The Reveiverse: Carel's Kingdom.
The throne room of Carel's kingdom was a sight to behold, vast and shimmering under the glow of countless floating lanterns that cast golden light upon the polished marble floors.
At the center of it all sat Carel, the mighty ruler of the Reveiverse, upon his golden throne. His presence alone commanded respect, his long hair glowing like strands of moonlight, and his eyes—deep and shadowed—held the weight of countless battles.
Before him knelt King Saga, a god clad in armor engraved with ancient runes, symbols of power passed down through generations. His voice trembled as he spoke, his words urgent, filled with concern.
King Saga: "My lord… who was that god who dared to defy you?"
Carel sighed, leaning back into his throne, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. His mind drifted to memories of a war long past, a time when gods clashed and realms trembled.
Carel: "Kazima… the Ancient Divine God, ruler above all gods. We all believed he had fallen in the War of the Rulers. But it seems we were wrong."
Saga's brow furrowed in confusion.
King Saga: "Hmm… but my lord, why haven't I heard of him until now?"
Carel's gaze grew distant, as if he were staring through time itself.
Carel: "You were not yet born, Saga. Kazima was one of the few who ascended into a higher realm of divinity. A force unlike any other. During the war against the Abyss, he was the only god who could stand against the Abyssal Gods themselves."
A heavy silence settled over the throne room, the weight of Carel's words sinking in.
King Saga: "Then… what do we do now, my lord?"
Carel's fingers stilled, his voice turning sharp, commanding.
Carel: "Nothing. The only beings we truly need to fear are the Angels. Those creatures… they are far more dangerous."
Saga nodded grimly, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.
King Saga: "True. So how should we proceed against them?"
Carel's eyes darkened with resolve.
Carel: "Gather all our forces. Put them on high alert. I want every corner of our verse patrolled at all times."
King Saga: "Yes, my lord."
Carel: "And Saga… if you spot even a single Angel approaching our borders… annihilate them. No hesitation."
Saga's jaw clenched, his determination unwavering.
King Saga: "Yes, my lord."
Without another word, Saga turned and strode out of the throne room, his cloak billowing behind him like a storm cloud.
A Moment of Weakness
As the grand doors closed behind Saga, another figure entered—Azarel, Carel's most loyal guardian. Her silver armor gleamed under the lantern light, and her face was etched with deep concern.
Azarel: "My lord… what should we do?"
Carel offered her a faint smile, though his eyes remained heavy with sorrow.
Carel: "Do not worry, Azarel. Just continue protecting my kingdom… and stay by my side."
Azarel bowed deeply, her voice filled with devotion.
Azarel: "Yes, my lord."
For a brief moment, Carel's mask of strength slipped. His voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible.
Carel: "The Great War is not far now… I can feel it. If I could pause creation itself to stop it… I would."
Azarel's breath hitched, her eyes widening in shock.
Azarel: "What are you saying, my lord?"
Carel's shoulders slumped, the weight of his duty pressing down on him.
Carel: "These wars… they grow deadlier with each passing age. And soon… I fear my death will come."
Tears welled in Azarel's eyes. Before she could stop herself, her hand flew out—SLAP! The sound echoed through the throne room.
Azarel: "Do not say such things, my lord! I would give my life a thousand times before I let you die!"
Carel touched his stinging cheek, then chuckled softly, his smile warm.
Carel: "Sorry, Azarel… and thank you. You always bring me back to my senses."
Azarel dropped to her knees, trembling.
Azarel: "I-I'm sorry, my lord! I should not have laid hands on you! Punish me if you must!"
Carel shook his head, his expression softening.
Carel: "Do not worry about it. I am just glad you are always here to encourage me."
Azarel wiped her tears, her voice steadying.
Azarel: "And I will continue to do so, my lord."
Carel's gaze lingered on her, filled with warmth.
Carel: "I know… and maybe that is why I love you so much."
Azarel's face flushed crimson. She stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
Azarel: "M-My lord! Please do not say such things! I am but your servant… everything about me belongs to you."
Carel tilted his head, his smile playful yet sincere.
Carel: "Do not be foolish, Azarel. I mean what I said."
Azarel's hands clenched into fists.
Azarel: "B-But… you are married, my lord!"
Carel shrugged.
Carel: "You could simply become my second partner. So… do you accept, Azarel?"
Azarel shook her head violently.
Azarel: "No, my lord! I am sorry, but I am your slave. My duty is to serve and protect you—nothing more!"
Carel sighed.
Carel: "Hmm… okay. If you say so, Azarel."
The Cronoverse: Krelious' Bedchamber
Far away, in the Cronoverse, the night was peaceful. The air was sweet with the scent of blooming nightflowers, their petals glowing faintly under the silver moonlight.
Krelious, the ruler of this realm, lay beside his beloved Sted, their fingers entwined. The warmth between them was a rare comfort in a world filled with shadows.
Sted: "Love… have you thought of a name for our child?"
Krelious smiled, his golden eyes glowing softly in the dim light.
Krelious: "Hmm… not really. What about you? Do you have any names in mind?"
Sted's lips curled into a playful grin.
Sted: "Well… if it is a boy, I would name him Akam. If it is a girl… Stenós."
Krelious wrinkled his nose.
Krelious: "Hmm… I do not like 'Akam.' Let us call him Ruker instead."
Sted's smile faded. She sat up, her voice sharp with frustration.
Sted: "You always say and do what you want! Can I not have a say for once?"
Krelious sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Krelious: "Fine. You can name our child if it is a girl. But if it is a boy… his name will be Ruker."
Sted exhaled, defeated.
Sted: "All right… I accept. Soon—less than a year from now—I will bring our child into this world."
Krelious pulled her close, his voice a soothing murmur.
Krelious: "Yes… and I will make sure our child is born into a peaceful era."
Sted nestled against him, though worry crept back into her voice.
Sted: "I know you would do anything for us… but be careful, Krelious. Remember what you said—we have enemies everywhere. They do not want you on the throne."
Krelious kissed her forehead.
Krelious: "I know. But do not trouble yourself with that. I will protect you both… with my life."
Sted smiled, her fears melting away.
Sted: "I know."
And in that quiet moment, under the watchful stars of the Cronoverse, they held each other—knowing that storms were coming, but for now, they had this peace.
To Be Continued…