While the students trained relentlessly at Reito’s mansion, Caitlyn found herself facing problems of a very different nature.

  Deep within a secluded region of the Onefold, a territory accessible only to those possessing immense wealth and influence, stood the ancestral lands of two of the most powerful bloodlines in the world—the Sanguis and Nanazawa families.

  At this very moment, the two families were gathered together inside the Sanguis estate, engaged in a heated debate that echoed through the vast halls.

  And Caitlyn was on her way to join them.

  Maid 1: Miss Caitlyn, you should not be out of your room. Your mother has already explained this to you multiple times.

  Caitlyn walked briskly down the hallway, her posture rigid with frustration.

  Caitlyn: And I’ve told her I’m fine.

  Three maids followed closely behind her as they moved through the enormous corridor.

  The hallway itself was breathtaking. Massive blood-red diamond inlays ran along the marble walls, catching the glow of towering chandeliers that hung from the vaulted ceiling above. The lights refracted through the gemstones, casting crimson reflections across the polished floors like scattered droplets of blood.

  Maid 2: Miss Caitlyn, your mother only wants you to stay safe. After the incident at your academy she has been furious, trying to contact your dean nonstop.

  Caitlyn: I already told her Dean Frederick is not the one at fault.

  Maid 3: But that does not excuse what happened to you… or to Aaron.

  Caitlyn stopped walking for a moment, her jaw tightening.

  Caitlyn: Can you all just leave me alone already?

  Without waiting for a response, she continued forward until she reached the end of the hallway where two massive crimson doors stood.

  Taking a breath, she pushed them open.

  The main hall of the Sanguis estate was enormous.

  Jewelry and priceless artifacts were displayed everywhere—golden sculptures, gemstone-studded decorations, and elaborate furniture carved from exotic woods. Dozens of servants moved quietly throughout the room, polishing tables, preparing extravagant dishes, and attending to the massive dining arrangement at the center of the hall.

  Seated around the table were the members of the Sanguis and Nanazawa families.

  Caitlyn: MOTHER!!!

  Her voice echoed throughout the vast chamber.

  Every head turned toward her.

  A tall woman slowly rose from her seat at the center of the table. Her long black hair flowed down her back, streaked with crimson highlights that matched the elegant scarlet dress she wore. Her gaze was sharp and commanding.

  Marceline Sanguis.

  Marceline: Caitlyn, dear. I thought I told you to remain in your room.

  Caitlyn crossed the room confidently.

  Caitlyn: And I told you I was fine. I’m a member of this family too. I have every right to be here.

  Marceline studied her for a moment before sighing.

  Marceline: Stubborn. Just like your father.

  She gestured toward the table.

  Marceline: Very well. Take a seat, and we will continue.

  Caitlyn sat down beside her cousin—a tall young man with snow-white hair wearing an expensive black suit lined with subtle red patterns.

  Norman leaned closer with a sly smile.

  Norman: Caity! It’s been a while since we talked. I heard you had a little incident at school. Care to explain?

  Caitlyn: It’s none of your business. And don’t call me Caity.

  Norman chuckled.

  Norman: Come now, Caity. Aaron is my little brother after all. I’m just as worried about him as everyone else.

  Caitlyn shot him a cold look.

  Caitlyn: I seriously doubt that.

  Before the conversation could escalate further, Marceline slammed a gavel on the table three times.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  The sharp sound cut through the room instantly.

  Marceline: Enough. Everyone settle down so we can continue this discussion.

  A woman dressed entirely in black suddenly stood up from her chair. Tears streamed down her face as her voice trembled with anger and fear.

  Kimberly: Settle down?! How am I supposed to settle down when my son is missing?! Why aren’t we searching for him?!

  The man beside her quickly stood and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  Travis: Honey, please. Aaron is a smart boy. Wherever he is, I’m sure he’s taking care of himself. He’s never been reckless.

  Kimberly shook her head violently.

  Kimberly: How can you be so sure? Franklin and Sera have always been ruthless. Only the One knows what they could be doing to him right now. We never should have granted A&M a place in our lands.

  Marceline remained calm.

  Marceline: Kimberly, I assure you we already have multiple agents searching across the Five Islands. They are looking everywhere. But until they report back, there is little more we can do.

  Travis frowned.

  Travis: Then why exactly are we all here?

  Marceline folded her hands together.

  Marceline: Because someone has information for us.

  As if on cue, the massive doors behind them slowly opened.

  A tall man stepped inside.

  He had long silver hair and a distinct red tattoo pattern running across the side of his face. His black suit was perfectly tailored, and he carried himself with the calm confidence of someone who knew everyone in the room needed what he had to say.

  Flynn McAlistor.

  Flynn: It’s a pleasure to be invited here, Marceline. I know the Sanguis and Nanazawa families are very busy people.

  Marceline: The pleasure is ours. Now… about that information.

  Flynn smiled slightly.

  Flynn: Of course. That is why I’m here.

  He pulled a small tablet from his pocket and tossed it onto the table.

  A massive holographic map of the Five Islands appeared above it.

  Flynn: As you can see, these are the Five Island Sanctuaries. Scattered across them are vessels of the Primordials. Twelve in total.

  He zoomed the map in.

  Flynn: And currently… we know the locations of three.

  Marceline leaned forward slightly.

  Marceline: And who exactly are these three?

  Flynn: I’m glad you asked.

  He tapped the hologram.

  Flynn: The first is Hiruzen Yuki. Vessel of Iskarth. He is currently located at Reito Aukusti’s mansion, undergoing training with his classmates.

  Caitlyn’s eyes widened slightly.

  Caitlyn (thinking): They already know about Hiruzen… which means they’re probably watching him.

  Her mind raced.

  Caitlyn (thinking): I need to warn Reito.

  Caitlyn stood.

  Caitlyn: Mother, may I be excused for a moment?

  Marceline nodded.

  Marceline: Of course, dear.

  Caitlyn: Thank you.

  She walked toward the exit.

  Norman stood up as well.

  Norman: I’ll be stepping out too.

  The two left the room.

  Behind them, Flynn continued speaking.

  Flynn: The second vessel we are monitoring is Skadi Ragnar?ksson. Vessel of Nulthira. She is currently under the care of my employer, recovering in stasis from her injuries.

  Marceline: And the third?

  Flynn smiled faintly.

  Flynn: That information… I cannot disclose.

  He raised a finger.

  Flynn: But the most important information concerns Aaron Nanazawa.

  Kimberly shot to her feet instantly.

  Kimberly: Where is he?!

  Flynn zoomed the hologram in on a single island.

  Flynn: He is on one of the Five Islands. Shardbound Isle, to be precise.

  Kimberly: Then we must go there immediately! There isn’t a second to waste!

  Marceline raised a hand.

  Marceline: Kimberly, please. This is not something we need to personally involve ourselves in.

  She glanced at Flynn.

  Marceline: Flynn’s associates will retrieve him.

  Flynn nodded calmly.

  Flynn: I assure you, Mrs. Nanazawa, my associates will return your son safely.

  Kimberly crossed her arms.

  Kimberly: And who exactly are you sending?

  The door opened once more.

  A tall man walked inside wearing a sleek jet-black coat threaded with glowing red circuitry, the light reflecting off the flames of nearby chandeliers.

  Resting casually on his shoulder was a small girl dressed like a porcelain doll, her blonde hair tied in twin pigtails.

  Flynn smiled.

  Flynn: Allow me to introduce my associates.

  Flynn: Adam Sirius. And Annie Baldwin.

  Adam bowed politely.

  Adam: It’s a pleasure to meet you all.

  Annie looked around the room with wide eyes before giggling.

  Annie: Wow, Adam! Look at all the fancy clothes they’re wearing!

  Marceline studied them carefully.

  Marceline: And you’re certain these two can handle the job?

  Flynn nodded.

  Flynn: In the time I have overseen them, they have only failed once.

  He folded his arms.

  Flynn: I assure you… they are more than capable.

  Marceline leaned back slightly.

  Marceline: Very well. We will place our trust in you to bring Aaron home safely.

  Adam bowed again.

  Adam: Thank you, Mrs. Sanguis. We will not disappoint you.

  Meanwhile, in the hallway outside—

  Caitlyn turned to Norman.

  Caitlyn: Why did you follow me?

  Norman shrugged.

  Norman: Because I know you’re up to something.

  Caitlyn crossed her arms.

  Caitlyn: And what if I am?

  Norman grinned.

  Norman: I want in.

  He leaned against the wall casually.

  Norman: Your friends are heading to the Five Islands soon, right? I’m guessing you’ll be joining them once you recover.

  Caitlyn narrowed her eyes.

  Caitlyn: Why would you want to do that?

  Norman shrugged again.

  Norman: Despite what you think, I actually care about my brother.

  He sighed.

  Norman: And honestly? I’m tired of being trapped in this mansion. I haven’t used my Aspect in a real fight in ages. Just boring demonstrations for rich executives.

  Caitlyn thought for a moment.

  Caitlyn: Fine.

  Norman’s grin widened.

  Caitlyn: But you have to promise me something.

  Norman: Anything.

  Caitlyn looked him dead in the eyes.

  Caitlyn: If we find Aaron… you prioritize his safety over mine. No matter what.

  Norman paused.

  For once, the joking expression vanished from his face.

  After a moment—

  Norman nodded.

  Norman: I promise.

  Caitlyn nodded once.

  Caitlyn: Good. Now before we do anything… I need to make a call.

  As the two continued talking, Flynn stood quietly around the corner, listening.

  A faint smile crept across his face.

  He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

  Flynn: Skyzen. It’s me.

  A voice answered.

  Skyzen: Go on.

  Flynn watched Caitlyn and Norman disappear down the hall.

  Flynn: Everything is proceeding exactly as planned.

  He chuckled softly.

  Flynn: In just a few weeks… everyone, including Hiruzen, will be heading to Shardbound Isle.

  A pause.

  Skyzen: Good.

  Another pause.

  Skyzen: Very good.

  End Chapter