Miri’s POV

I am shocked, No, flabbergasted by what Tarin just told me about the incident five years ago. What everyone had blamed on negligence and cruelty actually had so much more going on behind the scenes.

“Wait, so if we follow what you just said, it’s most likely a member of the Hollow Thorn who took my brother then?” I look around for confirmation. “But… he’s human. What would they want him for? He also never had Myrridan, at least none I ever saw him use. So why would they take him?”

“‘Why’ is all we’ve been asking since this organization appeared,” my father responds grimly. “And since the whole case was hushed years ago, nothing has been seen or heard of them. But now you’re saying two appeared in the academy. Do you know what that means?”

“It means either they are students meaning Hollow Thorns consist of more than just Myrridan-endowed humans or it means there is a powerful empire elite backing them, and they are simply shadow guards who were reckless and couldn’t notice anything off,” Renn interjects.

Fenn turns to him thoughtfully. “But if we were to go by the first theory, it doesn’t exactly make sense. Commander Rehn would have sensed their core source. So we have no choice but to go by the second assumption.”

“I was undergoing punishment. That was why I was there,” I add quickly. “Apart from the construction crew, headmaster, and some sanitation staff, no other student or person was in the premises.”

“Another person was there actually,” Ryden says, drawing every eye toward him. “Prince Draven was there. He has always been suspicious. A few years back, he disappeared, saying he was training under a reclusive master… and then his power tripled. He has both the political and physical strength to carry out something like that.”

“The timeline doesn’t match,” Malric points out. “For them to have been that skilled and coordinated, they needed at least 8–10 years of training. Under what age would he have accomplished all that?”

Aeren suddenly jumps up. “What if… rather than build it, he inherited it?”

We all turn to Aeren in confusion, waiting for him to explain.

“He left the palace to only the heavens know where for several years to train under a recluse who shares his ideals and built his innate power. No one knows who this master is or what his motives are. What if he built the organization and passed it on to Draven, since Draven has the political power and status to make a bigger splash? Maybe Draven is just the front man… and the recluse master is the real leader underneath.”

Another stunned moment silences our family.

“That has to be the smartest thing you’ve ever said, Aeren,” my father remarks, which earns a round of laughter.

“But we can’t accuse him based on speculation,” Father adds. “Neither can we brush it off. Just be wary. Watch him. But do not alert him. Act as you normally would.”

He turns to me. “So, Miri, what do you want to do now?”

“Father, I want permission to go to No Man’s Land. I would like to search there for traces or clues that might lead me to my brother.”

“The alliance decided to close it for ten years. It is now forbidden land. If you go there and something happens to you, no one will be allowed to mobilize troops to help. It will be like throwing you into a dragon’s den.”

“Father, I’m aware of all this. But I am willing to take the risk. Will you please allow me?”

And for the first time since coming here, I bow to him. No matter what, I have to go. I have to find Torvin.

“I will give you permission,” he finally says, “but you must go with three of your brothers. Renn is non-negotiable. And Tarin is unavailable.”

I laugh at his words. “Thanks, Father, for easing the decision for me. I’ll go with Renn, Aeren, and Rian then.”

Lior looks at me, clearly offended. “You didn’t pick me, lil sis. Why?”

“Because I need my able brother to stay with Malric and help me protect Alira. I know I can trust you with that task. Can’t I?”

He nods so eagerly it earns another laugh from me but not from Alira.

“Take me with you.”

“That would never happen. I know you’re strong, but against energia, you can do nothing. I will not take you to your possible demise. I love you too much for that.”

She stares at me, ready to retort.

“Ouch, girl,” Aeren mutters with a light shrug, earning a chuckle.

“I understand you, Riri,” Alira says softly. “Even though I hate it. I shall wait for you.”

“Thank you, Ali.”

“I will go with you,” Ryden says, taking my hand.

But my father shuts that idea down instantly.

“You are a Dragonian prince. You cannot follow her. It will lead to uproar. If you care for her, go back to your family and pay attention to their every move. They might have some involvement.”

Ryden bows in respect and turns to leave only for the door to open and a servant to rush in, announcing the arrival of Prince Draven of the Demon Empire.

We all freeze.

What was he doing here? No one invited him. How dare he come? But we can’t turn him away.

We move to the living room. The private throne room is no place for him.

“Prince Draven, to what do I and the Shadow Empire owe this splendid visit?” my father greets, his handshake firm and his grip hard almost like he wants to crush Draven’s arm.

Draven makes no comment and sits.

“I simply heard that my fiancée wasn’t feeling well and had to come back. I was worried, so I came to visit.”

“You are so caring about my daughter, Prince Draven.”

“Please, just Draven, King Korrin. We’ll be family soon enough.”

My dad bellows a laugh. “Never count your wins too early. Even at the last minute, a huge tide can still turn.”

“Thank you for the guidance, King Korrin. It shall be remembered.”

Watching their exchange from my corner feels strange. Where exactly did that whole ‘treat him the same’ speech go?

Before the room gets any colder, I step forward to defuse things.

“Prince Draven, to what do we owe this visit?”

“Sweet Velka, if you keep adding titles when speaking to me, I’ll be heartbroken,” he says as he moves closer and takes my hand.

“Prince Draven, I could help you with that broken heart. Even throw in a few ribs for good measure if you like,” Rian says dryly, yanking my hand away and wiping it clean.

Fenn adds, “Now that you’ve seen her, please leave.”

“But I just got—”

“Prince Draven, I do not appreciate repeating myself. It never ends well.”

Draven relents and raises his hands in mock surrender as he walks out of the castle.

Only to pass a restrained Lior.

“What’s going on here?” I ask, startled.

Aeren and the others let go of the ropes holding Lior.

“How dare that demonic bastard hold my little sister’s hand?! I have no issues leaving the Demon Empire without an heir!” Lior shouts once his gag is removed.

I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. These men in my life seem more concerned about him touching my hand than about the possibility that he might be the second-in-command of one of the largest rebel organizations the empires have ever seen.

But of course my hands do matter more.

I set out early this morning with Renn, Rian, and Aeren to No Man’s Land. We had been told we would meet Commander Rehn, now General Rehn at the border entrance. He would give us better details on where to begin our search for any trace or clue that might lead us to my brother. He was also meant to guide us to prevent us from getting lost… or accidentally triggering something dangerous.

And honestly, I was curious to see what this legendary General Rehn looked like. A war veteran? I imagined someone brooding and scarred, maybe aged.

We arrived in the late afternoon, just as the sun had begun its descent, and were immediately greeted by a large, burly man with a long but neatly cut beard, deep black eyes, and striking emerald green hair.

“General Rehn greets the Princess of the esteemed Shadow Empire,” he said as he bowed in respect.

This? This is the General Rehn? He was handsome. Broad-chested with a chiseled frame and a presence that commanded silence yet not at all the aged warrior I had imagined. I guess I keep forgetting that Shadows don’t age like humans.

“Princess, please, this way. Let me show you and the princes where you all shall stay for the night. Then tomorrow, we may enter No Man’s Land,” the general said.

He led us to a small cabin-like structure. It wasn’t dilapidated or broken down, but it did look old though well-maintained. The cabin was about the same size as the group home Alira and I used to live in. It had an eerie, spooky vibe to it, and strangely… I actually loved it. Though I seemed to be the only one.

“Are we meant to live in this place?” Renn asked, his tone thick with disapproval.

He was quickly supported by Rian and Aeren, who looked visibly disgusted by the sight.

“Princess, I am sorry, but apart from this cabin, your only alternative would be tents and sleeping on the ground. I thought you might prefer this option,” General Rehn explained.

Before Rian could open his mouth again, I cut in.

“It’s perfect. I like it. Thank you, General.”

Then I pushed my ungrateful brothers inside.

“Miri, what do you mean you like this?” Aeren protested once we were through the door.

“It might be small, but it’s rather cozy. It gives off a spooky charm, which makes it interesting. And though it’s old, it’s clean and well-put-together. It even reminds me a bit of the group home Ali and I stayed in. So yes, I quite like it,” I said truthfully as I wandered through the interior, running my fingers along the intricate carvings in the wooden walls, peeking through the rooms.

But then I noticed the silence.

I turned to see my three brothers watching me with something that looked like pity. Or maybe guilt.

“What’s wrong with all of you?”

Rian pulled me into a tight hug.

“You are so amazing, my little sister.”

I quickly pushed him off and scolded all of them for overreacting, turning away to hide the emotions welling in my chest, emotions even I couldn’t explain.

I picked a room. It was small, neat, and had only a bed and a table, no other furniture. My brothers protested, of course, but I insisted it was minimalistic and clean.

Though, now that I look at it a little more closely… It was a bit shabby.

But I was tired.

So I lay down and let sleep take me.

Morning came quickly.

I woke early, got ready, and headed downstairs where General Rehn, my brothers, and two more Shadow soldiers were waiting. Together, we began our journey into No Man’s Land.

We reached a large barrier field of energia that marked the entry point. The general entered a code into a glowing panel, and a pathway shimmered open through the barrier. We stepped inside.

I had expected a desert wasteland, maybe skulls or dead trees. But what I saw instead took my breath away.

No Man’s Land was beautiful.

It had lush grasses and towering trees in one sector, with a path that ran cleanly through the middle. The other side looked more desert-like, dry and windswept. There were ancient ruins, crumbling cave structures, even a large stream glittering under the light.

“For a place with such a terrifying name,” I murmured, “this is... beautiful.”

“The Forbidden Lands have no true tropical region,” the general explained. “They are still heavily affected by the ancient magics. This is the battlefield where the old war took place. The only part that remains stable is this central path. So remember: without markings, never stray from the center. Especially not into the grasslands you’ll get lost. Or worse.”

We walked in silence for a long while, until we reached a clearing surrounded by ruins.

“This is where the battle five years ago took place,” General Rehn said. “You are free to explore here. The magic doesn’t affect this spot.”

Without wasting a second, I wandered off.

My steps were cautious and deliberate as I approached the ruins. I ran my fingers across the symbols and ancient slash marks on the stone mesmerized.

But I was so absorbed, I didn’t notice the hole in the ground.

My foot slipped, got caught and before I could even react, I heard the clicking of a mechanism.

Then, I felt myself falling.

I landed hard, my back slamming into the rocky floor of a tunnel below. My head cracked against a stone. I felt dizzy.

My fingers reached up and came away wet.

Blood.

I could hear muffled voices, my brothers. I tried to speak, barely managing a weak, “I’m here,” before everything faded into black.

When I woke again, I was back in the cabin. My head was bandaged. I looked around groggily and slowly made my way outside.

The first face I saw was Ryden’s.

I blinked, thinking I was hallucinating.

Until he reached up and touched my bandage.

“What are you doing here?”

“Do you really think I’d feel at ease letting you do this alone?” he asked with a soft smile. “Of course I came. I had to. I secretly disobeyed my father-in-law’s orders just to be here.”

He flicked my nose lightly.

“I see you’re awake already,” came Rian’s voice from behind him.

I walked over to join them.

“What exactly happened?”

“What do you remember?” Aeren asked gently.

“I hit my head. Wait, the tunnel. I found a tunnel. That’s where I hit my head.”

They nodded and led me toward the center, where General Rehn and the soldiers were waiting.

“Good day, Princess. I hope you’re feeling better now,” the general greeted me.

I nodded silently and took a seat beside Ryden.

“We’ve scouted the tunnel,” the general said. “It leads to a dungeon-like structure, possibly linked to the underground edge of the academy. It does hold someone but we couldn’t go further. Several Myrridan-endowed guards protect the entrance.”

“So what’s the plan?” I asked.

“We intend to strike this evening with an elite team. We hope to capture a few Hollow Thorn members and rescue anyone being held, as well as gather information.”

He looked around for confirmation.

“I intend to lead the mission myself,” the general added. “With two of my personally trained guards and three of your royal family members. That makes eight. Any objections?”

Renn stood up.

“Miri won’t be coming. Change her.”

I stood too, my tone sharp and unwavering.

“Renn, I respect you in everything but not this. I am going. There is nothing you can say that will change that. Are you forgetting that I was the one permitted to come here? Father asked you to come along to make sure I’m safe not to dictate my movements.”

I turned to the general. “We shall go with your original plan. If Renn has a problem, he is free to wait for our return in the cabin.”

Everyone stared at me as if I’d grown three heads. No one had ever spoken to Renn like that before.

Not even me.

But I was so close. I can't give up now.

Renn said nothing more.

He just sat back down.

And so we finalized the plan with the general.

Tonight… we strike.