The atmosphere at the dining table carried a faint heaviness.
Only Kaelith and Hades sat there tonight—unlike the usual evenings when Luna and Peri also joined them.
The red-haired matriarch glanced at her son. "Upset?" she asked knowingly. She was well aware of the state his mates had returned in after their training.
Hades lifted his eyes, then shook his head. "Concerned." He let out a sigh. "They forbade from being upset."
Kaelith chuckled softly. "And what excuse did they give you?"
Leaning back in his chair, eyes dropping to the table, Hades replied, "Don’t stop us, and don’t get angry. This is for our betternt. She said Avalin was being considerate."
Kaelith winced. "Avalin being considerate? That part is certainly a lie."
Hades let out a faint laugh. "I’ve seen their wounds—I know they lied. But I trust their judgnt, Mother. If they believe this is for their growth, then I’ll stand by their decision."
Kaelith’s expression softened into a warm smile. She admired that about him—how he always supported his mates’ choices, treating them as equals and respecting their voices.
It wasn’t a common mindset in this realm. Few won dared to rise against the world as Kaelith once had, becoming the first matriarch of the realm. And now, she was proud to see her son carry that sa spirit.
The al went on more peacefully after that, their talk drifting into lighter topics—until Hades brought up his past.
"The core I awakened as a human," he began, "what about that core then?"
"That will be devoured," Kaelith explained matter-of-factly. "Once your draconic core awakens, it absorbs your old source of energy."
Hades gave a wry smile. "So... not a pleasant experience, I take it?"
Kaelith chuckled. "I’ve never gone through it myself, but from what I’ve heard... you’ll feel everything—every emotion—as your old core is consud by the new one."
Hades shook his head lightly, falling silent for a mont.
Then, after a pause, he asked quietly, "Mom... what happened with the ambush?"
It had been eight days since he heard the news that they were being targeted. A Dragon King had rallied his army toward Aethernox after Hades had released that overwhelming wave of chaotic essence in the forest.
Hades hadn’t heard any news about the ambush, but if it had succeeded, eight days would have been more than enough ti for enemy forces to be knocking at the castle gates.
And as he suspected—
"It was intercepted by Argon’s forces," Kaelith said plainly. "They never saw it coming. Argon’s elite unit tore through their formations, cut off their supplies, and drove them back."
Hades let out a long breath of relief.
But another thought imdiately followed. "Then...the alliance is exposed?" he asked.
Kaelith tilted her head slightly, considering. "My spies haven’t reported any communication between the clans. So I can’t say for certain if they’ve figured out Argon’s involvent yet."
Her voice grew firr as she added, "But sooner or later, they will connect the dots. And once they do, the whole realm will know exactly where Argon stands."
"Is... that a bad thing?" Hades asked, noticing the faint frown tugging at his mother’s face.
Kaelith’s lips curved into a small, reassuring smile. "Not at all. We were already considering an alliance. It’s just..."
She drew in a deep breath before continuing, her voice lower. "The strongest Dragon King—Astaroth—was once Argon’s student. He adores the man." Her eyes shifted toward Hades. "And... he carries the blessing of none other than Lord Zerathos’s eldest brother, Aurelion."
"The Primordial of Life," Hades breathed, his tone heavy.
Aurelion—the most revered being from a thousand years ago. The strongest to ever walk the mortal realm. The one blessed by the mightiest Celestial.
He was hailed as the most benevolent of all, a soul so kind that even in death he smiled—asking the world not to condemn his murderer. That murderer was Zerathos.
Hades lowered his gaze, a shadow passing over his expression. He had never followed any religion, but back in the human realm, the only church he ever visited was dedicated to Aurelion.
Not out of devotion... but because Luna had once worked there.
"So yes," Kaelith said firmly, her gaze sharp, "there’s a high chance that man will act—either to shatter this alliance... or to shatter us entirely."
Hades wanted to ease her worries, to give her so asure of peace. But he had nothing honest to say that could lift the burden from her shoulders. Not without lying.
In truth, he was far from strong enough to shoulder battles like this. He wasn’t ready to resolve matters between clans, nor to stand against beings of such stature. All he could do now was grow—gain every bit of strength and experience possible. So that when the ti ca, he wouldn’t be a burden to his mother... or the clan.
Breaking free from her own heavy thoughts, Kaelith straightened and said, "That reminds —I have a quest for you."
The sudden shift caught Hades off guard. "A quest? You an... like a mission?"
Kaelith nodded. "You’ve trained enough for now. It’s ti you test your new powers in real combat." She slid a parchnt across the table.
Hades picked it up. On the parchnt was a rough sketch of a man’s face, along with a bounty mark of more than twenty thousand gold coins.
"His na is Alazar," Kaelith explained. "He carried out a daylight robbery in town and escaped my soldiers. A sha for them... and a wound to the people he wronged."
Further, she added, "After two years of searching, we finally have a solid clue where he could be. But instead of my soldiers, I am sending you...and you alone. Not even Marilyn is allowed to follow you."
Hades grew sharper. He understood what his mother’s goal was.
Having a strong guard always attached to his shadow might make him a little reckless and even relaxed. That’s why she was removing his backup.
Naturally, not even once he thought of refusing, "Understood. I will deal with him."
Kaelith warned, "He is very good at hiding and escaping, barely getting seen in the light. You have to be careful."
Hades nodded, "And I know exactly how I can corner him. Don’t worry mother, I will bring you his head."
Kaelith clasped her hand, her cheeks red, "Ah, I know you can do it, baby."
Hades smiled at her before they returned their focus on the food.
Just then, Ava ca rushing to the dining hall, "Young Master...and, Lady Supre." The girl’s voice dropped when she realized the young master wasn’t alone.
Hades chuckled, "What is it, Ava?"
The pinkette soon inford, "Lady Averis is awake now."
°°°°°°°
A/N:- Thanks for reading.
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