The gilded towers of the Phenex estate shimmered like fire glass beneath the setting sun, their light refracting through the sky in hues of gold and red. Two streaks of energy tore through the clouds above one a fierce blaze of Phoenix hell fire, the other a wild trail of crackling blue lightning.
Riser Phenex descended with royal grace, his long crimson coat fluttering in the wind, wings of golden flame unfurling behind him like a divine banner. At his side floated Thalia, the half goddess of storm, her electric eyes scanning their surroundings with mild disinterest and sharp calculation. And striding with armored poise a few steps behind them was Artoria Pendragon, her polished breastplate gleaming, her braid tight and battle ready.
The estate had not changed in their absence, but the air buzzed with something new. Purpose. Momentum. Legacy in the making.
As they landed in the courtyard, the front doors burst open.
"Big Brother!" cried a high pitched voice.
Ravel Phenex sprinted across the marble courtyard like a bolt of pink and gold. Her small arms wrapped around Riser's waist as she buried her face in his coat, her Phoenix aura flickering with warmth.
"I missed you so much," she mumbled.
Riser smiled, kneeling to embrace her properly. "I missed you too, little flame. But look who I brought back."
Ravel peeked around him, blinking at the two girls flanking her brother.
Thalia offered a two fingered wave. "Hey, runt."
Ravel blinked, then turned her gaze toward the blonde knight standing like a statue of grace and might. Artoria bowed her head.
"Lady Ravel," she said gently. "Your brother speaks of you often. It's an honor."
"You're are you really a knight from a fairytale?" Ravel asked, her voice hushed like she was in front of a story come to life.
Artoria knelt slightly, her tone solemn. "That name still means something, and I intend to restore its honor. But now, I stand with your brother."
"Wo, Wow" Ravel reached out and gently touched Artoria's gauntlet. "You're truly beautiful like a knight from my fairy tale books"
Thalia rolled her eyes. "Oh boy. She's got a fan already."
Artoria cracked a faint smile. "It's alright. I've dealt with worse admirers."
Ravel looked between them. "Are you both in Big Brother peerage?"
"Yes," Thalia said, resting her hand on her hip. "I blow things up. She stabs things with grace."
Riser sighed. "Not inaccurate."
Before more could be said, the Phenex patriarch and matriarch arrived through the archways, accompanied by Riser's older brother Ruval. Lord Phenex's white gold robes fluttered gently in the breeze, and Lady Phenex's delicate features showed a mixture of surprise and cautious approval.
"My son," Lord Phenex said, his voice rich and commanding, "you've returned with impressive company."
Ruval's gaze swept across Thalia and Artoria. He nodded slightly in appreciation. "Interesting choices. Very interesting."
"I'd like to formally introduce two of my new peerage," Riser said. "Thalia, daughter of Zeus. A demigoddess of storms. And Artoria Pendragon, descendant of the ancient dragon slaying line."
Lady Phenex's eyes widened. "A demigod? And a Pendragon? This is not a casual gathering, Riser"
"They joined me of their own volition," Riser said firmly. "They are not trophies. They are warriors, legends reborn, and my equals in loyalty."
Thalia gave a sharp grin. "Don't worry. I don't kneel unless I want to."
Artoria bowed deeply. "Lord and Lady Phenex, I serve your son not out of debt, but because I believe in what he's building. My sword is his."
Ruval raised a brow. "They speak highly of you, little brother. That's rare."
"It's earned," Riser replied evenly. "I don't want followers I want allies."
Lord Phenex nodded slowly. "Then you are building something far greater than I anticipated. And I am glad."
The tension melted into something warmer. Lady Phenex gave a soft smile, touching her husband's arm. "Then we should celebrate. Let us prepare a welcoming feast."
Later that evening
The estate's great hall was transformed not into a banquet of nobles, but a celebration of camaraderie. Long tables were filled with food and wine, laughter echoed across the polished marble floors, and warm fires burned in the twin hearths.
Ravel sat beside Artoria, practically glowing. "And then what happened? Did your ancestors really fight a dragon?"
Artoria nodded with faint amusement. "A wyvern, technically. The difference is important. It was in Wales. I read it as a child."
Thalia snorted. "Are you ever gonna fight something in a legend?"
Artoria looked at her, eyes calm. "Only the ones I pitied."
Thalia leaned back in her seat, propping her boots on the edge of the table. "Oh, I like you."
"You're tolerable," Artoria said mildly.
Ruval passed by with a glass of wine, smiling at the scene. "They're already bickering like sisters."
"They'll either be best friends or strong rivals," Riser said, watching them with amusement.
Ruval looked at his younger brother. "You've changed. You're not chasing power for yourself anymore."
"No," Riser agreed. "Now I chase it for my expanding family."
Later, on the balcony
The sky above the Phenex estate burned with stars, the heavens glowing violet and gold. Riser stood beside his father, the scent of ash and wind swirling in the air.
"She called you her king earlier," Lord Phenex said, gazing into the horizon.
"Artoria did?" Riser chuckled softly. "I'm no king. Not yet."
"Maybe not. But a king isn't born he is chosen by those who follow him."
Riser leaned on the marble railing, eyes narrowing. "I want to make Kuoh a stronghold for our house. I want it to be more than just a noble territory I want it to be a symbol."
Lord Phenex nodded. "And these warriors you gather do they share that vision?"
"They will," Riser said. "Because I'll make it real. For them. For me. For all of us."
There was a long pause, the silence held like a sacred promise.
"You've made me proud," Lord Phenex finally said. "Not because of your strength but because of your heart."
Riser nodded once.
As he turned to rejoin the others, he looked through the balcony windows. Inside, Thalia was playfully sparring with a butler wielding a spoon, while Artoria calmly corrected Ravel's form with a toy sword. The laughter, the firelight, the warmth of it all
For a moment, Riser Phenex felt it again.
Not just pride.
Not just ambition.
But purpose.
And it burned brighter than any flame.