The morning came too quickly.
Erian's eyes burned with exhaustion, yet the echo of Aster's voice still lingered in his mind.
"Don't trust anyone wearing the symbol of the sun."
He repeated the words under his breath as he dressed, the faint silver mark on his chest still hidden beneath his uniform.
The academy's bell tolled, and students began to fill the courtyard. Everyone looked the same as usual chatting, laughing, pretending the world beyond the academy walls didn't exist. But to Erian, everything felt different.
He could sense it. The way the air shifted. The way certain gazes lingered too long.
Something was watching him.
At the edge of the courtyard, three robed students stood together, their uniforms marked by a golden insignia a rising sun surrounded by runes.
Erian's heart froze.
He had seen that emblem before. In the dream. Behind Aster's father's throne.
The Order of Solarius.
A secret division of the royal temple, said to worship the "Sun Deity" who once sealed away the powers of the stars.
As Erian passed by, one of the students looked at him with a polite smile. "You're Erian Thalos, aren't you? The Duke's son?"
He nodded cautiously. "Yes. Why?"
The student extended a hand. "My name is Ren Vale. We've heard about your talent in astral magic. The Order of Solarius often recruits promising scholars. You might find our teachings… enlightening."
The way he said that word enlightening sent a chill down Erian's spine.
"Thank you," Erian said carefully, "but I prefer to study under my current mentor."
Ren's smile never faltered. "Of course. Just remember, the stars may guide you, but only the sun can grant you light."
He walked away, leaving the faint scent of incense in the air.
Erian stood frozen.
The sunlight suddenly felt heavy on his skin.
That night, he searched the archives in the library tower. Dusty tomes and forbidden scrolls filled the shelves. He traced the name "Solarius" across an ancient record, reading slowly.
The Sun and the Stars were once bound by oath. When the Starlight rebelled, the Sun cast it down to earth.
His pulse quickened. Cast it down… rebirth…
The realization hit him hard. The mark of starlight on his chest the one that responded to Aster was the remnant of that fallen power.
He was never meant to exist.
"Erian Thalos."
The voice made him spin around. Professor Kael stood in the doorway, expression unreadable. "You shouldn't be here at this hour."
"I had to know," Erian said. "About the Sun's Order. About what they did to people like me."
Kael's gaze softened, but his tone was grave. "There are truths that can't be spoken freely. Especially not under these walls."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "If they've approached you, it means they've already sensed the starlight in your blood."
Erian's breath hitched. "So it's true."
Kael placed a hand on his shoulder. "You must hide it, Erian. Whatever connection binds you to the prince it will destroy you both if the temple discovers it."
The words sank deep into him, heavy and sharp.
He looked out the window. The moon had risen again, veiled in clouds. Somewhere beyond that darkness, he felt Aster's presence, faint but unwavering.
If the world stands between us, Erian thought, then I'll burn the veil myself.