The thunderclouds slowly vanished. The sun hung nearly horizontal above the horizon. In the field, everyone—Zevril, Aelric, Lioren, and Rynor—lay unconscious.
Lioren was the first to wake. His vision was blurry as he slowly stood up, taking in the scene. Aelric stirred next, then Rynor, who finally rose to stand beside Lioren. Rynor coughed and asked,"Master… are you alright?"
Lioren's eyes were filled with worry and pity as he replied,"Yes… I'm alright…" He coughed softly.
Lioren took a slow step forward."Zevril… Aelric…"
Both remained unconscious. With Rynor's help, they carried Zevril and Aelric back to Rynor's house and laid them on the bed.
Night fell. Lioren and Rynor sat beside a campfire outside. The sky was filled with endless stars, and three shone brighter and larger than the rest—so big they almost looked like additional moons. There were three bright, shining stars and one moon watching over them.
Rynor finally broke the silence."Master I…I can't remember anything, but I know something did. Do you remember any of it?"
Lioren whispered,"Aqualis Ignis'ren…"He drew a deep breath."After that…There was a flash, and we all fell unconscious."
"…Yes," Rynor said softly. "I still have some glimpses of it too."
They both sat in silence, their eyes filled with confusion and an unknown dread. Lioren kept staring at the three stars."Those stars…"
Rynor looked up, puzzled."Oh… ah, these stars are still beautiful, aren't they, Master?"
Lioren froze. Goosebumps rose along his skin as memories flooded back—visions of a beautiful woman with eyes like the moon and long, light-blue hair shining in the night. She sat beside a young Lioren, smiling as they watched the sky together.
"The stars are beautiful, aren't they, Lioren?" she had said with a soft laugh.
Her laughter faded into the darkness.
Back in the present, Lioren's voice was gentle."She always loved staring at the stars…"
Rynor glanced at him."Miss Elaria?"
Lioren smiled faintly."Elaria…mm....she is the song of the stars."
Rynor's eyes filled with sadness for his master. They said no more. Eventually, the night's whispers lulled them to sleep.
Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Valmorra, Velmira was also gazing at the sky. Her gray hair glowed under the moonlight as she sat atop the castle roof.
Suddenly, a rustling sound disturbed the silence. Velmira stood up, her voice cold."Who's there? Show yourself, or my blade will show no mercy."
A small girl's voice called out,"No, no—don't! It's me, Lyra!"
"Princess Lyra?" Velmira narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here at this hour?"
Lyra stepped from the shadows into the moonlight. Her beautiful orange hair and orange pupils glimmered softly. She closed her eyes, and when she spoke again, her voice was deep—almost regal."I am Lyra, second princess of Valmorra."
She cracked one eye open to check Velmira's reaction, hoping to see fear. But Velmira only gave her an icy stare."So what?" she said flatly.
Lyra's voice instantly reverted to its usual, childish tone."What—what?! You… you dare disobey your princess? You're a royal knight—you must obey me!"
Velmira took a step closer."And what if I say no?"
In Lyra's mind, panic surged.Did I say something wrong? Why does she look so angry? Eeeeh… gods help meee…
Lyra threw up her hands."Stop! No more steps—it's a princess's order!"
Her eyes were nearly brimming with tears, though she tried to hold them back. Velmira noticed and sighed."Yes, Your Highness… but tell me the truth. What are you doing here at this time? If you lie, I'll have to report this to the king and queen."
"No, no—don't do that!" Lyra pleaded. "Okay, okay—I just saw you sitting up here on the castle roof, and I got curious… so I climbed up. Then you caught me."
Velmira arched a brow."You climbed this far… just to see what I was doing? Could you not tell I was simply watching the stars? And I knew you were following me for a while."
Lyra pressed her fingers together."Okay… I apologize for that. But… I just wanted to meet you in person. That's why I followed you."
"In person? For what?"
Lyra looked up with determination."Can you be my master?"
"Master?" Velmira's tone cooled further. "I apologize, Princess Lyra…"
Lyra's face fell, her eyes dull with disappointment. Tears began to slip down her cheeks."Velmira… please. I'll be a good student. I want to be as strong as my big sister and brother… please teach me."
Velmira studied her silently, thinking,Is she really crying in front of a knight…?
"…Fine," she said at last. "I will teach you."
Lyra's face lit up, her tears instantly replaced by a beaming smile."Really? Really?! Ehehehe—okay, from now on, you'll be my master!"
Velmira's expression remained firm."And for now, you will return to your room."
"Hmph. I am a princess. Don't speak to me like that."
"Didn't you just say I'm your master?"
Lyra's mind reeled.Oh, no… it backfired…
"Mmm… okay. I'll go to my room. Bye!"
Then, a glimpse of memory flickered through Velmira's mind—a young Velmira, crying as a woman stood before her. "Mom… Mom… please… please…" The memory ended with a gentle, happy laughter that faded into darkness. Velmira looked at Lyra's bright smile, but her own heart remained cold.
As Lyra climbed down, a cold breeze whispered across the castle rooftop. Velmira stood alone, staring at the three stars.