The skies over Sanctum were bright that morning, painted with soft golden hues that shimmered off the capital's crystalline spires. Mana flocks soared overhead, casting fleeting shadows on the garden balcony of the High Citadel.
There, where so many of Eden's choices had been carved in flame and steel, two siblings finally sat in peace—beneath a tree Rael had planted herself three years ago.
Iden rested against the bench's edge, a rare softness to his eyes as he rocked his infant daughter gently in his arms. She was a quiet soul, unlike her older brother who, according to Nyra, had taken after him—wild, curious, and brave.
"You've changed, Rael," Iden said without turning."There's more light in your eyes. A gentleness I haven't seen since… before."
Rael smiled, brushing wind-tousled hair from her cheek.
"The war stole too much from all of us. I'm just reclaiming what's mine."
She paused, watching him hum something soft to his daughter.
"And you… You've found your peace too. With Nyra. With your children."
Iden chuckled faintly.
"Peace? More like chaos wrapped in little blankets and demanding snacks every hour."
They both laughed, the kind only siblings could share.
Rael's smile dimmed slightly, her eyes drifting toward the horizon. The silence stretched—not awkward, but heavy with meaning. And then she spoke.
"I never told you… about me and Kael."
Iden turned slowly, one brow rising.
"I know you two are close. But you're telling me now?"
Rael nodded.
"It's been real for a long time. Longer than I let myself admit. We didn't hide it—just… waited. I wanted to give it time to settle. For the war to end. For you to be happy first."
Iden's gaze softened. He set his daughter gently into the nearby cradle, standing fully to face her.
"Rael, you don't need to wait for me to live your life."
She reached into her pocket, pulling out a delicate, handwoven ribbon—soft blue silk, edged with silver threads.
"I don't want a rushed wedding. I want it to be perfect. For myself. For Kael. And for someone very small."
She looked toward the cradle.
"I've always dreamed of a day where I walk down the aisle and your child is the ring bearer… or flower girl. Running down the path with petals or the ring held like treasure. Laughter in the air. You beside me."
Iden blinked.
Something in his chest stirred—an emotion older than the wars, the trials, the world itself. The unshakable bond of a brother watching his sister dream.
"Three years?" he asked.
She nodded again.
"Three years. Let them grow enough to walk beside me. I want your family in my wedding as much as mine."
He stepped forward and, for the first time in years, wrapped his arms around her in a full embrace.
"Then I promise, Rael—when that day comes, I'll walk beside you. Not as the Supreme Leader of Eden. Not as the summoner. Just as your brother."
"And I," she whispered, tears catching at the corners of her eyes, "will finally become Rael Vireth… in a world we rebuilt together."
Later that evening, Kael joined them at the citadel garden.
Iden didn't say anything—he simply handed Kael a single iron-forged flower from their childhood homeland. A symbol of both resilience and acceptance.
Kael took it with a bow and a quiet smile.
In the distance, Sanctum's central spire chimed the hour, and mana lights shimmered across the skyline.
Rael turned to her brother one last time that day.
"We've given Eden life again, Iden. Now let's give it laughter."
And so, they watched the stars rise—siblings once more, not rulers.
And Eden, the planet reborn, held its breath for a new chapter of joy yet to come.
[SYSTEM UPDATE – FAMILY TREE: BRANCH CONFIRMED]
Rael Velarion – Engagement Status: ACCEPTEDProjected Ceremony: 3 Years From TodaySpecial Request: Assign Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Role to Offspring of Iden Velarion
Personal Note from Nyra: "I'll teach them how to throw petals like mana bombs."