It was the time of dusk.
The sun was slowly setting behind a small rock in the west, as if it was trying to hide itself. The red glow of its fading light made the sea waves look even more beautiful, as though the ocean was wearing the colors of the evening sky.
On the same seashore, a few children, around fourteen or fifteen years old, were playing together. The ornaments they wore shimmered with elegance, giving the feeling that they belonged to a royal family.
To ensure their safety, several soldiers accompanied them—some guarding from a short distance, while a few horsemen stood watch from the nearby rocks, observing every direction carefully through their spyglasses.
Amid the sound of laughter and play, an old man approached them. He was dressed in bright white clothes that shone softly in the sunlight. His eyes were filled with wisdom, and his long white hair and beard made him look like a noble minister. As he reached closer, he spoke in a calm voice.
"Children, that's enough for today. Evening is here; it's time to go back. His Majesty must be waiting for us."
Hearing this, one of the boys—the eldest among them—turned with a slight frown. His name was Lucas, a young prince with a handsome face, kind eyes, and dark hair. His charm was such that anyone would be drawn to him at first sight. Making a playful face, he said,
"Just this much for today? What do you mean by that? Father allowed us to come here after so much pleading, and now you're asking us to leave already? We don't get to play by the sea every day, and you want to end it so soon?"
The vizier smiled and said warmly, "My dear Lucas, I thought you would understand me and help convince the others to return."
Lucas sighed, tilting his head. "Brother, sister—no one's going to listen to me today. We finally got a chance to play outside after such a long time. Everyone's so happy! Please don't take our joy away this early. Let us play a little longer."
The other children immediately agreed with Lucas and started pleading with the vizier to let them continue. Seeing their happiness and excitement, the old man gave in and nodded.
He chuckled and asked, "So, children, may I play with you too?"
Hearing that, the children burst into laughter and gladly welcomed him into their game.
The evening went on with laughter and fun until the sun almost disappeared below the horizon, leaving the sea wrapped in a soft shadow.
But even in that dim light, one face seemed to glow as if touched by moonlight itself. When the wind passed by, her hair danced with it. Her eyes sparkled like dreams yet to be seen. She was Princess Nandani, the king's daughter and Lucas's younger sister.
While everyone was still busy playing, Nandani's heart felt restless. She didn't know why—a strange uneasiness stirred within her. Her eyes were not on the game anymore; they kept wandering, as if searching for something.
Suddenly, a faint golden light caught her attention—a sparkle flashing from a faraway corner of the shore. Her heartbeat quickened. Something inside her pulled her toward it. Without realizing, she began walking toward that mysterious glow, as if it was calling her closer.
Just then, Lucas's voice came from behind.
"Sister! Where are you going?"
Nandani turned and said softly, "Brother, can't you see something shining over there, near the edge of the shore?"
Lucas looked around. "No, I don't see anything… only darkness."
"But I can still see it clearly," Nandani replied firmly.
Lucas laughed lightly. "Seems like my sister's eyes have become sharper than mine."
"Brother!" she said, slightly annoyed. "You never believe me. Fine, I'll go and see it myself. You stay here."
"Wait, wait!" Lucas said quickly. "Don't be upset. It's getting dark—there's no need for you to go alone. If there really is a light, I'll go check it out myself."
Saying this, Lucas ran toward the distant glow. He searched the area carefully but saw nothing unusual. Still, to be sure, he went a little farther. The wind began to blow stronger with every step, and grains of sand hit his face, making his vision blur.
As he tried to shield his eyes and move forward, he suddenly froze.
There, lying motionless on the shore, was a boy—unconscious, pale, and silent.
Lucas's heart pounded. He felt both fear and curiosity. He bent down, trying to see if the boy was alive. Just then, a voice came from behind —
"Lucas!"
Startled, he turned back and saw his sister, the vizier, and the other children running toward him.
"Look!" Lucas said breathlessly, pointing at the boy. "There's someone lying here… unconscious."
Everyone's faces changed. The laughter from moments ago disappeared, replaced by shock and concern.
The vizier stepped forward and observed carefully. "He's still alive," he said after a moment. He was about to touch the boy when Nandani stopped him.
"Wait," she said quietly, staring at the boy. "Can't you all see it? There's a faint light coming from his body."
Everyone shook their heads. No one else could see what she was seeing.
The vizier thought for a moment, then smiled gently. "Then perhaps you should be the one to touch him, Princess."
Nandani hesitated. Her hands trembled slightly as she whispered, "Why can I see this light when no one else can?" Still, she bent down and placed her hand over the boy's chest.
The moment she did, the strong wind stopped. The waves turned calm, and the air grew still—as if the whole world had paused for a breath.
The boy's lips moved faintly.
A soft whisper escaped them —
"Mayam…"
At that very moment, the glow vanished from his body—like someone had turned off a hidden light within him.
Everyone froze in silence. The vizier's calm face turned thoughtful.
Who was this boy?
And how did he come here?
Perhaps this was just the beginning —
the beginning of a meeting written by destiny itself.