91 The Sinner (1/2)

As far the masses were concerned, Prince Leon and Lady Maya had gone missing after the attack on Fourth Heaven. Neither the North or the East knew what had happened to the young pair after the attack, much to the concern of both royal families.

The rising star who'd become a unique bridge between the two empires had apparently disappeared. His absence had created an opportunity for both empires in an unexpected way.

The North and East had been given a legitimate reason to interfere into the Holy Church's domain. Even if the North could not justifiably pin the destruction of Lei-en on the Holy Church, the could still use the missing Lord of Evergreen instead.

Both empires now had full rights to put pressure onto the Holy Church.

The Stainless Prince had disappeared during his visit to Fourth Heaven claimed the East.

The Lord of Evergreen had disappeared during his visit to Fourth Heaven claimed the North.

That was all the needed — an excuse. They could now, especially after the devastating attack on the Holy Church, nip the threat once and for all. The timeline of the unified offensive against the Holy Church Alliance had been pushed forward tremendously now.

Reed wracked his brain for a possible method to delay what they'd set into motion. Perhaps if he showed himself, he'd be able to deny the empires of their convenient excuse, but they'd likely find another way to spin the truth to their advantage.

Would Reed's word be worth compared to the royal family's in North?

Probably nothing, most likely. Although I've got the title of Evergreen, it won't count for shit against the word of the Kingscrown Family.

I have very little sway in the North, even if I'm on relatively good terms with Violett and Haydn…

If we went to Velvund, he'd likely support us. He promised to help me and I trust his word but…

What would he say to him? He would have to explain to him what had happened. What they had done. If anyone in the goddamned continent deserved his respect and trust other than Lu'um it was him.

He would have to tell him the truth. That he was the one responsible for what happened in Fourth Heaven and at Lei-en.

The thousands of innocent civilians that died in Fourth Heaven and the 1.7 million of Lei-en were his crimes.

All dead — because of me. So many lives gone because of our actions.

Their lives weighed down upon his shoulders heavily, but he understood that there was no going back from what he'd done.

Reed knew that if he went to Velvund, he'd find the kindness in his heart and help him, even after knowing what he did. He was good man.

The thought of telling Velvund the truth scared Reed. Last thing he wanted to do was disappoint the man who brought him into his family. Tell him that he was the murderer of millions of innocents.

How would he even repay — make amends for what he had caused? Was there even a way to do that?

He did not know... but he'd make sure to never fail like that ever again.

If it came down it, he'd lie to all of his friends if it ensured him a decisive advantage. To make the difficult, painful decisions in order to win. He wouldn't let other people suffer because of his failures ever again.

Reed was resolved, for he had sworn an oath to her.

He would NEVER fail again.

To NEVER take what she had sacrificed herself — his life — for granted ever again.

She wouldn't be there to protect him anymore.

Reed realized that he had to grow up — shed his immaturity if he was to survive the coming days without her.

Lu'um gazed at Reed with a perplexed expression and said, ”What's the matter? Can't sleep? If you're cold, I can help you… stay warm.”

If he didn't, the next time he'd lose even more… and that, he could not tolerate.

Reed grabbed the bed's thick comforter and tossed on top of Lu'um without warning, startling her.

”What was that, babe? I can't hear you. Did you say something?”

A muffled cry of protest came out from beneath the comforter in response but Reed ignored it, for he had other plans.

Reed was going to demonstrate his love for her the same way his older brothers once did for him back during his orphanage days.

He clenched his muscles as tight as possible and then released the superheated ball of toxic gas he'd been saving at full force. The hot wings had caused a terrifying reaction deep within his bowels and now it'd been released.