beyond the veil

chapter 13

Neon held Yato tenderly in her arms as they made their way towards Snowvale, her heart heavy with worry but also filled with determination. Despite the challenges they had faced along the way, she was relieved that they had finally reached their destination.

As they approached the grand Royal castle of Snowvale, Neon gently shook Yato awake. "Yato, we're here. This is your home," she whispered softly, her voice filled with reassurance.

But before Yato could fully awaken, a group of guards approached them, their expressions stern and unwavering. Neon's heart clenched with fear as they forcibly took Yato from her grasp, ignoring his protests and pleas.

"Wait, he's with me! Yato, tell them!" Neon cried out, desperation creeping into her voice as she reached out to him.

But the guards paid no heed to Yato's words either, their eyes narrowing as they caught sight of Neon's vibrant red hair. In their eyes, she was nothing more than an enemy, a threat to their kingdom's safety.

Before Neon could react, she was roughly grabbed by the guards and dragged away, her protests falling on deaf ears as they threw her into a cold, dark prison cell. Alone and helpless, she could only watch helplessly as Yato was taken away, his fate uncertain to her.

The man sat in the most luxurious room of the castle, surrounded by opulence and silence. The darkness enveloped him like a cloak as he waited in anticipation. Suddenly, the silence was broken by the arrival of a guard, who delivered news that sent a jolt of electricity through the room.

"Your Majesty, Prince Yato has returned. He is unharmed, and the doctors are still examining him for any possible injuries. However, the red-haired woman who was with him is in the dungeon," the guard reported, his voice echoing in the dimly lit chamber.

At the mention of Yato's return, the man's demeanor shifted instantly. With a sense of urgency, he stood up, his tall frame imposing in the faint light. "Where is Yato?" he demanded, his voice deep and commanding as he stepped into the illumination. His long white hair gleamed like moonlight, and his molten gold eyes blazed with intensity.

The guard hesitated for a moment before responding, "Prince Yato is currently in the care of the doctors, Your Majesty. They are ensuring his well-being."

Without another word, the man strode purposefully towards the door, his expression unreadable as he made his way to where Yato was being examined. In that moment, the resemblance between the man and the figure from Neon's dream was uncanny, sending a chill down the guard's spine as he watched the prince vanish into the shadows.

As Yato saw the handsome white-haired man approaching, his eyes lit up with joy and relief. "Uncle Dorian!" he exclaimed, running into the man's outstretched arms.

Dorian enveloped Yato in a warm embrace, relief flooding his features as he held his nephew close. "Yato, my boy, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern as he examined him for any signs of harm.

Yato shook his head, a smile spreading across his face. "I'm fine, Uncle Dorian. Not a scratch on me," he assured him, grateful for his uncle's concern.

Dorian let out a sigh of relief, his worry easing at Yato's words. "Thank the heavens," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from Yato's forehead.

Curiosity piqued, Dorian then asked, "What happened, Yato? How did you end up in prison?"

Yato's expression sobered as he recounted the events that led to his capture. "I was taken by the guards, but a kind man intervened and told them to treat me well. Then Neon came and saved me from execution," he explained, gratitude shining in his eyes as he spoke of the red-haired woman who had risked everything to rescue him.

Dorian listened intently to Yato's tale, his heart swelling with pride at his nephew's bravery and resilience. "Neon," he murmured thoughtfully, the name sparking recognition in his mind.

As Yato pleaded with his uncle to save Neon, Dorian's heart softened with compassion for the young woman who had risked her life to protect his nephew. "Do not worry, Yato. I will ensure that Neon is treated fairly ," he promised, his voice firm with determination.

With Yato's reassurance in mind, Dorian made his way to the prison where Neon was being held. As he entered the dimly lit cell, his gaze settled on the woman sitting in the corner, her fiery red hair cascading around her shoulders like a halo of flames.

Neon's heart pounded with fear as she recognized the man from her nightmare, his piercing golden eyes sending shivers down her spine. She remained silent, her body tense with apprehension as she awaited his judgment.

Dorian studied Neon with an unreadable expression, his gaze sweeping over her features with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. Despite the fear that gripped her, Neon couldn't help but notice the intensity of his gaze, the way his eyes seemed to penetrate to the depths of her soul.

Finally, Dorian spoke, his voice calm and measured. "Are you the one who saved Yato?" he asked, his tone neutral as he awaited her response.

Neon nodded slowly, her throat tight with emotion. "Yes, I-I saved him," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dorian's expression softened slightly at her admission, a flicker of admiration crossing his features. "Very well," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority. "Inform the guards to escort Neon to the guestroom and instruct the maids to assist her in dressing. I will speak with her later."

With that, Dorian turned to leave the prison cell, leaving Neon to ponder the uncertain fate that awaited her. As she was led away by the guards, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered in the air, knowing that her encounter with Dorian was only the beginning of a journey fraught with danger and uncertainty.