The journey back to Aurelion Kingdom was tense and silent. Aria rode at the front, the golden glow of her fused sword-staff illuminating the path even as the sun began to set over the northern mountains. Behind her, Adrian, Lila, and Alexander kept vigilant watch, scanning the shadows for any signs of Viktor’s spies or ambushes. The air was thick with anticipation. Though Aria had claimed the hidden weapon and unlocked her bloodline’s full potential, she knew Viktor would not remain idle. He was calculating, patient, and ruthless. “Do you really think he’ll attack the palace again so soon?” Lila asked quietly, breaking the silence. Aria’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t know. But he will. Viktor never gives up. And now that he knows I wield the full bloodline power, he’ll try something… persona

