The Spider Lily Palace
Draco stood at the entrance of the Spider Lily Palace, arms crossed as he watched Zavaikal approach. His sharp, platinum-blonde hair, tied high in a ponytail, gleamed under the moonlight. He was second only to the emperor—a coveted position that inspired both admiration and envy—but his rise to power had been stained with blood. An illegitimate son of the previous Grand Duke, he had seized his birthright by eliminating his own father.
"It took you long enough to return," Draco remarked, his tone carrying mild impatience.
Zavaikal ignored the greeting, shifting from his raven form back into his human shape with practiced ease. His golden eyes gleamed.
"What about those shadows?" he asked, his voice low.
"They had valuable information you might find interesting." Draco licked his lips, his gaze flickering with intrigue. "I asked my beloved wife about her, but she either denied knowledge or threw a tantrum in response. Women become quite the handful when you plant a seed inside them." He exhaled, shaking his head.
Zavaikal chuckled dryly. "Your woman is one of a kind."
Draco narrowed his eyes. "Don't even think about it. She's mine."
Zavaikal smirked. "I don't have to."
Zavaikal's expression darkened as he shifted the conversation. "I've found one for myself—the Crown Princess of Amanécer, Luciana Mircea de Amanécer." His voice carried an edge of uncertainty. "She wasn't what I expected. Her traits were completely opposite… yet he called her that." His fingers curled slightly at his sides. "I've sensed that power before—the bloodline of the Amanécer imperial family. That golden ring above their heads… It was there all along, shielding her from my sorcery."
His research into the Amanécer lineage had been extensive, yet one mystery remained unresolved—why had the first princess come to Wahrheit instead of the second? Only those born with golden eyes and hair could bear the imperial seal.
His brow furrowed. The letter I sent… I specifically requested the second princess. He had taken every precaution, ensuring the proposal went through every level of verification.
"There's no way it could've been altered…" he muttered under his breath.
Draco arched an eyebrow. "What was that?"
"None of your business," Zavaikal snapped, irritated.
Draco smirked but let it drop. "Whatever you say."
Zavaikal turned away, thoughts spiraling. A month has passed with no answers… He clenched his jaw. All because of that damned hound. The memory of him holding her—his Luciana—sent a sharp sting through his chest.
Draco watched him carefully, recognizing the storm brewing behind his expression. There was only one person who could provoke that look from him.
"Erebus."
---
The Stygian Fortress
Within the cold stone walls of the Stygian Fortress, servants scurried frantically, their hushed whispers and hurried footsteps echoing through the dim corridors. The air was thick with worry.
Jafar had taken on the weight of Erebus's duties, his sharp eyes ensuring that the household remained intact despite the unrest. It had been two days since both their master and lady had fallen unconscious, and tension gripped the stronghold like a vice.
Derran had remained by their sides, monitoring their conditions with unwavering diligence, while Mina hovered anxiously, her heart burdened by grief.
"What did our master and lady do to deserve such cruelty?" she wailed, her voice raw. "Why must they suffer like this?" She repeated the question over and over, unable to find peace.
Even Nemesis, despite his usual resilience, had grown quieter, his sorrow palpable. Mina refused to let Nemesis stay too long, even knowing how much he had cried for his father.
"Young Master," she murmured, gently cradling his small hands. "Your parents are strong. They will return to us soon."
Jafar ensured Mina remained by Nemesis's side, knowing the boy needed comfort.
Night had fallen when Luciana stirred, a faint groan escaping her lips as pain throbbed through her abdomen. Her lashes fluttered, and the sound of Mina's soothing voice reached her ears.
She inhaled sharply. Where… am I? The last thing she remembered was the underground dungeon… and Erebus's arms catching her before everything went black.
"Milady!" Mina's relieved cry shattered the quiet. She rushed to Luciana's side, gripping her hand tightly. "Oh, thank the heavens! You're safe. Do you remember what happened?"
Luciana's lips parted, her voice weak. "This place… where am I?"
"Your bedchambers, Milady," Mina reassured her. "You're home, and you're safe."
A shadow loomed beside her as Derran stepped forward, his expression calm yet unreadable.
"The child is unharmed," he stated, his voice measured.
Luciana exhaled in relief, her trembling fingers pressing against her abdomen.
She turned her head, searching. "Erebus… My Lord husband… where is he?"
Derran hesitated, his gaze falling.
"He's beside you, My Lady."
Luciana's breath caught as she turned her head, her heart clenching at the sight before her. Erebus lay motionless, his face marred by deep scratches, his normally unshakable presence reduced to a fevered, unconscious state. Sweat glistened on his bronze skin, his raven hair disheveled from the battle he had endured.
Derran's voice was grim. "I managed to suppress his fever, but when he carried you in his arms… I thought his time had come." He exhaled, shaking his head. "He rid us of the traitor among us. But as for his fate… I cannot say whether he will survive."
A tremor ran through Luciana's fingers as she clenched the sheets.
This is my fault… Guilt twisted inside her. Had I just done as he asked…
"Don't say such things," Mina interjected, her voice firm, eyes brimming with defiance. "The lady is suffering just as much. If you make her feel worse, I swear I'll sew your mouth shut, old man."
Derran huffed but said nothing more.
Luciana struggled to sit up, Mina helping her as she reached for Nemesis. The boy hesitated before climbing into her arms, burying his face against her.
"Papa will wake up soon," she murmured, stroking his hair.
A soft knock broke the moment. Mina quickly stood to answer. When the door opened, Jafar stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning the room.
His gaze lingered on Erebus, his lips pressing into a thin line.
"My lady," he said, his tone clipped. "I would like to have a word in private."
Luciana stiffened at the subtle edge of hostility in his voice.
"…Very well," she agreed. She turned to Mina and Derran. "Leave us."
Nemesis immediately clung to her. "No! I'm staying!"
She sighed, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Then, stay and watch over your father for me, sweetling."
Reluctantly, Mina and Derran withdrew, leaving Luciana alone with Jafar.
The air between them was taut with unspoken words.
Luciana inhaled deeply. "Now then… what is it you wish to discuss?"