Eros' POV

My body hurts but more than my heart is spiraling into another round of turmoil.

The airship was trembling as it soar fast into the sky, morning already arrive without us knowing, our destination was the sky station.

"Ugh!"

My chest feels heavy again its that emotion again its wearing me down.

*CLANG!*

*CLANG!*

Sounds of swords clashing began echoing in my ears, the previous slowly replaying in my mind like a broken record. That mocking voice and venomous words. It began whispering

And just like that I felt like I was taken back to the battle

I no longer hear it, but also felt it, the same sensation the same pain. Touch my skin as if telling me not to forget.

The bruises and wounds began to heat up, I couldn't help but wince in pain. And then I was back again.

"You're hesitating, little Lion," that masked man said, the irritation I have suddenly spark back, he jeered, parrying my blade and ducking low, he opened his mouth again. "Is it because you finally realized who set you up?"

I couldnt help but grit my teeth. "You'll have to be more specific."

The man cackled, circling him like a predator. His voice was thick with mockery. "The lab in Lumen. The ambush on this pathetic flying coffin. All roads lead to a single crown and a delicate little flower who pretends to know nothing."

"But I admit it, you and your pals were quite lucky. How did you survive the explosion....Oh I forgot it failed. By the way it was her idea to" he added with a wide grin on his face.

Eros froze for the briefest second. The cold in his veins surged. He wanted to believe that even though it was the Aileas who was behind the broodmothers,it wouldn't mean that Emilia was also involved. He was a bit hopeful that somehow she wasn't aware of what her father had done.

That it was only them

Not her. Not Emilia.

Blinded by rage I lunged again, harder this time, the steel in my hands becoming an extension of my fury. My magic twisted, our swords met, sparks flying once again.

"Dont take me for a fool, how can I believe your words, you are just a dead man talking with nonsense. Unless you have proof to show then she has nothing to do with this!" I snapped, but the edge in my voice cracked.

Deep inside I felt helpless but more than that I also want to know more, knowing this guy is speaking to irritate me I will use it to get more information.

"Still protecting her?" the man laughed. "Do you think she's that innocent? Or is it easier to pretend? Face it, young lord Eros. You were just another piece to be moved. A dog on a leash, too blind to realize which hand gave the order to bite."

I made my sword faltered, I want to make it look like his words are working, but only for a moment.

My gaze sharpened. "Funny," I said lowly, wiping blood from my cheek. "Because you talk a lot for someone who hasn't given me a single useful name."

The mocking man tilted his head.

"Touch a nerve?" I stepped forward. "Then tell me this: if she truly planned everything… why let you live long enough to speak of it?"

A flicker of uncertainty passed through the enemy's mask.

Bait laid. Now please pull.

"…You think she's the top of the chain?" the man spat. "The girl's just a thread in the noose. The real game is already floating above your heads."

"What?"

"Its an Armada, boy," the man said with a grin, it seems he took pride on that army, as he felt more energized to attack me. "While you waste your breath here, the capital's already under its shadow."

What?

Hearing that made my heart dropped, as the dreadful realization dawned on me. "The Armada… above the capital?"

The man chuckled darkly. "No one looks up when the snow starts falling."

That lunatic man speak so happily that even when I tore his masked he didn't seem fazed.

Another explosion shook the ship, smoke billowing from the lower decks. Due to that the ship tilted sideways causing for me to lose balance. I tried to gain stability but then I saw how five masked enemies lunge at me.

I surged forward with a roar, sword slicing through the air. My magic coiled around my blade, breaking defenses and bones as I ran after the man who just revealed a very important information.

But the masked man didn't move. He just smiled. He was confident that he could block me, I couldn't help but feel enrage, and so my blade move even faster.

I know he was stronger than me, that is where is his confidence is coming from, but as I Lionheart my power goes beyond common sense.

Sparks ignited in my blade and instantly a spell became with my sword. In that moment I saw my opponent's face change, he try to put his guard but, I was faster.

"Too late."

The blade pierced him clean through, and he crumpled, blood staining the scorched planks beneath.

I stood over the corpse, panting. My hands trembled not from fatigue, but the weight of what I just heard. The capital… Emilia… the lab…

"Ugh"

My head began to hurt once more, the clash between my emotions are tearing me apart, it keep telling me to move. That I need to do something.

I was trying to fight back, and clear the storm that is getting to strong, but then an icy sensation stirred inside me again.

A command.

A pull.

It wasn't from duty.

It wasn't even from loyalty.

It was something deeper, written into the very blood that flows into my veins

I need to act.

Even if it means it will hurt me.

I was still trap in that memory until a voice brought me back to the present.

His concern pulled me away let me face reality again

.

.

.

"Young master?"

Liam worriedly asked as he saw Eros kneeling on a corner. His wounds haven't healed yet, but in his eyes it seems his master is forcing himself.

"You should rest"

His voice was low and concern and Eros knew that his condition is far from the best.

"Our communication, how was it? Was it fix?"

The aid shook his aid, causing for Eros to be disappointed.

"We need to report what we discovered"

"I know young master but we have no choice, and since the ship was damage we cant go any faster than we are now"

Liam was still worried but then their attention shifted when they felt a presence.

"Is that?"

Hope raise from their chest feeling hopeful. The sounds of engine became even more prominent. The fog parted like sea revealing a ship made from mithril steel. However beside the domineering vehicle what Eros find eye catching is the symbol of the imperial family.

A wave of relief came to him along with a voice that he never expected to hear.

"Eros!"

A deep voice full of authority and dominance.

"Father?" He muttered finding it impossible for him to ever look for him.

The cold air shifted again and before the two a man landed pushing the the nearby dirt.

"You are here" he could only say, staring blankly at the man in front of him.

"You suddenly disappeared, what do you think will I do? Nothing?"

Helios said without much emotion leaking from his voice. However his neutral experience soon change as he saw all the injurious his son sustain.

"You are not okay, rest we will take it from here"

He was about to leave when Eros shouted something, "Father they have something called the armada, its hidden right above the imperial capital!"

"What!" Helios panick for a bit and without wasting another second he reported it to the archduke. The composure the duke have before collapse as soon as he heard his son's words, from the other side of the call Astralia was already on the move.

"Okay, I will send my men there as well"

The eastern duke then look at his son as he turn off the communication orb, seeing him all worn made him feel useless.

"I will repeat what I said again sonn, rest" he emphasized as he put his hand on his shoulder. "And good job, you did great"

He was proud how he was able to proceed with the investigation even when he must have faced countless conflicting emotions.

"Father, I...."

"No" he interrupted before Eros could even complete what he was trying to say.

"I know what you wanted to do, but me and your mother wont let you dive into anymore pain, you shall recuperate until we finish this war"

War

That word wound the young man more than any cuts he recieved, but he couldn't just rest while their is a question he needs answers.

He clenched his fist wanting to ask for more permission but he doesn't know what words can convince his father.

"Rest that is my command, you must obey me for I am not only your father but also your superior" he then looked at Liam.