Chapter 67: Chapter 67

The capital city square of Persbern.

The morning sky was still gray when the first bell tolled. Its sound echoed far and wide, slipping into narrow alleys and waking the city in a civilized manner.

Even before the bell rang, the place was already crowded with people coming and going. Some had traveled from outside the capital just to witness the promised execution.

The air was already warm, even though the sun had yet to fully rise. Some people were already grumbling about how much they hated summer. They searched for shade under trees or tall buildings.

The nearby place of worship became an unintended gathering spot, filling with people as they waited for the execution to begin.

There were still a few hours to go.

It had been a long time since the last public execution. Even though it wasn’t something to celebrate, watching a criminal punished reassured people that the kingdom’s laws were still being upheld.

An old man stared at the palace bell, then at the high walls that surrounded the palace—majestic and impenetrable. The stick in his hand trembled slightly.

Then he looked up at the sky.

Dozens of crows flew above the palace. Their cries made the atmosphere feel heavy and ominous.

Some people stepped aside, watching the crows caw endlessly. They believed the birds were a sign of death.

The old man walked into the garden among the trees. His face was calm, with a faint smile on his lips.

"Long live His Majesty," he whispered.

At 10 a.m., the crowd gathered around the execution platform. The platform was made of strong, weathered stone. On top of it stood a gallows, tall and grim, with ropes coiled neatly—hanging like snakes ready to strike.

A large royal crest—a crowned eagle—was carved above the iron arch. Flags of the Valigria kingdom waved on both sides.

Two guards stood at either side of the stage, still as statues, their faces hidden behind emotionless helmets. They said nothing. They didn’t move, but their eyes followed every motion.

Below the stage, spiked iron fences formed a protective circle, keeping back the sea of people who had come from all directions.

A drumbeat started, slow and steady. It was the signal that the condemned had arrived and was ready to be brought up. An executioner climbed the stone steps. Behind him, a soldier followed, carrying a scroll from the palace. More footsteps came after.

The crowd roared when the condemned man was brought up. He was covered in a black cloth sack, his legs dragging as guards hauled him onto the stage.

The shouting got louder. Some people even threw stones at the stage. The guards had to control them with louder shouts and rougher force.

"Hang him! Criminal!"

One of the guards raised his hand to read out the royal verdict and finalize the sentence.

Far from the crowd, on a higher street, a figure on horseback looked uneasy.

"Your Highness, we must return. If His Majesty finds out, we’ll be in trouble," said one of the guards.

Sylas shook his head. He needed to know who was being executed. Seeing the figure who couldn’t even stand properly made his body tremble with worry.

It couldn’t be Kai, could it?

Amos moved closer to Sylas, scanning the surroundings. Even though they were far from the crowd, extra security was necessary whenever Sylas left the palace. He still didn’t understand why Sylas insisted on watching the execution.

There was a special platform next to the stage for royals to observe, but Sylas had refused to be there.

Sylas waited for them to uncover the prisoner’s face—but they didn’t. What? How could they execute someone without showing who they were?

It didn’t make any sense.

But they went through with it anyway.

Two trumpet blasts rang out. The man was lifted and placed under the rope. A guard tied the rope around his neck. The man’s body twitched. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the N0veI.Fiɾe.net

Sylas squinted. The clothes didn’t look like the ones Kai wore the last time he saw him. But the build was similar—small and thin. His feet were bare, dark and dirty. That gave Sylas some relief. It probably wasn’t Kai.

The executioner got into position. The air turned silent. The only sound was the shuffle of the man’s feet.

Then the executioner pulled the lever.

The wooden trapdoor beneath the man gave way with a loud snap. His body dropped, and the rope went taut instantly.

A chilling sound echoed—one that could only come from a neck snapping.

The body dangled, swaying. For a moment, there was a last effort to move, to ease the pain. But soon, it stopped. His bare feet swung slowly under the platform. There was no scream.

The air was thick with tension.

Some people lowered their heads. Others stared in silence.

It was done. A single clap broke the silence. Then came cheers and shouting, and the square turned noisy again.

Dozens of crows perched on trees and rooftops, watching the hanging body, as if waiting for the right moment to come closer. The bell tolled once more. The execution was over.

Sylas felt unsettled. He wanted to rush down, uncover the cloth, and make sure it wasn’t Kai.

But he held back. He returned to the palace, determined to question Huron and get a straight answer.

The general entered the study and bowed.

"Forgive me, General. I know you’re busy. I’ve waited for the right time, but I can’t wait anymore. You must know who was executed. Please, tell me... was it Kai?" Sylas asked, standing behind his desk, eyes fixed on the general.

Huron smiled. "I understand your concern. I’m sorry I didn’t inform you earlier. As you know, His Majesty made an announcement in the palace claiming we had captured the real culprit. That was false. But His Majesty gave the order to release Kai."

Sylas let out a relieved breath. "Thank goodness."

"However," Huron continued, "the public execution still had to be carried out to maintain the people’s trust and avoid confusion. So we chose to use one of the spies to take the criminal’s place."

Sylas nodded slowly. "Then... where is Kai?"

Huron was quiet for a moment, then said, "I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you."

Sylas sighed. "Is he okay?"

He had already accepted that the slave might be sent away from the palace. As long as Kai escaped execution, he wouldn’t ask for more. Still, he needed to know Kai’s condition. Something didn’t sit right with him.

Huron nodded. "You don’t need to worry. He’s safe, Your Royal Highness."

Sylas lowered his head, then nodded again. "Thank you, General."