Visitor

In this remote northern land, the night was as dark as ink. In the sacred hall of the Sunwell, shadows stretched long. The embers in the brazier burned brightly, illuminating the hall.

Kor'thir Bloodblade didn't look particularly special. While he was indeed tall and strong, his shoulder-length black hair was streaked with gray. He didn't resemble Blood Knights at all, let alone a disciple of Liadrin. He looked like an ordinary person. His pupils were grayish-green, dull, like a wild beast.

This was his first winter as Blood Knights, and he was young, impetuous, and utterly bored—because his new life wasn't about fighting the Undead entrenched in Quel'Thalas, nor was it about participating in the war to reclaim lost territory. Liadrin hadn't taken him with her when she took most of the Blood Knights to the Ghostlands, leaving him behind at the Sunwell Plateau to guard the Sin'dorei's sacred site: the Sunwell.

Kor'thir wasn't training Blood Knights, nor was he angry because his fighting spirit wasn't being satisfied; he was listening to the complaints of several Blood Knights in front of him. One of them spoke in a tone that made the atmosphere extremely tense.

"The Regent has taken away two-thirds of our manpower, which means that the defenses of the Death's Scar are reduced by two-thirds, and the defenders of the Sunwell are also reduced by two-thirds."

He was speaking to Kor'thir! The latter stared silently at the map of Quel'Danas, glancing at him only once. His expression was indifferent, devoid of any anger.

"Silvermoon City has been silent for months. The Regent's martial law has lasted far too long," the Blood Knights continued. "If you don't mind, Lord Kor'thir, shouldn't you at least inquire with the Lord Regent about Countess Liadrin's condition? I think the Blood Knights has the right to know what has happened."

Bloodblade realized that his hand was gripping the leather strap wrapped around the hilt of his sword.

But before he could do anything Recklessness, the massive wooden doors at the entrance to the hall burst open with a roar. The brazier was instantly extinguished by the sea breeze that rushed in. Along with the cold wind came several figures, about five or six people. Leading them was a tall man, his entire body concealed within a large robe.

"Who are you?" Kor'thir, who had been silent for a while, asked, and prepared to draw his weapon. He had a feeling that if the other party was one of their own, there was no need to hide anything.

The tall man stared at him with a cold gaze; his men were all clad in thick furs and armor. The door slammed shut. The newcomers were all Warrior, their weapons stained with blood. They were clearly hostile.

The envoys around the hall fell silent, nervously watching the group of people who had entered. The other side was also watching them.

"Don't come any closer, stranger," the Blood Knights warned again. Who could possibly approach this place? Where are the guards patrolling outside?

"I know you." The tall man's voice was icy, as cold as winter. "Liadrin's apprentice. You call me a stranger; it seems none of you recognize me."

Kor'thir and his guards exchanged glances. The absence of the smell of death on their companions proved they weren't Undead. Their upright posture also didn't resemble that of Troll.

Why don't you pull down your hood and talk to me?

"Because I'm afraid you really won't recognize me anymore." These words echoed in the darkest corner of the hall. The tall man had deliberately lowered his voice earlier, which was why Kor'thir and the others couldn't recognize him. But now, when this refined and peaceful voice rang out again, the Blood Knights were stunned.

It was Kael'thas! The tall man pulled down his hat, but Kor'thir and the others saw was no longer the spirited, handsome Prince. The Elf standing before them could hardly be considered an Elf anymore. He seemed drained of life, abnormally thin, with prominent cheekbones. His once dazzling golden hair had turned a dull yellow. If it weren't for his voice and the two Fel Orb floating on either side of him, Kor'thir would never have recognized him as Kael'thas. He looked more like... Undead, only the Blood Knights didn't voice his true feelings.

"Kael'thas... Prince Kael'thas?"

"Long time no see, Blood Knights," Kael'thas said. "You must be wondering why I'm here. Let me tell you. Five days ago, at the crack of dawn, I returned to Quel'Thalas, and I also took a trip to Silvermoon City."

"Why didn't the Regent send us a message? And why did the supply corps coming from the other side of the island say that you betrayed your kingdom?"

"Because..." Kael'thas's face twisted into a smile, colder than the sea breeze. "When the end of the world comes, I hope you're still asleep."

A knife was plunged into Kor'thir's chest, and the Blood Knights was still reeling from the shock. "Traitor!"

"Yes!" Kael'thas roared, "I no longer need this kingdom." Green flames erupted from his body, burning his robes to ashes. Kor'thir gasped. The Prince laughed, his laughter echoing through the corridor. He no longer concealed his twisted body; a crystal was pierced his chest, and he had become a monster.

The Blood Knights were quickly swept away like trash.

Kael'thas stared contemptuously at the corpse on the ground; Kor'thir died without ever understanding what had happened.

"Alright, my loyal followers, clean this hall and this island quickly. It's time to announce to Quel'Thalas that their king has returned!"

Silvermoon City

"Are you sure? Liadrin went to Outland?" Alleria looked at Lor'themar questioningly; the Ranger-Lord's answer seemed somewhat unexpected.

"It's absolutely true, Regent." Lor'themar nodded, presenting all the evidence proving Liadrin's innocence in M'uru's disappearance to Alleria. "Archmage Rommath can attest to this. The Countess sought him out, asking for a way to Outland. She said Liadrin was summoned in a dream, guided by a mysterious being to Shattrath. I've also heard there's a Naaru in that city..."

"Enough!" Alleria roared. "Utter nonsense!" Her voice echoed through the hall. Lor'themar had never heard her speak like that. "Rommath, I almost forgot there was such a royalist in Silvermoon City. I haven't yet investigated whether he was involved in Kael'thas's betrayal..."

"Kael'thas has broken his heart, Regent." Lor'themar realized he was gritting his teeth as he spoke. "No one wants to see Prince go astray, and he is no exception. You have imprisoned him for so long; he has already paid a heavy price! I believe that at this moment, we must trust each other as we trust you, Regent!"

Alleria's anger subsided slightly, not because Lor'themar had said a compliment, but because she saw Vareesa walking towards her in a flustered manner.

"What happened, General?" Alleria asked in a formal tone.

Vareesa hurriedly bowed and then replied, "A visitor has arrived, sister, but Quel'Thalas has never received such a guest before."

Visitors? Alleria blinked. Silvermoon City hadn't had an interview in years. "Who's coming? Are they from the Horde?"

The Ranger-General shook his head and replied solemnly, "No, he is not a member of the Horde, but a dragon."