The castle halls buzzed with preparations for the Harvest Festival. Banners fluttered in the wind, tables piled high with early apples and golden breads, and laughter floated through the air.
But Seraphina's heart was heavy.
The letter.
The feather.
The prophecy.
And above all, the knowledge that someone — something — was watching her.
Cassian found her in the garden courtyard, where vines twisted up marble columns and fountains whispered in the afternoon light. He tossed a small apple toward her, which she barely caught.
"Bad reflexes for someone who saved the kingdom last week," he teased.
She forced a laugh. "Maybe I'm tired of being a hero."
He sat beside her on the edge of the fountain, his sword—always his sword—resting easily by his side. Always ready, always near.
She glanced at him, studying the worn leather of his boots, the slight sunburn on the bridge of his nose. "Cassian… don't you ever get tired of staying here? You could go back to your own palace."
He shrugged casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world. "I'm needed here."
"But why? You're a prince. Your kingdom—"
"Is safe." His voice was firm, but not cold. "And besides... maybe my place isn't there anymore."
She looked away, feeling her cheeks grow warm for reasons she couldn't name. She wasn't foolish. She knew he was loyal to her father, to the kingdom. But sometimes, in quieter moments, she wondered if it was something else too.
Before she could speak, a soft chime echoed through the garden.
A messenger.
He bowed low before her. "Your Highness. A letter arrived from the Northern Border."
Seraphina opened it carefully.
It was simple, but chilling:
> They are stirring. The Moonmarked rides again.
Cassian read over her shoulder. His hand brushed hers briefly—and she didn't pull away.
"We need to be ready," he said.
"We're not ready," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
"You have me," he said. "You always will."
For the first time in days, she believed him.
---
Later, as twilight fell, Seraphina found herself alone on the castle ramparts, watching the stars blink into view. A gentle wind played with the loose strands of her hair.
And without realizing it, she began to sing—a quiet melody, meant only for herself and the stars.
---
Song: "The Promise of the Sky"
If the sky should fall, if the mountains weep,
If the rivers run dry and the dreamers sleep,
I will stand, I will stay,
Though the world fades away—
I will be the light you gave to me.
If the road grows dark, if the song goes still,
If the cold steals the spark and the night bends will,
I will stay, I will fight,
'Til the stars burn bright—
I will be the light you gave to me.
---
When the last notes faded, a shadow moved at the corner of her vision.
Seraphina turned sharply—but saw nothing.
Still, a deep certainty settled in her heart.
The war for her kingdom—and her soul—was just beginning.
---