Chapter 183 Communication Is Important
Candice stood a few steps inside the chamber, her hands clasped in front of her as if she needed to keep herself from shaking. Althea could feel Gavriel’s arm still locked around her waist, as if even this moment required him to keep her close.
Candice took a deep breath before she continued, “My father explained that the Luminis Shard is not just a relic. It is a living magical core. And, as I said, it cannot be fully controlled by just anyone, aside from the House of Aetherion. He confirmed to me that the only clan capable of drawing out its full potential is the Ivanov Clan.”
Althea blinked. “Ivanov… Clan?”
Candice nodded with certainty. “Yes. The Ivanovs were one of the oldest magical bloodlines on the Velmora Continent and they were believed to have the closest ties with the heavens. It is said they were gifted with the ability to bind light energy to the physical world. Only they could wield the Luminis Shard in its original form. Anyone else would be able to use only a fraction of its power, but the Ivanov bloodline could command its entire force without breaking.”
Althea felt her fingers slowly curl against Gavriel’s chest. Her heart beat stronger. “What are you trying to say?”
Candice’s gaze softened. “My father said something that made everything clearer. If Zander can communicate with you through the Shard, and if the Shard responds to you without resistance, then it means one thing. Althea, you might be from the Ivanov bloodline. Which also means Zander could be connected to you in some way.”
The room fell silent.
Althea stared at Candice, unable to process the words right away. Connected to her? Through blood? Through family? Zander? The same man who had pursued her, manipulated events around her, and now held Riela in his hands?
Gavriel’s body tensed under her. She felt the sharp spike of his emotions through their bond. Shock. Worry. And underneath it all, frustration that he could not protect her from the implications.
He spoke through gritted teeth. “If this is true, then that bastard knew it from the start.”
Candice nodded. “It is very possible. My father said the Luminis Shard will never respond so easily unless the user shares blood ties with its original bearers. If Zander is using it as well, then… yes. You and he might share blood somewhere in your lineage.”
Althea’s throat tightened. “But how? My mother never mentioned anything like that. She never told me anything about our roots. And Zander… I do not know where he even came from.”
Candice took a tiny step forward. “Sometimes bloodlines are scattered. Families hide children. Old names are erased. Especially when there are political threats. It is not impossible. My father believes that your mother had reasons to keep your identity secret especially given the chaos that happened inside House of Aetherion for decades.”
Melva, who had been standing quietly near the door, frowned. “Lady Althea’s mother was a gentle woman. If she hid a truth like this, she must have done it to protect her daughter.”
Gavriel took a deep breath, still holding Althea possessively on his lap. His voice dropped, deeper and more troubled. “If Althea is truly an Ivanov, then this man has been targeting her because of that bloodline. He probably just want all the power for himself!”
Candice nodded. “Which is why we need to understand what he wants.”
Gavriel’s jaw clenched. “You want her to contact that man now?”
Candice did not flinch. “Yes. Because if you all go into tomorrow blind, you will lose. Communication is important. You need to know what he truly wants. You need him to explain himself, even if only a little. He clearly wants something from Althea. And until we understand what it is, we cannot protect her or Princess Riela.”
Althea swallowed. “And you want me to talk to him.”
Candice nodded. “It is dangerous, yes. But at the same time, it is necessary. You cannot fight an enemy you do not understand.”
Gavriel’s voice dropped to a dangerous level. “Althea is not going to talk to him alone.”
Candice shook her head. “I never said she would. She can contact him, but all of us will be here. All of us will hear everything that is said. This will not be a private conversation. It will be a controlled one so you, Your Majesty, can understand his intention without being misled.”
Althea looked down and she grabbed the shard on the table. She touched the Shard gently, feeling its quiet warmth against her fingers.
It pulsed.
Just once. A soft beat. As if responding.
Her breath shook. “It reacted…”
Gavriel’s hold tightened on her so she looked up at him, heart aching at the raw worry in his eyes. “I need to do this. Because Zander knows things about me that I do not. And the more we wait, the more he gets ahead.”
Gavriel looked torn between protecting her and accepting the truth.
Candice spoke again, more firmly this time. “Your Majesty, this is not just about Princess Riela anymore. This is about Lady Althea’s life. Zander will use the Covenant of Binding against you. He will use her fate as leverage. You need to know what he plans to demand before he forces you into a corner.”
Gavriel inhaled slowly, eyes narrowing with reluctant understanding.
Osman stepped forward, crossing his arms. “Sire, Lady Candice has a point. Better to know what the enemy wants now than walk into his trap tomorrow.”
Uriel nodded in agreement. “If he wants a negotiation, then at least we enter it with knowledge.”
Gavriel lifted Althea’s hand, pressing a kiss against her fingers as he held the Shard between them.
His voice dropped, “If he ever hurts you through this connection, even once… I will hunt him down myself.”
Althea nodded, already preparing her heart. “I know.”
Candice stepped closer, her expression steady. “Then let us begin. Focus on the Shard. Let your energy reach out to him.”
The room fell silent.
Everyone watched as Althea held the glowing crystal in her palm.
She closed her eyes, exhaled slowly, and let her energy flow.
The Luminis Shard warmed in her hand, responding to her touch instantly.
And together, they decided. They would contact Zander.