The dawn of the engagement day arrived softly.
Golden sunlight spilled across the elven palace gardens, painting the ancient trees in warm amber hues.
A gentle breeze carried floral scent through the air, bells chimed lightly, and the entire kingdom moved with an excited rhythm.
The palace courtyard had been transformed:
Silver banners bearing the sigil of the Lunar Elven Royal House hung from towering crystal pillars.
Musicians in white robes played serene melodies that echoed across the garden lakes.
This was no simple engagement.
It was a declaration.
A declaration that Staryo was no longer just an outsider…
He was someone the royal family acknowledged.
---
Aru Walked Toward Him
She wore an elegant ceremonial dress woven with threads of moonlight essence.
Her hair was braided with silver leaves, a mark of one destined for high status.
Staryo's breath caught.
This wasn't just the girl he trained with.
This was someone ethereal… unreal… breathtaking.
But when she smiled at him — the warm, stubborn Aru he knew — his heart eased.
They stood before each other.
The priest spoke.
> "Place your hands together. Let your spirits align."
Their fingers touched — and a soft glow of intertwined mana shimmered between them.
This was intimate, vulnerable, real.
---
The Rivals Watched
Kaelith stood among the crowd.
His expression unreadable — neither envy nor surrender.
Behind him, Lynx muttered, "It's happening. You're really just going to let him take her?"
Kaelith's eyes remained on Staryo.
"No," he said quietly. "This is not surrender. This is understanding."
Rael stepped forward. "Understanding what?"
Kaelith's voice was calm — but distant.
> "Rivalry does not mean hatred. A rival is someone you chase — or someone who makes you stronger to stand beside."
His hand tightened slightly.
> "If I become someone worthy… she may look my way one day. But I will not stain her happiness to claim my own."
Lynx fell silent.
They understood:
Kaelith was not giving up.
He was choosing a longer path.
---
The Ring Exchange
Staryo took the ring — a silver band engraved with ancient runes.
Aru took hers — a ring forged of crystalized moon essence.
They moved to place them—
But the moment the rings neared their hands—
A pulse shook the garden.
The world slowed.
Time—
air—
sound—
Everything trembled.
A low voice, deep like the beginning of creation, whispered inside Staryo's mind:
> "Bearer of Lost Constellations… you return."
Staryo's eyes widened.
He felt something vast — endless — older than gods — watching him.
Something sealed.
Something waiting.
He almost lost his balance — but Aru grabbed his hand, grounding him.
"Staryo? Hey—look at me."
Her grip brought him back to reality.
Their rings touched.
A burst of white light filled the courtyard.
---
The Emperor Stood
Aru's father — the Elven Emperor — raised his hand.
His expression was solemn, heavier than the celebration around them.
"It is time," he declared.
"Time to speak of the truth behind this union."
The crowd fell silent.
> "Long ago, a Gate was opened. A Gate that leads beyond realms — to the place where fate is decided."
Whispers spread.
The Gate was legend.
A myth spoken only in forbidden archives.
The Emperor's gaze turned to Staryo.
> "Staryo is the key to that Gate. His existence is not coincidence. His awakening… will reopen what we once sealed."
Gasps echoed.
Aru's eyes widened.
"…Father, what are you saying?"
The Emperor's tone grew stern.
> "This engagement is not only love. It is protection. If Staryo awakens beyond control… the Gate opens and our world burns."
Aru stepped forward — blocking Staryo from her father.
"No. You will not use him as a tool. Not as a weapon. Not as a shield."
Gasps.
The Emperor's eyes narrowed.
The entire palace held their breath.
---
Kaelith Spoke
He stepped forward, for the first time not as rival — but voice of reason.
"Your Majesty," he said quietly.
"Are we protecting the world — or imprisoning him out of fear?"
The Emperor hesitated.
Aru's voice shook — but was steady.
> "I choose Staryo. Not destiny. Not prophecy. Not fear."
She took Staryo's hand — openly, before all.
Staryo felt warmth surge in his chest.
Something inside him clicked.
A chain loosened.
---
But Then—
A ripple tore the air open like fabric.
A figure stepped out.
A stranger — yet familiar. Black hair.
Silver eyes like dying stars.
A faint scar over his heart.
He looked directly at Staryo.
Everyone froze.
Aru's hand tightened.
The stranger spoke only one sentence:
> "Staryo… it's been a long time. Since you died."
The world shattered.
---
Who is the stranger?
What happened in Staryo's past life?
Why was the Gate sealed?
Aru must choose between love and duty.
Kaelith begins walking a new path.