We slipped into her room like fugitives. The door shut with a muted click behind us.

  I bent over to catch my breath. Eimira giggled right beside me.

  “Welcome, I guess.” She patted my back softly.

  The air in Eimira's room held a faint trace of jasmine and rose oil. Curtains shifted with a slow whisper as the gentle breeze flowed into the room.

  A map of the Terrakan territory was mounted on a wall facing her bed. I walked up to it to take a look, running my finger along its surface.

  “I didn't know Terraka was this vast.” I said, mesmerized.

  She stared for a bit before answering. “It feels so strange, you know?”

  I turned slightly. “What does?”

  “We just met a few nights ago, and now I brought you into my room.” She said, slowly unpacking the dress she had bought from the store.

  “I think it's strange too, but at the same time… not strange right?”

  I shifted my focus to the shelf beside the map. It had a row of carved wooden animals. I held up one of it, admiring it whilst still waiting on Eimira's response.

  “Hmm… it doesn't.” She finally answered.

  Beside the shelf was Eimira's weapon rack and armour stand. Her armour wasn't presently in the room but her weapons were. A fancy looking sword and two daggers.

  I awkwardly observed her room, still unsure of what my purpose is.

  She chuckled softly, “Take a seat, I'm not gonna bite you.”

  She motioned her hand and pulled a stool closer to where I was using Aeris.

  "Only glare and stab, maybe?" I tried to joke.

  “Yeah, yeah…” she smiled.

  She crossed to the wardrobe beside her bed. The floorboards gave a faint creak under her weight. When she pulled the doors open, the hinges released a soft wooden sigh.

  Inside the wardrobe was a variety of fabric, all carrying the same jasmine and rose oil scent.

  Three festive dresses hung, untouched, their beaded hems catching the low light. But her fingers passed over them.

  She reached deeper, the robes making a soft muted rustle as they brushed against her hands.

  “Ah ah, got it.” She turned to me with a smile, then pulled out something folded with deliberate care, wrapped in sealed silk.

  When she lifted it, the silk unfolded itself, revealing a beautiful and well sewed dress. A gentle breeze slipped into the room, stirring the fabric as though in quiet recognition.

  "The Dress of The Tides" She said with admiration in her eyes. “This was the one Ryona talked about.”

  “It's… beau— why didn't you want to wear this?” I asked.

  “I don't know… it just reminded me of my mother too much since she also wore this when she was younger.” She replied, lowering her gaze.

  “Hmm…” It seemed to me that she wanted to wear it, despite all her claims not wanting to.

  Unlike the regal gowns from the store, this one was woven from deep blue layers of soft silk that moved like calm waters. Fine white threads ran through the fabric, catching the light in a quiet shimmer that echoes Eimira's dual blessings. Along the hem, Nymirel tongue writings were stitched in subtle lines.

  "It belonged to my mother’s side." She said softly, brushing her hand down the fabric. "Only worn on the day of Elruka in Nymirel. Only once."

  I didn't speak.

  She took a sit on her bed, with the dress placed neatly on her lap. “My mom loved to dance. Especially in this dress.” She sighed. “She'd always dance for the family, and then I'd try to copy her and then fail miserably, falling on my butt…”

  We both laughed.

  “I remember that I'd always cry whenever I fell or couldn't imitate my mother's steps.” She giggled softly. “She'd always make my favourite food whenever I wouldn't stop crying.”

  'So, she was also a cry baby. That reminds me of someone, haha’ I smiled.

  “I remember when she gave me this dress.” She continued. “She told me, " One day, Eimira, you'll be the one to dance for us, and I'll be here cheering you.”

  She chuckled dryly, head lowered. “So much for that…”

  “Ok that's enough,” I grabbed her by her shoulders. “Put on the dress, let me see how it looks on you. Maybe you can practice your dance.”

  “Hmm, I will.” She replied bluntly, trying to hide her face.

  I gently pried her hands from her face. Tears clung to her lashes, and the faint light in the room reflected in her blue eyes, soft and unguarded.

  “That's more like it.” I smiled.

  She turned red. “W-what are you doing?”

  “You both are really cry babies uhn.” I chuckled softly.

  “What do you mean, I'm not crying—” she turned away.

  “Sure sure, alright let's see the dress on you.”

  I pulled her up.

  "Want me to wait outside while you try it?" I asked, already turning.

  "No." She stopped me. "I brought you here, remember?, besides it'd be weirder if a man casually works out of the Captain's room"

  “Hmm… you have a point there. I forgot.” I nodded.

  She twirled her hair. “They'd actually be more happy than suspicious about the whole thing… don't ask me why.”

  She walked to the wardrobe, rummaging through it, before finally pulling out a folded divider screen.

  “Just sit tight, and don't move…”

  I nodded obediently.

  She stepped behind the divider, and the rustle of silk followed. She began to hum, low and distant. I didn't recognise the melody, but I knew it was sung out of love for something or someone.

  My heart was hammering for no good reason.

  "You're oddly quiet," she said, from behind the screen.

  "I'm trying not to imagine what's going on back there," I admitted.

  "…And failing?" She teased.

  "Tragically." I answered instantly.

  I could hear her giggling from behind the screen.

  Moments later, the screen shifted, and she stepped out.

  She walked up to me then turned her back towards me.

  She glanced over her shoulder. “Help me lace it.”

  I stalled. “What?”

  She gave me a look, faintly amused. “It's not going to tie itself, you know. And I'm not calling Feona.”

  I exhaled. “Ok, fine.”

  I moved behind her.

  I brushed off her hair, revealing the back of her neck. I felt the steady rise and fall of her breathing as I pulled the silk cords tighter.

  “Hmm..” she groaned slightly.

  I loosened my pull a bit. “Is it too tight?”

  “N-No…”

  I continued. The fabric made a soft sliding sound against itself. My fingers trembled as they brushed against her skin slightly. I forced them to be steady.

  “I'm done…” I stepped back, letting the last knot fall into place.

  “It wasn't that hard, was it?” She teased.

  She turned.

  “So, How do I look?”

  For a breath, the room changed.

  Aqualis shimmered first, a faint blue glow tracing the folds of the dress. Then Aeris— a green glow— followed, a soft current of air surrounded her. The fabric brightened.

  She didn't look dressed.

  Rather.

  She looked like she had awakened the second time.

  “So you gonna say something?” She twirled.

  I turned. “Please don't do that…”

  “Ohh, are you blushing?” She teased.

  “That's usually Feona’s job.”

  “Take a good look at me, and just tell me.” She turned me around.

  I blinked. "Like the sea had chosen to carry steel.”

  She stared at me for a second— then laughed, really laughed, not the quiet chuckles from earlier.

  "Oh gods, you're terrible at compliments."

  "Maybe," I shrugged, "but I mean them."

  “But thanks. You mentioning the sea made me realise how long it has been since I last saw it.” She moved closer.

  “The sea… I'd love to see it too.”

  She stepped even closer.“Let's see the sea together?”

  We locked eyes.

  I wanted time to stop at that moment.

  Her fingers rose to my cheek, light as a feather. “The way the light hits your eyes…” she murmured.

  I saw them in the reflection of hers— red flickering through shadows.

  “I like that. It gives me a sense of warmth, and a sense that you are with me.”

  I had never thought my appearance was worth noticing. Yet her words stayed longer within me than they should have.

  If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  She tugged on my clothes. "T-There's something I'd like to ask you…”

  “Hmm? What's that?” I replied.

  “Would you like to be my special guest at the Elruka Festival?" She asked.

  "Haha— Yes I'd love to" I replied while slowly pulling her close into my arms.

  We laughed. Then it slowly died down, and we had nothing to do but to stare at ourselves.

  Silence.

  Nothing but the sound of our own breathing.

  She opened her mouth slightly, as if she was breathing through them, or calling mine.

  I felt something. And I'm sure she did also.

  I pulled her closer. She followed.

  She pulled me closer. And I followed too.

  We had both decided to let our hearts take charge for a bit.

  She gently placed both her hands on my face, pulling me close, slowly.

  “Zandren, I…”

  The door clicks open. Feona walked in.

  "Hey, Eimi Are you ba—"

  She froze.

  Then grinned.

  “My bad my bad, I should have knocked.”

  Eimira's eyes widened.

  "Feona!!!"

  Whoosh!

  With a reflexive gust of Aeris, she launched me across the room before she even realised what she'd done

  Crash!

  Thud!

  I slammed into her wooden shelf, knocking over her collection of carved wooden animals, before crumpling to the floor. Losing consciousness in the process

  "Zandren!!" Eimira gasped running over. "Oh, no no no. I didn't mean to"

  She raised up my head and noticed I was out cold. "I-I panicked, come on wake up"

  "Buahahaha. You finally found someone you are attracted to, and then you killed him.”

  “Get out…”

  "So should we start planning his funeral or should I just get the healer…"

  "GET OUT!!" Eimira yelled.

  "Healer it is, haha. I'll be right back"

  Feona chuckled as she left Eimira's room.

  ****

  The world was dark. Silent. A cold mist hung low.

  Before me, knelt a twisted version of myself— same face, but with darkened eyes and ink-like veins crawling across his skin.

  He was chained. Arms shackled to nothing, yet bound by chains glowing faintly red and seemed to have no end. They vibrated with a low hum.

  One chain snapped, rattling into the void.

  He lifted his head.

  In a guttural, layered voice, he spoke;

  "Vur'akel sotha… maleth zurak… athra Zandren…"

  I stepped back. "What are you?"

  He forced a smile that was barely visible from where I stood.

  "Zandren… Zandren… You are me. And I… am what you locked away."

  "Zel'taeth… ven aruk Zurieth."

  “What are you saying?” I asked.

  He slowly began to fade into nothing.

  I ran towards him, stretching out my hands.“Wait, wait…”

  “I need answers… please.”

  My eyes shot open, the ceilings were unfamiliar. I was laying on a bed— someone else's bed.

  I sat up carefully.

  "This isn't my room, where am I?" I rubbed my head trying to remember.

  I noticed broken pieces of animal carvings, placed on top of a shelf. And beside the shelf was the map of Terraka.

  “Oh, Eimira's room.” I murmured.

  Sunlight crept low over the horizon, brushing the dress she had laid out beside the window.

  I walked to the map, the wooden floor creaking beneath my feet each step I made. I traced my hand along the vast nation. Taking notes of each wall, one marked the Terraspire Citadel, which was the wall before the capital, and we are.

  As I took a deeper look at the map, I suddenly remembered the encounter I had before I woke up.

  "What was that?... Why was it chained?... and how could I understand the language it spoke?”

  As the whole thing replayed in my head, I barely noticed the door open.

  "O-oh, you're awake." she said, reaching out to try to check my head.

  I pulled back."Apart from a headache, I'm fine, haha.”

  “O-oh, uhh… Ok.” She slowly lowered her hands.

  She fidgeted a bit, before turning around. “Sorry I sent you flying. I panicked.”

  "I'm sorry about your animal cravings. I'm too big to be placed on your shelf so I ended up knocking them over.” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

  She laughed. "What? That doesn't make sense."

  "Exactly that's the joke." I joined her in arranging the broken pieces.

  Her laughter lingered for a bit, then slowly died down.

  She glanced at me. “So while you were unconscious, you thrashed around a lot.”

  "I did?”

  “Yeah, a lot. Nightmare?”

  My brows furrowed. “Nightmare? What am I? a kid?”

  She leaned in, her eyes gleaming.

  "Hmm, want me to pet you next time as you sleep?" She teased.

  I turned. “Don't lean in like that…”

  She giggled.

  We finished arranging the animal carvings a few minutes later. The air between us, lighter now.

  She walked over to her bed, and immediately sprawled on it. She let out a heavy sigh.

  I just watched her.

  She raised her head slightly. “We should start preparing to depart for the festival.”

  “Oh yeah, that's true. I'm gonna go get prepared now.” I hurriedly tried to leave the room.

  But before I could reach the door handle, she called out my name. And like a predator trying to keep her prey from escaping, she made me stay using her dual blessings.

  Just as I was about to open the door, water splashed over me, followed by a controlled gust of wind that lifted me and set me down again, this time closer to her.

  She frowned. "Why are you trying to create distance between us?”

  I forced a smile. “I'm going to get changed for the festival.” I pointed to my damp clothes. “I can't go this way, you know.”

  She lowered her head. “No, that's not it. Ever since you woke up, you've been acting strange.”

  “Oh…”

  She probably meant the time I pulled away when she tried to grab me.

  “Here..”

  I moved my face closer to her.

  “What?” She blinked.

  “You were gonna grab my face then, right? Here it is now.”

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  She rubbed my head, letting out a bit of Aeris off her palm, which had a calming effect on me.

  “Also, I already told Feona to bring the clothes we got at the store. You left it in the carriage, remember?”

  “I had it taken back to get some other things done to it. I hope you like it.” She added.

  Knock knock.

  “Oh they are here.” She said, immediately switching to the empty chair beside the bed.

  The door opened.

  "Special delivery~" Feona sang, peeking her head through the door first before entering.

  Ryona, Chichi, and Tabbi followed behind her. All of them, already dressed for the festival.

  Feona carried a neatly folded outfit with ceremonial accents, the outfit Eimira picked out for me, now embroidered with her Vanguard crest on the collar.

  "And here we have our sleeping prince's royal garments," she announced, lifting the clothes like a trophy.

  "He really was knocked out cold uhn.” Chichi added.

  Tabbi smiled lightly. "He looked so... serene. Like a sleeping forest spirit."

  “For someone so serene, he sure snores a lot. You can't even call that being unconscious.” Ryona said, bluntly.

  "I don't snore." I protest.

  Feona raised a brow. "Mhm. Says the dude who drooled all over Eimira's pillow."

  "Wait, what?!" I looked at Eimira in panic.

  She blinked, turned the pillow, and looked away. "...I already flipped the pillow over."

  I sighed.

  “Anyways, we'll be taking our leave now.” Feona said, already heading towards the door.

  “Yeah, We'll be waiting for you both at the carriage.” Chichi added.

  They stepped out one by one, talking about a topic unrelated to what had just happened.

  The moment the door clicked shut behind them, silence settled in the room once more.

  “Now that my clothes are here… can I go?” I asked, breaking the silence.

  “Why?” She replied. “What's stopping you from changing here.”

  I looked at her from head to toe, then back to her head.“You know exactly what.”

  A faint smile touched her lips. “Do I?”

  I exhaled. “Knowing you now… you wouldn't let me leave anyway.”

  “Correct.” She smiled. “I did say that you were going to be under my watch when we first met.”

  I turned towards my clothes.

  Then stopped.

  She was untying the lace that held up the cloth she was wearing.

  “Wait. Are you really changing here?” I looked at her.

  “Yes.” She replied calmly.

  “While I'm here?”

  She glanced at me, expression cool, ears slightly red. “You saw me in my casual clothes, you let me sleep on you in underclothes, and you laced the dress I'm about to wear earlier.”

  “That was different…”

  “Was it?” She stroked her chin.

  She slid her cloth from her shoulders.

  I turned so fast I almost tripped. “Wall. I'm facing the wall.”

  A soft laugh behind me. “How disciplined.”

  Cloth shifted. Silence stretched.

  “You're free to take a peek.” She added lightly.

  “Ryona would kill me.”

  Her laughter filled the room.

  When she finished, she asked for me to help tie the final laces. She adjusted my garment in return. After she brought out a little vial.

  She uncorked the vial, and a soft, floral scent drifted into the air. A delicate mix of jasmine and rose, the one her room smelled of.

  “Such sweet smell.”

  She giggled. “Yeah, I made them myself. Jasmine and rose.”

  She poured a few drops on her palms, rubbing them together until they glimmered. Slowly, she traced her fingers along her wrists and the nape of her neck, letting the warmth of her touch coax the fragrance.

  She repeated the same for me.

  After, we left together for the Verdant entrance, where the others were already waiting.

  ****

  It took the carriage about two hours to get to the Palace from Eldale. By then, the sun had set, and the moon hung behind thick clouds.

  In that time, I got to know Ryona, Tabbi and Chichi better. They were funny, trustworthy, and would do anything for Eimira. No wonder Eimira kept them around. I'd love to have friends like them too.

  The carriage came to a halt at the edge of the royal grounds.

  As I stepped down from the carriage, a cool breeze swept across my face, carrying the faint scent of grilled festival foods.

  The Pavilion of Bloom— which was what the palace garden was called— shimmered like a dream carved from light and stone.

  Delicate carvings of elemental creatures twisted along the marble walls of the corridor that led to the garden. Night blossoms floated lazily through the air, as though time in the palace moved slower. Even the grass beneath our boots felt softer.

  “Woah…” I muttered.

  “The pavilion of bloom never fails to impress” Feona grinned, looping her arm through Chichi’s. “Come on, I hear the dessert tables are taller than Ryona.”

  Ryona deadpanned, “I’m going to kill you. Come here.”

  Ryona gave chase.

  “You guys, we are at the palace. Please, not here.” Tabbi pleaded.

  “Tsk.” Ryona rolled her eyes.

  Feona laughed, then stuck out her tongue.

  Eimira chuckled softly beside me.

  Feona and the others waved as they wandered deeper into the banquet grounds, leaving just the two of us on the cobblestone path that curved toward the royal garden.

  "So, uhh, let's get to the festival from her.e" She said.

  "Alright" I replied.

  The garden was hushed— eerily still, save for the rustling leaves and the soft hum of distant music.

  Hanging lanterns floated above the ground, suspended midair like fireflies too elegant to touch the floor. Beneath them, the petals of moonflowers slowly opened, bathing the garden in silver-blue light.

  I stole a glance at Eimira as we walked. She looked beautiful under the moonlight. Poised but calm, her cold expression had softened. Her blessing synergy with her dress made her beauty all the more captivating.

  “You're oddly quiet,” she said.

  “Just... trying not to ruin the moment, and at the same time, enjoying a beautiful view” I replied.

  We reached the heart of the garden— a small clearing framed by trees adorned with glowing crystals and a smooth marble circle in the center, clearly designed for ceremonial use.

  Elegant bridges arched over fish ponds that reflected the light in ripples. Musicians from corner alcoves played soft, beautiful melodies on flutes, strings and zithers.

  Long tables curved around the garden, draped with silk and golden utensils. The scent of roasted duck, honeyed root skewers, and spiced sauced beef mingled with the soft fragrances of everyone present. Not the best combo, but good enough.

  Cups brimmed with moonfruit wine, a seasonal Terrakan specialty that soothed and intoxicated alike.

  Nobles and officials strolled through the garden in flowing robes embroidered with their county’s emblems. Many stood in clusters, sipping wine and speaking in hushed but excitable tones. Nothing but political games in silky disguise.

  Even the King and Queen of the Terraka were present. They were seated on a slightly raised platform, which faced the garden, with the prince and princess. There was one more, but it was empty. I wonder why. A small contingent of Knights surrounded the royal family.

  Laughter rang out from a cluster of military officers, where some vanguard captains had gathered, most already tipsy. Their armour polished, cloaks trimmed with silver. Some boasted of missions, others exchanged gossip under the sound of flutes and and the clattering of utensils.

  I walked beside Eimira, unsure of where to look. Everything around me seemed, brighter, richer, louder.

  “You okay?” Eimira asked, glancing sideways.

  “Y-yeah, just a bit overwhelmed by the crowned.”

  “Ah, I see.”

  A voice cut in from the side.

  “Captain Eimira, you're here, finally.”

  I turned.

  A tall dark haired woman in navy-trimmed festive dress approached us, a stream of silver in her braid. She held up a mask that covered her face, making it impossible to see her eyes. And cheeky grin betraying how much cups she'd had.

  “Captain Aurelle…” Eimira greeted flatly.

  Aurelle raised an eyebrow, then pointed her goblet at me.

  “And who’s this? Don’t tell me… You finally got yourself a husband?”

  I choked.

  Eimira’s expression didn’t change, though I noticed her ears reddened.

  “He’s a guest,” Eimira replied firmly.

  “Ohhh, a guest she says,” Aurelle teased. “Handsome, standing too close, and looking at you like he wants to eat you. Yeah, definitely a guest.”

  I opened his mouth to speak, but she cut me off.

  “Well, if she keeps you around, then you are probably capable.” She said with a smirk.

  I bowed slightly. “I do my best.”

  Aurelle smiled and leaned closer to Eimira.

  “You have good taste. He’s kinda cute. Just hold him tight. If not…”

  “Thank you, we will be on our way now,” Eimira deadpanned.

  Aurelle laughed and walked off toward the wine table, waving over her shoulder.

  “Nice meeting you, guest!”

  I turned to Eimira. “That... happens often?”

  “No, they just try to buddy up to me just because my father is the Supreme Commander,” Eimira muttered.

  I blinked. 'No way she's the daughter of a commander, not just a commander, The Supreme Commander. Zandren, what have you gotten yourself into. No screwing up.'

  The music shifted to a slower, elegant tempo. Lanterns floated on the pond, and a few people had begun dancing between the flower arches. The night had turned soft.

  “Do you... want to dance?” I asked, trying to sound gentlemanly.

  Eimira paused. Then nodded slightly

  “Lead the way.”

  We moved into a clearing together, slowly and rhythmically.

  My hand rested lightly on her waist. Hers around my neck. Our eyes locked and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the entire world.

  Then— a flicker.

  Over Eimira’s shoulder, a servant stood unnaturally still. His eyes were wide open like he had scene something his mind couldn't comprehend. His hands were trembling, clenched into fists so tight that blood dripped between his fingers.

  A noble further back, swayed on his feet like he couldn’t stand straight. His mouth was moving, but no sound came out.

  I squinted.“Something’s… off,”

  Eimira tried to follow my gaze. “What is it?”

  “I don’t know… but look.”

  The music continued.

  Then.

  BOOM!

  A deafening blast ripped through the garden. Flames and debris tore into the sky as screams erupted around us. I shielded Eimira instinctively, spinning her away as another explosion shook the garden.

  The servants and even some knights exploded, killing or injuring whoever was within their radius. Bodies obliterated with gruesome indiscrimination. Limbs scattered, blood splattering the ground, mingling with the servants who had become living bombs.

  The king's eyes widened in horror as blood from a nearby knight splashed across his face. The remaining knights ushered him and his family away, while the Vanguard captain took their stance.

  Feona and the girls returned.

  “Oh my, oh my. It's happening.” Chichi panicked.

  “Chichi, go get your weapon. Tabbi escort her. Ryona, help Feona evacuate the people. Nobles, servants. It doesn't matter. Go now.” Eimira wasted no time in giving orders.

  The girls left to complete their tasks. And Eimira unsheathed her sword, taking her stance in front of me.

  Just when the explosions ceased, the unimaginable happened.

  One of the exploded servants rose. Limbs floated unnaturally back to his torso, reassembling like a broken puppet. His bones cracked, joints twisted, eyes hollow and bloodied, only a faint blue glow remained in the sockets.

  More bodies followed. Their forms rose from pieces, warping and contorting.

  Then they spoke.

  A single voice rasped, then many.

  A chorus of pain in a language that did not belong to this nation.

  “Kaer'valeth… shel men'thura… vi'sharal… aketh..."

  My blood ran cold.

  As I watched them speak, dread froze me.

  I understood them.