The moment Nao's trembling fingers touched the cold, ancient chains, the air around him shimmered with raw, magical energy. His heartbeat pounded in his ears. Raviel, still kneeling, looked up—his silver eyes glowing faintly in the dark chamber.
"You are… really real," Nao whispered, breathless.
"I have always been real… and I've always waited for you," Raviel's voice was smooth, deep, and filled with a kind of devotion that made Nao's skin tingle. "Only the true heir of Vermillion can unlock these chains. And you are him, my master."
Nao pulled the key from around his neck—Amara's key—and it began to glow faintly in his hand. The chains, which had bound Raviel for five centuries, clicked and loosened with a thunderous crack as if the castle itself sighed in relief.
As the final shackle dropped, Raviel stood. No longer caged, his black wings unfurled wide behind him, stretching high toward the chamber ceiling. Power radiated from him like fire—but his gaze stayed soft, focused only on the boy who had freed him.
"You freed me," he whispered, stepping forward. "Now, I will protect you… even if it costs me everything."
Meanwhile, upstairs, Adrian stormed through the party, pushing through nobles and confused guests. "Where is he?" he muttered under his breath, checking every hallway and corner. Mr. Den met him at the corridor, eyes sharp.
"He's gone, hasn't he?" Den asked, voice low.
Adrian nodded. "I'm going to find him. Something's not right."
Outside, Issadora stood near the fountain, sipping wine with a smile. Wick leaned close to whisper, "The men failed. He ran."
Issadora's fingers tightened around the glass. "Then he's exactly where I want him to be."
The chains collapsed to the ground with a thunderous clatter, and for the first time in five hundred years, Raviel stood free. His eyes closed for a moment as he took in a deep, sacred breath, the stale air of the underground chamber turning fresh with the magic that pulsed around him.
With a subtle shimmer, his towering wings slowly faded into his back, vanishing from sight. His long silver hair fell over his shoulders, his dark clothes adjusting magically into something more modern. He looked… human. Perfectly human. And dangerously beautiful.
Nao stared, unable to look away. "What... what just happened?" he asked, stunned.
Raviel turned to him with a calm smile. "In this world, master… I prefer to blend in. I walk as a human now." His tone was soft, but there was an underlying power in his voice—an old strength, patient and unshaken.
Nao's cheeks turned red. He had seen many men, but never had anyone looked this ethereal. Raviel, with his strong jawline, high cheekbones, piercing eyes, and lean yet muscular body, looked like he had stepped out of a forgotten myth.
"You look…" Nao whispered, voice catching in his throat, "…too damn hot."
Before Raviel could reply, footsteps echoed from above—and the sound of someone calling his name broke the spell.
"Nao!"
Adrian's voice was filled with worry and anger. He rushed down into the secret room just as the door slowly creaked open, revealing Nao and Raviel stepping into the moonlit garden.
"There you are!" Adrian gasped, rushing to him and pulling him into a sudden, tight embrace. "Where did you go? I was so scared for you. I told you to stay with me, Nao!"
Nao's eyes widened, startled by the intensity in Adrian's voice and the warmth in his touch. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. "I… I'm fine, Adrian. Don't worry, I just needed some fresh air…"
Adrian held him at arm's length, looking him up and down to make sure he was truly unharmed. Then his gaze moved past Nao—to Raviel.
"Who's this?" Adrian asked sharply, eyes narrowing.
Nao hesitated, caught off guard. He glanced at Raviel, whose expression remained unreadable. Then quickly said, "He's… he's my friend. From America. He came to visit and wish me on my birthday."
Raviel didn't flinch. He simply gave a polite nod, saying nothing.
Adrian seemed unsure but eventually relaxed. "Well, welcome to Vermillion Castle, I guess." He turned to Nao and smiled. "Let's go. It's almost time to cut the cake."
As they began walking back inside, lights glowing from the grand hall ahead, Nao walked silently beside them. But in his heart, a storm was brewing. He couldn't shake the memory of the men chasing him, the fear in their eyes, the way they were prepared to kill.
Who sent them? And why?
He glanced sideways at Raviel, who walked beside him like a silent shadow—loyal, powerful, and mysterious.
What are you really, Raviel…?
And deep down, he already knew.