The Sovereign Chronicles novel Chapter 46

"A special artifact?" Kaelen Stormridge had considered countless theories, and this thought had crossed his mind as well. But what kind of artifact could bring about such catastrophic consequences?

"The Citadel Lord was never the type of man to trade the survival of The Stormhold Citadel for some mere bauble. I fear... they might truly have perished."

Kaelen's expression darkened. "I will uncover the truth."

"The Grand Elder stands second only to the Sanctum Master in The Azure Sky Sanctum; his authority is absolute. If he is truly determined to eliminate you, your life is in grave peril. Young Lord, I strongly advise against remaining in the Sanctum."

"The Azure Sky Sanctum is governed by thirty Elders. The Grand Elder does not dictate everything. He can suppress me, yes, but if he wishes me dead, the other Elders will not let him have his way so easily. Give me time. I will prove my potential to every Elder in the Sanctum. I believe someone will eventually stand up for us."

Kaelen was now more determined than ever to participate in The Conclave of the Eight Sanctums. Not only would he enter, but he would fight with everything he had to secure a ranking.

"Uncle Tyrus, promise me one thing, will you?"

"Speak, Young Lord."

"Whatever happens, protect my family. Protect the people of our city here. In half a year at most, I will return with The Writ of Absolution. When that time comes... we... will all go home together." Kaelen's gaze was unyielding, his soft words ringing with the weight of an ironclad oath.

"Half a year?"

"Half a year! I swear I will return."

"Young Lord, listen to my counsel. Leave, please..."

"Promise me!"

Tyrus sighed heavily, nodding his vow. "Rest assured, Young Lord. I will protect everyone here with my life. What happened last night will never happen again."

"Where is Elder Malakor right now?"

"At The Third Quarry Sector. There was a disruption there; he won't return for a day or two."

"I need to head back. But before I leave, I will personally deal with Lysander Malakor. Ensure you and the others have airtight alibis. Do not let this implicate you."

When Kaelen returned to the courtyard, the sky was just beginning to lighten. Everyone had already headed to The Overseer's Manor to work. They pretended nothing had happened, ensuring no one would grow suspicious.

Inside the Manor, Lysander Malakor had drunk himself into a stupor the night before, only staggering out of bed around noon.

As soon as he woke, he was surprised to see Elara Stormridge cleaning his room. "Little Elara, walking into the lion's den on your own today? Aren't you afraid I'll eat you alive? Heh."

"Will you treat my family well?" Elara suddenly looked up and asked.

Lysander was groggy for a moment before his mind cleared. "That depends entirely on how you perform."

"And the ten Mid-Grade Aetherium Crystals? Must we still pay?"

"What do you think?" Lysander's eyes rolled with lecherous heat.

"At dusk. The Blackwood Ridge, ten miles west of the Manor. Come alone. I don't want anyone seeing us. And afterward, you are never to harass my family again." Dropping the ultimatum, Elara quickly left the room.

Oh? Lysander grinned from ear to ear. What was this? Had the little girl finally seen reason?

It seemed his recent threats had done the trick. She had finally broken.

Eagerly, Lysander got out of bed, took a long, comfortable bath, and changed into a set of pristine clothes. However, being a coward by nature, he secretly brought along two Azure Sky Sanctum guards. Carefully avoiding the rest of the patrols, he slipped out toward The Blackwood Ridge ten miles away.

The path was rugged, and by the time he reached the ridge, dusk had already fallen. He ordered his two guards to spread out and hide at the foot of the hill, while he excitedly ventured deep into the woods alone.

"Little Elara?"

"Your Lord is here. Where are you?"

"Don't be shy now. We're just going to have a little chat about life and your future."

Lysander strolled through the trees, his eyes darting around like a predator seeking its prey. He wasn't in a rush; he thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of the hunt.

But suddenly, a muffled thud echoed from somewhere behind him, followed by a bloodcurdling scream that drifted through the dense, ancient forest.

"Who's there?" Lysander instantly went on high alert, staring in the direction of the noise. It sounded exactly like the spot where one of his guards had been hiding.

Seconds later, a series of heavy thuds erupted from another direction. It sounded like a brutal skirmish, but just as quickly, the noise ceased.

Panic seized Lysander's chest. Was this a trap? He screamed the names of his two guards at the top of his lungs, but only silence answered him.

"You wretched bitch! You dare play me? Just wait until I get my hands on you!"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify