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Chapter 28 - Chapter 28 – “Swinging Through Sorrow”

Felix stepped closer to the butler, speaking calmly.

"You need to trust me," he said. "Don't panic. I've got a plan."

The butler narrowed his eyes. "What kind of plan? How do you expect to reach Master Kaelan when he's locked himself in?"

Felix smiled and placed a hand on the butler's shoulder.

"Don't ask too many questions. Just help me. And maybe bring the commander too — I'll need his strength."

Still hesitant, the butler asked, "What exactly do you plan to do?"

"I'm going to swing into his balcony. You'll hold one end of the rope. The commander will take the other. I'll climb down and swing across Kaelan's room."

The butler looked stunned. "That's… madness. The room above Kaelan's has no windows. It's just an old storage attic. But… the room next to his — his sister's — has a balcony." But....

"Perfect," Felix said. "Then we'll use that. And don't pretend you don't have a spare key. The maids clean it every day, don't they?"

After a pause, the butler sighed. "Yes, I have the key. But it's only used for cleaning…"

Felix cut in gently, "Then let's clean up a heart while we're at it."

The butler gave him a long look. Then nodded. "Very well. But only if you promise — promise — you'll handle this carefully."

Felix grinned. "Don't worry. I'm Felix — the guy who bets against the odds."

The butler turned to a soldier. "Go fetch the commander. Tell him we require his help in the Duke's eldest daughter's room."

A short while later, Felix and the butler stood at the old door. The butler unlocked it with a soft clink, and the two stepped inside. Dusty sheets covered furniture, and the room smelled faintly of perfume long faded.

They walked straight to the balcony.

From there, they could see the challenge — Kaelan's balcony sat just a bit below and to the left. Not too far. But not easy either.

Soon, the commander arrived, armor clinking softly.

"You called?"

"We need your strength," the butler said.

Felix turned to him. "Here's the plan: you two hold the rope while I swing. Once I reach the right angle, I'll whistle — that's your cue to swing me. When the moment feels right, I'll jump."

The commander raised a brow. "And this is safer than knocking?"

"Not safer," Felix replied, smirking. "Just more likely to work."

Felix gave a sharp whistle. A moment later, his black crow swooped down and perched on the railing.

"Go," Felix said. "Check on Kaelan. Tell me what he's doing."

The bird flew off, and within a minute it returned, tapping its beak softly. Felix closed his eyes as it relayed the image through their bond:

Kaelan, curled in a corner, sobbing into his arms.

Felix's jaw tightened.

"Let's do this."

With the commander and butler gripping the rope tightly, Felix began his descent.

Down… down… his wounded leg twinged in pain, but he gritted . Muttering quietly why am I even doing this .

When he reached the right height, he whistled again.

They stopped lowering. The rope began to sway.

Right. Left. Right. Left.

Felix timed it, building momentum. After the fifth swing, he pushed off the wall and let go —

—but his grip slipped.

He hit the railing hard, his bandaged leg smacking painfully against the edge.

"Damn it…" he hissed through his teeth.

But he didn't fall.

He hauled himself up and over the balcony, landing softly onto the stone floor. He looked through the door.

Felix muttered under his breath while smiling , "Damn." Why am I doing this—throwing myself into the fire? But "That face—*her *face—hooks into my ribs like a blade."

Won't let me rest.

Inside, Kaelan was just as the crow described — curled up, broken, trembling.

Felix stepped closer and gently called out:

"Kaelan…

Kaelan…"

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