The palace library was quieter than usual.
The air smelled faintly of parchment and polished wood.
Adrian ran his fingers along the spines of ancient books, searching for something—he wasn't sure what—until a thick, dusty volume caught his eye.
The cover shimmered faintly under the morning light.
Its title read:
"Gemstones of the Legend."
Adrian tilted his head.
"Gemstones… of the Legend?" he whispered.
Rex, his small golden lion cub, padded beside him and gave a soft mrrr, tail flicking.
"You think so too, huh?" Adrian grinned and carefully pulled the book free.
Dust scattered into the air, making him sneeze.
He sat by the wide window and opened the first page.
Old illustrations of glowing crystals filled the parchment.
Each gem carried a story—stones that sang to the wind, stones that healed wounds, stones that shone brighter than the moon.
But one name stopped him.
Aura.
Adrian traced the word with his fingertip.
The description was short, but every sentence felt alive.
The Aura Stone is said to hold the purest essence of life.
Those who touch it may awaken their deepest potential…
or be lost within its endless light.
His heart thumped faster.
"A stone that awakens hidden power," he murmured.
"It hasn't been found for centuries… but the location… 'The Silent Veil.'"
He frowned.
The Silent Veil was only a vague name, written in faded ink.
No maps. No clear directions.
Only a warning:
Travelers who seek the Aura have entered the Veil.
Days turned to months, months to years… none returned.
Rex nudged his arm, a low rumble in his throat.
Adrian rubbed the cub's ears.
"Yeah, I know it's dangerous. But… doesn't it sound incredible?"
Rex gave a small chuff, as if agreeing and disagreeing at the same time.
Adrian closed the book slowly.
If the legends were true, the Aura Stone could help him grow—not as a prince who relied on status, but as someone who earned strength through his own will.
But such a journey… he couldn't keep it secret from his parents.
That evening, he walked into the royal study where King Leon and Queen Celestia were reviewing reports.
The firelight painted warm gold across their faces.
Leon looked up first.
"Adrian," his father said, calm but sharp-eyed.
"You look like you've found trouble again."
Adrian coughed, suddenly nervous.
"Not trouble. Maybe… adventure."
Celestia smiled gently.
"What is it, my dear?"
Adrian stepped forward, holding the old book like a treasure.
"I found something in the library. It's called the Stone of Aura. The legend says it can awaken hidden potential. No one has found it for centuries, but I… I want to try."
Leon leaned back in his chair, eyebrow raised.
"A stone of power? And your first thought is to chase it?"
His voice was teasing but firm.
Adrian met his father's gaze.
"This isn't about power to rule. I don't want to be a prince who only inherits strength. I want to be… someone the people can trust. Someone who stands on his own."
Celestia's blue eyes softened.
"You wish to prove yourself."
Adrian nodded.
"Yes. The book mentioned a place called the Silent Veil. But people who went there never returned. That's why I came to tell you first."
Leon crossed his arms.
"Silent Veil…" he repeated slowly.
"Even seasoned hunters avoid that region. Strange mists, warped time. Days become months inside. Are you ready to face that?"
Adrian clenched his fists.
"I am. I won't rush in blindly. I'll prepare. I have Rex with me, and I'll bring enough supplies. I need to do this, Father."
For a long moment, Leon said nothing.
The fire crackled between them.
Finally, the king sighed and leaned forward, eyes sharp but proud.
"You remind me of myself at your age. Stubborn. Too curious for your own good."
Adrian blinked.
"Is that… permission?"
Leon smirked.
"It's not permission to be reckless. But…"
He glanced at Celestia.
"If you are determined, I will not cage you. The path of a ruler isn't only built inside these walls."
Celestia reached across the table and held Adrian's hand.
"If you go, promise me this—don't lose yourself. No stone is worth your life."
Adrian squeezed her hand gently.
"I promise."
Later that night, Adrian returned to his room.
Rex jumped onto the bed, eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
Adrian sat beside him, heart racing with excitement and fear.
"Tomorrow, we start preparing," he whispered.
"Food, maps, maybe a few tricks so Father doesn't send a hundred guards after us."
Rex tilted his head, letting out a playful mrrr.
Adrian laughed quietly.
"You're right. This isn't just about finding a gem. It's about… proving that I can carve my own path."
He lay back on the soft sheets, staring at the stars outside his window.
Somewhere out there, the Silent Veil waited.
Days that could stretch into months.
Mysteries hidden in mist.
And maybe, just maybe, the Aura Stone—the key to awakening the strength inside him—was waiting for someone bold enough to reach it.
Adrian smiled faintly.
"I'll find you," he whispered to the night.
"Not as a prince who hides behind a crown… but as Adrian, who walks his own path."
Rex gave a soft, determined growl, curling beside him.
Tomorrow, the journey to the unknown would begin.