Chương 12: Chapter 11: The King's Summons

The body disappeared before sunrise. Royal agents arrived. The room was sealed. Witnesses silenced. Evidence collected. Yet one fact remained impossible to hide. Someone had attempted to assassinate a prince. And failed. Rayan sat quietly inside a royal chamber. His broken room could no longer be used. Across from him sat the King. King Dasrath Ashvar. Ruler of Ayanor. One of the strongest Astra Masters on the continent. The man had not spoken for several minutes. Neither had Rayan.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The silence felt heavier than battle. Finally— The king looked up.

"Did you awaken an Astra?" Rayan froze. The direct question caught him off guard. His first instinct was to lie. The Guardian's voice echoed.

"Do not." Rayan nodded.

"Yes." The king stared at him. Long. Carefully. Then he asked another question.

"What Astra?" Rayan hesitated. The Guardian spoke again.

"You cannot reveal Dharma."

"Not yet." Rayan understood immediately. Too dangerous. Too many unknowns.

"An incomplete Astra." Technically true. The king's eyes narrowed. Yet he did not press further. Instead he stood. Walked toward the window. And sighed.

"You remind me of your mother." The words surprised Rayan. His mother had died years ago. The king rarely mentioned her.

"She also carried burdens alone." Silence filled the room. Then the king spoke again.

"Be careful." Rayan blinked.

"What?" The king turned. For the first time— He looked less like a king. And more like a father.

"There are enemies inside this kingdom." The room grew cold.

"And some wear friendly faces." Elsewhere. Inside a hidden underground temple. The surviving assassins knelt before a massive statue. A black eye covered the statue's face. The symbol of their organization. The Veil. A voice emerged from the darkness.

"You failed." The assassins trembled. The pressure was overwhelming.

"Forgive us, Master." The voice laughed.

"No." Silence. Then—"Send the Hollow."