The central gardens of Sanctum had never been so vibrant.
Flowers of every element-bloom—mana-charged blossoms, vines that whispered lullabies, glowing petals that shimmered in tune with the Earth's rhythm—had bloomed in celebration of Elion Raen Velarion's third birthday.
He stood proudly, dressed in ceremonial gold-etched white, eyes a mix of stars and fire, bearing the smile of someone far too perceptive for his age.
Guests had gathered from every continent, each faction sending emissaries and gifts. The child of Iden and Nyra was no ordinary heir. He was a symbol of peace… and a mystery.
And today, his training would begin.
They gathered privately in the upper chamber of the Sanctum Spire.
Five of Eden's most powerful beings stood before the child. No titles, no ceremony—just family.
Iden, in black and gold robes, stepped forward first.
"Your mind will shape what you protect. Never forget the people."
He handed Elion a mana-sealed codex—the Book of Origins, once bound to the Architect, now his son's to inherit.
Arlen approached next, his mechanical gauntlet gleaming.
"This is not a toy," he said, kneeling. "But your hands will one day hold tools that change the world. Learn them."
He gave Elion a miniature drone core, personally engraved: "Think. Evolve. Guide."
Rael, radiant in a green-gold gown, smiled softly.
"The land will speak to you, little one. Not with words, but warmth."
She placed a single seed in his hand—an Eternis Seed, only the second of its kind since Eden's birth.
Nyra came next, kneeling before her son with pride.
"When you feel lost, remember this—strength is not in force… but in love."
She wrapped a crystal-thread bracelet around his wrist, her own tied to it.
And finally, Kael approached.
The ever-guarded warlord bent to one knee, meeting the boy's eyes.
"Monsters will come. Not just of claws or fangs—but of hatred. Learn to look them in the eye… and never blink."
He handed Elion a dagger—ceremonial, dulled, but embedded with soulsteel.
"This is the oath of guardianship. I expect you to surpass me."
Two days later, the bells rang across Eden.
Rael Velarion, High Matron of Agriculture and Life, was married beneath the twin Eternis Trees, her gown laced with living vines, accompanied by sunlight that never dimmed.
Kael stood proud beside her, the usually steel-eyed warrior wearing a rare softness as Rael walked toward him.
And at the end of the aisle, a three-year-old Elion carried the flower wreaths with glowing petals gently levitating around him, while the daughter of Kael's younger cousin served as ring bearer.
Iden stood by Rael's side when she reached the altar.
"You promised," she whispered, squeezing his hand."Always," he smiled back. "You made me the man I needed to be, little sister."
The wedding was not grand by Eden's standards—but it was perfect.
One week later, the family gathered again—but this time in the Sanctum Garden Hall for another reason.
Nyra stood beside Iden, glowing with quiet pride.
"We… wanted to wait until Rael's special day passed," she said softly, placing Iden's hand on her stomach. "But it seems we'll be needing more nursery space again."
A breath of surprise and warmth passed through the room.
Cheers, laughter—and Elion, who simply grinned and looked to Rael.
"Brother-sister together?" he asked.
Rael blushed, and Kael, standing beside her, raised an eyebrow as she took a deep breath.
"Yes, Elion," Rael said, placing her own hand gently on her stomach. "Together indeed."
Twin pregnancies—sisters of heart, now mothers side by side.
It was a sign.
That perhaps the peace they had fought so hard for… was beginning to take root in the next generation.