Chapter 33: A Silent Storm
The corridors of the Everhart estate were bathed in the soft glow of the evening lanterns, their golden light casting long shadows on the pristine marble floors.
Leonhardt walked in silence, his expression unreadable as he made his way toward his private study. The encounter with the Belmonts earlier that day had left him mildly annoyed, though not for the reasons one might expect.
Politics, marriage alliances, admiration—all of it was meaningless to him.
He had one goal, and one goal only.
As he entered his study, the massive bookshelves lining the walls seemed to welcome him back into the realm of knowledge and solitude. He had spent countless nights here, poring over ancient texts and magical theories, seeking anything—any clue that could help him break the seal.
Tonight was no different.
But just as he reached for a tome on Ancient Sealing Magic, a knock echoed through the quiet room.
Leonhardt's red eyes flickered toward the door. "Enter."
The door creaked open, revealing his younger sister, Celeste Everhart.
She stepped inside, her blue eyes holding a mix of hesitation and determination. She had changed out of her training attire, now dressed in an elegant yet simple evening gown, her golden hair cascading down her back.
Leonhardt observed her calmly. "What do you want?"
Celeste took a deep breath before speaking.
"I want to train with you every day," she said, her voice firm.
Leonhardt raised a brow.
"I lost today, badly," she continued, clenching her fists. "But I don't want to remain weak. I won't beg you to go easy on me—I just want to grow stronger."
Leonhardt stared at her for a long moment, then finally closed the book in his hands.
"Fine," he said, standing up.
Celeste's eyes widened slightly. "Really?"
"You have potential," he admitted. "But determination alone isn't enough. If you train under me, I will not hold back."
Celeste swallowed but nodded firmly. "That's what I want."
Leonhardt studied her for a moment longer before turning away. "Then meet me at dawn. Do not be late."
Celeste smiled, relief flashing in her eyes. "I won't!"
As she left, Leonhardt returned to his desk, picking up another book.
Training Celeste wouldn't interfere with his true goals. If anything, it might even be useful—having someone by his side who could truly hold her own in battle.
But beyond that, though he would never say it aloud…
Perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing to have someone willing to walk alongside him, even if only in the realm of the sword.
Aetheria Nyx Lunaris Solis
Far beyond the Everhart estate, in the sacred temple bathed in moonlight, a lone figure stood upon the balcony.
Aetheria Nyx Lunaris Solis gazed at the star-filled sky, her deep violet eyes gleaming with silver specks—a reflection of the vast cosmos.
She had felt it.
A whisper in the wind, a shift in fate—his presence growing stronger.
Leonhardt…
Her slender fingers tightened slightly against the stone railing. The world was moving, the strings of destiny weaving once more.
Her golden father, Ra, the Sun God, did not know the full truth—but she did.
She knew exactly who she had once been, and she knew exactly who she was now.
The time was not yet right, but soon…
Soon, I will stand beside you again.
For now, she would wait.
But only for a little longer.