Nyx still had his head resting against Luna's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. The room was quiet, with only the distant sound of music seeping through the walls. His breathing slowed as he let the peace of the moment settle. Gently, Luna patted his head.
Nyx's eyes widened for a moment, then softened.
"Better now? Calmed down?" Luna asked with a warm smile, skipping backward, never taking her eyes off him.
Nyx straightened, his tall frame silhouetted by the sunlight pouring in behind Luna. For a moment, he could only stare, struck by the soft, radiant glow around her.
His eyes calmed. A small spark flickered in them, and his worries faded.
"I won't let you be in danger again," he thought, firm in his resolve. "Not you. Not your reckless, fearless self."
He rose and extended his arms.
Luna walked into his embrace without hesitation. He held her close.
"Let's go find Aria, alright?" he murmured.
Leaning her head on his shoulder, Luna smiled. "Yeah."
Nyx turned toward the door, his purpose clear. All anxiety had quieted, replaced by determination.
As he opened the door, another thought echoed in his mind—"I need to get stronger." He gripped the handle firmly.
The door closed behind them, and their footsteps faded into the distance.
The grand hall hummed with conversation, the clink of silverware, and the faint strains of music. Aria sat alone at one of the long tables, eyes scanning the crowd. The chandeliers twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow on the marble floors.
Despite the merriment, Aria's attention stayed on the archway at the far end. She was waiting—for Nyx and Luna.
Then—
She saw them.
They turned the corner, Luna cradled in Nyx's arms, both smiling. Luna's laughter rang through the hall, a joyful sound.
A weight lifted from Aria's chest. She waved, signaling them over.
Nyx gently set Luna down, and the girl ran straight to Aria, sliding into the seat beside her. She hugged her tightly, and Aria returned the embrace with a smile.
Nyx arrived shortly after and took the seat across from them.
Aria, resting her head on the table with arms outstretched, looked up at Nyx. "Done?"
Nyx smiled, standing. "Done."
Aria nodded, satisfied.
Luna, confused, glanced between them. Her brow furrowed before she chuckled, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
A short while later, Nyx returned with a tray of food for the three of them. Aria and Luna straightened as he placed the meals down. They began to eat, laughing, smiling—like no shadow had ever passed between them. After all, they had made up.
In the shadowed depths of a narrow alley in Lavien City, black-clad knights chased a lone fugitive. Their boots pounded the cobblestones, their shouts echoing off the walls. The man ahead darted through the darkness, a blur of motion.
Then—
He leapt to the left wall, his boots striking with precision. With no hesitation, he pushed off, bounding side to side until he vaulted upward and disappeared onto the rooftops.
The knights followed, springing skyward, one after another.
"HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE!" one shouted, but the fugitive only grinned.
"You wish!" Aellion Masuvi called back, enjoying every second of the chase.
Behind him, Theo, Commander of the Black Knights, surged forward. In a flash, his blade cut through the air.
Aellion flinched, barely ducking under the strike.
"Shit! You trying to kill me?" he snapped, a chuckle slipping through his teeth.
Aellion spun sharply, crashing through a window with a deafening KSSHHHH!
Tsshhk—clink, clink, clatter...
Glass rained down onto the wooden floor, scattered among crates and scurrying rats. The knights followed—Theo and two others crashing through behind him.
The knights circled outside, surrounding the building.
Theo didn't hesitate. He lunged, bringing his sword down.
Aellion's eyes locked onto the blade. He unsheathed his dagger in one smooth motion, clashing steel to steel—CLING!
Sparks flew as he deflected the sword, the vibration jolting through his arm. But Theo sidestepped, disappearing to the right.
Aellion turned—
Too late.
Two knights rushed from either side, their blades arcing down.
"Shit—too many," Aellion thought. "I can't win this."
He ducked low, barely dodging the strikes. He drove his dagger into the floor—CRACK!
The ground beneath them shattered with a thunderous snap. Aellion and the two knights fell through, swallowed by the abyss below.
Theo skidded to a halt. His fists clenched.
"Fuck!" he hissed, storming to the hole.
Kneeling beside it, he pulled a rune-etched tablet from his belt. The symbols glowed faintly.
"Requesting backup. Gate breach—Zone Three."
He tossed the tablet onto the ground. Its glow intensified.
Then—
With a final look at the void, Theo drew his blade, took a running start, and leapt into the darkness after his comrades.