Chapter 28 – The Heirs Arrive
The time for the meeting had finally come.
Kaden stood in front of his mirror, dressed in a black and red suit embroidered with the Warborn crest on his chest.
People didn't say it often, but Kaden was a dangerously handsome man. His features were perfectly symmetrical. His dark hair shimmered like black ichor, thick and luxurious, falling just above his eyes.
And his eyes… those blood-red eyes.
They were the kind of eyes you didn't forget. Like drowning in a sea—not of water, but of blood. Deep. Haunting. Beautiful in the most terrifying way.
"You look handsome, my dear," Sarena's voice rang out as she stepped into the room, followed—of course—by Daela.
Kaden smiled softly. "Thank you, Mother."
He turned to his sister, expecting nothing. Just wanted to tease her a little with a cocky grin.
But then—
"Handsome," Daela said, nodding seriously, her face as deadpan as ever.
Kaden blinked.
His sister was unfairly adorable.
He almost gave in to the urge to pinch her cheeks, but he liked having both arms attached, so he held back.
"Thanks, Sister. Wasn't expecting that from you, really" he said with a soft laugh.
But what even he didn't expect—was that Sarena looked more shocked than him.
She knew Daela well. That was her daughter, after all. And she was certain—Daela had never complimented a single soul in this house.
'She really does love her brother…' Sarena thought, and a small smile tugged at her lips.
There was nothing more beautiful to a mother than seeing her children love each other.
"Are you ready now?" Sarena asked gently.
Kaden turned back to the mirror, studied himself once more.
Then smiled.
"Seems like it."
Sarena and Daela both shook their heads.
Kaden had changed since returning from his Trial. More mature. More composed. Stronger, no doubt.
But he'd also unlocked some buried parts of himself.
For one—his ego.
Kaden was painfully aware of how good he looked. Watching him admire himself in the mirror too long made you want to punch him square in that perfect face.
But neither Sarena nor Daela had the heart to ruin the moment.
'He's my cute little boy,' Sarena thought warmly.
'He's my cute little brother,' Daela echoed silently, the love in her heart as real as ever.
They were both lost causes.
Finally—
"The carriage is waiting outside," Sarena said. "You'll be escorted by guards, but they'll stop at the door. Inside, you'll be alone with the heirs of Cerveau and Elamin."
She paused. Her tone dropped.
"Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
Kaden nodded, his face growing serious.
He knew. She couldn't protect him forever.
And Daela, ever herself, added only one word:
"Careful."
Kaden gave a small, firm nod. "I'll take care of myself. Don't worry."
Then—
He left.
…
Not just Kaden—every heir invited to this meeting was already on their way.
…
Meris Elamin stepped into her multi-colored carriage, her princess-blue robes trailing behind her like waves.
Her fingers sparkled with rings—gems of every shape and color. Around her neck, a chain with a glowing blue ruby rested just above her heart. She was radiant. Regal. A walking statement of royalty.
But inside her carriage, as she sat down and gathered her dress, her excitement betrayed her composure.
"You may depart," she told the driver with anticipation in her voice.
He nodded. "At once, my lady."
…
Rea Thornspire, with her white hair and ruby-red eyes, wore no jewels. No rings. No necklace.
Just a simple white dress that matched her hair and amplified her calm, quiet beauty.
Her expression wasn't blank like Daela's—just neutral. Still. But her feelings were there, subtle and steady.
She stepped into her red-and-white carriage with grace, like a queen walking into her throne.
"We can go now, mister," she said softly, with respect.
"Roger, my lady!" the driver chirped as the horses charged forward.
…
Meanwhile, Nuke Cerveau was already at the meeting place.
A private restaurant located in the heart of the stronghold—completely reserved for the day. Not a single soul allowed near without his say.
He sat outside in a large wooden chair, legs crossed, back relaxed, dressed in a tailored brown suit that hugged his lean frame perfectly.
His head rested on one hand, the other holding an open book. He read calmly. Patiently. As if the entire event was an afterthought.
Behind him stood his maid, Sari , completely silent.
Without looking up, he asked, "Do you think I'll get what I want today?"
Sari didn't reply.
How could she?
She didn't even know what he wanted.
Nuke smiled faintly. "You don't even know what I want, do you?"
He closed his book slowly and stood up.
"That's exactly what I'm aiming for. To get what I want… without anyone knowing what I wanted to begin with."
He turned, gaze sharp now.
"To master that skill… and test it on these wonderfully talented heirs."
"What do you think, Sari?" he asked, eyes still distant. "Am I being ambitious?"
Sari bowed her head without hesitation. "Never, young master. Even if their status matches yours… they are not your equals. You are above them."
Nuke chuckled.
But there was no warmth in the sound.
It was hollow. Like the echo of a role he'd rehearsed too many times.
"Well, Sari," he murmured, still watching the road.
"You may want to lower your voice now."
Three carriages appeared in the distance, drawing closer with every heartbeat.
Nuke smirked, sharp and knowing.
"After all… our guests have arrived."
—End of Chapter 28—