DIVINE BANE-Chapter 63: cloaked in mystery

A cavalcade cut through the wide forest path, its rhythm echoing like distant thunder through the trees. Towering trunks lined either side, their dense canopy casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was crisp with the scent of pine and old leaves.

At the front, four knights rode in formation, clad head to toe in black armor, their visors down, their chest plates gleaming with the crest of House Draven. Four more followed at the rear, just as silent, just as intimidating.

Between them rolled a grand black chariot, its design elegant but armored, reinforced for both protection and pride. Ornate carvings lined the sides, and the curtains fluttered slightly as the wind passed.

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Inside sat two figures.

On one side, Evelyne poised, regal, her expression unreadable. Her long, pale lavender hair shimmered faintly in the dim interior. Her calm presence was in stark contrast to the boy seated across from her.

Her younger brother lounged back, legs crossed arrogantly, his posture dripping with entitlement. His blond hair was immaculately styled, and his sharp orange eyes scanned the forest with disdain.

He was the embodiment of a highborn noble teen cocky, smug, and utterly convinced the world revolved around his title.

"Are we seriously traveling all this way just to break off an engagement?" he muttered, voice thick with irritation.

Evelyne didn't respond. Her gaze remained fixed outside, watching the blur of trees as the chariot rolled on.

Cid glanced sideways at his sister, brows furrowing as he noticed the faint crease of concern lining her otherwise serene face. She stared out the window, her expression distant and haunted.

"Why are you so worried, Evelyne?" he asked, his voice laced with mild annoyance.

Evelyne didn't look at him. Her voice came soft, almost like she was thinking aloud.

"I was wondering if Zed is alright... I didn't even get to see him during Sir Jaeger's funeral. And now there's that rumor about him awakening his Rhu core... and defeating Roadie."

She finally turned toward her brother, her dark eyes conflicted. "It's just been swirling in my mind, Cid. I'm worried about him."

Cid scoffed, folding his arms and leaning back in his seat.

"Well, don't be," he said, voice sharp. "Because after today, you're not to be concerned with him at all."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone growing colder. "He was a weakling from the start. I never understood why someone like you, my beloved sister had to be engaged to him of all people."

His orange eyes narrowed, as if the memory itself disgusted him.

Evelyne's fingers tightened around the hem of her dress. She didn't respond but her silence said enough.

Evelyne didn't respond. She simply turned her gaze back to the window, her thoughts running far deeper than her brother could guess.

What a brother he is, she mused bitterly.

Did he forget that he was the one who convinced Father to arrange my engagement to Zed in the first place?

Her fingers brushed lightly against her lap as she exhaled.

He's just excited... he finally gets to see his little crush and show off in front of her.

Her mind drifted, unbidden, to Zed.

She remembered their first meeting the quiet, almost awkward boy who barely spoke a word. Even during their engagement ceremony, he hadn't said anything beyond the bare minimum. And then, just a few days later... he lost the ring.

Seriously, who does that?

And yet, despite it all... he had been kind of cute back then. Shy. Awkward. But gentle. She remembered being a little sad when she heard he had fallen into a coma.

But now... everything about him is cloaked in mystery.

Rumors of him defeating Roadie. Awakening his Rhu core. Whispers that he was no longer the same person. It was as if the Zed she had once known had been replaced by someone else entirely.

She was still lost in that thought when Cid's voice broke through.

"We've arrived at Ravenhart Estate," he said, adjusting the cuffs of his elegant coat and smirking to himself.

Evelyne blinked, pulling herself back to the present. The towering gates of the estate loomed ahead, and whatever awaited her inside... she had a feeling it would be nothing like the Zed she remembered

Outside the grand gates of the Ravenhart Estate, Zander stood poised, flanked by several maids and butlers. He stood with his hands behind his back, posture flawless, eyes calm as the sound of approaching hooves echoed through the wide forest path.

The black chariot, bearing the crest of House Draven, rolled to a stop before them.

With practiced grace, Zander took a step forward, offering a respectful bow.

"Welcome, Lord Cid. Lady Evelyne. We've been expecting you," he said with a cool smile.

The door creaked open, and Cid stepped out first, brushing off nonexistent dust from his lavish coat. His expression twisted into a look of dramatic annoyance.

"Tch. What a terrifying road this was!" he began, shaking his head. "Can't you people clear out the wild animals? We had to fend off six , no, seven wildlings on the way here. My poor knight nearly fainted!"

Zander gave a polite nod, though he knew every word was a lie.

"My apologies, Lord Cid. I will personally see to it that the path is cleared and secured for your return journey," he replied, his voice smooth as silk.

Then his eyes shifted toward the second figure stepping down from the carriage.

Evelyne.

With a smile softening his normally composed features, he gave her a slight bow. "Lady Evelyne, Lady Aurora is currently waiting for you in the courtroom. Shall I escort you there?"

Before Evelyne could speak, Cid's ears perked up at the mention of that name.

Aurora.

Even the sound of it made his heart skip. Like many men across the empire, Cid had nursed an impossible crush on her since childhood. After all, she wasn't just beautiful, she was legendary.

With hair blacker than night, cascading like silk down her back, and eyes the color of the deepest ocean serene, mysterious, and vast Aurora possessed a grace that seemed almost otherworldly. Her very presence commanded attention. She was said to be a beauty born once in a century, the kind poets and painters fumbled to capture.

Evelyne, unaware of the glint in her brother's eye, nodded calmly.

"Please do."

Zander stepped aside and gestured forward.

"Then if you may, kindly follow me."

The group moved through the estate's grand gates, unaware that more than formalities and farewells awaited them behind those polished stone walls.

Inside the Ravenhart courtroom, the atmosphere was dignified and still. Morning light poured through the tall stained-glass windows, casting colored patterns across the marble floor. The air smelled faintly of parchment and ink.

Aurora sat at the head of the long table, a stack of reports and scrolls spread neatly before her. Dressed in her usual midnight-blue attire, adorned with silver embroidery, she exuded the grace and authority of someone far beyond her years.

Her long black hair was tied loosely behind her back, a few strands falling elegantly across her face. Her sapphire-blue eyes scanned the paper in her hands with focused intensity.

Just then, Zander stepped into the room and gave a small bow.

"My lady, the guests from House Draven have arrived."

Aurora placed the file aside, her fingers brushing lightly over the seal of House Ravenhart. She gave a short nod and said softly,

"Let them in."

Moments later, the grand doors creaked open, and Evelyne entered the courtroom, followed by her brother, Cid.

Evelyne, ever composed, approached with calm grace and gave Aurora a respectful nod.

"Lady Aurora. It's been some time. Thank you for agreeing to meet."

Aurora offered a soft smile. "Lady Evelyne. I'm glad you've arrived safely."

Cid, on the other hand, was far less composed.

The moment his eyes fell on Aurora, his brain short-circuited.

Haa... My angel... he swooned silently in his mind.

You look so beautiful... more divine than I even remembered... That hair, those eyes... the elegance in your posture... oh gods... how is she real?

He was standing straight on the outside, but inside, he was clutching his chest like he'd been struck by Cupid's entire arsenal of arrows.

Aurora, unfazed, kept her attention on Evelyne, entirely unaware or perhaps simply indifferent to the lovestruck noble of awkward stares beside her.

As Evelyne and Aurora exchanged gentle words mostly catching up on how life had changed over the years, Aurora's calm voice echoed lightly through the vast courtroom. Their tones were polite, a touch distant, yet respectful. Evelyne was holding herself well, though her eyes flicked down every now and then, revealing a subtle tension behind her grace.

It was then that Zander entered once again, his steps precise as always. With a respectful bow, he addressed them.

"My lady," he said to Aurora, then turned slightly to Evelyne, "Lady Evelyne, Lord Cid. The young master is awaiting your arrival in the main hall."

Aurora nodded, standing gracefully. "Very well. Let's not keep him waiting."

Cid, who had been fully occupied mentally rehearsing the perfect compliments he would give Aurora, suddenly blinked back to reality.

"We're walking there?" he asked with a raised brow, already dreading the steps.

Zander gave a polite smile. "Yes, my lord. The main hall is not far. Just through the east corridor."

Cid exhaled dramatically, adjusting his cloak with a hint of frustration.

"Ugh, Ravenhart and their massive halls. I swear this estate is designed like a maze just to torture guests."

Aurora gave him a sidelong glance, amused but silent.

Evelyne chuckled under her breath. "Come now, brother, it's good for your legs."

"I don't recall coming here for leg day," Cid muttered under his breath as they began walking.

The group moved through the corridors of the estate, each step echoing faintly against the polished floors. Tapestries of Ravenhart lineage lined the walls, and the cold stone exuded the history of old nobility. As they neared the main hall, a sense of formality began to settle in the air.

And waiting just beyond those grand doors... was Zed.