Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 41: Whispers of the Dark

"That year, King Magnus died because of the seal, and his family couldn't escape the calamity either." Neven stood in front of the tombstone, his voice low and slow, as if each word carried the weight of heavy memories. "Aria, no one is willing to come here except you. You know the history of Sovereign Bastion better than anyone, even better than the Lunar Essence Clan. What I can't understand is, if you really are the Aria Magnus on this tombstone, how could you still be alive? Your age makes no sense in this context."

Aria's face turned pale, anger blazing in her eyes. "You brought me to the graveyard on purpose? I can't believe this. You were the person I trusted the most..."

Neven lowered his head, silent for a moment. "Aria, I just want to understand everything, but I don't want to hurt you." His voice carried deep exhaustion and guilt. "When you first told me your name was Aria, I immediately thought of this tombstone. I thought it was a coincidence, but the day you mentioned your brother's name was Xander, I couldn't stop wanting to know what was going on. I felt you had lived here; I could sense it."

Neven stepped forward, the moonlight casting deep remorse on his face.

"If I say I am, would you believe me?" Aria let out a bitter laugh, a tear glistening in her eye. "Who would believe I've lived for over two hundred years? People would think I'm crazy."

"I believe you, Aria. No matter how strange it is, I'll try to understand it." Neven exhaled deeply, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I've been hesitant to bring you here, afraid of hurting you..."

Aria's heart pounded, and she looked at him with unprecedented betrayal. "You planned this all along? You brought me here just to find out who I am?" Tears glistened in her eyes under the moonlight, and she shoved Neven away as if he were the source of all her pain.

She walked away quickly, her footsteps echoing in the silent night. Memories of the time spent with Neven deepened the cracks in her heart.

Neven stood still, watching her retreating figure, his heart aching. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside, but the helplessness made it hard to breathe. He led his fiery horse, trudging heavily after her.

Aria quickened her pace, heading towards the royal city on the hillside. The sound of hooves followed her, Spark occasionally letting out bursts of flames.

As she entered the city gates, Neven urged Spark on, the fiery horse galloping past Aria. The royal city was brightly lit, filled with joyous laughter, but the merriment clashed with their current mood.

Lyra, slightly tipsy, descended the steps with a dazed smile and grabbed Neven's hand, her voice thick with intoxication. "The Starguard warriors are waiting for you. Sable said you beat Stormblade, all thanks to him."

Neven forced a smile, trying to hide his weakness. "Lyra, I have something to do." He tried to pull away, but Lyra's grip tightened.

"Don't be like this, Neven, everyone is waiting for you." Lyra tugged at his hand, pulling him towards the bustling hall.

Laughter erupted as a group of Starguard members rushed out, dragging Neven up the steps. Sable stood in the center, waving his arms excitedly, recounting his "legendary exploits."

"Don't steal my spotlight. Hey... Lyra... don't let him in, I'm not done with my story yet." Sable shouted, his face brimming with pride.

Aria quickened her pace, relieved to finally escape Neven's pursuit. She only wanted to find a quiet place to calm down, her emotions on the brink of collapse.

She skirted the high walls, heading for the north tower's side entrance. Suddenly, a shadow emerged from the corner, blocking her path. The moon cast a long shadow behind him, making his silhouette look especially eerie.