(Chapter Starts)
The streets buzzed with whispers and gasps as huge digital screens lit up with shocking news.
"Breaking news! According to confidential sources, the Eldorian government claims that the second prince of Solmaria, Kairo Solmaria, is not of royal blood. Reports say King Reinhart adopted him into the royal family. Some officials are even suggesting that Kairo might be an Eldorian spy!"
The crowd immediately exploded in surprise and gossip.
"Did you hear that? The prince is adopted!" "If this is true, he can't be king!" "Is he really a spy from Eldoria?"
Kairo's heart pounded in his chest. His mind was spinning.
This is bad…
He quickly pulled his hood over his head and lowered his eyes to avoid attention. Without wasting time, he turned and ran into a nearby alley, disappearing into the shadows of the city.
---
At the Royal Mansion
Across the city, inside the grand royal estate, Elsa Solmaria sat on an elegant couch. Her golden eyes were locked on the giant screen showing the news. Her hands gripped the armrest tightly, and her whole body shook with anger.
"Sirius… I will never forgive you," she growled through clenched teeth.
She stood up fast and turned to her maid.
"Pack my things. We're leaving for the capital right now," she ordered.
The maid hesitated. "My lady, the capital is very unstable right now—"
"I don't care," Elsa snapped. "I have to deal with this myself."
The maid nodded quickly and ran off to prepare.
---
At Kairo's Hideout
Kairo finally reached his base. His team was gathered around a small TV, watching the news with tense expressions.
The moment he walked in, Luca and Alya rushed toward him.
"Kairo!" Luca said. "What the hell is going on?"
Veiren looked worried. "This can't be true… right, Kairo?"
Raiven crossed his arms. "Do you know anything about this?"
Kairo took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "No. This is fake news," he said. "They're trying to frame me."
Eldric, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, leaned forward. His voice was calm but serious. "They've made the first move. Now, it's our turn."
Before anyone could say anything, Kairo's phone buzzed. The screen showed an unknown number.
Raiven looked at him. "Put it on speaker."
Kairo hesitated, then tapped the screen.
A familiar voice came through the phone.
"Kairo, it's me."
"Sirius?" Kairo narrowed his eyes.
"I'm calling from a secure network," Sirius said. "Listen carefully. Your war with the government has officially started. But don't worry—I'll be supporting you from the shadows."
Kairo stayed quiet, gripping the phone tighter.
"I know your team is listening," Sirius said. "So I'll get to the point. The media is hunting you down. You need to leave the base immediately. I've arranged a safe place—the royal mansion. No one will think to look for you there."
Everyone looked at each other.
"You can all come," Sirius added. "But be there before daylight. I'll be waiting."
The call ended.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Veiren was the first to break it. "What do you think, Kairo? Should we go?"
Kairo let out a deep breath. "We don't have a choice. If we stay, they'll find us."
Luca nodded. "Then let's move."
The group grabbed their essentials and left the hideout. Outside, a sleek black car was already waiting.
A man in a sharp black suit stood next to it. "Lord Sirius sent me to pick you up," he said, opening the car doors.
The group got in, and the car took off, heading toward the royal mansion.
---
At the Royal Mansion
When they arrived, the huge gates closed behind them. The team stepped out and walked toward the mansion.
Sirius was waiting at the entrance, his usual calm look on his face.
"You're safe here," he said. "No one will find you."
As the team went to their rooms, Kairo's phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message.
Elsa: Where are you now?
Kairo quickly replied.
Kairo: At the royal mansion with my team… and Sirius.
Almost right away, the phone started ringing. Elsa's name flashed on the screen. Kairo picked up.
"Why the hell are you with Sirius?!" Elsa's angry voice shouted through the speaker.
Kairo frowned. "What do you mean? He's helping me—"
"He's the one who set all this up!" Elsa yelled. "You need to leave now. I'm on my way to the capital, but Sirius won't let me in."
"I'll talk to him," Kairo said firmly. "I'll make sure you can come in."
Elsa sighed. "Fine. But I have a lot to say to him."
Kairo ended the call and looked over at Sirius, who was standing by the balcony, gazing at the city lights.
"Elsa's coming," Kairo said. "Can she stay here too?"
Sirius let out a small laugh. "Why not? I'm looking forward to seeing my dear sister again." He smiled wider. "I have a lot to say to her."
---
Elsa's Arrival
A black car pulled up at the mansion gates. The door opened, and Elsa stepped out. Her long coat flapped in the wind, and her eyes were burning with fury.
Kairo and Sirius were already waiting for her at the entrance.
As she walked up, Sirius smiled at her in his usual smug way.
"It's been a while, my beloved sister," he said smoothly.
Without saying a word, Elsa stormed forward and kicked him hard in the face.
Sirius stumbled back, surprised. He wiped his mouth, still smiling. "Still as aggressive as ever, I see."
Elsa crossed her arms and gave him a cold smile. "Do whatever you want. But as long as I'm here, I won't let you win, my dear brother."
---
(Chapter Ends)