ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*we have to inform ZELERIOUS*

***author's pov***

As the brothers returned to the palace, the atmosphere was thick with frustration and tension. None of them spoke a word as they walked through the grand halls, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors. Each one was fuming with anger, particularly at Jerone.

Alexander clenched his fists, his jaw tight as he led the way. Asher's usually calm demeanor had been replaced by a stern, icy expression, while Kian's eyes burned with quiet fury. Jerone, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, his face hard as stone, though the tension in the air made it clear his brothers' resentment was sinking in.

As they reached the grand hall, Alexander broke the silence. "We can't afford this recklessness, Jerone," he said, his voice low but filled with simmering anger. "This isn't just about you anymore."

Jerone didn't respond, but the air seemed to grow colder around him, his powers reacting to his emotions. The brothers stood in a tense silence, each trying to calm their tempers before Queen Serena arrived.

As they stood in the hall, a small glowing butterfly fluttered through the open window. Its wings shimmered with hues of gold and silver, gently landing on Alexander's shoulder. The moment it touched him, a soft, ethereal voice echoed in his mind.

"Queen Serena will arrive in a few days."

Alexander sighed deeply, the news bringing a momentary sense of calm, though the tension still lingered. He turned to his brothers, his expression grim.

"Serena won't be here for a few days. We have to manage things until then," he said, his voice steady but laced with concern.

Kian nodded slowly, while Asher remained silent, deep in thought. Jerone scoffed, turning away, but even he knew they had no choice but to wait for Serena's wisdom.

Asher and Kian silently made their way through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. Both were lost in their own thoughts, the weight of the recent events heavy on their minds.

As they approached Valeria's chamber, Kian glanced at Asher, his face tight with concern. "I hope she's resting," he muttered.

Asher nodded, but his heart ached, knowing that Valeria was far from peace. The rejection from Jerone, combined with the strange connection to Zelerious, had taken a toll on her. They opened the door slowly, stepping into the room where Valeria lay. Her once vibrant form looked pale, the black veins still faintly visible under her skin. Her breathing was shallow, and her eyes remained closed, as if she were caught between two worlds.

Asher sat by her side, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "We're here, Valeria," he whispered, as if hoping his presence alone could bring her some comfort.

Kian stood at the foot of the bed, his fists clenched. "We'll protect her. No matter what," he promised quietly, more to himself than anyone else.

Alexander, pacing through the dimly lit hallway, halted as he caught sight of two guards lingering outside Valeria's room, their heads tilted slightly as they peeked inside. His eyes narrowed with suspicion and irritation.

"What do you think you're doing?" Alexander's voice was sharp, filled with authority as it echoed through the corridor.

The guards immediately stiffened, startled by his presence. They turned, their faces paling as they met Alexander's hard gaze. "Apologies, my lord. We were just-" one of them began, stammering as he struggled to find a proper explanation.

"Just what?" Alexander's voice was low but dangerous. He stepped closer, his presence towering over them. "If I find any of you disrespecting her privacy again, you'll regret it."

The guards bowed quickly, murmuring hurried apologies before scrambling away from the door, leaving Alexander standing in front of Valeria's room, his jaw clenched. He cast one last glance toward the door before turning to continue down the hallway, tension still lingering in his stiff posture.

Alexander froze mid-step as realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. The guards' eyes-completely white, devoid of any normal hue. It sent a chilling sensation through him. His mind raced. How could it be?

Turning sharply on his heel, he narrowed his gaze toward the spot where the guards had been. It was too unusual, too unnatural. White eyes... they were not just any guards. Something dark, perhaps sinister, was controlling them. His chest tightened with concern.

Were they spying on Valeria for someone?

He clenched his fists, his thoughts spiraling. His instincts told him there was more danger lurking around Valeria than any of them had anticipated. He couldn't let his guard down, not now. Someone or something was watching her, possibly working against them.

Without hesitation, Alexander decided to investigate this strange occurrence further. Valeria's safety was paramount, and whatever or whoever was behind this needed to be confronted before it escalated.

Alexander moved cautiously, his footsteps barely making a sound as he followed the guards. His muscles were tense, ready to react if they sensed him. The two guards, unaware of his presence, walked in perfect synchrony, their white eyes giving them an eerie, mechanical air.

As they moved deeper into the palace, Alexander kept a steady pace behind them. The halls grew darker, the light from the torches flickering, casting long, dancing shadows on the stone walls. His mind raced with possibilities. Who could be controlling them? And why?

Every step felt heavier as they approached a secluded section of the palace-a place few ventured. The atmosphere was thick with an unnatural silence, and Alexander's instincts screamed at him that something was very wrong. He pressed his back against the wall, peeking around the corner, eyes locked on the guards as they entered a room at the far end of the corridor. The door creaked open, revealing only darkness beyond.

What are they planning? He knew he needed to find out without alerting them.

Carefully, he inched closer, his heart pounding in his chest.

Alexander's eyes widened in shock as he overheard the guards' conversation. Their voices were low, almost a whisper, but the words were clear enough.

"...we need to inform Zelerious. Her arrival is confirmed," one of the guards said, his voice devoid of emotion, as if controlled by some dark force.

"Once he knows, he'll prepare for her," the other guard responded. "Valeria can't stay safe here for long."

Alexander clenched his fists, his blood boiling. Zelerious had spies inside the palace, and worse, they were plotting against Valeria. This confirmed his worst fears. Zelerious knew more than they had anticipated, and these guards were the link.

He took a slow step back, his mind racing. He couldn't confront them now-it would expose him, and they would alert Zelerious too soon. But he had to protect Valeria, and time was running out. What if they had already sent a message?