"What exactly could Hades do?"

Humanity was standing at a crossroads—it would either carve its name into history or vanish without a trace.

The step they were about to take could only be called reckless. By opening their borders, they were giving dragons an easy way into their realm. The Pact would lose all meaning if the human rulers agreed to cross the borders and challenge the Dragon Kings directly.

"Were they not told about Hades' role in the Trial of Flameborn?" Kaelith asked, her brows raised.

The plan had been simple—let Hades take part in that tournament, where the winner would be granted one wish by the Dragon Kings.

Hades was supposed to ask for a renewal of the Pact, buying at least ten more years of peace—time he could use to grow stronger.

"They were all present when I proposed it," Artemis said, her tone sharp. "It happened during the summit months ago. I clearly told them to trust Hades."

"But they didn't," Luna said grimly. "They trust their handpicked warrior more—the one they trained themselves to carry their hopes."

Luna crossed her arms, glancing at Hades. "I really want to say let them do whatever they want. You aren't responsible for their foolishness."

Kaelith nodded in agreement. "She's right, son. You can't protect those who walk into a lion's den by choice."

Artemis tensed at their words, her gaze shifting to the redhead who now held the power to decide everything.

Peri's teasing voice broke the silence. "You seem awfully worried for someone who once called humans mere pawns. What happened to that calm confidence of yours?"

Artemis frowned. "You can't help growing attached to those you've protected for centuries."

Beatrice gave a soft nod. "I understand, Lady Sage. You're not wrong to worry, even if they've turned their backs on you."

As the others spoke, Marilyn kept her eyes on her lord. She could feel it—the same thing Luna and Peri felt. The conflict burning inside Hades.

Finally, Hades looked up and asked quietly, "Would it be possible for a few humans to come live in Aethernox?"

Artemis stiffened, instantly realizing what was going through his mind. "You made a promise," she said firmly.

"I did," Hades replied, his voice calm. "I promised to take part in the tournament—and I will. But I never promised to take part in something I already know I'll lose."

There was no denying it—this wasn't a fair contest.

The Dragon Kings could send their Warlords if they wished, and Hades wasn't strong enough to face one yet.

And with how much the dragons despised him, they could easily use this chance to end both him—and the Pact that protected humanity.

Artemis fell silent, and Kaelith spoke up, answering the question Hades had asked earlier. "There's a high chance their life span would shorten drastically, Hades—especially if they don't have a strong Core. Someone like your mother would fall ill within a year."

Hades bit his lip. He had expected as much. The air in the dragon realm was unlike any other; it was heavy, alive, and cruel to those unaccustomed to it.

Even when Quintessa visited for a short time, she always felt sluggish and weak. Inviting humans to live there… would be nothing short of leading them to a slow, painful death.

And even if he could, they might never agree—especially Graham's father, a proud soldier of the Imperial army.

No, that path was closed. He couldn't bring the people he cared for into Aethernox.

"Look at her being smug," Peri snickered, noticing the faint smile on Artemis's face.

"So?" the Sage asked softly. "What will you do now?"

Hades leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms. His eyes lowered in thought before he asked, "When are they planning to challenge the dragons?"

"In four months."

Hades gave a quiet hum. "For now, keep an eye on the warrior they've chosen. I might visit him someday."

Artemis's tone grew serious. "Hades… no matter how strong you think he is, this battle will need a true pillar on humanity's side. For the sake of the time you spent among them… consider standing with them—even in their foolishness."

Leaving those words behind, the Sage's form shimmered and vanished into the air.

"She's quite the manipulative type," Peri muttered, crossing her arms. "I have a feeling she'll contact Hades again only when he's alone."

Hades let out a wry smile, and the others quietly agreed.

They all knew the Sage understood him too well—especially his soft spot for humans. Yet those close to him, particularly his wives, weren't fond of that side of him.

Kaelith's tone softened, though her voice carried strength. "Son… I'll never stop you from following your own decisions. But if you're being pressured or reach a crossroad, don't hesitate to come to me first."

Hades nodded. "I know, Mom. And don't worry—I'll think things through before deciding anything."

A sudden knock interrupted the moment. Ava's voice came from beyond the door. "Lord Raarka is waiting outside."

Kaelith stepped forward immediately. "I'll go speak with him."

"I'll join," Hades said.

His mother didn't object, and the two Aethernox stepped out of the house together. Outside stood a tall orc, his shadow stretching across the ground.

The moment Raarka saw Kaelith, he dropped to one knee, his head bowed low. "Commander Raarka pays respect to the Queen."

Kaelith stopped a few steps away from him, her presence radiating quiet command. "You've proven your worth, Raarka. When I meet Raizar, I'll make sure he knows of your contribution."

Raarka's shoulders trembled faintly, a restrained smile tugging at his lips.

Then Hades stepped forward and placed a firm hand on the orc's shoulder. "Thank you for your help, Sir Raarka. Without you, the damage would've been far greater."

If he hadn't arrived on time, Kaelith might not have been able to divert Xelrath away from Hades—and that surely would have ended differently.

Raarka slowly lifted his head and spoke in a sincere voice, "Your praise is wasted on me, Young Lord. I merely did what I was supposed to."

Hades smiled at the man before taking a step back.

"About your daughter… we are ready to compensate you," Kaelith suddenly said.

The Orc Lord shook his head. "It's nothing to be concerned about anymore, Matriarch. That matter has already been resolved."

Hades's brows rose slightly. "How so?"

"Because she received a sincere apology from the Count's son, my Lord," Ava informed, prompting Hades to nod.

So that's it. Finally, that guy gained some sense and tried to make things right.

Raarka soon rose to his feet and asked, "Are my troops required to guard the capital, Matriarch Aethernox?"

Kaelith hummed thoughtfully. "Yes, that would be for the best. The soldiers of this nation have been through hell. Their spirit is fractured more than their bodies, and it will take time before this nation can truly stand again."

Raarka gave a firm nod. "Then I will meet the regional commander and discuss the security details."

Kaelith nodded in acknowledgment, and the Orc Lord departed with heavy, echoing steps.

Once he was gone, Hades glanced around the war-torn surroundings before turning to his mother. "What do you think, Mother?"

Kaelith understood what he meant without needing further words. Her gaze swept over the distant ruins—the smoke still rising, the faint cries of people trying to rebuild what was lost. "Things appear grim in Torseque, Son," she said at last, her tone low and steady.

Crossing her arms, she continued, "Recently, Samaran suffered an unwelcome shift that shook the very foundation of its economy. Then came this ambush, driving the final nail in an already weakened heart."

She exhaled softly, her eyes narrowing at the horizon. "The capital of a nation should be its last bastion—the fortress that never falls, the pillar that steadies every wavering soul. Yet here…" her voice darkened, "…the capital itself lies in ruin, its streets stained with ash and fear. The heart of the nation has stopped beating, and when the heart falters, the body soon follows. I believe you understand what that means, Hades."

Hades nodded in understanding. Things in Torseque looked grim.

While Beatrice did a great job after her husband and father's demise, she needs support now…support of someone who might give her people the assurance that they are safe within the realm.

Kaelith asked, "What do you have in mind, son?"

Hades took a moment before speaking, "It might be a bit hasty to ask this…but can we think of an alliance?"

Kaelith nodded, "I was thinking of the same…but we would need to form a twin-crowned alliance if we really want to help this nation."

Resting her hand on Hades's shoulder, she added, "And I am thinking of letting you handle this realm as you deem right. It would be a good experience for you."

Hades blinked in surprise….him? A ruler?

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