A slow rise and fall of breath filled the room.
Then—
A pair of bright crimson eyes snapped open.
They shone softly in the dim light, almost glowing. Light pink hair spilled over the pillow, and small trembling arms hugged a plush, oversized teddy bear as if it were the only thing anchoring her to reality.
Crystal breathed in.
Then out.
For a moment, the terror from her memories threatened to return.
"Crystal! Amethyst! Wake up!"
The loud voice shattered the silence.
"Mrs. Lyra taught me how to cook! I made breakfast!"
Crystal flinched—then smiled.
Morning.
She turned and climbed onto the chest of the boy beside her.
"Amy… wake up…" she whispered gently, her voice feather-light. "Sister Mika is calling us."
Amethyst groaned, his body stiff from old injuries that never truly healed.
"Ugh…" he muttered. "Why are you so heavy…"
Crystal narrowed her eyes.
"I'm not heavy!"
"Yes you are," Amethyst replied weakly. "You barely eat but somehow—"
Crystal grabbed his collar.
"That's because you feed me!" she said, pouting. "And I'm still growing!"
She bounced on him.
Amethyst coughed and finally forced himself upright.
"…You win," he sighed.
Crystal laughed softly—a sound that still felt fragile, but real.
---
Downstairs, steam rose violently from a large pot.
Mikaela moved carefully, sweat at her temple as she focused completely on the stove. She stirred, adjusted the fire, then tasted the soup like Lyra taught her.
"…Good."
Footsteps followed.
"Sister Mika!" Crystal called, running toward her.
"What food did you make?"
Mikaela smiled warmly.
"Chicken soup," she said. "It warms the body… and helps heal trauma."
Her eyes softened when she looked at Crystal.
"You've been strong."
Crystal hugged her teddy bear tighter, cheeks slightly red.
"I like warm food…"
---
Outside, wood cracked sharply.
Theodore swung his stick again—faster, harder. His arms shook, but he refused to stop.
Aizen stepped forward.
"That's enough."
The air shifted instantly as the boy froze.
"You'll injure yourself," Aizen continued calmly. "Strength built too early collapses easily."
He lowered Theodore's arms with a firm hand.
"Eat. Rest. Then train."
Theodore nodded, breathing hard, respect burning in his eyes.
"Yes, Sir."
---
Inside the house, the table was carefully prepared.
Lyra adjusted plates, cups, spoons—everything placed evenly. Lina tried to help but nearly dropped a bowl.
"S-sorry," Lina said nervously.
Lyra smiled.
"It's okay. You're improving."
Everyone took their seats.
Aizen looked around the table. Children. Companions. A family formed in blood and survival.
"Let's eat," he said.
"Thank you for the food."
Warm soup filled their mouths.
For just a moment—
There was peace.
---
Far away.
A massive golden hall echoed with heavy footsteps.
Golden pillars stretched to the ceiling. White marble walls gleamed under torchlight. Knights lined both sides, armor shining as they knelt.
Upon a throne carved from dragon bone sat Dragon King Zelfhar.
"My honored knights," he commanded.
The room trembled.
"We hunt the Black Lion that survived our justice."
Murmurs spread.
"And retrieve the runaway princess."
One knight raised his head.
"Great King… why must a child of mixed blood be executed?"
Zelfhar's eyes burned.
"Because beings like that bring ruin," he roared. "Dragon blood grants destruction. Lion blood grants pride."
He stood.
"Combined—they become a disaster."
His voice dropped.
"Tomorrow, we burn Ravaryn."
The knights slammed their fists to the floor.
"We obey!"
---
A shadow formed behind the throne.
"So dramatic," a voice chuckled.
Asmodeus, Demon King, emerged from the darkness.
Zelfhar turned.
"We destroy the city," the Dragon King said. "Force the Black Lion into rage."
His lips curled.
"Then we kill him together."
"And my reward?" Asmodeus asked.
"Land. Souls. Freedom."
Asmodeus laughed softly.
"Tomorrow night, then."
He vanished.
---
But in his dark castle…
Asmodeus staggered.
His head throbbed violently.
"…Something's missing," he whispered.
A vision slammed into his mind—
A massive presence. Sleeping. Important.
"What… was here?" he growled.
The pain faded—but unease remained.
"Tch."
He straightened slowly.
"No matter. I'll prepare my army."
---
Back in Ravaryn…
Crystal smiled as she finished her soup.
Outside—
The wind began to change direction.
---
End of Chapter 86
[Happy New year's 🎉🎉🎉]