
His gaze dropped briefly to her stomach. “And that soon… you would give birth.”
For a moment, his expression became unreadable. Then the twisted smile returned.
“But that was not what brought me back to the past.” His voice lowered, carrying a chilling excitement. “No....What truly interested me… was what was about to happen from this moment onward.” His eyes gleamed unnaturally. “That… is what made me return.”
He leaned forward slightly, his face only inches from hers. “I wanted to witness it with my own eyes.”
His voice dropped to a whisper. “I want to see what expression he makes…” A cruel smile spread across his face. “…when he loses the most precious thing he possesses.”
Velco’s eyes sparkled with something deeply unsettling. “It will be… fascinating.”
Eva stared at him as if looking at a psychopath. “Is this some kind of game to you?” Her voice trembled with anger. “Do you feel excitement when you watch people suffer?”
Velco tilted his head, considering her question as if it were a curious thought. Then he smiled.
“Yes.” His answer came without hesitation. “There is nothing more entertaining than watching someone fall into despair.”
He clasped his hands behind his back, his expression almost peaceful. “The moment when hope disappears from their eyes…” He chuckled softly. “It fills me with a certain happiness.”
Eva’s expression hardened with disgust. “You are crazy.”
Velco stared at her for a moment. Then he laughed. A low, unsettling sound that echoed through the broken chamber.
“Perhaps you are right.” His eyes gleamed like those of a man who had long abandoned his sanity. “I might indeed be crazy.”
Velco straightened slowly and glanced toward the door. “Come in.”
The door opened almost immediately. The maid stepped inside, carrying the tray of food she had been holding earlier. She bowed respectfully and walked toward the table before placing the dishes down.
Velco’s gaze shifted back to Eva.
“Now,” he said calmly, “enough with the questions.” He gestured lightly toward the tray. “Eat your dinner.”
His tone hardened slightly. “Do not make things difficult for me.”
Eva’s expression remained cold. “I am not going to eat.”
Velco raised an eyebrow, faint amusement flickering across his face. “Oh? Is that so?” His lips curved slowly. “Perhaps you might change your mind if I tell you something interesting.”
Eva did not respond.
Velco’s smile widened. “Your husband is coming here.”
Eva’s eyes widened. A spark of hope lit within them.
Velco noticed it instantly. “You look happy.” He chuckled softly. “Do not worry.” His voice carried chilling certainty. “Even if he manages to reach this place… he will not be able to do anything.”
His gaze darkened slightly. “Things will unfold exactly as they are meant to.” He tapped his temple lightly. “I have already seen everything. Everything that will happen from this moment onward.”
She stared at him cautiously.
“What is going to happen… in the future?”
Velco slowly stepped closer until he stood directly before her. He lifted a hand and brushed a finger lightly across her cheek. The touch made Eva stiffen.
“Will you eat,” he murmured softly, “if I tell you?”
Eva hesitated. Then she answered quietly. “Yes.”
Velco smiled. He leaned closer, his lips near her ear. His whisper was so soft it barely stirred the air.
“In the future……you are going to—”
__________________________________
(Two Days Later)
(Velmoria Empire — Royal Palace)
The chamber was silent. Soft light filtered through the tall windows, casting pale shadows across the room.
Leo lay motionless on the bed. His small body remained still beneath the blankets, his breathing faint and steady.
Beside the bed sat Aranel. She gently stroked Leo’s hair, her fingers trembling slightly. Her eyes were filled with sorrow as she looked at the child’s pale face.
The door to the chamber opened quietly. Luca stepped inside. Aranel looked up immediately. Her voice carried anxious hope.
“What happened?” She rose slightly from her seat. “Did you receive any news?”
Luca’s expression was serious. “Yes.” He walked further into the room. “The army has crossed into the Dravareth border. ..The war has begun.”
“And Eva?” Her voice broke. “Did you find anything about her?”
Luca shook his head slowly. “No.” His eyes softened slightly. “I have not found any information about sister-in-law yet.”
The moment those words left his mouth— Aranel’s composure shattered. “My Eva…”
Tears streamed down her face as she began to cry uncontrollably. Luca immediately stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.
“Do not cry.” His voice was firm yet comforting. “Nothing will happen to her.” He rested a reassuring hand on her back. “Eyan will never allow anyone to harm her....Trust him.”
But Aranel continued to cry in his arms. Luca slowly lifted his gaze toward the bed. His eyes rested on Leo’s silent form. A heavy sadness settled in his chest.
But now—
War had begun. Eva had been taken. The fragile happiness they had built…seemed to be slipping away once again.
__________________________________
(Two Weeks Later)
(Dravareth Territory — Velmoria War Camp)
Night had fallen over the battlefield.
The once green plains of Dravareth were now scarred by war. Torn banners fluttered weakly in the cold wind, and the distant smell of smoke lingered in the air.
The Velmorian war camp stretched across the land like a city of iron and fire. Hundreds of tents stood in rows while torches burned along the pathways between them.
The sounds of war still lingered. Low groans of injured soldiers. The clatter of armor. Quiet orders from patrolling knights.
At the center of the camp stood the imperial command tent. The heavy flap opened. Eyan stepped out.
Two weeks of war had changed him. Dark shadows rested beneath his eyes, and faint stains of dried blood marked parts of his armor. His cloak moved heavily behind him as he walked through the camp.
Several knights immediately straightened. “Your Majesty.”
Eyan gave a slight nod but did not slow his pace. He walked directly toward the long row of tents where the injured soldiers were being treated.
Inside, the scent of herbs and medicine filled the air. Dozens of wounded soldiers lay on cots while physicians and healer and attendants moved between them.
The moment Eyan entered, every soldier who was able immediately tried to rise.
“Stay down,” Eyan said firmly.
He moved slowly between the beds, his gaze carefully examining each soldier. “How many were injured today?”
One of the captains stepped forward. “Three hundred and twelve wounded, Your Majesty.”
“And the dead?”
The captain hesitated. “…one hundred and forty-seven.”
Eyan’s jaw tightened slightly.
“Supplies?”
“Still sufficient, Your Majesty. But our southern division suffered heavy resistance near the stone ridge.”
Eyan nodded once.
“Reinforce their lines tomorrow morning.” His voice remained calm. “We cannot allow Dravareth’s forces to regroup.”
The captain bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
One of the older knights standing nearby watched the emperor carefully. His concern was impossible to hide.
“Your Majesty…”
Eyan looked at him.
“You have not rested in two weeks.” The knight continued carefully. “You have not slept since the army crossed the border.”
Several other knights exchanged uneasy glances. The Emperor’s condition had not gone unnoticed.
Eyan’s eyes hardened slightly. “I will sleep when the war ends.”
“But Your Majesty—”
“I'm fine...”
The knight fall silent.
Eyan turned and left the medical tent. Outside, the night air was cold. Torches flickered in the wind as soldiers moved through the camp.
A messenger knight approached quickly and bowed. “Your Majesty, we have received confirmation.”
Eyan’s gaze sharpened.
“The Dravareth royal palace is only half a day from here.” The knight continued. “Our scouts report that their army has retreated behind the palace walls.”
Eyan stared toward the western horizon.
“Tomorrow,” he said quietly. “Tomorrow we attack.”
The knight bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
The camp slowly quieted as the night deepened.
__________________________________
Later…
Inside the imperial command tent, a single candle burned. Eyan sat alone. The war map lay spread across the table before him, marked with positions and battle plans. Yet his attention was not on the map.
His gaze had drifted downward. To his hand. The ring on his finger glinted softly in the candlelight.
For a long moment, he simply stared at it. Memories surfaced quietly.
Eva’s soft smile. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. The warmth of her hand when he had hold her hand.
His fingers slowly tightened. A whisper escaped him.
“Eva…”
Two weeks. Two weeks of battle. Two weeks without knowing where she was. Or what Velco might be doing to her.
His chest tightened with suppressed fury. His thumb brushed lightly over the ring.
“Just wait a little longer.”
His voice was low and steady.
“Tomorrow…” His eyes darkened with determination. “I will bring you home.”
Outside the tent, the Velmorian army slept beneath the cold stars.
But their Emperor remained awake—
Waiting for dawn. Waiting for the battle that would decide everything.
__________________________________
(Royal Palace, Velmoria)
A soft voice echoed through the silence.
Leo’s eyelids slowly fluttered open. But what greeted him was not the familiar ceiling of the royal chamber.
Instead—
He found himself standing in a place swallowed by white mist. Endless fog stretched in every direction, swirling softly around him like drifting clouds. The ground beneath his feet felt strangely solid, yet there was nothing around him but silence.
Leo looked around, confusion filling his eyes. “Where… am I?”
“Zeradros… you have finally awakened.”
Leo turned toward the voice.
Through the drifting mist, a woman stood calmly. Her presence was quiet yet overwhelming, as though the very air bowed before her existence.
Leo frowned slightly. “Who are you?”
The woman smiled faintly and walked toward him with slow, graceful steps. When she reached him, she knelt down so their eyes met. Gently, she lifted her hands and cupped his cheeks, her touch warm and strangely familiar.
“I have waited a very long time to see you again… my child.”
Her voice carried both tenderness and ancient authority.
Leo gently pulled back, confusion filling his red eyes. “I’m fine… but first tell me who you are.”
The woman looked at him quietly, as though studying something far deeper than his face.
“I am your mother.”
Leo’s brows knitted together. “Mother? No… you are not my mother, my mother's name is Eva.”
The woman’s smile deepened slightly, but her gaze remained distant, ancient. “You are correct.”
She slowly lowered her hands. “I am not the mother of Leo....I am the mother of Zeradros… the woman who gave birth to the Dragon King.”
A faint silence fell between them.
“My name… is Aurelthia.”
Leo stared at her, his voice low with disbelief. “Zeradros’s… mother?”
Aurelthia lifted her hand and gently brushed a stray lock of his white hair away from his forehead, her touch light, almost trembling.
“Yes… I am his mother.”
Leo looked around the endless sea of white mist. The place felt quiet, too quiet—like a world where even time had forgotten to move.
“But why am I seeing you?” he asked, confusion clouding his voice. “And… what is this place?”
Aurelthia turned her gaze toward the distance. Far beyond the mist, a soft golden light glowed, warm and distant like the rising of an eternal dawn.
“This,” she said quietly, “is the place where souls arrive after their death.”
She slowly lifted her hand and pointed toward the distant glow. “And that… is the gate to heaven.” Her voice softened further. “This is the afterlife.”
Leo simply looked at the light for a moment. Strangely, there was no fear in his expression. “Oh…”
He turned back to her with a faint smile. “But why am I seeing you here? I’m not Zeradros… I’m Leo.”
Aurelthia’s eyes rested on him, deep and ancient.
“Before my death,” she said softly, “my son and I made a promise.”
Her gaze drifted slightly, as if remembering something that belonged to another lifetime.
“He told me… that when the day came that Zeradros stood close to death, he would come to meet me once more....and looks like he kept his promise, even after reborning as Leo ”
Leo’s small smile returned. “Oh… so that’s why.”
But Aurelthia did not smile. Instead, she looked at him with sorrow-filled eyes. A single tear slowly slipped down her cheek.
“Why… are you doing this, my child?”
Leo blinked in confusion. “I don’t understand what you are trying to sa—”
“That potion…”
Leo’s smile faded.
“The one you have been feeding your mother.” Her voice trembled. “It is poison.”
Silence fell between them.
Slowly, leo lowered his eyes.
Aurelthia’s tears fell more freely now. “Why are you killing yourself… while still inside your mother’s womb?”
Her voice cracked with grief.
“If you do this… you will die as well.”
She stepped closer, her trembling hands reaching toward him. “You know that, don’t you?”
Her eyes burned with desperate pain.
“Unlike ordinary souls… Zeradros cannot exist separately across different timelines. No matter how many worlds are created… no matter how many paths fate takes… he remains one.”
Her voice dropped into a whisper. “All versions of him are bound together.”
“If one dies…”
Her tears fell onto the mist beneath them.
“…the others will die as well.”
Leo’s voice came quietly. “I know.”
“If you… know?” Her voice broke as she looked at him. “Then why?”
Leo slowly lifted his head. His red eyes were filled with tears now.
“My mother… will die because of me.” His voice trembled. “I can’t let that happen.”
He clenched his small hands tightly.
“The only way to stop my mother from dying… is to kill the child before he is born.”
The mist around them fell into a heavy silence.
Aurelthia stared at him, her heart shattering as she looked at the child standing before her—carrying the soul of a king who had once ruled dragons, yet now willing to erase himself for the sake of his mother.
(Note — This conversation did not end here. It would return again… in another chapters between scenes)
