The holy bells tolled across the night sky, their sound carrying over the forests of Elvaria. Under the stars, thousands of lights shimmered more brilliantly than ever before, as though the heavens themselves bore witness to the sacred night.
Deep within an ancient grove, the Ceremonial Altar of the Spirits glowed with radiance. Crystals embedded in stone walls cast dazzling light while enchanted blossoms floated through the air. Nobles, priests, and chosen youths filled the ground, their voices alive with excitement.
At the edge of the altar, Serena Alveir stood in her silver ceremonial dress. Dozens of eyes turned her way—some dripping with scorn, others with pity.
"She failed last time.""Do you think this time will be any different?""Spiritless, yet still the fiancée of the crown prince… what a disgrace."
Serena's fists clenched, but she stood tall. Her golden hair shimmered like fire beneath the moonlight, and her eyes held the unwavering steel of her resolve.
The Ceremony Begins
The ancient chant rose from the high priest, his voice deep as the ground itself trembled.
"Spirits of the elements, hear our call. Show yourselves, and choose those you deem worthy."
Wind howled. Fire flickered. Light burst forth as shimmering figures descended—spirits of flame, water, wind, and earth, each radiating brilliance.
One by one, the young nobles stepped forward into the circle of light, their bodies embraced by glowing hands of the spirits. Cheers erupted as each contract was sealed.
The Entrance of the Rival
Then—gasps swept through the crowd.
A figure unlike the others appeared, a spirit so radiant that flames danced around his youthful form. His hair burned crimson, his mischievous eyes gleamed like fire incarnate.
"A High Spirit of Fire!""Impossible! Such a spirit has not chosen in decades!"
Everyone craned their necks to see who had been chosen.
A girl stepped into the light—her long hair black as midnight, her sharp eyes glimmering with boldness. She moved with grace, a quiet smile tugging her lips.
Irena Valkyrie.
The crowd erupted in chaos.
"She is… a commoner!""A commoner chosen by a High Spirit? This has never happened before!"
The High Spirit reached out, laying his fiery hand upon her brow. Light burst forth, engulfing her in flame so bright that many had to shield their eyes. When it faded, the contract had been sealed.
Irena stood proud, surrounded by whispers of awe and envy, her lips curving into a smile filled with both charm and quiet arrogance.
The Aftermath
Lucius, seated at the front, widened his eyes in surprise before clapping first, his voice warm."Remarkable. Truly remarkable!"
Thunderous applause followed, the name "Irena Valkyrie" spreading like wildfire among the gathered crowd.
Serena stood frozen, her chest tightening. She remembered clearly—this had been her dream once, a dream stolen from her years ago.
Her hand tightened around the ceremonial sword at her waist.Spirit or not… I will never yield.
The Silent Watcher
As the celebration swelled around Irena, Serena turned to leave the altar, the crowd's voices crashing against her like a storm.
From the shadows, Irena's crimson lips curved into a subtle smile, her eyes glimmering as they followed Serena's retreating figure.
So this is the rival fate has given me, she thought, firelight dancing at her side.
At the edge of the altar, another figure lingered—Kyren Adelric. He stood in silence, his calm blue eyes reflecting every detail of the night as though he had foreseen it all.