Chapter 6
Roxana
The carriage rumbled to a halt, wheels grinding over polished stone as the towering gates of Solaria came into view.
I pressed my face to the window, eyes widening. The city was... enormous.
Massive walls stretched toward the sky, each brick flawless, shining faintly under the sunlight. Gold filigree wove through the structure, and glimmering veins of opal decorated the arches like jewels embedded in the stone. It didn't just look fortified—it radiated wealth and power. Everything Horix wasn't.
"Whoa…" The awe slipped from my lips before I could stop it.
Zero pushed the door open, stepping down with that same quiet, commanding presence. I followed, my boots hitting the polished road as the cool city air swept over us.
Without hesitation, Zero shouted up to the guards stationed along the towering walls. "Dusker unit—open the gates."
The gatekeeper's eyes flicked over him, recognition flashing across his face at the sight of Zero's distinctive black coat and silver crest. No hesitation. The guard gave a sharp nod.
With a groan of stone and metal, the colossal gates creaked open.
And standing just beyond them was a man.
Mid-twenties, handsome in that annoyingly perfect way, draped in the flowing robes of a cleric. A polished staff rested in one hand, intricate symbols carved into the wood. His long, dirty blonde hair was swept over his left shoulder, gleaming like silk. But it was his eyes—bright, piercing green—that held my attention. They practically glowed.
Tension crackled the moment he and Zero locked eyes.
The two approached each other, slow, steady, like predators circling.
My heart thudded uncomfortably.
Are they going to fight? Here? Now?
But to my complete surprise, the man burst out laughing and threw his arms around Zero, pulling him into a tight embrace.
Zero stiffened, visibly horrified. His cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. "That's enough, Ellis…" Zero muttered, voice strained.
The cleric—Ellis—only laughed harder, finally letting him go but not before ruffling Zero's already messy hair with exaggerated affection.
"I'm just glad to see my favorite student back in one piece," Ellis teased, eyes sparkling with warmth. "You never visit. You never write. Honestly, I was starting to worry the great Dusker himself forgot all about us."
Zero grumbled under his breath, straightening his coat like a sulking child.
Ellis's attention shifted, and for the first time, his gaze landed on me. His eyes widened.
"Oh, by the gods…" He pushed Zero aside like he weighed nothing and approached me, grasping my hands between his with an enormous, beaming smile. "The next Elaine… I never thought I'd live to see the day!"
My brows furrowed. "Elaine? You've got the wrong girl. My name's Roxana."
The grin faltered. Ellis shot a look at Zero, dramatic disappointment etched across his face. "You warrior types… so simple-minded," he sighed, shaking his head. "They assign you to rescue her and you couldn't even explain why? Shame on you, Zero. I thought I taught you better."
I chuckled softly despite myself, already feeling more at ease with Ellis's easygoing charm—something a certain brooding vampire hunter severely lacked.
Zero muttered something under his breath, scowling as Ellis clapped him on the back like an overenthusiastic older brother.
"I was getting to it," Zero grumbled, smoothing his coat with far more focus than necessary.
Ellis rolled his eyes dramatically. "You Dusker boys, all grit, no finesse." He turned back to me, still holding my hand with a gentleness that almost caught me off guard. His green eyes softened. "Apologies for the confusion, Roxana. You must have so many questions, and I promise, you'll get answers—real ones." He shot Zero a pointed look. "Unlike the half-baked nonsense this one feeds people."
Zero's lips twitched, but he stayed quiet.
Ellis straightened, releasing my hand, though the warmth lingered. "Come," he gestured toward the gates. "You've had a long journey. I imagine you're both in desperate need of proper food, a warm bed, and fewer monsters trying to rip you apart."
"That would be nice," I muttered under my breath.
We passed through the grand archway, stepping officially into Solaria—and it was even more overwhelming up close.
The city pulsed with life. Towering spires gleamed under the sun, rooftops layered with gold accents. The streets bustled with merchants, robed clerics, and soldiers clad in pristine armor. Banners depicting a sun crest flapped in the breeze. Every inch of this place screamed opulence… and authority.
Ellis kept pace beside me, walking backward effortlessly as he spoke. "I know it's a lot to take in. Solaria tends to have that effect." His eyes sparkled with mirth. "But don't worry. You'll fit right in."
I opened my mouth to respond, but a question burned hotter than the others.
"So… who's Elaine?" I asked, glancing between Ellis and Zero.
Ellis's grin stretched wider, eyes twinkling. "Ah, straight to the good questions, I like you already." He tapped his staff against the ground, thoughtful. "That, my dear, is a tale best shared over food—and maybe something stronger than water."
I shifted my gaze to Zero, half-expecting some snide remark, but he only adjusted his coat, his expression unreadable as ever.
If the name meant anything to him, he wasn't letting it show.
Ellis motioned for us to follow, spinning on his heel with the easy confidence of someone who owned every inch of this shining city. "Come on, I've kept the kitchens stocked for this very occasion—and by occasion, I mean unexpected emergencies." He winked. "You'd be surprised how often those overlap."
Zero fell into step beside me, quiet but steady, his eyes scanning the crowd as we moved deeper into Solaria.
The streets sparkled with polished stone. Gold-veined statues of saints and guardians lined the walkways, and towering spires reached toward the clouds like sunlit daggers. Everywhere I looked, there was wealth, power.
Ellis kept the mood light, filling the silence with banter as we wove through the bustling avenues.
But my question still lingered, unanswered, humming beneath my skin like static.
Elaine. Whoever she was… I had a feeling I'd find out soon enough.
***
The Vatican dominated Solaria's skyline, impossible to miss even from the outer gates. It rose at the city's heart like a monument to the heavens—gleaming stone, gilded spires stretching so high they seemed to pierce the clouds. Sunlight bounced off polished marble and gold inlays, while stained-glass windows shimmered with holy symbols.
I craned my neck, wide-eyed, drinking in the sight. But despite the beauty, a weight settled on my chest—a strange unease I couldn't shake.
Ellis led us through guarded arches and checkpoint after checkpoint. Not once did anyone stop us. Soldiers in immaculate uniforms barely glanced our way, stepping aside like Ellis and Zero belonged here, as natural as the stone beneath our feet.
Still, my shoulders stayed tight, and I moved cautiously. The wealth, the power of this place—it pressed down on me like the Vatican itself was watching my every move.
Ellis didn't seem bothered at all. He hummed softly as we passed towering pillars carved with intricate designs and frescoes of saints locked in eternal battle against monsters.
"Feels oppressive, doesn't it?" he said over his shoulder. "All this stone and sermons. You get used to it."
I nodded, unable to disagree.
We finally wound through pristine halls until Ellis stopped at a private office tucked away in a quiet corner of the cathedral. The space was surprisingly cozy— books lined shelves, soft sunlight spilled through arched windows, and the table was already set with warm food that made my stomach rumble.
"Make yourselves at home," Ellis said, shrugging off his cloak. "When I'm not wrangling students at Twilight Academy, this is where I hide from the paperwork."
I barely had time to sit before a spoonful of food touched my lips—and my eyes went wide.
"What is this?" I blurted. The flavors melted over my tongue—rich, buttery, and spiced in a way I'd never experienced. It was nothing like the bland meals back in Horix.
Ellis grinned proudly. "House specialty. Turns out cooking's good for more than just bribing teenagers."
Across the table, Zero stared down at his bowl of porridge with an expression that was part unimpressed, part betrayed.
Ellis gasped, clutching his chest in mock horror. "Oh, tragic! My own protégé still turning his nose up at my cooking after all these years."
Zero just rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair. "Your food doesn't exactly fit my palette."
Ellis sniffled dramatically. "Heartbreaking. Truly."
I chuckled behind my spoon, already realizing Ellis's easygoing, theatrical nature was going to be a welcome relief from everything else weighing on me.
***
We finished the last of the food, and a comfortable warmth settled over the room like a soft blanket. Ellis wiped his hands on his cloak, his eyes gleaming with amusement as Zero poked at his porridge one last time, clearly unimpressed.
Zero finally sighed and looked up, breaking the easy silence. "I'm sorry for ruining everyone's fun," he said, voice dry but sincere. "The Helios Guardians shouldn't be kept waiting."
Ellis groaned, shaking his head. "You're no fun at all, you know that? But you're right—enough time has passed already."
Zero stood and stretched, then glanced toward me with a serious expression. "Roxana," he said, "you need to be on your best behavior."
I blinked. "Why's that?"
He took a slow breath, eyes sharp. "The people we're about to meet… they command respect. Just as much as the Emperor himself."
My stomach tightened. The weight of his words sank in, heavy and real. Whatever was waiting for us beyond those doors wasn't just important—it was powerful.
I nodded, steeling myself. "Got it. Best behavior."
Zero gave a small, rare smile, the corners of his mouth twitching just barely. "Good. Let's go."
We all stood up, the remnants of the meal still warm on the table. Zero took the lead, his steps sure and steady as he moved toward the chamber of the Helios Guardians. Even Ellis, who seemed at ease in most places, walked with a rare hint of reverence. He admitted it was the first time he'd been allowed inside these sacred halls.
As we walked through the winding corridors of the Vatican, Ellis explained in a hushed tone. "The Helios Guardians are the Empire's elite protectors — the closest shield around the Emperor himself. They're not just warriors, but keepers of ancient oaths and sacred traditions. Their power and authority are unmatched."
I swallowed, feeling both awe and nerves twisting inside me. The pressure of what awaited grew heavier with every step.
At last, we came to the chamber's entrance. Two massive, ancient doors loomed before us—carved with symbols older than anything I'd seen before, worn smooth by centuries of hands.
Zero stopped and let out a long sigh. The tension in his shoulders tightened as a serious expression settled over his face, like he was bracing for a storm.
He placed his hands on the heavy wood, then pushed the doors open with slow determination.
The chamber beyond lay cloaked in shadow, but I could sense the eyes inside— watching, judging, waiting.
The doors groaned as Zero pushed them open, ancient hinges protesting the movement.
My pulse quickened despite myself.
The chamber beyond was colder than I expected— vast, dimly lit, with vaulted ceilings disappearing into shadows. Golden light from high stained-glass windows filtered in, casting fractured shapes across the floor like shards of sunlight.
At the far end stood three thrones made from marble and laced with gold, arranged in a perfect line. And seated upon them were the Helios Guardians.
Their cloaks were identical— heavy, immaculate, woven from fabric the color of fresh ash with threads of gold glinting faintly at the seam. The hoods of their cloaks hung low, obscuring their faces entirely. All I could see beneath the folds were faint outlines. No faces, no eyes, just shadows.
Zero walked ahead, posture stiff, his boots echoing softly off the stone. Ellis followed beside me, unusually quiet.
The Guardians remained seated, silent, unmoving, as if they were statues rather than people.
When we stopped at the base of the platform, the center Guardian finally rose. His voice carried through the chamber, neither loud nor soft, but threaded with authority.
"You've finally brought her."
It wasn't a question.
Zero gave a curt nod. "As instructed."
I opened my mouth, uncertain what to say or if I should speak at all. My eyes flicked between the three figures.
"About time! You kept us waiting, Dusker!" The Gurdian on the left stood next, shifting with youthful energy. I caught the faintest hint of his stature— tall, lean— but beyond that, nothing.
The final Guardian, a woman with a gorgeous voice, descended the steps. She walked over to me, gently grasping my face between her slender fingers and sharp nails. "It really is you, Elaine. I can sense the light within you. The light that will destroy Raka and end his reign of terror for good."
"You bear her name," they declared, "but your role… is greater than you understand."
The tallest Guardian's gloved hand reached toward me, pausing inches from my shoulder. I tensed, but they made no move to touch me.
"You are the blood of Elaine," the center Guardian continued. "The last tether to the Light. The prophecy speaks of your return."
The words tangled in my chest. "I'm… not Elaine," I whispered.
A faint, quiet chuckle echoed from the left-most Guardian—the one with restless energy. "No," he agreed, amusement threading his voice, "but her blood runs loud in your veins."
I turned toward Zero instinctively, but his expression was unreadable, steeled into that same familiar mask. His eyes didn't meet mine.
Ellis, at least, offered me a crooked smile beneath the tension. "Welcome to Solaria," he whispered. "Nothing here is ever simple."
The Guardians stood above me, cloaked in mystery, their faces hidden—but their judgment, their expectations? I could feel those plain as day.
My pulse thudded in my ears. Their words coiled around me like chains, tightening before I could even process them.
"No." My voice came out sharper than I expected, but I didn't back down. "You've got the wrong person."
The center Guardian tilted his head ever so slightly, the faintest movement beneath the heavy hood. "You carry her blood. There is no mistake."
I clenched my fists at my sides. "I'm Roxana. That's all. I didn't ask to be dragged here. I didn't ask for any of… this."
My voice wavered at the edges, but I forced it steady. The three figures remained still as stone, their shadows stretching impossibly long beneath them.
"You speak as though fate cares for what you ask," the tallest Guardian said softly, his voice dipping into something… almost pitying. "The wheel turns, with or without your consent."
I shook my head, my throat tightening with frustration. "I didn't even know Elaine existed until today. You expect me to believe I'm part of some ancient prophecy because of blood I didn't choose?"
The youngest Guardian chuckled again—light, teasing, infuriating. "Blood you didn't choose," he repeated. "Yet it defines you all the same."
I turned, searching for some kind of support, but Ellis only offered that maddening half-smile, as if amused by my resistance but sympathetic all the same. Zero, as always, stood still—quiet and rigid.
I glared at him. "You knew," I accused, the words slipping free before I could stop them. "You knew who I was this whole time."
Zero's jaw tensed, but he said nothing.
The center Guardian stepped forward, voice calm but absolute. "Denying what you are won't protect you," he said. "It will only delay the inevitable."
I met his hidden gaze, heat flaring behind my eyes, anger and fear tangled together.
"I'm not your savior," I snapped. "I'm not some holy relic to parade around."
Silence hung heavy for a moment, stretching until I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears.
The center Guardian spoke, low and certain. "Not yet."
"I know it's not my place to say anything," Ellis said, protectively placing his hands on my shoulders, "but our dear Elaine has only been revealed to the truth. It's her first day back into proper society. Why don't we let that realization settle in a bit more?"
I smiled softly. I appreciated his effort to help me out.
Zero on the other hand scoffed. "I agree. Let's end this for the day and continue another time. I just came to report that my mission was complete. Now if you'll excuse us." He turned on his heels, gesturing for me to follow him, but a deep pressure resonated behind us that stopped us all in our tracts.
"Not so fast, Dusker." Commanded the center Guardian. "Your duties are not over."
Zero turned back toward them, a split between his brows. "What more could you possibly want from me now? I delivered your precious Elaine! Now let me get back to my job of hunting down those blood sucking vermin!"
"Your vampire hunting duties will be temporarily suspended," claimed the woman.
"Your new purpose is to be Elaine's bodyguard. We want you watching her at all times, after all, the vampire's will be clawing to get a piece of her, no?" said the youngest.
Zero clicked his tongue and crossed his arms. "I can't argue with that, but still—"
"There are no buts!" shouted the oldest. He raised his hand and red glowing veins started growing from Zero's chest, creeping up his neck.
Zero shouted in pain as he fell to his knees, breathing heavily.
"Zero!" I shouted, trying to run to his side but Ellis held me back, shaking his head as he looked down at me with a solemn look on his face.
"You will listen to our every command like the good dog you are. Until the prophecy is completed and all of humanity is safe, you now belong to Elaine as her private guard dog. We might hold your leash, but she is your master now."
"Do we make ourselves clear?" the Guardians said in unison.
Zero managed to lift his head, sweat dripping from his forehead, teeth clenched. "Yeah… I hear you loud and clear." He shot them a glare that was as cold as frozen daggers, then looked my way. His hatred for them just as strong as it was staring at me.
The oldest Guardian smiled, satisfied. He stopped his magic and the glowing light on Zero ceased.
Zero collapsed on the floor, completely drained of energy. His already pale skin was ghostly now, and his breath was labored.
Ellis rushed to his side, helping him up.
All the while I stared horrified. How could the supposed protectors of the realm be so cruel to one of their own? This was something I don't think I could ever understand.