THE CHOOSEN ONES

The moment Ezekian walked away without a word, his steps slow and deliberate, I knew exactly what was going through his mind.

Should he kill me now, while I'm still unbloomed, or push for this marriage as quickly as possible? His hesitation was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of amusement.

After all, this was the same man who had once been my mortal enemy. If I were the Emperor's loyal hound, he was the Imperial family's most fervent detractor. Our clashes were inevitable, a dance of blades and blood that spanned years.

Even now, though he might not hate me, the political landscape demanded caution. The House of Nyxveil's influence had grown exponentially over the past decade, with three of the continent's top ten swordmasters under its banner.

Ezekian's hesitation was a sign of his uncertainty, and I intended to exploit it fully. I had already planted the seeds of sympathy in his mind; now I needed to secure his trust. It wasn't hard—men like him were predictable, driven by their own ambitions and fears.

My legs trembled beneath me, the overuse of aura taking its toll. I glanced at my father, Zephry, his eyes gleaming with a familiar hunger. Greed. Ambition. The same traits that had defined him for as long as I could remember. 

*Good,* I thought, *see my value. Make me your heir. Today.*

"So, what do you think, Your Grace?" I asked, smirking as I met his gaze. His expression was unreadable, but I could sense the wheels turning in his mind.

"Why did you never mention manifesting Crimson Abyss?" He asked, his tone cautious, almost wary.

*Crimson Abyss.* So that's what this violent, consuming aura was called. I hadn't known its name in my past life, not until that fateful day when rage and despair had overwhelmed me.

The memory flashed before my eyes—the blood, the screams, the helplessness. I had unleashed this power in blind fury, only to wake before the Emperor, forced into a blood oath that bound me to the Imperial family. 

How naive I had been then. How foolish to believe I could trust them.

"Answer me, Selantia," Zephry growled, his voice sharp with anger. I sighed, scratching my neck with deliberate nonchalance.

"Why should I?" I replied, my tone indifferent. His eyes widened, and I could see the anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Why should you? Selantia, have you forgotten who you are?" He snapped, his fists clenching. 

I stood my ground, refusing to show weakness. *Don't bow. Don't falter. Stand tall, even in the face of catastrophe.*

"I am Selantia Amaris Nyxveil," I said calmly, each word measured and firm. "This power is mine, and it's my decision how and when to use it. My loyalty is not something you can demand—it's something I choose to give."

He stared at me, his gaze piercing, as if trying to unravel the truth behind my words. "Are you revolting against me? Do you think I won't harm those maids and knights you care for?" he threatened, his voice low and dangerous.

I shrugged, feigning indifference. "Do as you please. They serve you, not me." 

His eyes narrowed, searching my face for any hint of deception. But he found none. I had long since mastered the art of hiding my emotions. 

"You've changed," he said, his voice tinged with suspicion. I laughed softly, the sound light and airy, masking the storm within. "An odd observation, but let's move on, shall we? We have more pressing matters to discuss."

He nodded, though his tension was palpable. "What do you want?" he asked bluntly.

What did I want? Revenge? Power? Justice? None of those words fully captured the fire burning in my chest.

What I wanted was to rewrite the story that had been written for me—to tear down the corrupt foundations of the Imperial family and the Demonic Cult that lurked in the shadows. But I couldn't say that, not yet.

"I want to lead House Nyxveil after you," I said, my voice steady. He nodded, unsurprised. "I already assumed as much. What else?"

I smirked, letting the mask slip just enough to reveal the ambition beneath. "Your Grace, don't you think it's time for a change in the Emperor?"

His eyes widened, shock flickering across his face. I didn't flinch. This was the moment I had been waiting for. 

"Selantia, what are you saying?" He whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Exactly what you think," I replied, pausing for effect. "I intend to be the kingmaker."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Zephry stared at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and fascination. Then, to my surprise, he laughed—a deep, hearty sound that echoed through the room.

"Kingmaker," he repeated, his eyes gleaming with a newfound respect. "Selantia, I admire your ambition." He stepped closer, his hand gripping my shoulder. "You truly are worthy of leading House Nyxveil. With this power of yours, you could achieve greatness—if you follow my guidance."

I smiled, though my heart was cold. His mask had slipped, revealing the monster beneath. This was the man I had always known him to be—a creature of greed and pride, driven by his insatiable desire for power.

"Teach me," I said, my voice soft but resolved. "Show me how to wield this power, and I will make House Nyxveil unstoppable."

He nodded, his grip tightening. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, we begin your training. As for the engagement with Nordwyn, we'll play along for the time being. But mark my words, Selantia, I have no intention of letting you marry into that family."

I frowned, feigning disappointment. "Then why not arrange a marriage between Alancia and Ezekian?" I suggested planting the seed of an idea I knew would never come to fruition. Alancia would pay for her sins, but not through something as mundane as marriage.

Zephry considered it, his expression thoughtful. "It's not a bad idea. I'll see to it."

As he stepped back, his gaze fell on the blood I had coughed up earlier. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of concern, but it was quickly replaced by that familiar glint of greed.

I kneeled before him, taking his hand in mine. "I, Selantia Amaris Nyxveil, swear to make House Nyxveil untouchable," I said, my voice firm. I kissed the back of his hand, a gesture of loyalty that tasted like ash on my tongue.

He smiled, clearly pleased. "May you live up to your ambition, Heiress of House Nyxveil."

As I rose to my feet, I felt a surge of triumph. The first step of my plan had succeeded. Zephry's trust was mine, and with it, the resources I needed to dismantle the Demonic Cult and the rotten core of the Imperial family. 

Now, its time to choose the future mperor. Kaelith is more suited to become the Knight Commander of the Imperial Army than the Emperor. He never desired that position; it was something both the situation and I pushed on him. 

The Imperial Family's elders are rotten to their cores. At that time, I failed to realize just how vicious their conspiracy to influence the Emperor can be. Kaelith didn't have the slyness and ruthlessness to cut those vipers.

But there was one—a hidden figure whose existence few knew of. The Emperor's illegitimate son, a man who had survived the palace's treacherous intrigues since childhood. I remember talking to him once before he disappeared for good 5 years after the death of the Emperor.

I need to find him; I need to shape him because that person can be the hidden card against both the current Emperor and the Demonic Cult.

"Your Grace," I said, my voice casual, "would it be possible for me to visit Solomber Palace?"

Zephry raised an eyebrow. "What for?"

"Just something Kaelith mentioned," I replied, my tone light. "I'd like to see it for myself."

He nodded, his trust in me evident. For now, that was enough. 

As he walked away, my mind raced with plans and possibilities. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but I was ready.

This time, I would not fail. This time, I would rewrite the story—not just for myself but for everyone who had suffered under the weight of greed and corruption.

And I would start by finding the man who could become the Emperor this land truly needed.