chapter 1

The morning sun cast a serene light over the Royal Academy. Inside, Prince Taiyo Haru focused intently on his studies, surrounded by the buzz of other students. His loyal bodyguard, Rai, stood vigilant nearby, his eyes ever-watchful.

Suddenly, an explosive sound shattered the calm. The classroom door splintered open, and chaos erupted. Wynter Ryuu entered, his face obscured by a menacing mask. His aura was cold and commanding, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present.

"Prince Haru, you're coming with me," Ryuu's voice echoed with determination.

Rai immediately sprang into action, positioning himself between Ryuu and Haru. "You'll have to get through me first," Rai declared, drawing his sword.

Ryuu's eyes, though masked, gleamed with amusement. "Very well," he replied, conjuring an ice sword from thin air.

Rai lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. Their blades clashed with a metallic ring, sparks flying as steel met ice. Rai fought bravely, his strikes fueled by loyalty and determination.

Ryuu, however, was unfazed. He parried Rai's attacks with fluid grace, the ice sword shimmering in the dim light. He summoned ice that wrapped around Rai's feet, momentarily immobilizing him.

Struggling against the ice, Rai gritted his teeth and freed himself with a powerful slash. "I won't let you take him," he growled, launching another attack.

The battle raged on, each clash of swords intensifying the tension. Ryuu's magic swirled around him, amplifying his strength. With a swift, calculated move, he knocked Rai's sword aside, sending it skittering across the floor.

Disarmed but undeterred, Rai stood his ground, ready to protect Haru with his bare hands if necessary. Ryuu, however, was relentless. He struck Rai with icy magic, sending him crashing into the wall.

Haru watched in horror as his protector fell. "Rai!" he cried out, his heart pounding.

"It's over," Ryuu said coldly, turning his attention to Haru. "You're coming with me, Prince."

Before Haru could react, Ryuu seized him, vanishing into a swirl of frost and shadows. The academy was left in disarray, students and teachers reeling from the unexpected attack.

Miles away in the imperial palace, Emperor Taiyo Kiyoshi was in a council meeting when the urgent call from the academy came through. His face paled as he listened to the frantic report.

"His Highness has been kidnapped," he gasped, struggling to process the shock. He could barely keep the panic from his voice.

Akumu, Kiyoshi's steadfast bodyguard, entered the room at that moment.

"Your Majesty, someone is here to see you. A man named Nickolas. He claims to be Ryuu's lawyer and says he's here to discuss terms for Haru's safety."

Kiyoshi's blood ran cold. "Bring him in," he ordered, trying to steady his emotions.

Moments later, Nickolas was escorted into the room, his demeanor calm and calculated.

"Emperor Taiyo Kiyoshi, I represent Wynter Ryuu. We have your brother. Let's discuss the conditions for his safe return."

Nickolas showed Kiyoshi the contract. Kiyoshi's expression hardened with anger and disbelief. "I have finished reading your contract. Did you think I wouldn't read this contract and mindlessly sign it?" he looked up, meeting Nickolas' gaze with rage. 

"I never expected you to sign it without reading it, Your Majesty. And you're right. The contract does say that you will hand over the ring. In return, you get the pleasure of knowing your country won't become a frozen wasteland because of my client."

"The only reason I am here giving you the time of day is that you will become a nuisance if you aren't dealt with now. Stop wasting my time and give me back, my brother, or you shall pay."

Nickolas leaned forward, his smirk turning into a sneer. "You're here, giving me all this time because you know my client is a threat.

  If I give them the ring, There is no telling what destruction he will cause if he stays alive longer, everyone will probably think it's all my fault or that I'm secretly working with him. He has put me in a tight position.

"I have all the time in the world, but you, on the other hand, should decide quickly."

"Give me time to think," Kiyoshi said, rising and exiting the room.

As he walked down the corridor, Kiyoshi thought, curse that old man (the former emperor). If he could have kept himself in check, little Haru wouldn't need to face such hardships.

Turning to Akumu, he said, "Get the search team ready to look for Haru and call the curse association, they owe me."

The tension in the palace was palpable as they prepared for the challenging task ahead.

Back in the negotiation room, Nickolas patiently awaited Kiyoshi's return, confident that the emperor would make the necessary decision to save his brother and protect his empire from becoming a frozen wasteland.

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