Deviating from the original plot

Chapter seventy-four

"Uncle, I'm serious!" Victoria hissed, clutching at his sleeve, panic etched on her face. "If Father finds out—if anyone finds out—"

Reginald's grip was firm but not unkind, his expression weighing her words. "Easy, girl. Your secret's safe with me. But... tell me, what was all that really about?"

Victoria shifted uncomfortably, her voice tight. "I... I was only trying to defend my friend. The prince was forcing a courtship on her, so I stepped in and challenged him to free her." It wasn't the full truth—but not entirely a lie, either.

Reginald gave a low chuckle. "Of course he'd take the bait. Arrogant brat." His gaze sharpened, studying her carefully. "But this friend of yours... Who exactly is she to you?"

"What?" Victoria blinked.

"You heard me," he said evenly. "You don't risk your neck against the crown prince for just anyone. Fighting him off like that—it must mean she's more than a casual companion. Is she your—"

"No, Uncle!" Victoria exclaimed, her cheeks burning. "My friends are just friends!"

Reginald chuckled, lifting his hands in mock surrender. "I was only teasing. Still, it's a good thing to stand up for your companions when needed. But tell me—why not learn the sword? If you had proper training, it might put your father's mind at ease."

Victoria hesitated, guilt pricking her. Sword lessons with her uncle would certainly help, but her days were already weighed down by duties, secrets, and her quest. It would only stretch her thinner.

"Sorry, Uncle," she said gently. "Thank you for offering, but I already have too much on my plate."

He gave a small nod, though the disappointment in his eyes was plain. "Very well. But if you ever change your mind, send me word—or come by the barracks yourself."

"I will," Victoria promised, even if she wasn't sure she meant it.

With that, Reginald left her side, his boots echoing down the hall.

✦ ✦ ✦

Somewhere in the depths of a shadow-drenched cavern, two black mages hobbled forward. Their bodies trembled with pain, wounds still fresh, as they dropped to their knees before the towering entity that radiated malevolence.

"What did you bring me?" The entity's voice rumbled, echoing through the chamber.

The mages exchanged a terrified glance, then bowed their heads lower.

"Master... we tried. We were carrying out your will, but—we were attacked."

"Attacked?" The word was spat with disgust. "Impossible. I gifted you power beyond measure. No mortal should have been able to touch you."

The first mage stammered, his voice cracking. "This one—she was different. Our magic slid off her as if she were immune. She was strong—too strong. If we hadn't fled, we would have perished."

For a long, dreadful moment, the entity was silent. Then a low growl rippled from its depths.

"...So. The upper realm has caught wind of my plans. They send a pawn to meddle in my rise to divinity."

The mages pressed their foreheads to the cold stone. "Forgive us, Master—we did not mean to fail you."

"Failure is one thing," the entity murmured darkly. "Disappointment is another. And disappointment... must be repaid."

The cavern filled with a sickening, hollow sound as the entity opened its maw. The mages screamed in terror as their very souls were ripped from their bodies, drawn until nothing remained but hollow shells that were once living.