It was a peaceful morning in the Sunlight Empire's capital. The rising sun bathed the pristine castle in radiant gold, making the white and golden walls gleam like a divine monument. Birds chirped in the distance, their songs dancing through the warm air as the city below slowly stirred to life.
Clank! Clank!
In the castle's training grounds, armored knights clashed swords, the lion insignia on their blades shining in the morning light. Overseeing them was a stern figure—blonde-haired and tall, clad in blue and gold armor, his posture calm but alert. He watched each swing and parry with a practiced eye.
"Sir!" a voice called out urgently.
The man turned his head slightly. "Yes, what is it, Raphael?"
"It's William, sir. He's been killed," Raphael said, panting.
Leonard's expression didn't change, but his brow furrowed ever so slightly. "Killed...? By whom?"
"A vampire and a half-elf."
Leonard's blue eyes narrowed. "A vampire and a half-elf? That can't be. The Twilight Territory has been dormant for 300 years."
"Leonard! What are you contemplating so hard?" a deep voice interjected.
Leonard turned to the approaching man. "Capricorn."
"Ugh, can't you just call me Ivan? How would you feel if I called you Leo all day?" Capricorn—or rather, Ivan—grumbled.
Before Leonard could respond, a woman approached with silent grace. Her long pink hair glimmered under the sun as she elegantly twirled a lock around her finger. Her armor was regal, with soft rose hues accentuating her commanding presence.
"What are you both doing arguing at a time like this? There are more important matters," she said, coolly.
"Emelia, wha—"
"What do you mean more important things, Aries?" Ivan interrupted Leonard.
"The King has summoned us," Aries said simply.
"Wha—Lilith?! Where did you come from?" Ivan blinked as a familiar figure suddenly appeared beside him.
The black-haired girl shot him a cold glare. "It's Pisces to you, Ivan."
"Oh, so you get to call me by my name, but I have to use your title? That doesn't seem fair. Still... I adore that quirkiness of yours, my darling Lilith." Ivan's grin returned, bright but slightly forced.
Lilith's face turned pink. "Be quiet! I just want you to show some respect. My family is more powerful than yours."
Ivan's smile faltered for a moment. "Yeah... I guess a commoner like me shouldn't be so familiar with a noble. I apologize... Pisces."
Lilith noticed the pain behind his words. Her gaze softened.
"Just... call me by my name, idiot," she murmured, glancing away.
"Another lovers' spat, huh, Pisces?" a brown-haired man clad in black armor said, draping himself across Ivan's shoulder.
Lilith frowned. "I don't have time for your games, Scorpio."
Scorpio smirked. "Seems like even if we fight for the Empire, we commoners are still outsiders. Right, Ivan?"
Ivan didn't respond. His cheerful aura dimmed.
"That's not—" Lilith began, but stopped as a powerful aura approached.
A tall, black-haired man in pristine white armor adorned with the Ophiuchus crest approached. His green eyes scanned the group, followed closely by a blue-haired woman in sapphire armor—Aquarius. Beside them, a towering man in heavy iron armor bore the Taurus crest. Behind them, the Gemini knight moved silently, face concealed. A silver-haired, cheerful Cancer trailed with light steps. Virgo and Libra followed, the latter walking with elegance and poise. Sagittarius kept pace beside Taurus, his greatsword strapped across his back.
"Why are you all still standing here? The King has summoned us," Ophiuchus asked, puzzled.
"Then let's go," Aries declared, striding toward the castle. One by one, the others followed—except Lilith and Aquarius.
"You argued again, didn't you?" Aquarius asked softly.
Lilith sighed. "Rebecca... I don't know how to talk to him."
"You need to stop being so afraid."
"It's not that easy."
Rebecca placed a gentle hand on Lilith's head. "I know. But I'll help you. You'll get there. Now come on."
The throne room stood silent as all thirteen knights knelt.
"I see all thirteen of my Solar Sentinels have arrived," Emperor Lucien, ruler of the Sunlight Empire, spoke from his gilded throne.
"We greet the 9th Emperor Lucien, Ruler of the Sunlight Empire!" Ophiuchus declared.
Lucien's eyes darkened. "As you've heard, members of the Leo Corps were slaughtered—by a vampire and a half-elf."
Silence.
"The villagers who defied my warnings chose to trust the cursed creatures of the Twilight Territory. They were slaughtered as well. I will not allow this foolishness again. From this day forward: no soul is to approach the Twilight Territory. All non-humans, save the dwarves, are banned from entering the capital until further notice."
Though discomfort stirred among the Sentinels, none dared speak.
"You all will now be dispatched on separate missions," the Emperor continued.
"Ophiuchus, you will remain to protect the capital.
Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Libra, you'll assist the royal family of the Dusk Kingdom.
Aquarius, Pisces, and Capricorn, your task is to guard Eclipse Tower in the Midnight Kingdom."
Lilith glanced at Ivan, her heart skipping.
"Leo, Gemini, and Aries, you will oversee the Nightfall Kingdom. Make sure none approach the Twilight Territory.
Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Virgo, you'll guard the Dawn Kingdom.
That is all. Dismissed."
Outside the throne room, Ivan exhaled deeply. "Finally... I can breathe."
"He's paranoid," Ophiuchus murmured.
"I'm surprised the villagers were killed, too," Rebecca whispered to Lilith. "Those creatures... they're vile."
Leonard rubbed his temples. "What a tiring day."
"Let's go drinking. My treat," Sagittarius grinned.
Cheers followed as the knights dispersed together.
Midnight Kingdom – Eclipse Tower
In a quiet chamber, a black-haired woman sat in meditation. Tiny spirit wisps danced around her.
"So they're doing fine..." she whispered.
She opened her eyes. "Can you show me where they are?"
The spirits flickered sadly. She smiled bitterly.
"I wish I could summon a higher spirit... but I need to conserve my energy until the next blood moon. They're probably with their father."
She gazed out a narrow window, her heart aching. In her mind's eye, she saw two tiny infants in her arms. Then the face of a silver-haired elven man.
"It won't be long, darling..." she murmured.
Her longing echoed into the silence, the wind whispering through the tower as if carrying her hope across the lands.