The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 68

Matsu's brows furrowed as he read the message from Lady Emilia, a sense of unease settling over him. "This is not good," he muttered, his voice tinged with concern.

Blaze, who was sitting nearby, glanced over at him, her expression mirroring his worry. "So, Illiyas is off the hook now?" she asked, her tone skeptical.

Matsu nodded grimly. "Seems like it," he replied. "But if he's not the leader of the Royal Vanguard, then who is?"

Calie and Marie exchanged troubled looks, their minds racing with possibilities. "It could be anyone," Calie said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Someone we least expect."

Blaze, spoke up, her tone determined. "We need to find out who's really behind all of this," she said, her eyes flashing with resolve. "Before it's too late."

Matsu nodded in agreement, his jaw set in determination. "Agreed," he said firmly. "We can't let this go unresolved. We need to get to the bottom of it, no matter what."

With a shared sense of purpose, the team began to brainstorm their next steps, knowing that the stakes had never been higher.

...

Back in the Solstice Kingdom Illiyas was talking with his little sister about finding a way to bring back the king by himself, no allies to impede him, and his sister, Sumi, asks how he's going to do it.

Illiyas leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on the table as he contemplated his sister's question. "It won't be easy, Sumi," he replied, his voice tinged with determination. "But I have a plan."

Sumi leaned forward, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What kind of plan?" she asked eagerly.

"I'm going to gather the necessary resources and allies," Illiyas explained, his gaze steady. "And then, I'm going to make my move. I'll do whatever it takes to bring back our king."

Sumi nodded, her expression serious. "But won't it be dangerous?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Illiyas smiled reassuringly at his sister. "Of course it will be," he replied. "But sometimes, the most important things are worth risking everything for."

Sumi's eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked up at her brother. "I believe in you, Illiyas," she said softly. "I know you can do it."

Illiyas reached out and squeezed his sister's hand, a sense of determination burning in his eyes. "Thank you, Sumi," he said sincerely. "With your support, nothing can stop me."

Then Sumi noticed a small cut on his hand and worried about it, he said it's no big deal and she used her aura to heal him instantly. Illiyas smiled and kissed her forehead and said she's the nicest girl he knows, and she's just like mom, if she were here, she'd be proud.

Sumi blushed at the compliment, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. "Thanks, Illiyas," she murmured, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "I just want to help you however I can."

Illiyas brushed a strand of hair away from his sister's face, his gaze softening. "And you do, Sumi," he said sincerely. "You're always there for me, just like Mom was."

Sumi's eyes welled up with tears at the mention of their mother, but she quickly blinked them away, forcing a smile. "I miss her," she admitted softly.

Illiyas pulled his sister into a gentle hug, his embrace comforting. "I miss her too," he whispered. "But I know she's watching over us, proud of the people we've become."

Sumi nodded, her heart swelling with emotion. "I hope so," she murmured, leaning into her brother's embrace. "I hope so."

Illiyas then gets a message that his guard shift is starting he says goodbye to Sumi and tells her to stay safe in her weapons training, and Sumi puts on her military gear and picks up her weapon and sighs saying she's just a medic and heads to combat training.