Aira couldn't sleep.
The moment the crimson light flashed across her window, pain shot through her chest.
She collapsed to her knees.
A glowing symbol appeared over her heart — shaped like a blooming flower made of starlight.
A voice echoed in her mind:
"You are my vessel."
Suddenly, power surged through her veins. The air around her shimmered. Petals made of red light floated in the room.
Then footsteps approached.
The door burst open.
Standing there was Crown Prince Kael Ardent — silver-haired, cold-eyed, known as the kingdom's strongest mage.
His sharp gaze locked onto her glowing chest.
"So," he said quietly,
"I've found you."