LYRIAN
Very shortly after the jet took off, the group of young men and women started preparing to get some sleep before they reached the Temple of Echoes.
The girls had claimed one of the jet's small sleeping quarters, while the boys were crammed into the other, the limited space forcing everyone to adjust carefully.
"All of us are supposed to sleep on this one bed?" Lyrian asked, staring at the massive mattress with visible doubt.
"Well, us girls at least," Mia replied, fluffing a pillow with exaggerated care. "The boys are in the other room."
Hearing this,Lyrian still let out a quiet sigh of disappointment. She was exhausted, drained from the day's events, and the last thing she wanted was to be packed shoulder to shoulder with four other girls.
"I know what you're thinking, Lyrian," Diamond said lazily, already sprawled across the bed with the ease of someone who'd taken possession of her territory. "This is no way for a girl to sleep—much less a princess."
Lyrian sighed, partly out of obligation, partly because she was tired enough not to care.
"Speaking of princesses," she said, glancing around, "where's Anika?"
"Still in the bathroom vomiting," Nova answered matter-of-factly.
Lyrian blinked. "Air motion sickness?"
Nova nodded.
"Poor thing," Lyrian murmured, her voice soft with sympathy.
As if on cue, the bathroom door creaked open. Anika stepped out slowly, her blue skin an unnatural pallor, her eyes glassy and distant. Her posture was weak, and she moved as though each step required effort.
All the girls immediately looked at her, concern knitting their brows.
"You okay, Anika?" Seren asked gently.
Anika shook her head. "I feel horrible."
Lyrian's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Anika. Why don't you lie down until we reach the Temple?"
"I think that's best," Anika agreed, moving toward the bed with careful steps. "By the way—thanks for the pajamas, Diamond."
"Me too," Lyrian added with a small smile.
"You're both welcome," Diamond replied, stretching languidly. "And I was very happy to get you out of that torn, dirty dress, Lyrian."
Lyrian narrowed her eyes. "You've been waiting to say that, haven't you?"
"Since I laid eyes on you in the cave," Diamond confirmed, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Before Lyrian could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
All the girls fell silent, glancing toward it with quiet curiosity.
"I'll get it," Lyrian said, her voice soft, but her heart gave a tiny leap. Secretly, she hoped it was Reone. She had grown used to his presence—used to being near him—and felt the absence more sharply than she wanted to admit.
She walked over and opened the door.
"Primi?" she said, unable to fully hide her disappointment.
"Hey, Lyrian," he said awkwardly, a stiffness to his posture that made him seem almost uncomfortable in the confined space.
"Hey. What are you doing here?" she asked, curiosity tinting her tone.
Inside the room, the rest of the girls leaned subtly to listen in. Anika, still pale, raised an eyebrow, her expression cautious.
Primi held a small tray, balancing a cup of water and a tablet with careful precision. He looked stiff, almost tense.
"Uh… I just wanted to give Anika this," he said, his voice slightly clipped. "It's medicine. It helps with motion sickness, at least that's what Mickey says."
Anika's eyes widened, a faint hope flickering across her face.
"Oh," Lyrian said softly, touched. "That's very sweet."
Primi pressed his lips together, shifting from foot to foot with visible discomfort.
"Just… will you give it to her?" he asked, almost too quickly.
Amused, Lyrian smiled faintly. "Are you sure you don't want to give it to her yourself?"
Primi shook his head with exaggerated speed. "Please, no. You do it."
Lyrian raised an eyebrow, a little weirded out, but shrugged it off and took the tray. "Sure, Primi."
He lingered awkwardly in the doorway.
Lyrian tilted her head. "Anything else?"
"Nope. Nothing," he said too quickly. "Uh… see you in the morning."
She nodded, and he left, retreating down the hallway with stiff, hurried steps.
Lyrian closed the door and carried the tray back inside.
"What was that?" Diamond asked, tilting her head, clearly confused.
Lyrian smiled. "Special delivery for Anika."
Anika, now sitting upright on the bed, met Lyrian's knowing look—and promptly blushed, her cheeks warming.
"Ooooh," Seren teased, a sly smirk tugging at her lips.
"Guys, it's just medicine," Anika protested, flustered.
"It's medicine now," Nova said, grinning. "Next thing you know, you're making out... and holding hands."
Anika gave her a look that clearly said she thought Diamond had lost it. "It's so not like that between us."
"Come on," Lyrian said, setting the tray beside her, "you're always flirting."
"I think you mean fighting," Anika corrected.
"Same difference," Lyrian replied with a shrug.
Anika tried—and failed—to hide her smile.
"You guys don't get it. I don't like Primi. He's rude, annoying, and a bit arrogant—"
"And you like him," Diamond finished, a triumphant glint in her eyes.
Anika stared at her, stunned into silence. Then she sighed, rolled her eyes, and smiled faintly.
"Okay… maybe I like him a little."
The room erupted in squeals and laughter.
"Everyone, calm down," Anika said quickly, a hand waving to restore order. "It's not like anything's going to happen. He doesn't like me. I'm pretty sure he sees me as a kid."
"Honey," Diamond said knowingly, "he definitely likes you. Trust me—I know a lot about guys."
"Listen to her," Nova added, chuckling. "She's an expert."
"You really think he likes me?" Anika asked, uncertain, fiddling with the hem of her pajamas.
"We do," Seren said. "In fact, why don't you test that and tell him how you feel?"
"Whoa, let's not get crazy," Anika said, her eyes wide. "And let's not forget that we're on a mission."
Lyrian sighed. "I don't know… there's no time like the present."
Diamond snorted. "Yeah, you're one to talk. From the way you and Reone dodged my question earlier, it's clear you're not back together yet—even though you still like each other."
Lyrian's cheeks warmed. "It's not the same thing. Reone and I… still have things to work through."
"Speaking of you and Reone, are you sure that it's a good idea?" Diamond asked carefully.
"I was wondering the same," Nova added, "I mean, you two have a complicated history, Lyrian."
"What Nova means is that, we don't want you getting hurt again," Mia said quietly.
Lyrian bit her lip, then sighed softly. "I know I said otherwise, but… I still love Reone. And I think he still feels the same."
"But you've danced this dance before," Diamond said carefully. "And it didn't work out great the first time."
"He's changed," Lyrian insisted, her voice steady with conviction.
"We can't argue with that," Mia said with a sigh.
Silence fell over the room for a few moments, only broken by the soft hum of the jet engines.
"But" Seren said at last, "if you're happy, then we're happy,right guys?"
"Yeah but... just be careful,Lyrian,"Nova said.
Lyrian nodded,promising that she would which ended the subject.
"Now," Diamond yawned, stretching languidly, "can we please sleep? We've got a big day tomorrow."
Lyrian yawned as well. "I feel like I haven't rested in over twenty-four hours. Except maybe when I was injured and Reone took me to your nest, Anika."
Anika's expression shifted—guarded, distant.
"Uh-huh," she murmured, turning away. "Anyway, Nova, hand me the tray with my medicine, please."
Lyrian noticed the subtle tension but react to it. After all, she was tired and probably imagining things.
Anika then took the pill and swallowed, washing it down with water before laying back.
"Goodnight, everyone."
The other girls echoed her, one by one, climbing into the bed. Lyrian lay beside Mia at the edge.
"Goodnight, Mia.Goodnight everyone," she whispered softly.
With Diamond's magic, the lights went out.
Lyrian sank into the pillow, feeling thankful for all the luxuries sorrounding her . A real bed. Clean clothes. Friends. Love. Safety. She would never take these for granted again,she though with a smile.
Her smile faltered when Mia's body began to shake.
Lyrian froze, realizing what was happening. Mia was crying—silently.
Lyrian's heart ached. Rhys. Of course. Guilt tugged at her chest for laughing so freely while her friend was hurting.
After a moment, she reached out and placed a hand gently on Mia's arm.
Mia stiffened but continued trembling, unable to stop the tears.
Lyrian moved closer, offering quiet comfort without words.
And in the darkness, they stayed like that.
---
REONE
Reone was in his bathroom, brushing his teeth and letting his mind drift over some of today's more difficult moments.
Some of them involved his father. He was still surprised that Cassian had come to the middle of nowhere just for him. But Reone was grateful—relieved, even—that he had. It had led to a fragile truce, a delicate understanding, that felt… good. Really good.
He knew the credit mostly went to Lyrian.
He paused mid-motion, toothbrush hovering, as his thoughts shifted to her.
What was she thinking now? After Diamond's awkward question earlier—asking if they were together again—were they still on the same page about giving their relationship a chance after the mission? Was she still as hopelessly… ridiculously in love with him as he was with her?
He sincerely hoped so. He loved her—so completely—and, honestly, she was the only thing keeping him together right now.
Reone finished brushing his teeth, rinsed, and left the bathroom, only to find Sire sprawled across the bed.
"Seriously, dude?" he said, incredulous. "How can the rest of us sleep with you in that position?"
"Yeah, stop taking up so much space," Mickey added, frowning.
Sire let out a deep, suffering sigh. "I can already tell this is going to be a long night."
At that moment, Primi came through the door.
"Hey, Primi. Are the girls asleep?" Reone asked, a trace of longing in his voice. He missed Lyrian already.
Primi paused. "Uh… I'm not sure."
Mickey shot him a quizzical look. "What do you mean? Didn't you just come from there?"
"Well," Primi said hesitatingly, "I went to give Anika her medicine, but I didn't actually go in. I told Lyrian to give it to her."
Mickey nodded slowly, but Sire shook his head disapprovingly.
"Uh-uh, my dude. You're going to have to step up your game if you want to impress Princess Anika," he said casually.
Primi's eyes widened. "E-excuse me?"
"What's wrong? I'm trying to help you win Anika over," Sire clarified with a mischievous grin.
For a moment, Primi looked shocked. Then he shook his head emphatically. "I am not trying to date the princess. She is the princess, for crying out loud, and I am her bodyguard. How could you even think…?" His voice trailed off in a long sigh. "I gave her medicine because it's my duty. I have no intentions toward her."
The other guys exchanged glances, confused.
"Are you sure?" Sire asked. "Because I definitely got the vibes that you two liked each other."
"That was my deduction as well," Reone added.
"Me as well," Mickey said.
"Well, you're all wrong," Primi said sharply, striding toward the bed.
The three men exchanged another doubtful look.
"Oookay," Sire said slowly. "If you say so."
"I do," Primi replied, turning his gaze briefly to Mickey with a curious look, his forehead furrowed.
"What?" Mickey asked.
"Wait," Primi said, eyebrows furrowing, "if you're here, then who's flying this… contraption?"
"The contraption is on autopilot," Mickey replied.
Primi blinked. "Autopilot… as in it's flying itself?"
"Yes," Sire said patiently. "And it's very safe. You just sit back and enjoy the ride."
Primi nodded, though his expression remained skeptical.
Mickey glanced at them. "Guys,Want to go ice cream in the kitchen?"
Sire, who had just closed his eyes, cracked one open. "Snacks?"
Mickey nodded. "Yeah. I'm starving."
"I'm good, you guys. Still full from earlier, and I'm ready for bed," Reone said.
Primi also politely declined.
Sire shrugged. "Looks like it's just you and me, Mickey." He slapped Mickey on the shoulder. "Let's go."
They left, shutting the door firmly behind them.
Reone exhaled. "Alright… Sire's gone. This is probably our only chance to actually get some rest—or he'll start chatting us up when he comes back," he said to Primi.
"Then let's get to it," Primi replied, lying down on the bed.
Reone sat beside him, turning to stare.
"What?" Primi asked suspiciously.
"Sorry," Reone said, "it's just hard to believe you don't like Anika."
Primi sighed. "I already told you, I don't. And honestly, I find having to have this conversation again… tiresome."
"Or maybe," Reone said, "you're afraid the truth will come out if we continue—which is that you like her."
Primi rolled his eyes.
"Come on, Primi. Just admit you like her, and I'll leave you alone," Reone pressed.
Primi closed his eyes, ignoring him.
Reone pursed his lips, frustrated. Oh,no he didn't.
"It's a real shame you don't like Anika… because I'm pretty sure she likes you,"he said.
Primi opened one eye, staring at the ceiling thoughtfully, then stubbornly closed it again, dismissing Reone's words.
Frowning, Reone tried another tactic.
"And you two would make such an amazing couple," Reone said softly.
Primi finally opened his eyes, turning to face him. "Okay, first of all, there's no way Anika likes me like that. And even if she did, we can't be together. She's the princess of the Diviners, bound by tradition to marry someone from one of the old Diviner families—who I'm not."
Reone raised an eyebrow, curious. "And Anika intends to follow this tradition?"
Primi paused. "Well… not to my knowledge."
"Then you still have a chance."
"No, I don't," Primi said firmly. "Because she's the princess, and I'm just a soldier."
"Yeah… just a lowly soldier who also commands an elite unit and is trusted by the King himself with his daughter's safety," Reone said.
"Doesn't mean the King would approve of my suit," Primi replied, before quickly adding, "Should I ever think to make one—which I won't. Ever."
Reone snorted in disbelief.
"You don't need the King's approval. You just need Anika—which you already have. And something tells me that girl will take what she wants, and nothing else."
Primi smiled faintly and snorted. "The only part that's correct is Anika's stubborn nature, but she does not like me."
"Primi, take it from me—she likes you. And you two would be amazing together," Reone said softly.
Primi shook his head, doubtful. "Because you're the relationship expert, right, Reone? You, who is hiding the truth from your girlfriend about what happened to her?"
Reone froze, saying nothing.
"What? You don't have anything more to say?" Primi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I thought you said Diviners don't like to get into other people's business…" Reone muttered.
"We normally don't," Primi said calmly. "But I think it's relevant here. I mean… why should I listen to you when it's clear you don't know much about relationships yourselves?"
Reone's lips pressed tight. When he spoke again, his voice was sharp, almost livid.
"You know what, Primi? Stay single. And good luck finding another girl willing to deal with someone as difficult as you."
"And I wish you the same," Primi shot back, calm and steady. "Because with the way you're handling your relationship, I doubt it will last much longer."
Reone ground his teeth, tension knotting in his chest.
At that moment, Mickey and Sire returned.
"Okay, so we're full and ready to sleep now," Sire said cheerfully.
The two men didn't respond. Their eyes remained locked in a quiet, unspoken challenge.
"What's going on?" Mickey asked, confused.
"Nothing. Reone and I were just talking, but we're done now," Primi said curtly.
"We sure are. Anyway… good night, Primi," Reone said, voice cold.
"A very good night to you too," Primi replied, equally chilly.
Mickey and Sire exchanged awkward glances, unsure what to make of the tension.They quickly gave up trying to understand the two.
Reone closed his eyes, trying to settle, but Primi's words churned inside him.
Was he right? Could his decisions cost him Lyrian?
The thought chased away any hope of sleep.