The next morning in the Lycan Realm, Syaoran sat upon the throne as the royal assembly commenced.
Ministers stood one by one, voicing the growing concerns of their people—shortages near the rivers, increasing beast sightings in the hills, unrest in the border villages. Each issue echoed through the chamber, but Syaoran's gaze remained distant.
Still, he listened.
"State them clearly," he said, his voice calm but devoid of warmth. "I want details."
After hearing them all, he issued his final command, "Tighten security in every region—especially the Ecan territories and the mountain passes. I want patrols doubled."
The ministers exchanged impressed glances, murmuring praise for the young king's decisiveness. But there was no trace of pride or satisfaction on Syaoran's face.
Only silence.
From behind, Taio observed his king carefully. After the meeting, Syaoran wandered the stone corridor like a man carrying an invisible weight.
Taio quickened his pace and tapped his shoulder. "Your Majesty, why do you walk like someone who's lost something dear?"
Syaoran paused, eyes glazed. Then he muttered without thinking, "Because I have… something I wanted to protect, but I lost it."
Taio smirked. "Don't tell me someone dumped you while you were away."
Syaoran turned sharply, glaring at him.
Taio laughed. "Ah, I hit a nerve. Or perhaps… you fell in love?"
Syaoran gave him a deathly look. "Get back to your duties."
But Taio just grinned and bowed with a teasing tone. "I'm your advisor, Your Majesty. If your heart is confused, you can always consult me—just like any state matter."
He walked away chuckling, leaving Syaoran speechless in the hall, sighing in disbelief.
---
🕸️ In the Shadowlands…
A swirling storm of dark smoke cloaked Lucian's chamber. His crimson eyes glowed as he lifted his staff, chanting an ancient incantation. The skies above Earth trembled, and a dark rift tore open among the clouds.
"Bring her to me," Lucian growled. "I want the girl. The world-changing stone belongs to me."
His monstrous soldiers bowed, then vanished through the portal.
---
🌌 On Earth…
Fang sat at a wooden table inside a cabin near the base of the mountain. Her fingers trembled as she stared at her palms, remembering the terrifying power she had released days ago.
She concentrated, trying to summon it again. Nothing happened.
Frustrated, she let out a groan and scratched her head. "Why did it work that day… and not now?"
Suddenly, the wind shifted. Night had fallen.
Fang peeked outside and her heart froze. Dark figures were descending from the mountain—Lucian's men. She instinctively knew they weren't human.
She remained frozen in her seat, pretending not to see them, praying they'd go away.
But they didn't.
The soldiers charged toward her, energy crackling in their hands. Fang squeezed her eyes shut, expecting pain.
But… nothing happened.
She slowly opened one eye.
Their powers were repelled—shimmering light surrounded her, forming an invisible barrier. They tried again. Still nothing.
Confused but emboldened, Fang stood with trembling legs and ran—her name echoing through the trees.
"Syaoran!"
Then, the world stood still.
Time froze.
The moon's light bathed her in silver. A beam cascaded down upon her, and in a split second—she vanished. The wind resumed, the trees swayed again, and the night was alive once more.
Lucian's men gasped. They searched the forest in panic, but she was nowhere to be found.
They returned to the Shadowlands and knelt before Lucian.
"Your Majesty… the girl vanished. She disappeared into thin air when she ran."
Lucian turned slowly, his face contorted in disbelief… and then amusement.
"Vanished?" he whispered darkly. "And what were you doing while she ran from you?"
Before they could answer, a storm of energy erupted from his staff, striking them all with crackling force.
"You failures!" he screamed, his voice a blend of rage and inhuman howling. "You let the world-changing stone slip through your fingers!"
His laughter turned monstrous, echoing through the halls like the wails of the damned.