beyond the veil

chapter 22

As the grand ceremony to crown Rowan as the new king was underway, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. Neon and Dorian stood among the crowd, their hearts swelling with pride for Rowan as he prepared to ascend to the throne.

Suddenly, the joyful mood was shattered by the arrival of urgent news – Snowvale was under attack. The crowd erupted into murmurs of shock and concern, and Neon's heart clenched with fear for her homeland.

Dorian's expression hardened as he turned to face Neon, his eyes filled with determination. "We must return to Snowvale immediately," he declared, his voice firm and commanding.

Neon nodded, her own resolve steeling as she stood by Dorian's side. "Yes, we must go at once," she agreed, her voice tinged with urgency.

Rowan, now crowned as king, approached them with a grave expression. "I'm sorry, Neon, Dorian," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I had hoped this day would be one of celebration, but it seems fate has other plans."

Dorian clasped Rowan's shoulder in a show of solidarity. "Thank you, Rowan," he said, his tone filled with gratitude. "We will return to Snowvale and defend our people with everything we have."

With a shared understanding, Neon, Dorian, and Rowan prepared to depart for Snowvale, Rowan's offer to assist Dorian in the upcoming war came as a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and brotherhood. As the two kings stood facing each other, their expressions solemn yet resolute, Neon felt a surge of pride and admiration for both of them.

"Dorian, you are more than just my brother-in-law," Rowan began, his voice steady and determined. "You are like a brother to me, and I will stand by your side in this time of need. Together, as kings of our own nations, we will work together to defend Snowvale and ensure its safety."

Dorian's eyes gleamed with gratitude and respect as he clasped Rowan's forearm in a firm handshake. "Thank you, Rowan," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your support means everything to me, and I am grateful to have you by my side in the days to come."

Neon watched the exchange between her husband and her brother with a sense of pride and awe. She knew that Dorian was the strongest man in Snowvale, but she also appreciated Rowan's willingness to lend his strength and expertise to assist him in the upcoming battle.

As the preparations for war began in earnest, Neon found comfort in the knowledge that her husband and her brother were working together as allies and comrades-in-arms. And as they stood united against the looming threat, she knew that their bond of brotherhood would only grow stronger in the face of adversity.

As the war between Snowvale and Aquaria raged on, Dorian led his kingdom with strength and determination, earning the respect of his allies and the fear of his enemies. However, his reign was suddenly threatened when he was betrayed by his own advisor, who stabbed him with a poisoned knife.

Rowan, always vigilant and perceptive, sensed that something was amiss. He hurried to Dorian's side and found him lying in a pool of blood, his strength waning with each passing moment. With a mix of rage and concern, Rowan swiftly dispatched the traitorous advisor before rushing Dorian to the castle's medical quarters.

The doctors examined Dorian's wounds and grimly informed Rowan that the situation was dire. Dorian's blood vessels had been severely damaged, and only a delicate surgery could save him. However, they lacked a skilled surgeon capable of performing such a procedure.

Rowan knew that there was only one person who could save Dorian – his sister, Neon. Unaware of her identity as a vascular surgeon at her previous world,he thought neon lack  formal training as a surgeon, but Rowan remembered Neon's determination and resourcefulness. He knew that she possessed the skills and knowledge needed to perform the surgery.