🏰 Royal Summons – Kael Returns to the Palace
Kael was called back to the capital unexpectedly.
A royal carriage arrived at the academy gates, sealed with the Crest of the Silver Fox—the symbol of his mysterious and rarely-seen Aunt Altheira, a powerful duchess and former war strategist.
"The lady of ice and intrigue summons you," the messenger whispered.
Kael sighed. "Politics. Of course."
Selene placed a protective charm on his collarbone.
Zara (still flustered from their dungeon team-up) folded her arms. "Don't get assassinated."
🪞 In the Capital – An Audience with Aunt Altheira
Kael entered a private chamber lit by glimmering crystal chandeliers.
Lady Altheira lounged on a velvet couch, sipping wine.
Sharp blue eyes. Silken silver hair.
Known as the "Shadow Duchess" for her secrets and power in court.
"Kael," she said with a sly smile. "Or should I say… Zareth?"
Kael froze.
"You know?"
"Dear boy, I watched the sky crack when you were born. I know exactly who you are."
She stood and approached him.
"But I'm not your enemy. I'm your aunt. And I plan to help you take the throne."
💌 Back at the Academy – Festival Preparations Begin
A festival was announced:"The Blessing of Stars" – a night of lights, dances, and divine games.
Students decorated the academy. Paper lanterns floated through the halls. Myra and Rivenya planned "accidental" date setups.
Selene stitched a divine symbol into her sleeve—a mark of her former temple.
Lyria prepared a rare vintage to confess her feelings.
Zara… stared at the moon from the rooftop.
"I can't keep ignoring this…"
🎆 Festival Night – Sparks Fly
Kael returned just in time for the festival.
He wore his academy robe—modified slightly with silver threads from Selene and a charm from Lyria.
He looked… divine.
"Where have you been?" Myra huffed. "I saved you a dance!"
"I-I didn't wait or anything," Zara muttered nearby, face pink.
"You look like the Zareth I used to know," Selene whispered.
The air was charged.
💃 The Dance & the Kiss
Kael ended up pulled between multiple girls at the dance—Selene guiding him gracefully, Myra pulling him into a wild rhythm, Zara tripping over her own feet but refusing to give up.
Then… it happened.
A mix-up during the festival's lantern lighting ceremony led to Kael tripping—
—and landing lip-first onto someone.
Silence.
The crowd gasped.
Kael's eyes widened.
He had just kissed… Zara.
😱 Chaos Ensues
Zara's face turned bright red. She didn't move. Couldn't breathe.
"Y-You… you…"
"Zara, I'm—"
"YOU'RE PAYING FOR THIS WITH YOUR LIFE!"
She launched an ice spell—Kael dodged, barely.
Selene smiled softly.
"So this is what it feels like… to feel jealous again."
Myra shrieked, "THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ME!"
🕯️ Late Night Confessions
That night, Kael sat alone under a tree.
Zara found him.
"About earlier…"
"I really didn't mean to—"
"Shut up." She sat beside him.
"I was saving that for someone special.But for some reason… I'm not that mad that it was you."
She looked at him.
"I… don't know what this is. But don't disappear again."
She rested her head on his shoulder.
"Next time… if it happens… make it count."
🌑 Closing Scene – A Divine Flash
Back in her dorm, Selene awoke screaming.
Her eyes glowed with golden light.
She saw visions—Zareth destroying temples, gods falling from the sky, and her own divine self, sword drawn…
"The memory… is returning…"
"And with it… the war."