That's when I noticed—we weren't alone.
Around us, nobles in robes stood with quiet dignity. Warriors observed me with crossed arms and sharp eyes. Elders nodded approvingly. A soft ripple of applause spread through the room like a gentle tide.
Then, from the back, a man stepped forward—the same one who had stood silently on the far shore before my journey.
Clapping slowly.
"Wow… wow… wow," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I saw your strength, Kialan, but this... this was beyond what I expected. You've done well, young warrior. Very well indeed."
He stopped in front of me and gave a short bow.
"Let me properly introduce myself. I'm Davey Valenheart—Senior Butler and youth trainer on this island."
I stared up at him, still disoriented, unsure what to say.
"…Hi," I murmured at last, my voice small.
His eyes softened. "You'll grow into it. For now—rest. You've earned it."
For the first time since the sea split open, I allowed myself to exhale.
Before sleep claimed me, I scanned the great hall once more and noticed a young boy—maybe my age—also sleeping. His face was turned away, half-hidden in shadow. But just seeing him there, breathing, was a quiet relief.
I wasn't the only one.
With that thought, I drifted off. In the hazy embrace of sleep, a fleeting sense of comfort washed over me, a soothing presence I couldn't quite grasp before the waves of exhaustion pulled me under.
"Kialan… Kialan, wake up."
"Mmm… no. Let me sleep a little longer," I mumbled.
For a heartbeat, I thought I was back home, grumbling at Lydia—my nanny—to let me sleep. She's strict but soft, a rare balance. Her family has served ours for three generations.
But in this moment, she was definitely not my favorite person.
"Kialan, we're not home. This is Businish Island."
Right. We're not home.
I opened my eyes and sat up. I was no longer in the grand hall.
"Let me get you ready for the welcoming dinner banquet," Lydia said gently.
"Just prepare my bath and clothes. I'll get ready myself."
"The bath, fine. But you'll need assistance with the clothing."
She sighed. "Kialan, I know you are a big man now—"
Then smiled. "But enjoy my pampering while it lasts. No one knows the future."
I nodded, the weight of her words settling in. Things in this world truly are unpredictable.
What if what happened at the sea wasn't a test? What if I hadn't survived?
She hugged me then, as if reading my thoughts. No words were needed.
After she left to prepare my bath, I finally looked around properly.
The room glowed with subtle elegance. The bed—king-sized, cloud-soft, wrapped in gold-accented linen—seemed untouched by time. I walked to the window, and my breath caught.
From here, the ocean stretched endlessly, the breeze dancing across the waves, carrying the scent of salt, warmth, and possibility.
I hadn't seen the sea's full beauty before… not before the trial. It had been cruel, wild, overwhelming. Now, it looked like something that had forgiven me.
I didn't want to ruin this peace by thinking too deeply. But I couldn't shake one thought.
Had the others taken the same test? The boy I saw in the hall—had he survived something similar? And was there… a third?
I blinked, trying to recall. A flicker of movement in memory—another figure? Or just a trick of the light? I wasn't sure.
I guess I'll find out at the banquet.
Just then, Lydia returned, signaling that my bath was ready. The bathroom, like the room, was crafted with fine, ancient care—polished mirrors, golden tiles, and water that smelled faintly of herbs and something older. Something sacred.
I soaked briefly, letting the warmth soothe me. I didn't want to be late and draw attention.
Lydia was already waiting in the dressing room. I sat before the mirror and let her do what she did best.
My clothes were tailored from fine animal skin—symbolic of Domus Hustharic strength, my family's legacy. The gold embroidery shimmered faintly beneath the soft lights.
Once I was ready, a man came to escort me to the banquet. Lydia had already explained its purpose: a formal introduction of the younger generation to one another, and a first glimpse of the elders of all three families.
I hope it will go well without any drama.
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TO BE CONTINUED...
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