The long-awaited day had finally arrived. Joyous chants filled the elven capital as carriages and horses pranced through its bustling streets. The humans were the first to arrive, followed by the dwarves, fairies, and finally, the majestic Phoenixes.
Inside a somber black carriage, a young man with striking blue hair muttered to himself, fingers outstretched as though grasping at something elusive. Seated across from him was a middle-aged woman, her elegant features hidden behind a red book. They both wore the black robes of the Night. Riding ahead on jet-black stallions were three other dark-robed men. The largest among them gave a wink to every elven lady they passed, his deep green eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Can you stop that?" Vince snapped, fed up with Bethran's antics.
"Forgive me, my elder," Bethran said with a slight bow. "I'm simply trying to relax after the long journey."
"Perhaps you could think of another way to relax," Alexandre interjected.
Bethran frowned. "Why isn't Leo riding with us? At least it would've been more fun." He grumbled inwardly, cursing Elder Cassandra's last-minute etiquette lectures.
Funnily enough, Leo shared the same thoughts. He longed to be out there, enjoying the sights first-hand instead of peering through the tiny window beside him.
"Once again," Cassandra said, closing the red book and setting it aside, "I want to say I'm proud of you."
"You honor me, Elder," Leo replied with a warm smile.
"And also," she hesitated, taking a deep breath, "I would like to formally apologize."
"For what?" Leo asked, already suspecting the answer.
"For everything we did to you while you were growing up," she said, wiping away a tear. "There was a time many of us saw you as a leech, someone who would never amount to anything."
Her voice trembled. "But you proved us wrong. You fought with everything—body, soul, and mind—and became the best assassin the Night has ever seen."
"That's enough, Elder," Leo interrupted gently. "I bear no grudges. The way people treated me gave me the will to become something greater. And for that, I'm grateful."
His grin lifted the weight in the carriage. Cassandra chuckled, her earlier sorrow forgotten, and the mood lightened as they neared their destination.
Soon, the majestic white castle came into view.
"Finally!" Bethran's voice rang out. As if on cue, the carriage halted. The driver dismounted and opened the door with a graceful bow before heading off to the stables.
"Remember," Cassandra said with a soft smile as she led their group, "elegance and grace."
With no room for argument, the Night followed her lead, accompanied by three elven escorts from the Seed clan, identifiable by their builds and light brown cloaks.
Upon entering the castle, one of the escorts addressed them. "On behalf of Queen Flowyria, I welcome you once again to Elyria."
Leo took note of the man's twinkling blue eyes and auburn hair. He reminded him of Langhyr.
"Such beautiful decorations," Cassandra said in awe, admiring the red and gold banners.
"Wait till you see the hall," Lighthyrr, the lead escort, said with a smirk.
As they toured the castle, they encountered a golden flash—the Supremes, accompanied by two Immortal-rank warriors. The Supremes nodded in acknowledgment, and their group continued toward the great oak hall.
"Nice to see you all in good health," Clyde said suddenly.
"Of course, we are," Vince responded with a rare smile. The rest of the Night were surprised—Vince rarely spoke unless necessary.
Alexandre, however, wasn't surprised. He knew the reason behind Vince's sudden sociability. With a smirk, he glanced at Alicia, who returned his look with a playful grin.
Vince began to sweat. "Surely that look didn't mean anything...?"
His heart begged to differ.
"Here we are!" Lighthyrr sang as they reached the massive oak doors. The Seed escorts gestured forward.
"Let's get this over with," Leo muttered as he and Bethran cracked their necks and stepped through the bright light beyond the doors.
Everyone, except the Supremes, was left speechless—Cassandra most of all.
"This makes the Phoenix ball look like a funeral," she whispered.
Lighthyrr hadn't been exaggerating. The hall was magnificent. Bright lights, vivid banners, regal servants, elegant guests, and above all, a massive shield crossed by two swords hanging above the high table.
"That shield was forged by Golden Foot, the greatest smith to ever live," Lighthyrr explained. "And those swords were wielded by the first rulers of Elyria and Magnitia."
Their tour ended as Lighthyrr handed them over to royal servants who guided the Phoenix elders to the high table. Bethran and Leo were left to mingle.
"Finally," Bethran sighed, slinging an arm around Leo's shoulder. "I thought they'd never leave."
He gestured toward the elevated dais where the elders of the Sun and Night were seated. One chair remained empty—the center oak, reserved for Queen Flowyria.
To Bethran's surprise, Leo didn't respond. His eyes scanned the crowd.
"Who could he be looking for?" Bethran wondered.
And then, realization struck.
"It's about time, bro!" he exclaimed, slapping Leo's back hard enough to draw attention.
Leo winced. Cassandra, somewhere nearby, facepalmed.
"No wonder you stayed so long in Elyria," Bethran whispered. "And all those frequent visits..."
"Stop jumping to conclusions," Leo muttered, rolling his azure eye.
"Then swear it's not a female you're waiting for."
Leo laughed. "Alright, you got me."
"I taught you well," Bethran grinned, showing off his canines. "You even managed to hit on a noble. Well done."
Leo ignored him and kept watching the door.
"I'll leave you to it," Bethran said, patting his back and strolling over to a group of giggling Magnitian noble ladies.
"Never changes," Leo muttered with a smile.
He took a seat at a nearby table, crossed his legs, and fixed his gaze on the door, anticipation gleaming in his single azure eye.