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墨書 Inktalez
The evening breeze carried a hint of relief, brushing against the square of the Glorious Demon Fortress. The fortress, once shrouded in gloom during the day, now glimmered with a golden hope under the fading rays of the setting sun.
Luna's little legs kicked as she was held in Aelia's arms, straining to catch a glimpse of the towering figure surrounded by the crowd. It was her elder brother, who had once been tormented into a shadow of himself by Magic Backlash, now rising like a star, radiant and full of light.
“Laughter…” Luna giggled happily, clapping her small hands as if cheering for her brother. Aelia's lips curled into a rare smile. Since the outbreak of the plague, Magic Castle had been enveloped in shadows. Leonard's struggles and the castle's gradual decline had weighed heavily on her heart. But now, her brother's rise was undoubtedly a shot of adrenaline, reigniting hope within Magic Castle.
“This child only knows how to be happy,” Aelia said, gently tapping Luna's nose with affection in her eyes. She knew that since Luna's birth, she had always been particularly close to her brother. Perhaps this was the wonder of their shared bloodline.
Cheers surged through the square like waves. Her brother stood tall on the platform, his posture straight and proud, resembling a sword drawn from its sheath. Who would have thought that just months ago, he had been a bedridden invalid, struggling even to turn over?
“Thank you all for your support! I owe my success today to my family’s help, especially my sister, Luna.” His voice was powerful and resonant as his deep gaze fell upon Luna in Aelia's arms. The crowd’s attention shifted to Luna as well.
This delicate baby seemed to possess some magical power that brought good fortune to those around her. Luna met her brother’s gaze without hesitation, beaming with a radiant smile. She knew this was just the beginning.
She intended to change not only her brother’s destiny but also that of Magic Castle and everyone who loved her! News of her brother’s triple victory in the Magic Arena spread like wildfire throughout every corner of Magic Castle. People rushed to share the news, their joy palpable.
Even the air was filled with a sense of ease. In Second Brother’s room, sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating his face. He no longer isolated himself in darkness but opened the window to let in the light.
“Luna, thank you,” Second Brother murmured softly to himself.
He recalled the words Luna had spoken to him that night, hints about betrayal from a close friend. At first, he had been skeptical, but after conducting his own investigation, he discovered that everything was as Luna had said.
It turned out he had been deceived by the very person he trusted the most, ensnared in a meticulously crafted Magic Trap. Now, he had finally extricated himself from that predicament and regained his sense of self.
He slowly stood up and walked to his desk, picking up a thick Grimoire. It had been a long time since he had touched these books. He had once been the most talented Mage in the Magic Castle, but after being betrayed by a close friend, he had fallen into despair.
"I will start anew!" Second Brother declared with determination in his eyes. He was ready to reclaim his confidence and restore his reputation in the magical world! He would make those who once mocked and belittled him see him in a new light!
Brother San's transformation was also quietly unfolding. He no longer indulged in his Magical Talent; instead, he began to train earnestly. Every day, he dedicated substantial time to practicing various magical skills, continuously enhancing his abilities. He realized that while talent was important, effort was even more crucial. Relying solely on talent without hard work would ultimately lead to nothing.
He often visited Luna's room, watching her babble as she learned to speak and stumble as she took her first steps. In those moments, he felt a powerful force urging him to move forward. "Luna, I will become an excellent Mage," Brother San whispered softly, sensing that the crisis facing their Magic Castle was gradually easing.
But Luna knew that this was merely the calm before the storm. A greater crisis awaited them.
One day, Aelia was organizing documents in her room when Qin Si walked in, looking somewhat hesitant. "Madam, there's something... I'm not sure if I should say it," Qin Si stammered.
"What is it? Go ahead," Aelia replied, looking up at her with curiosity.
"I... I heard that the Lord of the Fortress... he has... another woman outside," Qin Si's voice dropped to a whisper as if afraid of being overheard.
Upon hearing this, Aelia's documents slipped from her hands and fell to the floor. She froze, her mind going blank. "What did you say?" she could hardly believe her ears.
Qin Si took a deep breath, summoning his courage to speak. "My lady, it’s true. I saw it with my own eyes. The Lord of the Fortress was with a woman in a villa outside the city… behaving intimately."
Aelia felt as if the world was spinning around her; years of love shattered in an instant. She had always believed that she and Leonard were truly in love, that their bond was unbreakable. But now, she realized that everything had been a lie.
"It’s impossible… this can’t be true…" Aelia shook her head, unwilling to accept the reality before her. She recalled Leonard's recent strange behavior—his frequent late nights and growing indifference toward her. She had thought he was simply preoccupied with the crisis at the Magic Castle, neglecting her in his turmoil. But now it seemed he was merely making excuses for his concubine!
Anger erupted within Aelia like a volcano. She felt deceived, betrayed! The love she had cherished all this time turned out to be a cruel joke.
"Leonard! You dare betray me!" Aelia gritted her teeth, her voice trembling with fury. Her heart felt as if it were being torn apart, unbearable pain consuming her. She could not accept this truth, could not accept her husband’s betrayal of her destiny.
Staggering to the window, she gazed into the distance. The setting sun painted the sky blood red, as if heralding an impending storm. She clenched her fists tightly, her white nails digging deep into her flesh.
She would not be defeated so easily; she would fight back! Leonard would pay for his betrayal!
As night fell, Aelia sat alone in her dark room, the lights unlit and shadows enveloping her. She remained still, like a statue, as memories of her time with Leonard flashed through her mind—each beautiful moment now turned bitterly ironic.
She felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness and helplessness. She didn’t know what to do or whom to confide in. Suddenly, she thought of Luna. That delicate little infant was her only hope.
Slowly, she rose and walked to the cradle. Luna lay sleeping peacefully, her rosy cheeks adorably charming.
Aelia gently stroked Luna, her voice filled with confusion as she softly asked, "Luna, what do you think Mommy should do?" Luna seemed to understand her words, smiling faintly in her sleep.
Seeing Luna's smile, a surge of strength welled up within Aelia. She could not be defeated; she had to live strongly for Luna! She would make those who had hurt her pay the price!
"Madam, are you alright?" Qin Si entered with a bowl of hot soup and quietly asked upon seeing Aelia standing by the cradle.
Aelia turned to look at Qin Si. "Qin Si, I need you to do something for me..." Her voice was soft but filled with determination. She paused and lowered her voice, saying, "Find out everything about Leonard's concubine. I want to know all there is to know about her..."
Inside Aelia, it felt as if a fire was burning. The taste of betrayal was like swallowing a red-hot iron, searing through her insides. Yet the pride that coursed through her veins would not allow her to sink into despair.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm the tumultuous emotions within her. The cold air filled her lungs, bringing a sense of clarity. She walked to the window and opened it; the night breeze, tinged with a hint of coldness, swept over her, blowing away the loose strands of hair from her forehead.
The night sky was deep and vast, dotted with stars that sparkled like diamonds embedded in a black canvas. Moonlight poured down like water, enveloping the earth in a layer of silver radiance.
As Aelia gazed out at the scenery, her expression gradually became resolute. She could not falter; she was the Lady of the Glorious Demon Fortress and the mother of three children. She bore responsibilities that could not be crushed by personal emotions.
Leonard's betrayal had indeed pierced her heart deeply, but she could not allow it to make her give up on herself, on her children, or on the Glorious Demon Fortress.
"Leonard, do you think you can break me with this? You're mistaken!" Aelia silently vowed in her heart. "I will make you pay for your betrayal!"
She turned around and walked to the grooming table, looking at herself in the mirror. Her complexion was pale, and her eyes were slightly red, but they shone with unwavering determination.
Taking another deep breath, she began to tidy herself up. She would face the upcoming challenges in her best form.
Meanwhile, Luna lay in the cradle with wide-open eyes, staring at the ceiling. Her little mind was racing with thoughts.
She knew that the crisis at the Magic Castle was far from over; Leonard's betrayal was merely one of the triggers. A greater danger awaited them in the shadows.
"Sigh, it's truly exhausting!" Luna silently sighed to herself. Although she was just a baby, she possessed the soul of an adult, which meant she understood better than anyone what was about to happen. She had to protect her family, safeguard the Glorious Demon Fortress, and change everyone's destiny!
Her tiny hands clenched into fists.
Lucius sat in his study, holding a book but unable to read a single word. In his mind, Luna's image kept emerging—the little baby with incredible power. He recalled what Luna had said to him that night, the prophecies about their family's destiny. He had once dismissed them, but now he found himself compelled to believe.
He stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the night sky. The stars twinkled as if they were whispering secrets.
"Luna, I will help you," Lucius silently vowed. "I will stand with you to protect the Glorious Demon Fortress!" His eyes were filled with determination and resolve.
The people of Magic Castle expressed their support upon learning Aelia's decision. They felt anger at Leonard's betrayal but also admiration for Aelia's strength.
"Madam, we will all support you!" Qin Si declared firmly. "We believe you can lead us through this crisis!"
"Yes, Madam, we are your most loyal servants!" the other attendants chimed in.
Aelia looked at everyone, her heart swelling with gratitude. She knew she was not fighting alone; so many stood behind her in support. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Thank you all. I will lead everyone and revitalize the Glorious Demon Fortress!" Her voice was filled with strength and hope.
As night deepened, Magic Castle gradually fell silent. Aelia lay in bed but found it impossible to sleep. In her mind, Leonard's image kept emerging along with scenes of his intimacy with Leonard's Concubine. Her heart ached as if pierced by needles.
But she knew she could no longer indulge in her sorrow. She had to pull herself together, for herself, for the Children, and for the Glorious Demon Fortress. She slowly closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself.
Suddenly, she heard a faint sound of footsteps outside the door. She opened her eyes alertly and sat up. "Who’s there?" she asked softly. There was no answer from outside, but the footsteps grew closer.
Aelia's heart sank. She sensed a presence of danger. Quickly, she got out of bed and walked to the door, gently opening it.
Outside stood a shadow. "Who are you?" Aelia asked warily. The shadow did not respond but slowly approached her. Aelia's heart raced.
She felt the chill of death looming over her. "What do you want?" she trembled as she asked. The shadow remained silent, extending its hand toward her.
With a cry of panic, Aelia turned and ran. "Help!" she shouted loudly. But her voice was quickly swallowed by the night.
The shadow moved swiftly, catching up to her in an instant. It grabbed her hair and violently threw her to the ground. Aelia cried out in pain.
The shadow gave her no chance to catch her breath; it mounted her and tightened its grip around her neck. "Mmm…" Aelia struggled, desperate for air, but no breath came.
Her vision began to blur. She felt herself slipping away.
Her voice was so faint it was almost inaudible, laced with fear, betrayal, and… could she dare admit it? A flicker of hope that refused to fade away. Hope that maybe, just maybe, there could be an explanation. A "reasonable" explanation.
But honestly, what reasonable explanation could there be for lurking outside her door right after his wife had been attacked? Luna, may her small, brave heart be protected, clutched her little wooden sword tightly. She looked up at Aurea, her big eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight, then turned her gaze back to the door.
“Bad guy?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. It was like a small warrior assessing the strength of an enemy.
Before Aurea could respond, the door creaked open to reveal Leonard. He looked disheveled; his usually pristine Magic Robe was askew, and his hair was a tangled mess. He appeared… very alarmed.
“Aurea! Are you okay? I heard a sound of Qian Jiao…” His eyes scanned the room frantically before settling on Luna, who still held onto her ridiculous little sword.
A strange expression flickered across his face—was it anger? Or confusion?—before being replaced by concern.
“Qian Jiao?” Aurea repeated, the word cold as ice.
“You heard a sound of ‘Qian Jiao’? Really, Leonard? That’s all you heard?” She propped herself up, ignoring the sharp pain in her neck.
She straightened up to face him, embodying a wife betrayed and furious. “Or were you perhaps busy with… other things at that moment?”
Leonard flinched slightly. He opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t utter a single word. He looked like a deer caught in headlights, completely at a loss.
To be honest, this only made Aurea angrier.
“Don’t try to play innocent in front of me, Leonard!” she hissed. “I know. I ‘know’ about her!”
Leonard’s face turned ashen in an instant.
He stammered, "Aurea, I... I can explain..."
"Explain?" Aurea laughed, the sound harsh and dry, echoing in the small room.
"Oh, I would love to hear your explanation. Please, do tell me. Why should I believe every word that spills from your deceitful mouth?"
He took a step closer to her, reaching out his hand. "Aurea, please..."
Aurea recoiled as if he had struck her.
"Don't touch me!" she trembled, pointing toward the door.
"Get out. Just... get out."
Luna felt her mother’s pain and stomped her little feet.
"Go away, bad man!" she waved her small wooden sword, the candlelight flickering on its surface, making it look almost... a bit frightening.
Close enough.
Leonard glanced at Aurea and then at Luna, his face a mix of confusion, hurt, and... was that fear?
Afraid of a little girl with a stick?
Maybe.
He opened his mouth again but seemed to change his mind.
He turned and disappeared into the darkness of the corridor without another word.
The door clicked shut, and Aurea collapsed to the floor, covering her face with her hands.
Luna climbed onto her lap, patting her arm with her tiny hands.
"Is Mommy sad?" she asked softly.
Aurea held Luna tightly in her embrace.
"It's okay, sweetheart," she murmured, though she wasn't sure if she was comforting Luna or herself.
"Mommy will be fine." But as she spoke those words, a terrible thought began to emerge in her mind.
If it wasn't Leonard who attacked her... then who could it be?
What did they want?
Why did the walls of the carefully constructed world around her seem to be crumbling?
This night was far from over. And a voice told Aurea that this was just the beginning.
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