Chapter 144: Seat and watch
Queen Elysia stepped forward, her royal bearing unmistakable despite the blood and grime that stained her armor. Her voice cut through the vast throne room with the authority of one born to command, each word carrying the weight of centuries of rule and the desperate fury of a mother whose child had been stolen.
"Where is my son?" The demand echoed off the pristine white walls, reverberating through the chamber with such force that even the elite guards flanking Kiada shifted uncomfortably. "Where is Eren? And where is Viva?" Her air magic responded to her emotional state, creating subtle currents that stirred the oppressive atmosphere of the throne room.
Kiada’s smile widened, revealing teeth that seemed unnaturally sharp in the ethereal light emanating from the walls. She leaned back in her throne with casual arrogance, her fingers drumming against the armrests as she savored the moment. The sound of her nails against stone created an almost musical rhythm that seemed designed to unnerve her visitors.
"Ah, we finally meet," Kiada purred, her voice carrying an undertone of malicious amusement. "The legendary Queen Elysia, whose beloved son has caused us so much... inconvenience." She paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "Tell me, Your Majesty, how does it feel to know that your precious boy is beyond your reach?"
Elysia’s jaw tightened, her maternal instincts flaring like a protective flame. "He is under my protection, as are all the children of my realm. Whatever twisted game you’re playing ends now." The air around her began to shimmer with barely contained power, pressure building as her magic responded to her rising anger.
"Protection?" Kiada laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "From where I sit, it appears your protection has proven rather... inadequate." She gestured dismissively with one pale hand. "Your son is currently performing the TUNA ritual with Luna herself and my finest warrior. Such an honor for one so young."
The words hit Elysia like a physical blow, her composed facade cracking for just a moment before royal training reasserted itself. "What ritual? What are you doing to him?"
"Oh, nothing he won’t survive," Kiada replied with mock concern. "Probably. The TUNA process is quite... transformative. As for your little Thornvale warrior—Viva, was it?—she’s in safe hands. My hands, to be precise." Her smile became predatory. "And speaking of safe hands, I have your precious Naia as well."
Commander Lyra’s head snapped toward a shadowed alcove near Kiada’s throne, her enhanced vision piercing the gloom where others saw only darkness. What she found there made her blood run cold and her water magic respond with violent agitation.
"Kiran," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper but carrying clearly in the acoustically perfect chamber.
The figure stepped forward into the light, revealing features that had once been trusted, beloved even. Kiran had been more than just a spy for Queen Elysia—she had been a confidante, a friend, someone who had shared meals at the royal table and helped train Lyra in the subtle arts of information gathering.