The Scroll and the Secret.

The Scroll and the Secret.
Chapter Eighty-Seven: The Scroll and the Secret

Aiden strolled through the castle corridors, his footsteps echoing against the ancient stone. 

The halls of the estate had become familiar to him over the months…the tapestries, the torches, the way the light fell through the narrow windows at different times of day. But familiar did not mean home.

His mind wandered to another time. Another place. 

A mansion that existed centuries away from here, filled with faces he missed with an ache that never faded.

Aldrich, he thought. My Aldrich. Is he sad every day? Does he sit by my glass cylinder, waiting for me to wake up? Does he speak to me, hoping I can hear?

Aiden's chest tightened. He imagined Aldrich's hand pressed against the glass, his forehead resting there, his voice a broken whisper. 

He imagined Gabriella's tears, River's young face streaked with grief, Elliot's hands shaking as he ran his scans.

Prince, Grants, Merrick, Fiona... are they holding up? Are they still fighting? Do they still believe I'll come back?

He thought of River, growing taller with each passing day. 

He thought of Elliot, the brilliant nerd who probably hadn't slept in weeks, too busy trying to find a way to bring Aiden home.

They were all waiting for him. And he was here, in the past, trying to save a future that might never exist.

Aiden shook his head. He couldn't afford to dwell on what he had lost. He had to focus on what he could still save.

He rounded a corner and stopped.

Regnok was ahead, walking purposefully toward a door at the end of the corridor. 

A scroll was tucked under his arm, its edges worn, its seal unbroken.

Aiden's instincts flared. That scroll. I've never seen him carry anything like that before.

He followed.

Regnok entered the room and closed the door behind him. 

Aiden approached cautiously, pressing his ear against the wood. Nothing. No voices. No movement. It was as if the room had swallowed Regnok whole.

Aiden waited. His heart pounded. He knew he should leave. He knew he was risking everything by being here but he couldn't walk away.

Then the door swung open.

Aiden stumbled back, his face flushing with embarrassment. Regnok stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

"What do you seek?" Regnok asked. His voice was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath it. A wariness.

Aiden's mind raced. He forced a smile, hoping it looked natural. "I was wondering if you were inside," he said. "I was walking and I thought I saw you come this way."

Regnok studied him for a long moment. Then he stepped aside. "Alright. Come in."

Aiden hesitated, then followed.

The room was Regnok's private study…a small, cluttered space filled with books, maps, and scrolls. 

A fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Two guards stood by the door.

Regnok waved a hand. "Leave us."

The guards bowed and exited, closing the door behind them.

Regnok gestured to a chair. "Sit."

Aiden sat, his eyes scanning the room as casually as he could. 

He spotted the scroll on a table in the corner…the same one Regnok had been carrying.

"Would you like some wine?" Regnok asked, moving toward a decanter on the sideboard.

Aiden shook his head. "No. Thank you. I prefer water."

Regnok raised an eyebrow. "You never drink. I have noticed that."

Aiden's stomach twisted. He couldn't explain that he was pregnant in the future, that anything he consumed in this time might affect the child he carried in his body back home. "I have never enjoyed the taste," he said simply.

Regnok did not press. He poured himself a cup and settled into a chair across from Aiden.

"So," Regnok said, his eyes fixed on Aiden. "You came looking for me."

Aiden nodded. "I just wanted to see you."

Regnok's expression flickered….something like surprise, then warmth. "I am glad."

Aiden stood, moving casually around the room. 

He paused at the table where the scroll lay, his fingers brushing against its edge. 

"Is this your study?" he asked, his voice light. "It is very... organized."

Regnok chuckled. "I try to keep it that way. The King often jokes that I am more particular than his royal librarian."

Aiden smiled, but his mind was elsewhere. The scroll. I need to see what is on the scroll.

"Show me around?" Aiden asked, turning to face Regnok. "I have always been curious about your work."

Regnok's eyes lit up. He stood, clearly pleased by the request. "Of course. This is where I review the patrol reports." 

He gestured to a stack of papers on his desk. "And this is where I keep the maps of the northern territories."

As Regnok spoke, Aiden's hands moved behind his back. 

He closed his eyes briefly, focusing his power. A soft, silver glow flickered at his fingertips, invisible to anyone but him.

Magical eyes, he thought. I need to see what is on that scroll.

The silver light pulsed, and Aiden's vision sharpened. 

He could see through the scroll's layers, through the parchment, through the ink.

But the scroll was rolled up. He could see only the outermost layer.

He focused harder, pushing his magic outward. The scroll trembled slightly, unrolling just a crack.

Aiden's heart raced. He could see symbols…strange, angular symbols that meant nothing to him. It was a language he did not recognize.

Then Regnok turned.

Aiden moved quickly, snapping the scroll closed with a flick of his wrist. 

He pretended to be examining a book on the shelf.

Regnok walked to the table, his eyes falling on the scroll. 

He picked it up carefully, his expression unreadable. Then he placed it in a locked safe on the wall.

Aiden's stomach dropped. He knows. He must know I was looking at it.

But Regnok said nothing. Instead, he walked to Aiden, his steps slow and deliberate.

Aiden backed up, his heart pounding. His back hit the edge of the table.

Regnok moved closer. His hands came to rest on either side of Aiden, trapping him against the table. His face was inches from Aiden's.

"Tonight," Regnok said, his voice low. "Let us go alone. You can show me what your powers can do. I have kept your secret all this time. We have grown closer, have we not?"

Aiden's breath caught. He could feel the warmth of Regnok's body, the intensity of his gaze. 

"I don't know how to use it much," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I don't remember much. It is not a good idea."

Regnok's hand came up, his fingers brushing Aiden's cheek. "I have interest in everything that concerns you, Aiden. Everything."

Aiden's heart raced. He wanted to pull away, wanted to push Regnok back but he couldn't. Not without revealing his true intentions.

Then he heard it. Quick footsteps in the corridor.

Aiden's eyes darted to the door. Regnok did not move. He did not back away.

The door swung open.

Aldrich stood in the doorway, his face unreadable. His eyes swept the room, taking in the scene…Regnok's hands on the table, Aiden trapped between them, the closeness of their bodies.

"Am I interrupting something?" Aldrich asked. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. Something sharp beneath the surface.

Aiden moved quickly, stepping away from Regnok. "No," he said quickly. "I was just leaving."

Aldrich's gaze lingered on him for a moment. Then he turned to Regnok, his expression softening. "I needed to tell you first, my friend," he said, walking forward and embracing Regnok.

Regnok stiffened for just a moment. Then he returned the embrace, his face hidden from Aldrich's view.

"There is good news," Aldrich said, pulling back. His face was radiant with joy. "I am going to be a father, Regnok. Liora is with child."

Aiden watched Regnok's face carefully. The captain's expression flickered…a flash of something dark, something wounded…before settling into a smile.

"That is wonderful news," Regnok said, his voice steady. "Congratulations, my King. You will be a wonderful father."

Aldrich laughed, clapping Regnok on the shoulder. "And you will be the godfather. I would not have it any other way."

Regnok's smile did not waver. "I am honored."

Aldrich turned to Aiden. "Join us tonight," he said. "We will celebrate. You are part of this household now, Aiden. You should be there."

"Of course," Aiden said, forcing a smile. "I would be honored."

Aldrich nodded, then turned to leave. At the door, he paused, glancing back at Aiden. 

His eyes lingered for a moment, searching. Then he was gone.

The silence in the room was heavy.

Aiden looked at Regnok. The captain's face was still, his eyes fixed on the door where Aldrich had disappeared.

"Regnok," Aiden began carefully. "Are you alright?"

"Of course I am," Regnok said, his voice smooth. "Why would I not be?"

Aiden did not answer. He could not.

He is hiding it, Aiden thought. He is hiding it well. But I saw it. I saw the truth.

And he knew, with a certainty that settled deep in his bones, that Regnok's betrayal was closer than ever.



The great hall was alive with music and laughter. 

Torches flickered along the stone walls, casting golden light across the faces of nobles and knights who had gathered to celebrate the King's joyous news. 

Servants moved through the crowd, their trays laden with goblets of wine and platters of roasted meat. 

The air was thick with the scent of woodsmoke, spices, and the warm perfume of flowers that had been woven into garlands and draped across the rafters.

Aiden stood near the edge of the hall, his back against a pillar, his eyes scanning the crowd. 

He had learned to do this over the months…to watch without being seen, to observe without being noticed.

His gaze found Regnok.

The captain was surrounded by a group of young women, their laughter bright and musical. 

They tugged at his sleeves, their eyes sparkling with flirtation. 

Regnok smiled, a practiced, charming smile, and allowed himself to be pulled onto the dance floor.

Aiden watched him move. Regnok was graceful, his steps sure, his hands respectful as he guided his partners through the dance. 

He looked happy and relaxed. As if the news of Aldrich's impending fatherhood had not affected him at all.

How did he take that news so well? Aiden wondered. Was he no longer jealous of the relationship? He does not look like he is pretending either.

It made no sense. Aiden had seen the flash of pain in Regnok's eyes when Aldrich had announced the pregnancy. 

He had seen the tension in his shoulders, the tightness around his mouth and yet now, Regnok danced as if he had not a care in the world.

Aiden's eyes drifted to Aldrich and Liora. They were seated at the head of the hall, their hands intertwined, their faces radiant with joy. 

Liora's hand rested on her stomach, a gesture of wonder and protectiveness. 

Aldrich leaned close, whispering something in her ear, and she laughed…a sound that carried across the room like music.

Aiden looked away. The ache in his chest was too familiar now. Too constant.

"Aiden."

He turned. Liora was standing before him, her expression gentle, her eyes searching his face. She had left Aldrich's side without him noticing.

Aiden bowed quickly. "My Lady. Congratulations. I am so happy for you and the King."

Liora smiled, but there was concern in her eyes. "You did not have to bow to me, Aiden. We are friends, are we not?"

Aiden straightened. "Of course, My Lady."

Liora reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek. Her touch was warm, kind. "What troubles you?" she asked softly. "I have seen you standing here all evening, watching but not joining. Your eyes carry so much sadness."

Aiden's throat tightened. He forced a smile. "It is nothing, My Lady. Please do not worry about me. I am simply... tired."

Liora studied him for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. Then she nodded, accepting his words even if she did not believe them. 

"If you ever wish to talk, I am here. You are part of this household now, Aiden. You are not alone."

Aiden bowed again. "Thank you, My Lady. I will remember that."

He turned and walked away, his steps carrying him out of the hall and into the cool night air.



The gardens were quiet. The sounds of the celebration faded as Aiden walked deeper into the shadows, his hands clasped behind his back. 

The stars were bright overhead, scattered across the sky like diamonds on black velvet.

He found a stone bench near the fountain and sat down, staring up at the stars.

What am I doing here? he asked himself. What am I supposed to do?

He had been in this time for months. He had watched Regnok, followed him, tried to find proof of his betrayal and yet, the captain had given him nothing. Nothing but kindness. Nothing but warmth.

Aiden's hand moved to his chest, where the tether pulsed faintly. Hold on, my love, he whispered. I am still trying to find my way home.

"I never know how you manage to disappear so completely."

Aiden startled. He turned to find Regnok approaching, his steps slightly unsteady, his smile loose and relaxed.

"Your scent is strange," Regnok continued, sitting down beside Aiden. "It is hard to trace you. Most people, I can find by scent alone. But you... you are different."

Aiden's heart raced. "I did not want to interrupt the celebration."

"You did not interrupt anything." Regnok leaned back, his eyes on the stars. "I needed some air. It is... warm inside and loud."

Aiden studied him. Regnok's eyes were glassy, his movements slower than usual. "You are drunk," Aiden said.

Regnok laughed…a soft, genuine sound. "Perhaps a little. It is a celebration, is it not? The King is going to be a father. My best friend is going to have a child." 

He paused. "I am happy for him."

Aiden's mind raced. He had to ask. He had to know the truth. "Regnok," he said carefully. "Do you no longer feel envy towards Aldrich?"

Regnok's smile faded. He turned to look at Aiden, his eyes suddenly sharp despite the wine. "What do you mean?"

Aiden held his gaze. "I know you were not fine with their relationship. I have seen it. The way you look at them. The way you flinch when he mentions her name."

Regnok was silent for a long moment. Then he leaned closer, his face inches from Aiden's.

"I asked you a question once," Regnok said softly. "I asked you if you were carrying another life. You said no."

Aiden's breath caught. "I…"

"I do not believe you," Regnok continued, his voice low. "I think you are hiding something, Aiden. Something that holds you back."

Aiden opened his mouth to respond, but Regnok did not wait. 

He closed the distance between them, his lips pressing against Aiden's in a kiss that was warm and insistent.

Aiden froze. His mind went blank. Then he pushed against Regnok's chest, his hands shoving the captain back.

Regnok pulled away, his eyes searching Aiden's face. "Does that answer your question?"

Aiden's heart was pounding. "What?"

Regnok smiled…a slow, gentle smile. "I am not jealous of Aldrich. I am not in love with Liora anymore." 

He reached out, his fingers brushing Aiden's cheek. "I like you, Aiden. I have for some time now."

Aiden was speechless. His mind raced, trying to process what had just happened. Was this a good thing? A bad thing? He had come to this time to stop Regnok's betrayal, not to become the object of his affection.

Regnok leaned in again, his lips meeting Aiden's once more. Aiden tried to pull back, but Regnok's hand cradled the back of his head, holding him in place.

Aiden pushed away, his breath coming in short gasps. "Why would you do that?" he asked, his voice shaking. "Why would you…"

"I like you," Regnok repeated, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. "I have tried to ignore it. I have tried to push it aside. But I cannot. You are always there, Aiden. In my thoughts. In my dreams."

Aiden's heart ached. He thought of Aldrich…his Aldrich, the one waiting for him in the future. The one who loved him. The one he loved in return.

"I am sorry," Aiden said, his voice barely a whisper. "I cannot return your feelings."

Regnok's eyes widened. "Is there someone else?" he asked, his voice sharp. "Is there someone you love?"

Aiden struggled to find words. He opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again. But no sound came out.

Regnok did not wait for an answer. His lips claimed Aiden's once more, his hands cupping Aiden's face, his body pressing close.

Aiden pushed against him, but Regnok's grip was firm and desperate.

From the shadows of the garden, someone watched. 

A tall figure, his face hidden by the darkness. He stood still, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes fixed on the scene before him.

Then he turned and walked away.



The dream came to Aldrich like it always did.

He was standing in a garden he did not recognize. The flowers were strange…bright colors, unfamiliar shapes, their petals glowing faintly in the golden light. 

The air was warm, filled with the scent of something sweet and foreign.

And then he saw him.

Aiden.

He was sitting on a stone bench beneath a flowering tree, his hand resting on the swell of his stomach. 

His face was peaceful, his eyes soft, his lips curved into a gentle smile.

Aldrich's heart ached at the sight of him. He moved forward, his steps silent on the grass.

"Aiden," he breathed.

Aiden looked up, and his smile widened. "You came," he said, his voice warm and familiar. "I knew you would."

Aldrich knelt before him, his hands reaching out to rest on Aiden's belly. "And the child?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion. "Our child?"

"Our child," Aiden confirmed. "Growing strong. Waiting for you."

Aldrich pressed his forehead against Aiden's stomach, his eyes closing. "I love you," he whispered. "I love you both so much."

Aiden's fingers threaded through his hair. "I know," he said softly. "I have always known."

Aldrich looked up, his eyes searching Aiden's face. "Where are we?" he asked. "I do not recognize this place."

Aiden's smile faded. His eyes grew distant, sad. "It is a place you cannot reach. A time you cannot visit. Not yet."

Aldrich's heart clenched. "Then why do I see you? Why do I dream of you?"

Aiden leaned forward, his lips brushing against Aldrich's forehead. "Because you remember," he whispered. "Even if you do not know it. You remember me."

Aldrich's eyes snapped open.

He was in his chambers, the first light of dawn filtering through the curtains. 

His heart was pounding, his skin slick with sweat. Beside him, Liora stirred.

"Aldrich?" she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. "Are you alright?"

Aldrich turned to her, forcing a smile. "I am fine, my love. Go back to sleep."

Liora studied him for a moment, her eyes soft with concern. Then she nodded and settled back against the pillows.

Aldrich pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her. But his mind was elsewhere.

The dream, he thought. That same dream. Every night for weeks now.

Aiden in a garden. Aiden with a child. Aiden looking at him as if he had known him for centuries.

‘What sort of dream is this?’



By daybreak, Aldrich had made a decision.

He summoned Regnok to his private chambers, dismissing the guards with a wave of his hand. 

Regnok entered, his face calm, his posture relaxed but Aldrich noticed something in his eyes. A wariness. A tension.

"Regnok," Aldrich said, motioning for him to sit. "I need to speak with you about something."

Regnok sat, his hands resting on his knees. "Of course, my King. What troubles you?"

Aldrich paced the room, his hands clasped behind his back. "I have been having dreams," he said finally. "Strange dreams. Every night for weeks."

Regnok's expression remained neutral. "Dreams?"

"Of Aiden." Aldrich stopped pacing, turning to face his friend. "In the dreams, he is with child. My child. We are together, and he speaks to me as if he has known me for a lifetime."

Regnok's face went very still. "That is... unusual."

"I know." Aldrich resumed pacing. "I do not understand it. I barely know the man and yet, in the dreams, he feels familiar. Like a part of me I did not know was missing."

Regnok was silent for a long moment. Then he asked, carefully, "Do you have feelings for him? For Aiden?"

Aldrich stopped. He considered the question, truly considered it. "No," he said finally. "I do not. I love Liora. She is my wife, the mother of my child. I would never betray her." 

He paused. "But the dreams... they feel so real. As if they are memories of something that has already happened."

Regnok's jaw tightened, but his voice remained steady. "Perhaps it is just a dream, my King. Nothing more."

Aldrich shook his head. "I do not think so. There is something about Aiden. Something I cannot explain. He carries himself like a man who knows more than he should. He speaks like someone who has seen things he cannot share." 

He turned to Regnok. "Tell me. Have you noticed anything unusual about him? Has he ever shown any sign of power? Or done anything out of the ordinary?"

Regnok's heart pounded. His mind raced. He thought of the silver fire that had erupted from Aiden's hands in the forest. 

The way the rogues had fled from him. The way his eyes sometimes glowed with an ancient light.

But he had promised. He had promised to keep Aiden's secret.

"No," Regnok said, his voice calm. "He has not done anything out of the ordinary. He is just a man, my King. A man with no memories of his past."

Aldrich studied him for a long moment. Then he nodded slowly. "Very well. Then I will summon a priestess. Someone who might be able to interpret these dreams."

Regnok's stomach twisted. A priestess. That could be dangerous. If she sensed Aiden's power, if she uncovered his secret...

"I need to go away for some time," Regnok said suddenly. "To the smaller villages. There have been reports of rogues in the outer settlements. I should investigate."

Aldrich raised an eyebrow. "You have always loved your adventures, Regnok."

Regnok forced a smile. "Someone must keep the kingdom safe while you enjoy fatherhood."

Aldrich laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "I am grateful for you, my friend. Truly."

Regnok hesitated. Then he said, "I am taking Aiden with me."

Aldrich's smile faded. "Aiden? Why would you take him? He is not a soldier. He has no training."

"He will be safe with me," Regnok said quickly. "I will protect him. He has been cooped up in the estate for too long. The fresh air will do him good and probably help his memory”

Aldrich frowned. "Wouldn't that put him in danger? The rogues are unpredictable. Even if he is your guest, you can leave him in my care. I am your King. I will protect him."

Regnok's jaw tightened. "You have a wife, my King. A child on the way. You cannot be everywhere at once. Aiden needs someone who can watch him constantly."

Aldrich's eyes narrowed. Something about Regnok's words felt off. Too insistent and defensive.

"You seem to have a special interest in Aiden," Aldrich said slowly. "I do not understand these dreams, and I have no feelings towards Aiden. But you..." He paused. "You care for him. Deeply."

Regnok met his gaze, his heart pounding. "I do," he admitted, his voice quiet. "I love him."

Aldrich was silent for a long moment. Then he nodded slowly. "I hope you win his heart," he said, his voice gentle. "You have always been strongly possessive, Regnok. Even when we were children. I remember you once claimed a toy sword and would not let anyone else touch it."

Regnok laughed, the sound hollow. "I am surprised you remember."

"I remember everything about you, my friend." Aldrich opened his arms. "Come. Embrace me. Let us not part with any anger between us."

Regnok stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Aldrich. 

He held his King tightly, his heart aching with a love that could never be returned and a guilt that threatened to consume him.

"Be safe, Regnok," Aldrich said softly. "And bring Aiden back in one piece."

Regnok pulled back, forcing a smile. "I will, my King. I promise."



As Regnok left the chamber, his mind was a storm of emotions.

He loves Aiden, he thought. He has dreams of him. Dreams of a child. Dreams of a life together.

The jealousy that Regnok had thought was dead flared back to life. 

He had loved Liora, yes. But that love had faded, replaced by something new. Something he had not expected.

Aiden.

And now Aldrich was dreaming of Aiden. Aldrich, who had everything….the crown, the wife, the child. Aldrich, who already had Liora. 

Aldrich, who did not even realize what he was reaching for in his dreams.

He does not love Aiden, Regnok reminded himself. He said so himself. It is just a dream.

But the fear lingered. What if it was more than a dream? What if Aiden truly belonged to Aldrich, in some way Regnok could not understand?

Regnok clenched his fists. I will not lose him, he vowed. I will take him away. I will protect him. I will make him see that I am the one who truly loves him.

And if Aldrich ever tried to take Aiden from him...

Regnok pushed the thought away. He could not afford to think like that. Not yet.

Not until he had Aiden safely by his side.



The morning was grey and cold, the sky heavy with clouds that promised rain. 

Aiden stood by the wagon, his cloak wrapped tightly around his shoulders, his hands clasped in front of him. His heart was heavy with uncertainty.

Regnok approached, his face set in a determined expression. He carried a small satchel, which he placed in the wagon beside Aiden.

"I'm sorry," Regnok said, his voice soft. "This is all I can do."

Aiden nodded slowly. He understood. Regnok had explained everything yesterday…the priestess was arriving today, and if she sensed Aiden's power, if she uncovered his secret, everything would be lost. Regnok was taking him away to protect him.

Or so he said.

Aiden climbed into the wagon, his movements slow and deliberate. 

Regnok followed, settling beside him, close enough that their shoulders brushed. 

The driver cracked his whip, and the wagon began to move.

The estate grew smaller behind them, the grey stone walls fading into the mist. 

Aiden watched it go, his chest tight with something he could not name.

"Don't be too sad," Regnok said, his voice warm. "You are with me, my love. I will give you the best. I will make you fall in love with me."

Aiden's heart ached. He turned to look at Regnok…at the earnestness in his eyes, the hope in his smile. 

The captain believed what he was saying. He truly believed that he could win Aiden's heart.

Since Regnok is not jealous of Aldrich anymore, Aiden thought, how does he leave this place? Is there a quest or something he is trying to achieve?

He did not know. He could not read Regnok's mind. But he knew one thing…he could not stay here forever. 

He had to find a way back to his time. Back to his Aldrich. Back to his child.

"Regnok," Aiden said carefully. "Where are we going?"

Regnok smiled, his hand reaching out to cover Aiden's. "To a place where no one will find us. A small village in the mountains. It is quiet there. Peaceful. We can start a new life together."

Aiden's stomach twisted. A new life. As if he could simply forget everything he had left behind.

"I cannot promise anything," Aiden said quietly. "I do not know if I can love you the way you want me to."

Regnok's smile did not falter. "I will wait," he said. "I will wait as long as it takes."

Aiden looked away, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. 

The mist was thickening, swallowing the world around them. It felt like they were driving into nothingness.

What am I doing? he wondered. What am I supposed to do?

He had come to this time to stop Regnok's betrayal. To save Aldrich and Liora. To prevent the destruction of a kingdom and now he was leaving, driven away by a man who claimed to love him.

Is this part of the plan? he asked himself. Or am I making a terrible mistake?



The Priestess Arrives

The great hall was silent as the doors swung open.

An ancient woman stepped inside, her robes dark and tattered, her hair white as snow. 

Her face was lined with centuries of wisdom, her eyes sharp and knowing. 

She moved slowly, her staff tapping against the stone floor with each step.

Aldrich rose from his throne, his expression welcoming. "Welcome," he said, his voice warm. "How was your journey?"

The priestess did not answer. She stood in the center of the hall, her eyes fixed on something only she could see. 

The silence stretched, uncomfortable and heavy.

A guard stepped forward, his hand on his sword. "Do you dare ignore our King?" he demanded. "You are in the presence of royalty. Show some respect."

The priestess looked up. Her eyes met Aldrich's, and for a moment, the King felt as if she could see straight through him. As if she could see every secret he had ever kept.

"Your Majesty," she said, her voice ancient and cracked. "Where is the Moon Child?"

Aldrich frowned. "I do not know of what Moon Child you speak."

The priestess stepped closer, her staff striking the floor with a sharp thump. "Do not play games with me, King. I have traveled far to answer your summons. The dreams you have been having….they are not mere dreams. They are visions. Warnings and the one at the center of them, the one you see in your sleep, is the Moon Child."

Aldrich's heart began to pound. "Aiden?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper. "You speak of Aiden?"

"The stranger with no past," the priestess confirmed. "The one who carries power he does not understand. The one who holds the answers you seek."

Aldrich gripped the armrest of his throne. "He is gone," he said, his voice tight. "He left this morning with my captain, Regnok. They are traveling to the mountains."

The priestess's eyes widened. For the first time, something like fear flickered in her ancient gaze. 

"You ought not to have let him go anywhere far from you," she said urgently. 

"He is powerful…powerful of the good kind. The Moon's Child herself has touched him. Whatever answers you seek lie with him, and him alone."

Aldrich stood, his heart racing. "Then I will bring him back." 

He turned to a nearby guard. "Send a letter to Regnok at once. Tell him to bring Aiden back within the walls of this castle. No delays. No excuses."

The guard bowed and hurried away.

Aldrich turned back to the priestess. "Is there anything else you can tell me? Who is Aiden? Truly? What is he?"

The priestess shook her head slowly. "That is all I can say, Your Majesty. The rest you must discover for yourself." 

She turned to leave, her staff tapping against the stone. At the door, she paused. "But know this, King. The Moon Child's fate is tied to yours. If you lose him, you will lose more than you can imagine."

Then she was gone.

Aldrich sank back into his throne, his mind reeling.

Aiden, he thought. ‘Just Aiden. Who are you?’