A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5382

Their leader—one of Ieuan's own strategists—smirked. "Spare us the pretense, Princess Lorraine. You know exactly whose banner we serve."

A chill slid through her chest. "Ieuan sent you? What is he planning?"

The adviser faced Lorraine, his voice as placid as moonlit water. "Mr. Chapman's design will emerge in time. For now, you must bear a few days of hardship, Princess Lorraine. Once he secures the Ritual Manual, you will be free to return."

With that, he departed the cave, escort in tow, the echo of boot-heels fading into the tunnels until only two stern cultivators remained to guard the entrance.

Lorraine sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor. Frigid air seeped through her ceremonial gown, yet what truly chilled her was uncertainty—an icy, nameless dread that pooled behind her ribs and refused to let go.

Ieuan planned this from the start. He abducts me, then demands Father trade the Ritual Manual. That manual details how to strengthen or shatter the demonic soul seal. Could he intend to break it? At the thought, a tremor raced down Lorraine's spine. I have to warn Father before it's too late.

Outside Celestia, Ieuan rode through the city gates with the remnants of his escort, armor dented, banners torn.

He staggered into Harmony Hall just as Aurelius paced before the throne, waiting for word of the princess. The sight of Ieuan's blood-spattered cloak made the king's heart plummet.

"Prime Minister, what happened? Why do you look as though you marched through hell itself?" Aurelius demanded, voice tight.

Ieuan collapsed to his knees with a violent sob. "Your Majesty, forgive me! I failed to protect Princess Lorraine!"

Aurelius lurched to his feet. Blood drained from his face. "What has become of my daughter?"

Aurelius stood beneath the vaulted ceiling of Harmony Hall, a single furrow carving its way between his brows. Around him, pillars of white jade glimmered, yet his mind moved in swirling dusk. If Malevolent Path Hall truly wanted the Ritual Manual, why bother kidnapping Lorraine at all? Why not slip a shadow into the vault and be done?

The question looped, and with every turn suspicion tightened around Ieuan's earlier performance.

A guard skidded across the floor, armor clattering like hail against stone. "Your Majesty, a black-robed cultivator waits beyond the gates. He claims to be a courier from Malevolent Path Hall and bears a letter for you."

Without lifting his gaze, Aurelius rumbled, "Show him in."

The doors swung open. A figure draped in midnight followed a servant into the hall, bowed, and placed a sealed parchment into Aurelius' waiting hand. Not a single word escaped the messenger's lips before he vanished back into the corridor.