Chapter Twelve: Silent Supremacy
The reception room felt more like a throne hall. Dark wood lined the walls, carved with old blood sigils, and the air carried the scent of fire and legacy.
A servant opened the door with silent reverence. He didn't utter a word — he didn't need to.
His eyes on Ryn told enough: fear, caution, and absolute respect.
Ryn entered first.
Before Liana or Malphos could step forward, Cecilia moved.
Her steps were calm… steady… but quick enough to hint at something coiled beneath her surface.
She stopped in front of Ryn, her dark violet-tinted hair falling like a curtain, and her eyes locked onto his — as if the world had gone mute.
Then she hugged him.
Gently.
Slowly.
As if she owned the right.
She whispered in a voice barely audible:
"You're finally here."
Ryn didn't move.
His mind stalled.
He didn't know how to deal with emotions like this.
He wasn't sure if this was comforting — or dangerous.
He just stared into the void, while her arms stayed wrapped around him with a firmness that betrayed her cold expression.
**
Behind them, Galen Kramora entered, eyes frozen on his daughter.
His usual fiery smile vanished the moment he saw the scene.
In a muted voice, he said:
"How strange… she's never hugged me like that."
Then he turned to Ryn.
His smirk returned — cracked with jealousy:
"Sometimes I forget I'm her father… until you show up acting like you created her."
Malphos said nothing. Liana looked mildly uncomfortable.
But Ryn… gave no reaction. His eyes were still fixed on Cecilia, who refused to let go.
**
Eventually, they all sat down.
Galen exhaled and said:
"Let's ease this awkwardness. Ryn, how about a friendly sparring match with Cecilia? A little warm-up."
Cecilia turned to Ryn, then nodded softly:
"If he agrees… I don't mind."
Ryn replied without hesitation:
"Fine."
**
The training arena was carved from red stone, ringed with mana suppression seals to contain excess power.
Cecilia stood on one end, holding her black whip, pulsing with blood mana.
She twirled it with elegant precision, then said:
"I won't go all out. If you want, you may take a weapon."
Ryn shook his head.
"I don't use weapons."
**
One beat of silence.
Then… Cecilia moved.
She dashed forward, whip exploding into a sharp arc of blood energy.
But before it could reach him… the air shifted.
A wave of death mana spilled from Ryn's body.
No movement. No violence. Just crushing presence.
Cecilia froze.
Her knees buckled.
Then — she fell.
**