Chapter 147: Family Reunion

Chapter 147: Family Reunion Eren stepped out of Luna’s chamber, his mind still reeling from what had transpired. The cool air of the corridor hit his face, offering a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere he’d just left behind. He paused for a moment, steadying himself against the doorframe as he tried to process everything that had happened. Two guards flanked the entrance, their armor gleaming in the torchlight. As soon as they saw him emerge, their expressions shifted to ones of deep respect and admiration. They straightened immediately, their postures becoming more formal. "Veilwalker," the taller guard said, bowing deeply with genuine reverence. "It is an honor to escort you. The Master requests your presence immediately. There are special guests waiting for you in the main hall." The shorter guard nodded enthusiastically. "We’ve heard of your legendary abilities, Veilwalker. The stories of your power have spread throughout our ranks. It’s truly a privilege to serve alongside someone of your caliber." Eren’s brow furrowed. ’Guests? Who could possibly be here at this hour?’ His mind raced through possibilities, but nothing made sense. The urgency in the guard’s voice, combined with their obvious admiration, suggested this wasn’t a simple social visit. ’And why do they look at me like I’m some kind of hero?’ "Very well," Eren replied, his voice steadier than he felt. "Lead the way." The guards fell into step beside him, their boots echoing against the stone floors as they navigated the winding corridors. Their demeanor was respectful, almost protective, as if they were escorting someone of great importance rather than a prisoner. "Veilwalker," the taller guard said as they walked, "if I may say so, what you’ve accomplished today with Luna... it’s remarkable. The entire fortress is buzzing with talk of your incredible abilities." They turned left at the first intersection, moving past a series of ornate pillars that supported the vaulted ceiling. The walls here were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of conquest and victory, their colors muted in the flickering torchlight. "The Master speaks very highly of you," the shorter guard added, glancing at Eren with something approaching awe. "She says you possess abilities that could change everything. We’re honored to have someone like you here." ’What kind of guests would Kiada want me to meet?’ Eren wondered as they continued walking ignoring them. ’This whole situation feels wrong. Nothing about this place has been straightforward. And why do these guards treat me like I’m some kind of savior rather than a captive?’ They descended a flight of stairs, the temperature dropping noticeably as they went lower. The stone walls became more elaborate here, carved with intricate designs that seemed to tell stories of ancient battles and victories. The guards remained attentive, occasionally pointing out features of the architecture as if giving a tour to an honored guest. "These halls have seen many great warriors," the taller guard explained. "But none quite like you, Veilwalker. Your reputation precedes you even here." Another turn brought them down a long corridor lined with suits of armor, each one unique and impressive. The guards’ respect for Eren seemed to grow with each step, their conversation becoming more animated as they discussed his supposed achievements. "The way you handled the ritual with Luna," the shorter guard said, his voice filled with admiration, "it shows true mastery. Not many could have accomplished what you did today." They reached a massive set of double doors, carved with intricate designs that seemed to shift in the dancing shadows. The guards pushed them open with ceremonial flourish, clearly proud to be presenting the Veilwalker to whatever awaited beyond. "After you, Veilwalker," they said in unison, bowing once more. Eren stepped inside and froze, his breath catching in his throat. There, seated on elegant chairs arranged in a semicircle, were faces he recognized all too well. His mother, Queen Elysia, sat with her usual regal bearing, though something in her eyes seemed different. Commander Lyra was there too, along with several other warriors from his mother’s guard. But it was seeing Naia that truly shocked him. She sat slightly apart from the others, her posture upright and alert, though she looked tired. "Ah, there you are, my dear Veilwalker," Kiada’s voice rang out from her position at the far end of the hall. She rose gracefully from her throne, a genuinely warm smile spreading across her face. "I was just telling our guests about your incredible accomplishments today. As you can see, your family and warriors are having quite a wonderful time here. We’ve been having the most delightful conversation about you." Eren’s eyes darted between the faces of his loved ones, searching for signs of distress or harm. They all looked... fine. Tired, perhaps, but unharmed and relatively comfortable. "Indeed," Elysia said, her voice carrying its usual authority but with a note of genuine warmth. "Kiada has been most gracious in her hospitality. She’s told us remarkable things about your abilities, Eren. We’re quite comfortable here, and I must say, learning about your achievements has been... enlightening." The other warriors nodded in agreement, and their expressions seemed genuinely at ease. Lyra spoke up, her tone measured but not strained. "Yes, we’ve been treated with great respect. Kiada has been explaining to us the importance of what you’re doing here. It’s quite impressive, honestly." Eren’s gaze found Naia again, and she gave him a reassuring smile. "I’m doing well, Eren. Better than I expected, considering the circumstances. Kiada has been very kind to all of us. She’s been telling us about the significance of your role here." Relief flooded through him, but it was quickly replaced by confusion. Something about this entire situation felt surreal, too comfortable given what he’d expected. "You see, Veilwalker," Kiada continued, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm, "family is such a precious gift. The bonds we share, the love that connects us across time and distance - it’s what makes us who we are. Your family here, they’re remarkable people. Your mother has been sharing the most wonderful stories about your upbringing." Kiada began to move around the room, but her movements were graceful and welcoming rather than predatory. "She told me about how you used to practice your magic in the palace gardens, spending hours perfecting your techniques. How you would sneak extra pastries from the kitchen when the cooks weren’t looking, thinking no one noticed." She laughed, the sound genuine and warm. "And how even as a child, you showed such incredible promise, such natural talent that amazed everyone around you." "Your mother is quite proud of you," Kiada continued, gesturing toward Elysia with obvious respect. "As she should be. What you’ve accomplished today with Luna, it’s extraordinary. The TUNA ritual is not something that can be performed by just anyone. It requires incredible skill, tremendous power, and a level of control that few possess." Eren felt overwhelmed by the praise, especially coming from someone he’d expected to be an enemy. "What do you want from me?" he asked, though his tone was more curious than hostile. Kiada’s expression became more serious, though still kind. "I want you to understand something important, Veilwalker. What you’re doing here, it’s not just about individual achievements. It’s about something much larger, much more significant. The TUNA rituals, they’re part of a greater purpose that could benefit everyone." She paused, clasping her hands together. "You know, it’s interesting how fate works. Just recently, there was an unfortunate incident where we lost one of our own - my Number Six. She was quite talented, quite dear to me. But even in tragedy, sometimes we find opportunity for growth and understanding." Before Eren could respond, one of Kiada’s warriors approached and whispered something in her ear. Her face brightened immediately, the sadness that had briefly clouded her features disappearing entirely. "Ah, wonderful news!" she exclaimed, turning back to the group. "I’ve just been informed that Luna is doing perfectly well. The ritual has left her in excellent condition, exactly as we hoped. She’s already expressing gratitude for your incredible abilities, Veilwalker." Eren felt a mix of relief and continued confusion. "I still don’t understand what you ultimately want from me." Kiada smiled, but this time her expression became more earnest, more serious. "What I want is quite simple, really. I want you to understand the importance of what we’re doing here. The TUNA rituals aren’t just random acts - they’re part of something that could change the world for the better. Your family is here not as prisoners, but as honored guests who can witness your incredible contributions to this cause." She gestured toward his family and friends. "Look at them, Veilwalker. They’re safe, they’re comfortable, and they’re learning about the amazing things you’re capable of. But I need you to understand that if you were to try to leave, if you were to abandon this important work we’re doing together, it would be... disappointing. Not just for me, but for everyone who believes in what you can accomplish." Her tone remained warm, but there was an underlying firmness that made her meaning clear. "Your family understands the significance of your role here. They want you to succeed, to fulfill your potential. Leaving now would mean abandoning not just your own destiny, but letting down everyone who believes in you." Eren looked at his mother, at Lyra, at Naia, seeing something in their eyes that he couldn’t quite interpret. They seemed calm, even supportive, but there was an undercurrent he couldn’t identify. "I understand," he said finally, his voice careful and measured. "Excellent," Kiada said, her warm smile returning in full force. "I knew you were not only powerful but also wise. Your mother has raised you to understand responsibility and commitment. These are admirable qualities in someone with your abilities." Eren took a deep breath, knowing he needed to ask the question that was weighing on his mind. "Who am I performing the next TUNA ritual with?" Kiada’s eyes lit up with genuine excitement. "Why, with my Number Three, of course! She’s quite eager to meet you, Veilwalker. I think you’ll find her absolutely fascinating. She’s heard so much about your incredible abilities, and she’s very much looking forward to experiencing them firsthand." She clasped her hands together, her enthusiasm palpable. "Number Three is remarkable in her own right. I think you two will work together beautifully. The ritual should be even more successful than the one with Luna." "Alright," Eren said, the word coming out more steady than he felt. "When do we begin?" "Soon, my dear Veilwalker. Very soon. But for now, please, spend some time with your family. I’m sure you have much to discuss, and they’re eager to hear about your experiences directly from you." As Kiada settled back into her throne, her expression remained genuinely pleased rather than calculating. Eren moved toward his mother and the others, still trying to understand the strange dynamic of this place where he was treated as a hero rather than a captive. ’I need to protect them,’ he thought, looking into his mother’s eyes and seeing something complex there - pride mixed with concern, love mixed with an emotion he couldn’t quite name. ’Whatever it takes, I have to keep them safe.’ The reunion felt surreal, filled with careful conversations and gentle exchanges. But beneath it all, Eren could sense that nothing was quite as it appeared, and that understanding the true nature of his situation would require him to look beyond the surface kindness he was being shown.