The moon cast its argent light over the marble courtyard of Sanctum. Velvet banners of all Seven Pillars waved with pride as preparations for the Crest Revival Banquet buzzed around the castle-academy complex.
But Ari sat alone on a stone bench, arms folded, eyes tilted to the sky.
Not long ago, he was considered Unbound—barely a student. And now? He was something ancient reborn. Revered. Feared. Watched.
The threads of fate that once ignored him now tangled and clung to his presence.
Behind him, soft footsteps crunched over gravel.
"You're brooding again," Cerys said, holding a tray with two cups of mintbrew. "That's my job, Ari."
He smiled faintly as she sat beside him. Her long platinum hair shimmered like ethereal silk under moonlight.
"I didn't ask for this," Ari admitted. "But I don't want to run from it either."
"Good," she said. "Because no matter what you were—or what you are now—you're still the boy who asked me why clouds have names."
Their fingers brushed as she handed him the cup. A moment passed. She didn't pull away.
Gold and crystal chandeliers floated midair, flickering with lux-threaded light. Nobles from all over the kingdom attended—the King, the Council, House Matriarchs, international envoys, and even Seers from Larkveil.
Ari, in his formal Originis regalia—black with fractal gold sigils and a living cloak of shimmering mist—stood at the heart of it.
Cerys stood to his right.
To his left, Primira, the Crown Princess, in royal blues and starlit silver.
Further along, Lysira adjusted her lace gloves nervously, while Eluin stood against a pillar, eyes constantly scanning, yet softening when she looked toward Ari.
The King made it clear:
Originis was not a threat—but a keystone of the original world-order.
Ari would remain in Sanctum… but be granted an advisory role in the Academy's inner council.
Echo Vault confirmed Ari's presence does not destabilize the current System… yet.
Several foreign dignitaries whispered amongst themselves, some nodding in support—others looking pale and concerned.
Lysira Vastelune
She didn't like parties. Especially when nobles snickered about her rougher swordsmanship and stubborn demeanor. But tonight, she tried.
When Ari noticed her standing awkwardly alone, he walked up and offered a quiet hand.
"Want to pretend to enjoy this together?"
She blinked. Blushed.
"I… I'm not very graceful, you know…"
"Neither is the wind, but it still dances with the trees."
Her face turned crimson.
She took his hand.
Primira (Crown Princess)
From a raised terrace, the Princess watched. People smiled at Ari. Nobles bowed to him. He didn't change. He still didn't act like royalty. And yet… everyone was drawn to him.
Later, during a slow waltz, she approached and asked—not demanded—to share a dance.
"For the dignity of the Crown," she said, but her hands trembled in his.
Halfway through, she whispered:
"Why did you let me win that duel?"
"Because I saw someone worth preserving."
"You idiot," she muttered, cheeks red. "Stop saying things like that."
But she didn't let go.
Eluin of the Echo Vault
Eluin didn't approach him until after the festivities began to wind down. She found him outside, near the rose-trellis, under the full moon.
"You make things complicated, you know," she said quietly.
"I thought you were assigned to watch me."
"I was.""Now… I'm not sure if I'm protecting you—or hoping you'll protect the rest of us."
He looked at her, really looked. Her dream-threaded eyes shimmered like twin galaxies.
"What do you see in your dreams, Eluin?"
"You. Standing where the world ends… and refusing to step back."
She touched his hand, brief but intentional.
"Don't make me dream of your death."
As the banquet quieted and the stars took their watch, Ari found himself leaning on a balcony railing—surrounded.
Cerys sat beside him, head gently resting on his shoulder. Lysira leaned back against the railing, arms folded but relaxed. Eluin stood close, watching the stars. Primira was beside him, watching him.
No words were needed.
Each of them, in their own way, was beginning to understand Ari.
And more dangerously…
They were beginning to feel for him.
And fate? It watched in silence.