Lightning split the sky again—brighter, more blinding than before. The wind howled, dust whirled into small vortexes across the ruined field. And then—
WUSHHHH.
An invisible crack tore through the air. A silver line split the heavens horizontally, like a mirror breaking apart. From that rift, light slowly expanded—opening a gateway between worlds.
A portal.
Hana froze. Her eyes widened, her body trembling uncontrollably.
"Th-that… that's… a real portal? A portal to another world?" her voice broke.
"Oh my God… I-I'm really seeing a portal… just like in anime!"
She staggered a step back, knees nearly giving out. The world she had only known through screens and stories now stood before her—real, alive, and radiating an undefinable power.
Mathien remained at her side, his hand still clasping hers tightly.
"Hana, don't be afraid." His voice was calm, though his eyes were sharp. "They won't hurt you."
From within the portal, figures began to emerge—the clang of armored boots striking the ground with heavy resonance. Dozens of soldiers in silver cloaks and golden armor marched forth, their eyes sweeping the area with sharp vigilance.
And finally, from the center of the light…
A tall man stepped out. His silver hair fell neatly, a long cloak trailing behind him, and the crest of a kingdom gleamed brightly on his chest.
King Darius.
The King of Valtherion.
His face looked calm, yet burdened with worry. His gaze immediately found Mathien, then dropped to the trembling girl standing at his son's side.
"Mathien," his voice was deep, resonant—echoing through the very earth. "You are safe."
Mathien gave a short nod. "Too late, Father," he said softly. "Much has been destroyed. But I'm still here."
King Darius exhaled deeply. His eyes returned to Hana. His face carried questions—perhaps astonishment—that his son had survived… with nothing more than an ordinary human by his side.
Hana couldn't speak. She stood frozen, heart pounding out of control. She even forgot how to breathe properly.
Mathien glanced at her, his expression softening. "Are you okay?"
Hana managed a faint nod, though her body still trembled.
"Don't worry," Mathien murmured, brushing her hair gently with his hand. "I'm here. And as long as I'm here, no one will touch you."
Hana swallowed hard, her eyes fixed on the still-open portal—as if calling Mathien home. But in her mind, one thought spun endlessly:
Would Mathien… leave her now?
The portal's wind continued to swirl softly, tugging at their cloaks and hair. The silver glow dimmed slightly, though the aura of majesty still lingered.
King Darius stepped forward, eyes resting on his son with heavy expectation.
"My son," he said quietly, "the dark curse has been lifted from our land. Your time in this world is done. Come home. Your kingdom awaits you."
Mathien stood tall, silent. But his gaze didn't return to the king.
Instead, he turned slowly.
To Hana.
The girl hugged herself tightly. Her uniform was dirty, her cheeks flushed from the cold, and her eyes… filled with fear hidden in silence.
Mathien's grip on her hand tightened.
He took a step—not toward the portal, but toward his father.
"But I will not leave alone," he said softly, yet firmly.
The air seemed to hold its breath. Silence spread. Even the hum of the portal grew hushed, and tension coiled thick in the atmosphere.
"I'll bring her with me," Mathien continued.
Soldiers exchanged glances. The royal advisor behind the king looked utterly stunned. Arabelle—standing at the king's left—held her breath, her eyes narrowing at the girl who now stood behind the prince.
King Darius narrowed his eyes. "Her?"
Mathien nodded.
"She's a mere human, Mathien," the king's tone remained calm, though edged with doubt. "Our world is not meant for someone like her."
Mathien turned once more, his eyes never leaving Hana—who still clung tightly to his hand, silent.
Hana gave no answer. Her face was stiff, her heart pounding too fast to think. She didn't know if she should feel joy, fear, or confusion. She only knew she couldn't let go.
"I know she's human," Mathien replied, calm as ever. "But without her… I wouldn't have survived to this moment."
The wind shifted—warmer now. Mathien looked at Hana again.
Their eyes met. Silence. Yet full of meaning. Between the chaos of worlds, only they understood the weight of losing everything… and finding a new world in the most unexpected person.
"Will you come with me?" Mathien asked gently. Not forcing. But clear. As if the whole world waited for her answer.
Hana bit her lip. Her eyes glistened.
She lowered her head.
Still no words.
But she didn't let go of his hand.
And that alone was enough for Mathien to smile faintly.
He turned to his father.
"If she does not come, then I will not return."
King Darius stood in silence for a long moment.
The wind from the portal swirled softly around them. Hana's hair lifted, the soldiers' cloaks rippled, and the light of Valtherion continued to bathe their tense faces—between two worlds, magic and mortal.
At last, the king drew in a long breath.
"Very well," he said.
His voice was calm, but deep. Filled with authority… and acceptance.
All present turned their heads. Some soldiers widened their eyes in disbelief.
"As a father," the king continued, his gaze now resting on Hana, "I owe this girl my gratitude. Without her, perhaps I would never see my son again."
Relief flickered across Mathien's face.
"And as a king… I will allow you to step foot in our realm. Not as a mere guest… but as the savior of Valtherion."
Hana froze. "Eh? M-me? Savior?"
Her face turned pale. Her hair was still a mess from the wind. She was still in her half-dirty school uniform, shoes damp from the morning.
"I—I'm nobody… I can't possibly—"
"You can," Mathien cut in softly. "You can, Hana."
"But I don't know magic… I—I've never even been on a plane before…"
"You don't need a plane," Mathien muttered with a crooked smile. "We'll walk. Through the light."
Hana opened her mouth to protest again, but before she could, her hand was tugged.
And before her mind could decide to refuse, Mathien gently nudged her forward. Their footsteps aligned… leading straight toward the portal.
"I'm not ready…" Hana whispered, panicked.
Mathien leaned closer, murmuring at her ear, "I wasn't ready to turn into a cat, either. But life doesn't ask for permission, does it?"
Hana gaped. "That's not the same thing!"
Mathien chuckled softly. "It is. Both happened out of nowhere."
And before Hana could argue again, their steps touched the shimmering light.
Hana squeezed her eyes shut as the radiance enveloped her. She didn't know what awaited beyond. But she knew one thing—his hand still held hers, tight.
The portal welcomed them gently, erasing the shadow of the world behind… carrying them toward a new realm—a kingdom Hana had never dreamed of, and a future no one could predict.
But one thing was certain:
They went… together.
🌸🌸🌸