The girl blinked, taking a hesitant step back, clutching her makeshift bundle tighter. "I... I’m eth," she stammered, her voice soft.
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(Oh, my freaking god!!! It’s Caelum!! In the flesh!!! Hahaha!!! He’s even more handsome in person!! I can’t believe it! Even though he’s just an extra, he still plays such a huge role! He’s the first-ever master of black magic, the one who received a gift the Sun of Darkness at only seven years old! I didn't know he's this cute when she's was Young!!)
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Caelum’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you… the ghost of the Forgotten Palace?” he asked, only half-joking.
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Leth’s lips trembled, and she quickly shook her head. "I’m... not a ghost. I live here," she murmured, lowering her gaze to the ground.
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Oh my freaking god! My bias is so freaking cute!! with this soft, round face and chubby cheeks that make you want to squish them! His big, wide eyes are mesmerizing, a unique violet with subtle flecks of color that seem to sparkle. His long, fluttery eyelashes give his gaze a gentle, almost magical quality, making him look dreamy and innocent. His hair is a fluffy mess, soft to the touch, framing his face in a way that adds to his adorable charm. He’s wearing a little outfit, complete with suspenders or a tiny vest, looking just like a miniature gentleman. His playful expressions whether he's pouting, smiling shyly, or giggling could melt anyone's heart.)
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For a moment, the two children simply stared at each other, each taken aback by the unexpected encounter. Then, cautiously, Caelum asked with an air of arrogance, "How can someone live in this old, abandoned castle?"
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"Well, chu swee meh, sho I lwive here!" she replied, her words slightly slurred with a childish lisp.
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"Does the Emperor know you're here?" Caelum challenged. "Besides, you're trespassing, and you could be in serious trouble if you don't have proof you live here. Unless you're part of the royal family, of course."
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"I... I'm a maid who twakes care of tish plwace and lwives here," she responded hesitantly.
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Just then, Valen and Aeron appeared by Caelum's side, but when he turned back, the mysterious girl was nowhere to be found.
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"Who were you talking to?" Aeron asked, narrowing his eyes. "And why did you leave Valen and me behind like that?"
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"I saw a kid here just now," Caelum muttered, still scanning the shadows. "She was... different. She said she lives here."
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"Are you sure?" Aeron raised an eyebrow. "This castle has been abandoned for years. There’s no way anyone could actually live here."
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"See, Aeron!" Valen whispered urgently, clutching his arm. "I told you ghosts are real! Caelum was talking to one! I knew it!"
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"Enough, Valen." Caelum brushed off his friend’s dramatic fear. "It wasn’t a ghost. She was real... or at least, I think she was."
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They went inside the castle it was dusty, so many webs everything is so dark that no one had cleaned the place.
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Aeron used his abilities creating lights that sorrounded them.
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"Look, even the lights know she’s here!" Valen stammered, edging closer to Aeron.
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Suddenly, they heard the faint echo of footsteps from deeper within the castle. The brothers exchanged wary glances, each of them feeling a mix of curiosity and unease.
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"Should we follow it?" Caelum asked, his voice barely a whisper.
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"Are you insane?" Valen hissed. "What if it is a ghost?"
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Aeron’s expression hardened as he glanced down the darkened hallway. "If someone is here, we should find out who or what it is."
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With that, they cautiously made their way down the hall, shadows stretching and dancing along the walls as the echoes of their footsteps filled the silent castle.
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"Your Highnesses," a voice echoed sharply through the room, causing the children to flinch.
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Xyril appeared, standing beside the Emperor, who was clearly displeased. His cold gaze settled on them, heavy with disapproval.
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"Didn’t I tell you it’s forbidden to set foot inside this palace?" the Emperor’s voice was icy.
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"But..." Caelum started, only for Aeron to cut him off.
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"We're deeply sorry, Your Majesty. It won’t happen again."
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"It... it was Caelum," Valen stammered, fear evident in his voice. "He said he saw a kid..."
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The Emperor’s expression darkened at this. Without another word, Xyril guided the children out, leaving the Emperor alone in the silence of the vast palace.
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Meanwhile, Leth, who had seen and heard everything, hid silently on the second floor, watching from the shadows. She was shrouded in darkness, her presence barely noticeable — until the Emperor's gaze flicked upward, sensing her.
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"I know you’re he—" he began, his voice edged with warning.
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"Leave, before I make you," Leth interrupted, her voice shifting, transforming into a low, monstrous tone that echoed through the hall, sending a chill into the air.
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The Emperor paused, his eyes narrowing. For a moment, it seemed like an intense, unspoken standoff between them, a clash of power held in silence. Then, with a final glare, the Emperor turned and walked away, leaving Leth alone in the dark.
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"Everything has a reason." Leth softly said and walked away.
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