The towering walls of Orilan, capital of the Kingdom of Eirsola, shimmered like sacred ivory beneath the afternoon sun. Guard towers flanked the grand gates, banners bearing the Crest of the Veil Flame fluttering in the warm breeze.
Qingsai, Meiyan, and Chunsi approached on horseback, weary but hopeful.
As they neared, a soldier spotted them from the ramparts. His eyes widened in recognition.
> "Open the gates!" he called. "Princess Meiyan and Lady Chunsi—alive!"
The heavy golden doors parted.
A dozen armored knights rushed forward. Meiyan raised her hand calmly. "Stand down. We are unharmed."
The girls dismounted. Qingsai stepped forward—and spears leveled instantly toward him.
"Who is the boy?" the lead captain demanded.
"Our savior," Meiyan answered firmly. "This is Qingsai—"
The guard didn't wait. "Take him!"
Before Qingsai could react, spirit cuffs snapped around his wrists. Meiyan shouted, "Wait—he saved us!"
"I'm sorry, my lady," the captain said coldly. "Orders. Any unknown elemental awakener near royalty must be detained."
Qingsai met her eyes as they dragged him away.
> "It's fine," his gaze said. "I can handle this."