"You have finished your work," the shadow said, its voice a chilling whisper laced with sinister satisfaction, reverberating eerily through the night air.
The assassin shuddered uncontrollably at the demonic resonance hidden within each word.
"Wh-Who are you?" he stammered weakly, desperately trying to rise, only to find himself paralyzed by an unseen, malevolent force radiating from the creature.
Ignoring his futile attempts at resistance, the shadowy figure continued smoothly, amusement evident beneath its chilling tone. "I was fortunate to find that girl in the marketplace—recognizing the Draconic bloodline flowing through her veins was unexpected luck indeed. Your involvement has been unsurprisingly helpful."
Fear surged through the assassin’s veins as realization dawned painfully clear: he had been used, manipulated by forces beyond his understanding. "Wait—I—I didn’t—" he gasped desperately, voice trembling, pleading for mercy, recognition, anything that might spare his life.
But before another word could escape him, shadows beneath the demonic figure expanded rapidly, tendrils of darkness lashing out hungrily, coiling around the assassin’s helpless body with suffocating force.
He struggled fiercely, terror wild in his eyes, but the shadows consumed him mercilessly, slowly dragging him down into an abyssal pit conjured from pure darkness.
"Vepar will be quite interested in seeing your memories," the shadow murmured coldly, almost thoughtfully, as the assassin’s final, despairing scream vanished entirely beneath the relentless tide of darkness.
***
Back within the Helstorm Estate, the atmosphere was drastically calmer, though still heavy with tension. In Orion’s spacious room, soft lantern-light cast warm, gentle illumination over the walls lined with books and the polished wooden furniture.
Orion lay silently upon his expansive bed, his draconic form still imposing even in restful unconsciousness, scales gently reflecting the soft glow from the room’s muted lighting.
Selene stood near the bed, her expression deeply contemplative as she examined Orion closely, her mana flowing delicately over his prone body, gently probing the rapid, miraculous recovery taking place within his body.
Beside her, Eldric stood in silent confirmation, eyes serious, nodding subtly as Selene cast him a questioning glance, clearly astounded by the extent of Orion’s swift regeneration.
"His body—it’s healing far quicker than any normal Evolution should allow," Selene whispered softly, a mixture of awe and confusion evident in her voice. "Have you ever seen anything like this?"
Eldric shook his head slowly, equally astonished despite his earlier inspection. "I have not. He’s not only evolving rapidly but he’s also healing rapidly."
Rina stood quietly near the entrance, observing the exchange carefully. She had earlier informed Selene that Fiora now rested quietly in her own quarters, finally safe and undisturbed after such a harrowing ordeal.
Rina’s own exhaustion was evident, her pale features drawn, yet she stubbornly remained, unwilling to leave Orion’s side until assured he was safe.
Selene finally glanced toward her, gentle understanding clearly visible on her face. "Rina, you’ve done enough for today. Orion’s safe here—my formations will guard him well. Go rest."
Rina hesitated briefly, clearly reluctant, but eventually nodded respectfully, accepting Selene’s quiet insistence. "Yes, Lady Selene." Her voice was soft, filled with lingering worry and introspection as she withdrew from the room.
Her thoughts were heavy, haunted by her own perceived inadequacies and a deep resolve to grow stronger, no longer willing to remain passive when those she cared about faced danger—yet she failed to see the seed of darkness lurking within her bloodline.
As Rina’s footsteps faded away down the corridor, Eldric and Selene lingered quietly beside Orion’s bed, observing silently.
They spoke little, each absorbed in private contemplation, silently marveling at the mysteries Orion’s existence presented, fully aware of the significance he now held—not merely within their own lives but potentially for the fate of their entire world.
"The answers we seek will come when he awakens. Until then, we must simply watch over him and prepare for whatever future awaits."
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