Revelation

Euna's Onslaught

Hey, guys! Happy Father's Day to all of the loving, caring, and compassionate fathers out there today! Keep doing what you're doing and we're all so grateful to have you all! Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy reading!

Walking into the vast hall of his home after the battle at Hymên, Eugene was greeted by the sight of Iago standing by the grand staircase waiting expectantly for him.

"Ah, Prince Eugene. Welcome back," Iago bowed respectfully.

"...Iago," Eugene said, raising a suspicious brow. "It's pretty rare for you to greet me like this."

"Yes..." Iago said. "I just have a question regarding Hymên. Did you come back without finishing off that traitor...?"

"Leave the small talk for later. I have a report for Father," Eugene said irritatedly, shouldering past him to ascend the stairs to the throne room.

Watching the crown prince take his leave, Iago muttered to himself, "That behavior... I'm guessing he didn't. Perhaps he's growing soft and starting to fall for Jack's ideas."

"I don't think so."

Iago didn't even need to turn his head to know that Hans had just come in.

"Even if he's starting to waver in the cause, he's still the crown prince," Hans smirked, coming up beside Iago. "And it looks like he refused Jack's offer, too."

"But, Princess Astrid completely betrayed us," Iago pointed out. "I'm very shocked at the depth of her loyalty. Right now, there's no telling what Jack's army is up to. Who knows when Prince Eugene and his retainers will join their side? ...From here on out, we should watch their movements carefully."

"Agreed."

A little ways off, behind one of the many pillars adorning the hallway they were in, Anna listened in to the two men's conversation. She frowned as their talk continued.

"There's no mistaking what they just said..." Anna whispered to herself. "Astrid is with Jack..." she allowed herself a small smile. "I knew he wasn't a traitor..."

..~..

As Eugene stepped over the last stair, he was surprised to see yet another person waiting for him at the top: Galaxy.

"Eugene... Welcome back," she said, walking in stride with him as they both headed for the throne room. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Father's situation is getting stranger and stranger..."

"...That's enough, Galaxy," Eugene said, catching himself at the last second to not bark. He gave a heavy sigh. "Father...his health is merely not doing well. If we win this war, I'm sure he'll return to his old self. I trust Father. Absolutely. And I will continue to do so until the gods themselves send me a sign saying otherwise."

"...Really?" Galaxy raised a brow. "Can you still say that, even when you're about to see Father as he is now...?"

"What...?"

Maniacal laughter ricocheted around the room at that moment, startling Eugene and only making Galaxy look at him pointedly. At the throne, standing up with his arms outstretched above him, Pitch was cackling wildly while sweating profusely.

"Father?" Eugene said softly.

"Continue...the war," Pitch panted, smiling insanely down at them. "No matter what, continue it... Burn...burn everything to the ground... Don't even leave behind ashes..."

"Father! What happened to you...?!" Eugene said more loudly.

"Eugene, be quiet and listen to me..." Pitch growled. "Overthrow...Hnda... Destroy...Euna, too...!"