That same night, Axel was in his barracks room. His roommate had yet to return, and his mind was overflowing with questions. Who the hell was this Lily? Should he be worried? Of course, he should—she possessed personal information about him. Who knew what she could do with it?

  "Don’t worry, kid. I don’t plan on doing anything with that information of yours."

  Lily’s voice resonated in the room, sending a chill down Axel’s spine. She had appeared behind him once again, like a ghost materializing out of nowhere. Instinctively, Axel pulled out a small knife and took a defensive stance.

  —How did you get in here? What do you want from me? —he snapped, his voice tense.

  —It was getting cold outside, and I didn’t want to stay in that park any longer, —Lily responded with unsettling calm, as if they were having a casual conversation— By the way, your bed is really comfortable. Maybe too comfortable for a mere lieutenant. Would that have anything to do with the fact that your friend, the prince, is your roommate, pretending to be an undercover soldier?

  Axel clenched his jaw.

  —You know too much, —he said, his tone threatening— I think I’ll have to kill you.

  Lily let out a soft laugh, completely unfazed.

  —Please, you more than anyone know you wouldn’t do that. Killing an innocent isn’t in your nature. And everyone is innocent until proven otherwise, don’t you think? —she said with an enigmatic smile.

  —First of all, what do you even know about me? —Axel retorted— I didn’t even know you this morning.

  —I had to do a little research, —Lily shrugged— You know, I was quite surprised when I discovered your story. After all, you’re the first human in centuries to receive a "blessing."

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Axel frowned in confusion.

  —You talk as if you’ve lived a long time and have met many people with blessings. But you don’t look much older than me. Who exactly are you?

  Lily smiled, but this time, it didn’t reach her eyes.

  —That’s a long story, kid. One I’ll tell you… in due time. But for now, focus on this: you are special. And that blessing you received is the key to everything.

  —But I don’t feel special at all, —Axel protested— I don’t have any powers, any abilities.

  —Blessings don’t always manifest immediately, —Lily explained— Sometimes, they need time to bloom. And sometimes… they need a catalyst.

  Lily stepped closer, her intense gaze making Axel instinctively step back.

  —And I believe that catalyst… has already happened. Tell me, kid, what do you think makes you special?

  Just then, the door to the room burst open.

  —Axel, Axel, Axel! —a cheerful voice called out— I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there for you earlier. You must be devastated after failing the exam again. Come on, drinks are on me! This time for real, not like when I say I’m paying but you end up covering the bill because I run out of my monthly allowance too soon.

  A tall young man with fair skin, blond hair, and green eyes entered the room. It was Prince Maxwell, Axel’s childhood friend, who had used his influence to be assigned as his roommate while undergoing military training undercover.

  Maxwell stopped in his tracks when he saw Lily.

  —What is a lady doing here? Don’t tell me she’s one of those… affectionate ladies. You know bringing women into the barracks is strictly forbidden.

  —This lady… well… it’s a long story, —Axel replied, visibly nervous— Could you do me a favor? Could you leave us alone for a moment? I’ll explain later.

  Maxwell squinted suspiciously before giving a sly grin.

  —Sure, sure, —he said, winking at Axel— Don’t worry, Axel. I’ll make sure no one finds out you were alone with a woman in the army barracks. I was starting to get worried that your infatuation with Estela had blinded you to other women.

  With one last playful glance, Maxwell stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him. The prince was a jovial person and cared for Axel like a brother. After all, Axel had saved his life when they were children. That was how they met, and their fates had been intertwined ever since.

  Lily watched the door close before turning back to Axel with a now more understanding smile.

  —It seems you have some very funny friends.