The grand hall of Virelind's capital palace was a cathedral of mirrored marble and golden archways. Haruto's boots echoed as he walked beside Kaela, Lucien trailing behind, one hand on the hilt of his blade. Nobles watched from balconies above, veiled and silent, like specters of power.
At the far end, atop a staircase of obsidian glass, sat Queen Lysara—her dark gown spilling across the throne like ink poured over snow. A crown of woven starlight rested on her brow, but it was her eyes—silver and unreadable—that pinned Haruto where he stood.
"So," she said at last, her voice cool and sharp, "this is the Nullblade's bearer. You're younger than I imagined… and far more dangerous."
Haruto didn't flinch. "I didn't come for pleasantries. You control the eastern front. I need passage through your lands. The Sealed Vault is buried beneath them."
Lysara rose from the throne, each step down the staircase as measured as a swordstroke. "And why would I grant that to a man whose very presence calls the Rift closer?"
Kaela stepped forward, but Haruto raised a hand. "Because I don't ask as a hero. I ask as a man who's seen the world end—more than once. Let me through, and I'll ensure this one doesn't."
For a moment, silence reigned.
Then, Lysara smiled—but it was a smile carved from politics, not warmth. "You speak as though you've lived a dozen lives. That's either madness or prophecy. And I've learned to fear both."
She circled him once, studying the Nullblade strapped across his back.
"That weapon has carved kings from monsters and monsters from heroes," she said. "You'll have your passage, Haruto Kisaragi—but I want something in return."
Haruto's eyes narrowed. "Name it."
"I want your memory," Lysara said. "Not all of it. Just one—your most painful one. Traded willingly, bound in a Veilstone. You'll forget it… and I will keep it safe."
Kaela stiffened. "That's forbidden magic."
"It's old magic," Lysara replied, calm. "Older than gods. One memory… in exchange for safe passage, unopposed. Think carefully, Haruto. Sometimes, forgetting is the only mercy fate gives."
Haruto's mind reeled. He had many memories that haunted him—but only one that made his hands shake at night.
The first time he watched her die.
He swallowed hard. The air in the hall seemed to thin.
"I'll do it," he said, voice barely above a whisper.
Queen Lysara gestured, and a servant stepped forward with a Veilstone—glowing faintly with starlight, like a memory not yet born.
"Then bleed your sorrow into it, Exiled Hero," she said. "Let me see the cost of your journey."
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Author's Note
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Sorry for not uploading yesterday:(
My Finals week is coming so.....
I will be slow the updates just 1 or 2 chapter per day
As compensation for not uploading yesterday here's 10 chapters