⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
The throne hall of Valoria was a monument to rigidity. Black marble columns upheld a ceiling adorned with frescoes of past kings — all men with stern faces and heavy crowns. The evening light filtered through the stained glass, painting the floor in blood-red hues, as if the castle itself were bleeding its ancient traditions. Jane walked down the central aisle and stopped before the throne, where Ignaris awaited — motionless as a statue. His eyes, cold as steel, fixed upon her.
"Where is your brother?" The king's voice cut through the air, heavy with authority that tolerated no defiance.
"Where he's always been," Jane replied, standing tall.
Ignaris slowly raised a hand, and the advisors around him stepped back, leaving the two of them alone in the vast hall. The sound of hurried footsteps faded, until only the distant whisper of wind through the high windows filled the silence.
"You protected him," he said — not as a question, but as an accusation. "Even knowing that his escape is an insult to this kingdom. To me."
Jane clenched her fists, feeling the tension rise through her body, but her voice remained steady. She had trained for this moment for years.
"Protecting him wasn't an act of rebellion, father. It was an act of compassion. I understood what my brother felt after mother's death."
Her mother's name lingered between them like a ghost. Ignaris tightened his jaw, his fingers gripping the arms of the throne.
"Your mother understood the weight of the crown. She knew sacrifices must be made."
"She understood it," Jane retorted, "until the day the crown crushed her. When she was poisoned, I'd never felt so much sorrow… even more than thinking I might never fulfill my dream. But still — I felt like I failed. Burst ran away because he saw what this throne does to those who dare to love. I understand him better now. Truly."
Ignaris rose, his shadow stretching long across the floor toward her.
"You think I don't love my children?" His voice cracked, faintly but perceptibly. "Everything I've done — it was to preserve Valoria. So that neither of you would have to bear a shattered kingdom."
Jane looked up at the frescoes above — not a single queen among them.
"You preserved Valoria, father, but… I don't believe this is the right way. Burst won't come back, and I…" She took a deep breath. "I won't be the sword you point at your own heart anymore."
The king descended the steps of the throne slowly until they were face to face. The scent of incense and iron — the scent of a man who had lived his life between wars and altars — surrounded her.
"You are the finest warrior this kingdom has ever seen," he whispered. "But the world beyond these walls shows no mercy. Without the throne, you'll be just another blade lost in the dark."
Jane smiled bitterly.
"And here, I'd be a blade rusting inside a golden sheath." She raised her hand, showing the battle scars that marred her palm. "This place taught me to fight, but you taught me to obey. Now I need to learn how to live for myself first — or else I'll never be someone my people can rely on."
Ignaris looked at her scars, and for the first time, Jane saw something tremble in his eyes. He turned away, facing the throne. His once-imposing shoulders sank ever so slightly.
"And if I order you to stay?" he asked, without turning back.
"You won't," Jane replied softly. "Because you know that this time, I would disobey."
A heavy silence fell over the hall. The king walked to the window, where the orange hues of dusk blended with the deepening blue of the coming night.
"Valoria will always need you," he said quietly, almost to himself. "But if you believe leaving is what you must do…"
Jane stepped closer, following his gaze toward the fields beyond the castle, where the lights of the distant homes flickered like fallen stars.
"I'll return," she promised — her voice gentle, yet firm. "When I find who I'm meant to be."
Ignaris didn't answer, but he extended a hand, resting it lightly on her shoulder — a gesture he hadn't made since her childhood.
"The gates will remain open," he murmured. "Always."
Jane bowed her head once and turned away. Her footsteps echoed softly on the marble, each one lighter than the last. As she crossed the doorway, the cool night air brushed her face, carrying away the weight of centuries of tradition.
Ignaris remained by the window, watching until the shadows of night swallowed Jane's figure. His hand closed over the empty air, as if grasping something unseen.
"Come back in one piece, Jane…," he whispered, before the wind carried his words beyond the walls.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
That night, a damp mist blanketed the world outside, bringing with it a gentle melancholy that contrasted the warmth within. Delicate raindrops danced against the windows, creating a hypnotic rhythm as the pale moonlight shyly slipped through the corners of the house.
After all the turmoil, Jane had gone to settle things in a "peaceful" way — or so she said before leaving to meet her father.
Inside, the mood was calm. I was sitting on the couch, accompanied by Merlin and Burst, while the television played some random show.
"[Did you see it?! Aliens left a mark on that old man's cornfield!]" Merlin exclaimed, her lilac sphere glowing under the soft light from the window.
"Aliens, huh?" I said, smiling at her contagious innocence.
"Nonsense," Burst grumbled, sipping his tea like a grumpy old man.
Taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere and the rhythm of the rain, I decided to strike up a conversation.
"Hey, Burst, shouldn't you have gone with your sister to the palace?"
He sighed quietly, as if the calmness of the moment had dulled his worries.
"No need. I said I wouldn't go back, after all. Jane can handle herself."
'In other words: he didn't want to see his father. I should've expected that', I thought, watching the droplets slide down the glass.
As the conversation continued, Merlin began to bounce with excitement, thrilled about a new topic. After the fierce battle, Jane had said something that clearly left her glowing with enthusiasm:
"You're really powerful — I can see it. You're close to evolving."
Since then, Merlin could barely contain her eagerness to reach the long-awaited Class A. It would be a huge step not just for her, but for our little group's strength as well.
"[So we're going to the Elven Kingdom, right?]" she asked, her message vibrating with excitement.
"Yeah. The Elven Kingdom lies beyond the Sea of Mist — we'll need a ship. They say the place has high spiritual affinity… might help you evolve. But we'll need supplies, a solid route, and a good navigator," Burst explained, letting his "strategist prince" side show off.
We still had some missions to finish before leaving. After all, I was still an adventurer — and part of Don's team. The trip was scheduled for a month later, giving us time to prepare. I couldn't help but feel excited imagining the landscapes of that mysterious Elven realm.
While I was lost in thought, a knock on the door broke the calm. I stood up and went to open it. There she was — Jane: dark-skinned, crimson-haired, wearing her signature white overcoat that contrasted with the dim surroundings. This time, her presence didn't carry the same weight as when I first met her.
"You're back."
"Yes. It's settled," she said, exhaling a soft sigh of relief as she stepped inside.
Burst stood, tension flickering in his eyes — remnants of old wounds resurfacing at the sight of his sister.
"What... what did he say?" he asked, his voice trembling, nearly drowned out by the murmur of the rain.
Jane smiled — a calm, almost maternal smile.
"Relax, little brother. I'm not going to attack you. Everything's fine. Father's going to leave you alone… for now."
Burst sighed in relief, though I sensed there was more behind her composed demeanor.
"But…" she continued, pausing as if to stretch the moment, "I'll be staying with you and your friends from now on."
"Wait! You're gonna be my babysitter?!" Burst exclaimed.
"Yes. I'll go wherever you go. That's why…"
She turned to me and knelt on one knee — as if sealing an ancient vow.
"You're the one caring for my brother and the owner of this place. So I, Jane Ignaris, request permission to accompany you and place myself under your care during this journey."
I felt my face heat up. I glanced at Merlin, whose glowing message radiated approval, and at Burst, who shook his head frantically, silently begging me to refuse this absurd arrangement.
It's not really a problem for me — and honestly, it's a great chance for those two to bond.
"You can stay," I replied without hesitation. Burst sank back into the couch, utterly defeated, as if he'd lost the biggest fight of his life.
Jane stood, gratitude lighting her eyes.
"Thank you. I'll be in your care from now on."
'Hehe. A veteran knight joining us? Couldn't ask for better', I thought, feeling oddly energized by our new lineup.
Before I could fully process it, something almost magical drew us together — I felt myself being pulled closer to Jane, while Burst, guided by a gentle force, was nudged toward the center of the room. Merlin used her powers to bring us all together, and in an instant, we found ourselves locked in a spontaneous group hug, radiating pure warmth.
"[Now we're all friends!]" Merlin cheered, her sphere glowing brightly with joy unlike anything I'd ever seen.
I couldn't help but laugh at the sight — so genuine and chaotic — even as Burst protested, half-annoyed:
"Hey! Merlin! Don't make me get this close to that creature!" he shouted, his voice carrying more embarrassment than anger.
"Ignore him. She's right," Jane said, gripping Burst by the collar and pulling him firmly into the hug. "We're friends."
'And I think I can finally believe those words.'
Merlin pulsed triumphantly, Jane held Burst like a cat clutching a rebellious kitten.
And so, in that warm, unexpected moment, the chaos found its temporary end. Surely, Burst and Jane would have more to deal with later — but for now, we'd just enjoy the peace while it lasted.
⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅