CHAPTER 75: PROMISE OF TIME

[: 3rd POV :]

Caelira’s voice lowered, almost reverent, as she began to explain the ancient pact.

"Each Ruler is granted three Promises of Time by the Overseer—a sacred favour that transcends the very fabric of existence’’

’’These Promises are not mere wishes, but powerful boons that allow one to bend time and fate itself."

Kiel’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully, absorbing the weight of her words.

"It’s like a divine cheat sheet," Caelira continued, "a way to unravel mysteries no mortal mind could solve alone’’

’’With a Promise, you can seek answers to impossible problems, glimpse future paths, or even find the secret to breaking through your limits when you’ve reached the peak of your power."

Manork shifted uncomfortably.

"So, it’s not something you use lightly."

"Far from it," Caelira nodded gravely.

"The Promises are finite. Once used, they’re gone forever. That is why Empress Melira, despite her immense strength, cannot call upon the Promise herself."

Rika’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Why not?"

Caelira’s gaze darkened. "Her ancestors had already exhausted all three Promises generations ago. Their sacrifices had shaped her legacy—but at the cost of this powerful lifeline."

Kiel added with a sombre tone, "My family’s history is similar. Our ancestors used two of our Promises to guide the path of our lineage and secure the strength to protect our people."

He paused, voice tinged with regret.

"My father refused to use the final Promise to find Daniel, believing it to be too precious to waste on something uncertain."

There was a quiet tension in the room as the others understood the gravity of Kiel’s father’s decision.

Caelira’s eyes met his, filled with sympathy. "It’s a hard choice to argue against."

Caelira’s voice grew solemn as she continued explaining the burden each family bore.

"Rika’s ancestors," she said, casting a thoughtful glance toward the young demi-human princess, "used all

of their Promises long ago—to forge the unity of the entire Demi-Human continent’’

’’Their sacrifices laid the foundation for strength through solidarity."

Rika’s eyes flickered with a mixture of pride and quiet sorrow.

"It was a painful but necessary path. Without those Promises, our people might never have stood together."

Caelira then turned her gaze toward the proud Dragon Empress, whose legacy was known far and wide.

"As for the Dragons," she continued, "their Empress and ancestors have never once called upon the Promise of Time’’

’’They are proud, dominant beings who rely solely on their own strength and will. Favours from the Overseer are... beneath them."

A brief pause settled between the group, heavy with unspoken respect and understanding.

Caelira’s voice then softened, but her resolve sharpened.

"Which leaves me... with my last remaining Promise. Two of my own have already been spent in times of dire need."

She drew a deep breath, steadying herself as the weight of her family’s legacy pressed down on her shoulders.

Rika, Kiel, and Manork exchanged looks.

None of them dared deny her decision, knowing full well the desperation etched into every word she spoke.

Kiel finally spoke, his voice low but earnest. "You carry the last hope we have."

Manork nodded, eyes fierce. "We stand behind you. Whatever it takes."

Rika’s gaze was steady, her voice barely above a whisper. "Daniel’s life is worth every sacrifice."

Caelira’s lips quivered, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through her normally unyielding facade. "

I have no choice. I cannot wait any longer."

Her hands clenched into fists as she looked at each of them, determination blazing in her eyes.

"Even if I must call upon a favour my ancestors gained from the Overseer centuries ago... I will use it."

"For Daniel is the only one that truly matters to me—aside from my daughter."

Her voice cracked with emotion, and yet, beneath it all, there was an iron will.

They all knew what she meant—Daniel was more than just a lost child.

He was a symbol of hope, love, and an unbreakable bond that none could sever.

The room fell silent for a moment, the gravity of her words sinking in.

Then, as one, the others nodded their agreement.

The grand hall buzzed softly with the murmur of dignitaries and nobles, but amidst the clinking glasses and light laughter, a new conversation quietly drew attention.

Rika’s father, King Kaelgor Ironclaw, approached Caelira with a careful smile, his posture respectful yet tinged with an unspoken heaviness.

His wife, Queen Selena, followed close behind, her gaze steady and compassionate.

"So, Caelira," Kaelgor began gently, his voice lowered to avoid unwanted ears, "I’ve heard that you were the one who took care of my daughter during... those difficult times."

He didn’t dare say the word ’slave’—the mere mention could ignite tensions in a room full of watchers.

Yet, the weight of that truth hung silently between them.

Caelira met his eyes, her own reflecting the memory of pain and resilience.

"Yes, that’s right," she replied softly, a faint, bittersweet smile playing on her lips.

"Taking care of her wasn’t difficult at all—though I admit, she was a bit feisty at times."

A warm laugh escaped Caelira, cutting through the heaviness like a beam of light.

Kaelgor chuckled, shaking his head.

"Hahaha, it seems that’s true. Even I find it hard to discipline her sometimes."

His eyes flicked toward Rika, who was blushing deeply, cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

Caelira’s smile softened, her gaze lingering on Rika for a moment before returning to Kaelgor.

"Despite everything... it seems I owe you a huge favour." Kaelgor’s expression grew earnest.

"We all know the burdens we carry as rulers," he said with quiet gravity.

"But as a father, I cannot fully express my gratitude. No treasure, no wealth could ever repay what you’ve done for her."

He hesitated, the urge to bow almost overwhelming, but he restrained himself, knowing that such a gesture might invite misunderstanding.

Caelira’s expression darkened briefly, a shadow crossing her features.

"Don’t mention it," she murmured.

"Your daughter... she kept me going. Without her, and without the hope she represented, I might have lost my mind."

Her voice trembled slightly, the heavy memories lurking beneath her words.

Kaelgor and Selena exchanged a glance, their silence speaking volumes.

Neither could fathom the torment Caelira must have endured as a slave—the invisible scars that no one here had seen.

After a moment, Selena stepped forward with gentle resolve, reaching out to touch Caelira’s arm as if to anchor her spirit.

"Don’t worry, Caelira," she said softly, her tone sisterly and sincere.

"Rika has told us everything. We will use all our resources to find him."

Her eyes burned with quiet determination.

Selena then cast a glance around the room, her voice lowering but firm.

"More than that... I believe the time has come for all the continents to settle accounts with these slave merchants—no longer can they operate in the shadows of our world."

Caelira nodded slowly, a flicker of hope and resolve shining through the fatigue.

Together, they stood in shared purpose—a united front against the darkness that had stolen Daniel, and a promise to fight for his return.

Just as the conversation between Caelira, Rika, Kiel, and Manork began to deepen, a sudden voice cut through the quiet intensity.

"Ho? It seems like you guys are planning something fun without letting us join?"

From behind, the imposing figures of Kiel’s father and mother stepped into the circle, both wearing amused smiles that immediately lightened the mood.

Kiel’s eyes widened in surprise, a flush creeping across his cheeks. "Father? Mother? I... I forgot you were here."

His mother, Lilith, laughed softly, her gaze warm but teasing.

"Seems like you’ve made some new friends already, and left your old ones out of the loop."

His father, Xerath, chuckled heartily, crossing his arms.

"What’s this? You’ve gone from pushing everyone away to suddenly making friends—and now you forget about us? That’s quite the change."

Kiel’s embarrassment was palpable; his usual stoic facade cracked.

"N-No, that’s not it," he stammered, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"It’s just... You know my reputation. I’ve been known to chase anyone who tried to get close away—especially before all this... happened."

Caelira, who had been watching Kiel with quiet affection, smiled gently.

"We all have parts of our past we’d rather forget. But look at you now—surrounded by those who care."

Rika chimed in with a soft laugh.

"It’s true. You’ve changed, Kiel. We all have, in our own ways."

Lord Xerath clapped his son lightly on the shoulder.

"That’s what family and friends are for’’

Lady Lilith nodded in agreement. "And don’t think we’ll let you slip away that easily again."

Kiel’s cheeks flushed deeper, but a small smile finally broke through his embarrassment.

"I’m glad you’re here."

The moment of levity eased the tension in the group, reminding them all of the strength found in connection—something they all desperately needed in the uncertain days ahead.