Jade walked into Isadora’s room heaving a sigh after having successfully fooled the knights. Her eyes searched for that beautiful face in the room, her heart momentarily coming to a halt when she spotted Isadora on the large bed. Quickly placing the tray on the table, she rushed beside her bed, her figure towering over Isadora as she tried to wake her up. But to her dismay, Isadora remained as still as a statue. Her heaving chest was the only proof that she was alive.

Jade took a few steps back, fear instantly gripping her whole being. What the hell had happened to Isadora? "Who did this?" She asked, directing the question to no one in particular. Her clenched fists coupled with her flaring nose was enough proof she could tear anyone apart that instant! If only she could get a name...

Taking in controlled deep breaths to calm herself, Jade raked her brain in search of a possible reason for Isadora’s current state. Dark magic? No that couldn’t be. No dark magic could render a person go purgatory mode. What then? Damn it! The more she was trying to think the more harder it turned to be.

Isadora sighed catching Jade’s attention before she halted in her tracks. Why would she sigh yet she couldn’t wake up. It was like she was in some deep sleep. Taking a step closer, Jade examined her face. Why did she look like one who had just escaped a near death experience. Her face answered it all! Was she having a nightmare? But how... why would the king restrict her from seeing Isadora if it was just but a nightmare? It had to be something else. But what?

* * * * * 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Your Majesty," the official bowed upon the arrival of Newton in the king’s office. It was unlike him to personally visit the office so the official was actually stunned to see ’His Majesty’ here.

The king’s office was screaming of nothing but elegancy. The desk alone was made out of the rarest of woods in the kingdom only found near the Crescian-Valorian border. It would take great courage and risk venturing that area. The surface was as smooth as silk that one itched for a touch. Running your fingers on the surface would feel so surreal and phenomenon, but not to Newton. Heavy velvet curtains hung on the windows, slightly open to let the golden rays of the morning sun in. The official had a couch for a seat, with documents neatly arranged on the desk. The royal quill stood just next to the documents plus a container of ink to sum it up.

"I want you to write a letter to the Tasian royal family informing them that their princess will be extending her visit," Newton said, ignoring the official’s attempts to shower him with praises.

"Tell this to no one, including the princess," he added.

"But Your Majesty, how can I write a letter on behalf of the princess without her consent?" The official voiced his concerns. According to him, it was unethical and derogative. Tasia might even wage a war against Crescia!

"Are you asking me or telling me?" Newton asked, putting on that look of Griffin that everyone feared.

"Neither Your Majesty," the official replied, a slight tremor detectable in his shaky voice.

"Good. Just write the letter and do as I have instructed. Inform me immediately if you get a reply," he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality.

"If I may ask Your Majesty," the official began in a shaky voice, afraid that he might offend the already ranging bull,"what is the special occasion today?" He managed to finish despite the cold look he was getting now.

"What special occasion?" Newton asked even though he already knew the answer.

The official glanced at the golden attire that Newton was adorned in before he said, "that signifies something important."

"And who said I should wear it only during special occasions?" He asked coldly still playing along like the bossy Griffin he was. This was far good than he had thought. It was just a matter of time before he led his army, not a bag of lazy officials.

"I’m sorry Sire... I’ll just write the letter," the official said making himself busy instantly. No one wanted to face Griffin’s sharp tongue at this hour of the morning.

Newton walked out of the office and headed to the throne hall. He had made up his mind and he swore to find a cure to what was happening to Isadora. And as far as he knew, only one person could help him now. Thinking of him alone made his blood boil and make him nervous at the same time. Lord! What had he done to him? Newton had never felt this conflicted in his life before.

Tightening his grip on the edge of the throne seat, he nodded at the knights who stood guard by the double doors and they swung into action, opening the doors. The creaking sound made Newton’s heart race uncontrollably, his eyes gazing at the door in anticipation and... longing. Longing? He had seen the shameless jerk last night so why would he long to see or even meet him?

Zed stepped into the hall, the chains around him resonating with his heavy steps. He still couldn’t understand why they feared him so much yet he could vanish anytime if he wanted to. Maybe he could bring mayhem to Griffin after that. No one had ever done this to him and stayed alive. In fact, Griffin was supposed to count himself lucky. But this was not Griffin who had summoned him. What did the shape shifter want this time? A kiss? He chuckled darkly at the thought.

Lifting his face, he gazed straight into Newton’s eyes through his disheveled white hair. It had turned somehow brown because of the dirt in the dungeon. The freaking Crescians had designed it unfit for humans. He was certain no human could last for an hour in that dungeon.

A knight materialized besides Newton making him to almost jump off his seat.

"Back off!" The knights said drawing their swords and pointing them at the back of the intruder.

"Kael? Don’t you have a decent way to visit someone?" Newton asked trying to regain his composure. And turning to the knights," lower your weapons, he’s a friend."

"That’s the most decent way I have so far. What did I miss?" He asked grinning from ear to ear. His gaze surveyed his surrounding spotting a man chained up.

"What did the dude do?" He asked picking an apple from the King’s basket, something that no one would dare do in front of Griffin. And not for once had they heard him address their king in his proper title. Either he was way too arrogant or having a death wish, one that their unusually cool king was reluctant to fulfill.

"Nothing much," Newton said gritting his teeth at the sound Kael made when he ate the apple. "And about him, it’s a long story," he added. He stared back at those silvery eyes waking his wildest desires but he was quick to avert his gaze from the alluring sight.

Kael lowered his head and whispered at Newton’s ear, "who the hell is that? I can feel the aura emanating from him. It’s kind of... weird but dangerous."

"You feel that too?" Newton asked acting all surprised. "He must be one powerful Crescian. We’ll have to find out his potential," he added, raising his voice that everyone could hear.

"The potential test," the knights began whispering. Only the strongest member of the royal family could carry out this test. And in that case, it would only be Griffin, or Newton as they believed.

"Attention! All knights must evacuate the hall. His Majesty wants to perform the potential test on the prisoner," the captain announced, a smile forming on Newton’s face for having being saved some trouble. The Crescians feared the Potential test since it was usually catastrophic.

"Yes Sir!" The knights nodded in unison before they streamed out of the hall, closing the double doors behind them.

"Are you sure you want to perform a potential test?" Kael asked, materializing back once everybody had left. Not that he didn’t know the answer to that.

"Of course not," Newton smirked, rising from his seat. He folded his arms on his back before he ascended the stairs walking closer to where Zed stood.

"I have a big problem and only he can help," he said pointing at Zed. And turning to face Kael," he saw through my disguise."

Kael wanted to say something but his mouth ended opening and closing like that of a fish, speechless!

"But how? This is some kind of joke right?" He asked materializing beside Newton.

"No it’s not. If you don’t believe me, ask him about your disguise?" Newton said gesturing Kael to step forward. Zed just watched everything in a cool demeanor before a smirk appeared on his lips. Who did they think they were fooling?