CHAPTER 425: CH 425: A SECOND CHANCE - PART 6

The wind was calm and cool as Kyle walked the path back to the settlement, Silvy resting quietly in his arms.

The remnants of battle, gods, and shattered reality still lingered like fading echoes behind them, but in that moment, it felt distant—like a nightmare they were slowly waking up from.

Silvy stirred gently, her eyes half-lidded as she looked up at him.

"Kyle...When I was unconscious... when I was in that white space... it felt like I was no longer on this planet."

She whispered.

Kyle didn’t stop walking.

"Go on."

"There were... other worlds."

Silvy continued, her voice shaky.

"I could see them. Endless ones. Some so bright it burned to even think about, and others so twisted it made me want to scream. Just catching a glimpse—it was like my mind couldn’t take it. Like I wasn’t supposed to understand."

Kyle’s expression remained calm.

"You’re right. You weren’t."

Silvy blinked, surprised by the bluntness.

He continued.

"You’re not supposed to comprehend the full shape of existence. It’s too wide, too deep. People lose themselves chasing what lies beyond the veil. So don’t. Focus on what’s in front of you—our world. The rest is just noise."

Silvy exhaled, her breath shaky.

"I guess... you’re right. I’m still terrified of what I saw. But even then, I decided something before I woke up."

Kyle raised a brow.

"And that is?"

"I already gave myself to you. All of me. Even if I’m scared, even if I don’t understand... I meant what I said. I won’t take it back."

Silvy said quietly.

Kyle was silent for a few steps. Then, softly, he said.

"Good. But don’t ever feel like you have to carry more than you’re meant to. I’ll lead you through the dark. Just don’t let go of my hand."

Silvy smiled faintly, her eyes fluttering closed again.

Far away, within the cold marble halls of the royal castle, tension brewed beneath polished civility.

Servants and nobles paused in their step as two figures crossed paths in the corridor—Grand Duchess Amana in her flowing midnight gown, and Melissa, clad in her sharp uniform. The two women halted, their eyes locking.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

"Is that the Grand Duchess?"

"And the red-haired knight... Lord Kyle’s aide..."

"Are they going to fight?"

"They say their feud is because of love..."

"...over Lord Kyle Armstrong..."

The silence between the two women was sharp as a blade. No greetings were exchanged. Only a quiet understanding passed in their gazes.

At last, Amana broke the stillness.

"We need to talk. Privately."

Melissa gave a slow nod.

"Lead the way."

The pair stepped into a secure chamber deep within the castle. Once inside, Amana closed the door behind them and extended her hand.

A subtle glow formed in the air as a magical barrier shimmered to life—a privacy ward powerful enough to block even divine eavesdropping.

Melissa sat, her expression unreadable.

"Why did you ask to speak with me?"

Amana turned, eyes calm but direct.

"Because I love Kyle Armstrong."

The words struck like a hammer—direct, unflinching.

Melissa’s gaze narrowed.

"Is this your way of telling me to step aside?"

Amana nodded once.

"Yes. It is."

The silence that followed was bitter, but not unexpected.

"...Then you already know what my answer is going to be."

Melissa said quietly.

"I do. That’s why I have a different proposal."

Amana replied.

Melissa tensed.

"...What kind of proposal?"

Amana walked slowly to the opposite seat and sat down, folding her hands in her lap.

"I’ve accepted that Kyle is not the kind of man who can be bound by conventional things. His path is wide. His fate... larger than any one of us."

Melissa remained silent.

Amana’s gaze didn’t waver.

"Which is why I want you to be on my side."

Melissa raised a brow.

"What?"

"I’m not going to lie and say I like you. You irritate me. You’re stubborn, reckless, and far too emotional. But you’re loyal. And that’s something I can’t dismiss. Especially when it comes to Kyle."

Amana said.

Melissa clenched her fists in her lap.

"...So what are you suggesting?"

"A pact. We stop working against each other. We protect him together. We don’t interfere in his decisions, or his path. And when the time comes, we put our differences aside—for his sake."

The Grand Duchess said. Melissa’s eyes widened.

"You’re suggesting... what? That we share him?"

"I’m suggesting we protect him from this world’s filth, not tear each other apart like the vultures circling him already. Kyle is at the center of something far greater than either of us. If we let our personal feelings get in the way, we’ll lose him. And worse, he may lose himself."

Amana answered coldly.

Melissa looked away, conflicted.

Amana’s voice softened just a little.

"You’re not a rival. You’re an ally. If you’re willing."

The silence dragged. At last, Melissa whispered.

"...You really do love him."

Amana nodded.

Melissa bit her lip.

"Then I’ll think about your proposal."

Amana stood, lifting the barrier.

"Good. Think fast. Time isn’t a luxury we can afford anymore."

As the Grand Duchess turned to leave, Melissa’s voice called out, stopping her just before she reached the door.

"There’s something else you should know."

Melissa said quietly, rising from her seat.

Amana glanced over her shoulder, her expression composed.

"Go on."

"You and I... we’re not the only ones Kyle treats with that kind of care. There’s another."

Melissa said.

A flicker of confusion crossed the Grand Duchess’s face.

"Another?"

"Silvy. The elf representative. The one who stood against the gods for him. Risked her life, nearly died for his sake."

Melissa answered.

Recognition bloomed in Amana’s eyes, followed by a moment of stunned silence.

"...The elf girl. The one who offered him her everything."

Melissa nodded.

"I don’t think you understand just how far she’s willing to go. Or how much Kyle sees in her."

Amana narrowed her eyes, folding her arms.

"You’re saying she’s a threat?"

"I’m saying she’s a possibility. Just like you. Just like me."

Melissa corrected.

The room felt heavier now, as if the truth had settled like fog around them. The Grand Duchess exhaled slowly, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.

Melissa stepped forward, her voice softer.

"Even if we come to an agreement between ourselves, it won’t matter unless Kyle chooses us. And honestly, I’d rather share his heart... than be cast out of it entirely."

Amana turned fully then, her regal mask faltering for just a heartbeat. "You’d be willing to share?"

"If it means I can stay by his side, then yes."

Melissa said firmly.

Amana studied her for a long moment before her lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile.

"...Then perhaps you’re stronger than I gave you credit for."

She murmured.

Melissa shrugged.

"It’s not strength. It’s love."

The Grand Duchess gave a short nod, her gaze distant now.

"Let’s see how far that love carries us, then."

And with that, she finally stepped out, leaving Melissa alone with her racing thoughts and the growing storm of emotions she had no power to stop.

But how long would this time of peace last before something happened once more?