Seven years ago, Leo Ryder died—or so the world believed. Once a scrawny boy who sacrificed himself to save his best friend and first love, Princess Emeney Snow. He returns as Rayne Egan, a hardened warrior with a new name, a new face, and a dangerous secret. His mission: infiltrate the princess’s elite guard and stop an ancient power from falling into the hands of a dangerous and powerful mage known only as “The First”, an Elder Mage seeking godhood.  

But getting close to Emeney proves more dangerous than any spell or blade. She doesn’t recognize the boy she once cherished, yet something about her new bodyguard unsettles her. As war looms, so does a battle within her heart—torn between her duty to marry an A-Class Mage, Xander who was also once her close friends along with Rayne. But now also she had an undeniable pull toward the mysterious man sworn to protect her.  

Rayne swore to guard her with his life while searching for the Crimson Flower and protect it also, but as old feelings resurface and deadly truths unravel, keeping his secret becomes impossible. When his past collides with the future he never thought he'd have, one question remains—will love be their salvation, or will war tear them apart forever?

The heavy double doors of the throne room closed behind the last guard, sealing the chamber in a solemn silence. The golden sun filtering through the high stained glass windows did nothing to lift the atmosphere. The air was thick with tension. Seated not on the royal throne, but just beside it in her usual seat, Princess Emeney Snow bore the expression of a leader holding herself together, for the sake of her people.


To her right stood Xander, arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes scanning the room with veiled frustration. In front of her stood the kingdom's key figures, Commander Dion, stern as always, Anya, quietly anxious; General Iron, stone-faced and unreadable, and Advisor Gray, hands folded calmly, though his eyes flickered with something darker beneath the surface.


Chapter 32 - A Strike Team