Thornton

  The first thing I noticed was the light. It wasn't harsh, but soft and warm, filtering through a window somewhere. My head felt like it was stuffed with cotton, my limbs heavy and reluctant to move. As my eyes adjusted, the room began to take shape—a spacious chamber adorned with rich tapestries and the scent of fresh herbs lingering in the air.

  "Thornton?"

  The voice was soft yet steady, filled with both concern and relief. I turned my head, a slow, deliberate movement that seemed to take ages, and saw Jade standing by my bed. Jade's sharp features softened by a rare, genuine smile.

  "You're awake," she said, stepping closer.

  "Barely," I croaked, my throat dry. "What happened?"

  She sat down in the chair beside me. "You and Hue pushed yourselves to the limit. The King's healers said it was a miracle you both made it."

  Her words brought a flood of fragmented memories—the arena, the chaos, Hue's power surging like a storm. I winced, my body aching even at the recollection.

  "Where's Hue?" I asked.

  As if summoned by the mention of his name, the door opened, and King Belfour strode in. Behind him, Hue appeared, looking pale but upright. The King's presence was commanding, but his expression was anything but harsh as he turned to his son.

  "Hue," the King said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, "you've made me proud. The way you fought, the way you led—it was everything I hoped to see in you."

  Hue's face was a mixture of exhaustion and pride, his usual bravado replaced by quiet humility. "Thank you, Father. I just... wanted to prove myself."

  "And you have," the King said, his voice steady. "To me, to the kingdom, and to yourself."

  Before the moment could become too heavy, the door burst open, and Gashiaz, Aszhuak, Lyra, and Jarek entered. Gashiaz immediately made a beeline for my bedside, her presence as bold as ever.

  "Still alive, huh?" she said, her tone teasing but her eyes betraying genuine concern. "Guess you're tougher than you look."

  "Only because I have to keep up with you," I replied, managing a weak grin.

  Gashiaz smirked. "Flattering me already? You must be feeling better."

  Lyra and Jarek lingered near the back of the room, clearly uncertain about their place here. I caught their glances—wary, respectful—and gave them a nod. They'd fought alongside us during the INKVOY games, proving their loyalty even if we didn't know them well yet.

  The room buzzed with conversation, laughter, and relief. For a brief moment, it felt like the weight of everything we'd endured had been lifted.

  But the reprieve didn't last long. The King raised a hand, and the room fell silent.

  "Everyone, thank you for your support," he said. "But I must ask you to step outside for now. I have matters to discuss with Jade, Thornton, and Hue."

  The others exchanged curious looks but complied without argument. Gashiaz gave me a quick wink before following the others out, and I couldn't help the slight smile that tugged at my lips.

  Once the door closed, the King turned to face us, his expression grave.

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  "What I'm about to tell you is for your ears only," he began. "Hue, you are not just my son. You are connected to the Liche Clan—Jade and Thornton's clan."

  Hue's eyes widened, and Jade and I exchanged stunned glances.

  "The sigil on the pendant Jade carries and the power that manifested within you during the arena—it all points to one truth: you are a part of their legacy," the King continued. "And now, I am giving you my blessing to leave this palace and seek out the secrets of the Liche Clan. To uncover their truth and redeem their name."

  The weight of his words hung heavy in the air.

  "You'll need to rest first," the King added. "Go to Canu Village and recover. From there, venture east. That's where you'll find the answers you seek."

  Jade nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. I couldn't tell if she was processing or doubting, but I knew she'd never stop until she uncovered the truth.

  "And one more thing," the King said, stepping back. "You won't go alone."

  The door opened once more, and the youngest Guar Knight in history stepped into the room.

  Emberes.

  His armor gleamed, her stance confident yet unassuming. I saw the shock on Hue's face and even a flicker of surprise from Jade, but I wasn't entirely shocked. The events of the PURE had shown Emberes' strength, leadership, and combat prowess.

  "He's earned this title through merit," the King said, addressing our silent awe. "His actions during the PURE were exemplary. He will escort you and ensure your safety."

  Emberes gave a small bow. "It's an honor to serve."

  "No need to be so polite Emberes." I say jokingly. "You're practically or brother"

  For the first time in a while, I felt hope—not just for our journey, but for what we might find at the end of it.

  I turned my gaze to Emberes, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. "I'll catch up with you one day," I said, my voice light but carrying an edge of determination. "I'll become a Guar Knight too. You'll see."

  Emberes gave me a small, knowing smile. "I'll be waiting for you, Thornton."

  Jade stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. Her voice was soft, but the weight of her words hit me harder than I expected. "You will," she said, her eyes steady. "I believe in you."

  I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me at her reassurance. I didn't doubt her—Jade had always believed in me more than I did myself, and in that moment, it felt like a promise.

  The King, however, cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. He was watching us closely, his expression growing serious again.

  "There is something more you need to understand, Hue," King Belfour said, his voice low and heavy. "While I now know you are part of the Liche Clan, there is still much we do not know about which family you belong to. Your true lineage... remains a mystery."

  Hue looked at the King, his brow furrowed in confusion. I could feel the tension building in the room. The air had suddenly thickened, heavy with the weight of whatever the King was about to say.

  King Belfour stepped forward, his face a mask of somber resolve. "What I'm about to tell you is a secret that has been kept from you until now. You were not born into this palace. You were left here... as an infant."

  Hue blinked, taking a step back as if the words had physically struck him. I could see the shock spreading across his face, his entire body stiffening.

  The King continued, his voice softening just a fraction. "One cold night, many years ago, you were left at the castle's door. There was no name, no identity—just a small child wrapped in a blanket, and nothing else. We took you in, raised you as my son, but you were never truly of my blood. Until now... we never knew the truth of your origins."

  I could barely breathe, my own heart racing in my chest. I exchanged a glance with Jade, both of us struck by the enormity of the King's confession.

  "But," the King added, his voice firm and unwavering, "you are still my son in every way that matters. The Liche Clan's legacy doesn't diminish your place here. While your bloodline may be a mystery, your heart, your courage—those are what make you my heir."

  Hue stood there, frozen, staring at the King like he couldn't fully process what was being said. But when he finally met his father's gaze, I saw something shift within him—pride, but also a deep uncertainty. It was a lot to take in.

  The King continued, his words steady. "I will make sure that not many know of this secret. Your heritage, Hue, is for you alone to uncover when the time is right. For now, I assure you, you are still the heir to the throne. I will guarantee it, and I will protect that truth."

  Jade's hand tightened on my shoulder, her voice steady and unwavering. "Whatever comes next, Hue, we'll be by your side. We will uncover the truth together."

  I looked at Hue, my gaze firm. "And I'll help in whatever way I can. No matter where this journey leads."

  The King nodded, a look of finality crossing his face. "I know. Now, rest and prepare. Your path is about to change, but I have no doubt you'll rise to meet it."

  For a long moment, the weight of it all hung in the air. Secrets revealed. Futures uncertain. But as I stood there, with Jade's hand still on my shoulder and Hue's quiet determination slowly returning, I knew one thing for certain—we would face whatever came next together.