THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

David's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "I understand the complexities and the prejudices that exist," he replied. "But your knowledge and skills are invaluable to our mission. I need someone I can trust by my side, someone who understands the stakes and shares the vision."

Seraphina hesitated, her mind racing with the implications of his words. The nobility's disdain for witches was well-known, and her presence in Eldoria could stir up unwanted attention and potentially dangerous confrontations. Yet, there was something in David's eyes—a mixture of confidence and sincerity—that made her pause.

"David," she began, choosing her words carefully, "this isn't just about prejudice. My presence could complicate matters for you. Are you sure you want to take that risk?"

David nodded, his expression unwavering. "I've considered the risks. But I also believe that together, we can overcome them. Your expertise is crucial, and I trust you implicitly. This venture is about breaking new ground, not just in business, but in how we approach alliances and partnerships."

Seraphina took a deep breath, weighing his words. There was a boldness in David's plan that resonated with her own desire for change and acceptance. Slowly, a smile formed on her lips, a spark of excitement igniting in her eyes.

"Alright," she said finally, her voice filled with determination. "I'll go with you. But know that this path won't be easy. We'll face opposition from all sides."

David smiled, a glint of determination in his eyes. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Together, we'll forge a new path, one that defies the old prejudices and paves the way for something greater."

As they stood there, the air between them charged with anticipation, David felt a sense of resolve solidify within him. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with Seraphina by his side, he was ready to face whatever obstacles came their way. Their partnership was more than just a business venture—it was a bold step toward a future where unity and collaboration could transcend the barriers of the past.

"Still, I have some unresolved matters here," Seraphina revealed, her eyes gleaming with secrets.

"Such as?" David inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"That's a secret," she replied, placing a finger to her lips with a mischievous smile.

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David sighed, shaking his head. "Do whatever you need to, but I expect you at the estate soon."

"I will. Don't worry, it won't take long," Seraphina assured him, her tone playful yet sincere.

With a mental command, David summoned his holographic window. It was time to call upon Draven. His mind focused on the word "[Aeternus]," and the panel responded with a flash of light. A new prompt flickered into existence: "[Summon Soul?]". Without hesitation, David said, "Yes," confusing Seraphina.

"Yes what?" she asked, unaware of what David was doing.

The room's air crackled, heavy with a foreign energy that made Seraphina's hair stand on end. Luna, sensing the shift, stood ready to protect David. Before him, the shimmering panel pulsed as the words "[Blood Essence Required]" materialized in a harsh crimson font. David summoned Frostfang. The sleek blade appeared in his hand, a sliver of defiance against the unknown.

As motes of otherworldly light coalesced in the room's center, forming a shimmering circle, David raised the blade and sliced his palm. He ignored the sting of pain, his gaze fixed on the unfolding spectacle. A crimson ribbon erupted from the wound, drawn by an unseen force, twisting and swirling towards the magic circle. The room shuddered as the foreign energy crackled with an intensity that sent chills down Seraphina's spine.

"David, what's going on?" Seraphina asked nervously.

"Relax and just watch," David assured the witch.

Suddenly, a blinding flash engulfed the room. It was over as quickly as it began, leaving behind a ringing silence and a figure kneeling within the circle, one leg bent in reverence.

The air was thick with anticipation as the figure slowly rose, the remnants of the summoning magic fading away. Draven stood tall and imposing, his presence commanding the space. Seraphina's eyes widened in awe and a hint of fear as she took in the sight of the summoned soul.

David's voice was calm and steady as he addressed Draven. "Welcome, Draven. We have much to do."

Draven nodded, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "I am at your service, Master."

Seraphina, still reeling from the display of power, noticed Draven's formidable armour and gasped, her eyes wide with shock and denial. "How did you summon him, David? I saw you defeat him!"

David smiled playfully, a twinkle in his eye. "That's a secret."

The room's air crackled with the lingering energy of the summoning, leaving Seraphina in a state of awe and disbelief. She looked back and forth between David and Draven, struggling to comprehend the scene before her.

"David, this...this is incredible," she stammered, her voice a mix of admiration and confusion.

David chuckled softly, his confidence unwavering. "This is just the beginning."

As the room settled into a quiet stillness, David turned to Seraphina. "Draven is here to protect you," he explained, his voice filled with earnestness.

Seraphina, still trying to wrap her head around the sudden appearance of Draven, managed a wry smile. "Is he here to protect me, or to keep an eye on me?" she asked jokingly.

David's response was a simple, knowing smile that left Seraphina both curious and amused.

"Now," David began, changing the subject, "what's the best way to get back to Eldoria? I'd like to enjoy the scenery on the way."

Seraphina thought for a moment, considering the options. "Well, you could hire a private coach if you want comfort and privacy. Or you could board a communal carriage that's heading that way. It's cheaper and you get to meet all sorts of people, but it's not as comfortable."

David nodded thoughtfully. "The communal carriage sounds interesting. Can you pay for me and Luna? I don't have any money on me right now."

Seraphina sighed, shaking her head slightly. "You know, David, you're draining my money day by day," she said, half-joking, half-serious. But despite her words, she couldn't hide the fondness in her eyes. "Fine, I'll cover it. Just don't make a habit of it."

David laughed. "Thank you, Seraphina. I promise I won't. Let's get ready to leave."

As they made their preparations, Seraphina couldn't help but watch David interact with Draven. There was a seamless understanding between them, an unspoken bond that was both fascinating and reassuring. She marveled at how David had managed to summon and tame such a formidable being, especially considering the fact that she had witnessed him defeat Draven not long ago. The mysterious young man she had allied with was full of surprises, and each revelation only deepened her respect and curiosity.

As the room settled into a quiet stillness, David turned to Seraphina. "Draven is here to protect you," he explained, his voice filled with earnestness.

Seraphina, still trying to wrap her head around the sudden appearance of Draven, managed a wry smile. "Is he here to protect me, or to keep an eye on me?" she asked jokingly.

David's response was a simple, knowing smile that left Seraphina both curious and amused.

"Now," David began, changing the subject, "what's the best way to get back to Eldoria? I'd like to enjoy the scenery on the way."

Seraphina thought for a moment, considering the options. "Well, you could hire a private coach if you want comfort and privacy. Or you could board a communal carriage that's heading that way. It's cheaper and you get to meet all sorts of people, but it's not as comfortable."

David nodded thoughtfully. "The communal carriage sounds interesting. Can you pay for me and Luna? I don't have any money on me right now."

Seraphina sighed, shaking her head slightly. "You know, David, you're draining my money day by day," she said, half-joking, half-serious. But despite her words, she couldn't hide the fondness in her eyes. "Fine, I'll cover it. Just don't make a habit of it."

David laughed. "Thank you, Seraphina. I promise I won't. Let's get ready to leave."

As they made their preparations, Seraphina couldn't help but watch David interact with Draven. There was a seamless understanding between them, an unspoken bond that was both fascinating and reassuring. She marvelled at how David had managed to summon and tame such a formidable being, especially considering the fact that she had witnessed him defeat Draven not long ago. The mysterious young man she had allied with was full of surprises, and each revelation only deepened her respect and curiosity.

Once everything was packed and ready, they made their way to the nearest station where the communal carriages departed. The station was bustling with activity, a lively hub where people from all walks of life converged. David, with Luna at his side and Draven following closely behind, drew more than a few curious glances. Seraphina, accustomed to the attention that accompanied her magical aura, walked confidently through the crowd.

They approached the ticket counter, where Seraphina purchased their passes. The clerk, an elderly man with a kind smile, handed them the tickets with a nod of recognition. "Safe travels," he said warmly, his eyes lingering on Draven's imposing figure.

With tickets in hand, they boarded the carriage, settling into their seats. The communal carriage was filled with only two mysterious travellers, each with their own stories and destinations. The seats were worn but comfortable enough, and the atmosphere was quite.

David leaned back making himself comfortable. "This is perfect," he said, glancing at Seraphina. "Thank you for arranging this."

Seraphina smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction in helping. "You're welcome, my Lord. It will be a good journey."