Chapter 37: The Gathering Storm
The wind howled softly through the Everhart estate, rustling the leaves of the ancient trees that stood like silent sentinels in the grand courtyard. The night had stretched long, but Leonhardt Valerian Everhart remained awake.
Seated by the grand window in his private chamber, he stared into the endless darkness, his fiery red eyes glowing in the dim candlelight.
The night's training had done little to quiet the unrest within him.
The seal still remained. His power still lay out of reach. And she… she was still lost to him.
A quiet knock echoed through the room.
Leonhardt didn't turn. He already knew who it was.
"Come in," he said, his voice composed.
The large oak doors creaked open, and Celeste Everhart, his younger sister, entered with careful steps. Her silver hair shimmered in the candlelight, and her clear blue eyes—so full of curiosity—studied him.
"Brother," she called softly, frowning. "Why are you still awake?"
Leonhardt didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers lightly against the polished wood of the table.
"Just thinking," he said at last.
Celeste pursed her lips. "About what?"
His gaze flickered toward her.
"You wouldn't understand."
Celeste huffed, crossing her arms. "You always say that."
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but it vanished just as quickly as it had appeared.
Celeste studied him for a moment before sighing. "Mother said we'll be leaving for the Imperial Capital soon."
At that, Leonhardt's fingers stilled.
The Imperial Capital.
The heart of the empire. The place where nobles, politics, and power clashed like swords on a battlefield.
A place filled with those who would seek to use him.
His expression remained unreadable. "When?"
"In three days."
Leonhardt nodded, absorbing the information. He had known this would come eventually—the gathering of noble heirs, the political games, the masked pleasantries.
He would not care for it.
His only goal remained unchanged.
But… if there was even the smallest chance that he could find a lead on her, then he would endure it.
For now.
Celeste tilted her head. "Are you excited?"
Leonhardt chuckled—cold and amused. "No."
Celeste sighed. "You never are."
Then, with a glance at the moon outside, she added, "You should rest, Brother. Even you need sleep."
He didn't respond, but as she left, he found himself glancing at the moon once more.
Its glow was endless, stretching far beyond what he could reach.
Just like her.
The Imperial Capital's Rumors
Meanwhile, far away from the Everhart estate, in the heart of the Imperial Capital, whispers spread through noble circles like wildfire.
A young prodigy—the heir to the Everhart Grand Dukedom—would soon arrive.
A boy of unparalleled talent in both swordsmanship and magic. A noble heir unmatched in skill, intelligence, and power.
And the empire was watching.
Some with admiration.
Some with envy.
And some… with plans of their own.