Scene 1 – A Letter from the Brother and an Invitation from the Skyborne Palace
When people speak of royal palaces, what comes to mind is always grandeur—opulence that stands as the pinnacle of any nation's splendor. It is where power converges, where politics unfold behind heavy walls, and where security is at its most unyielding. It is certainly not a place where common folk may come and go… unless such palaces have opened their doors for sightseeing.
In Arcadia, the royal family of Skyperion is the oldest, the grandest, and the most powerful among all kingdoms. Ruling over the continent of wind from the floating Zenithspire Isles, they reside in a palace that towers higher than any other place in the world.
And now… we were being summoned to that very palace by none other than the first prince of Zenithspire—Kalan Silencium.
The moment he learned that his beloved younger sister had returned, Kalan sent a personal letter to Keela. Her eyes sparkled as she opened it, the glow of nostalgia mingling with excitement as she recognized the familiar handwriting of her half-brother—someone she adored deeply.
The contents of the letter were simple, and Keela read them aloud through a holographic projection, even though she could've kept it to herself.
"Hey there, my mischievous little sister. You're back from your travels, huh? How was the journey? Was it rough? Are you staying healthy? I miss you terribly."
Mirelle smiled softly.
"He really does care about you, Keela."
Keela smiled back before continuing.
"But… as you probably already know, the political situation isn't great right now. My bodyguards won't let me go anywhere far. So… would it be too much to ask you to come visit me instead? If you can't, that's alright. Even just replying to this letter would mean the world to me."
"Whoa, that bad, huh? Sounds like a high-level dungeon," Draco muttered, eyes narrowing.
"It's probably just a dungeon where the monsters wear suits and ties," Elina added, draping her hand on Draco's shoulder. "And people are scarier than monsters, you know."
Keela chuckled nervously and read the rest.
*"Oh, and I heard you brought your Hero friends with you? That's amazing, little sis! If possible, would you invite them along too? I'd be honored to meet them. But if not, no worries—I'd understand. Honestly, I'd feel a bit guilty. They're the protectors of this star, and I'm just… a weakling. I'd hate to dim their glow. Still… if you're coming, please travel safely, my little sister.
With love,
Kalan Silencium."*
"…Is he inviting you, or not inviting you?" Osiris raised an eyebrow. "He sounds… indecisive."
Keela laughed sheepishly, eyes scrunched.
"Sorry, that's just how he is. Always considerate of others, to the point he doesn't want to trouble anyone—even when he really wants something. But still… let's ask Akira and Yue first, okay?"
Elina and Keela went to talk with Akira and Yue, while Draco, Osiris, and Mirelle watched from a distance. But as soon as Yue grabbed Keela's hands and jumped with sheer excitement, they exchanged knowing smiles.
Osiris turned to the others.
"So, we're packing, huh?"
Draco scratched his head.
"Guess so. This is kind of sudden. Luckily, I've been tidier lately. Just gotta throw in a few things and I'm good."
Mirelle patted his shoulder.
"You've definitely become more organized… and calmer, too."
Draco gave a faint smile, a sign of shared battles and growth.
"People grow. We change. Maybe this is what my master meant when he said to carry yourself with poise."
Mirelle nodded.
"You really are more composed now."
Osiris leaned on Mirelle's other shoulder.
"But I think Mirelle's been smiling more too. Even if we haven't known each other long."
Draco joined in, resting his hand on Osiris's shoulder, unintentionally forming a triangle of camaraderie.
"You're different too, Osiris. More alive, in a way. But also… sadder. Are you alright?"
Osiris gave a faint smile.
"Maybe it's just that I've come to know my own heart more. My soul only just began its journey, after all."
The three of them chuckled softly, just as Elina and Keela returned with an answer they already knew in their hearts.
That night, excitement buzzed through the air as everyone made preparations. Tales of royal palaces and majestic towers filled their conversations. But behind those smiles… some wore masks to hide their unease.
For only a few truly understood—
The history of power… is often written in blood.
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Scene 2 – A Morning of Magic… and Love Unspoken
The night of excitement had passed. We woke up early, still chatting busily about our preparations to visit the palace. Before long, Noren walked over from Kalisa's house and greeted us with a bright smile.
"Heading to the palace, right? Keela already told us. We'll escort you to the nearest rail station," she said cheerfully.
Seraphina stood beside her, just as radiant as the morning sky—soft clouds glowing beneath the gentle sunlight.
Before long, the rest of Noren's followers emerged from their lodgings, noisy as ever like a pack of rowdy old men. Akira looked around curiously.
"Where's Grandpa Gryp?"
Keela, walking behind Noren, chuckled.
"He's still knocked out cold, totally wasted. Hard to believe someone like him is actually one of the continent's protectors."
Kalisa stepped out carrying a pot of warm breakfast.
"Keela, dear, even protectors are still people. They feel joy and sorrow, strength and weakness, just like anyone else."
"Like Grandpa once said… it's just a job, right?" Osiris remarked blankly, as straightforward as always.
Kalisa smiled softly, saying nothing.
Noren's entourage continued to chatter noisily as they approached. Noren's expression shifted to a light frown.
"Ahem. Gentlemen, could you keep it down a little? You're disturbing the neighbors. Look—people are starting to peek at us."
The men looked around and, indeed, spotted a few villagers hiding behind some bushes.
Felix scratched his head.
"Sorry, young lady. I've always been the loud type. I'll try to keep it down. But you know… I kinda like seeing you take charge more these days."
Noren tilted her head and stepped back slightly, eyes narrowing as if to say, What are you up to now?
Zhuan chuckled.
"I guess you're not used to Felix's 'mellow' mode, Miss. He gets all polite like this whenever someone scary—like your father—shows up. You should scold him more often."
Seraphina playfully pouted.
"Then I'll go like this—Grrr!"
Felix shrugged.
"Aww, now that's an adorable scolding. Alright, alright, I surrender."
Luvian added with a grin,
"Miss Fina, I think the cute kind of scolding might be even more effective than the serious kind."
They all laughed as Seraphina put her hands on her hips, cheeks puffed in mock frustration, then laughed along with the rest.
Watching from a short distance, we couldn't help but smile at the lively exchange. Then Kalisa called us in for breakfast.
Today's breakfast wasn't as extravagant as the day before—there weren't many helping hands. But even simple dishes became exquisite when made with Noren's premium ingredients and Kalisa's noble kitchen skill. Every bite drew endless praise.
"You're amazing, Auntie. I once had the same dish, with the same ingredients, at a fancy restaurant… but it wasn't even half as good as this," Noren said sincerely.
Kalisa covered her mouth in a graceful motion, befitting a royal consort.
"You flatter me, dear. I only added a little special magic."
Eyes widened at those words.
Mirelle couldn't hold back despite trying to be polite.
"Magic? What kind? Which element? Can I see the incantation?"
Kalisa smiled.
"You already have it, dear Mirelle."
Keela pouted playfully.
"Wait, Mom, you taught her but not me?"
Kalisa chuckled.
"It's not something you can teach. This kind of spell needs a great deal of heart."
"Heart? But I always put my heart into it!" Keela protested.
Kalisa gently stroked her daughter's hair.
"Yes, you always try your best. But this particular magic… you only recently acquired it."
Keela blinked in confusion.
"Just recently…?"
Mirelle leaned in, unable to hide her curiosity.
"You said I already have it… but I don't even know what spell it is. What kind of magic makes food this good?"
Kalisa took a deep breath and paused—just long enough to stir anticipation.
"That spell, dear… is called love."
Everyone went silent.
Mirelle and Keela flushed red instantly. Even Akira's ears turned pink—though inside, his heart swirled with emotions he couldn't quite put into words.
The room erupted with whispers and giggles. Everyone started pestering Keela and Mirelle about who they liked, but both of them deflected, dodging the topic until things finally settled down.
After the chaotic breakfast, everyone packed their final belongings and prepared to board the Blue Falcon. Kalisa came out to see us off—but Grandpa Gryp was still snoring away, completely out of it in his room.
As we ascended the ramp into the Blue Falcon, everyone waved goodbye to Kalisa. But instead of a normal wave, she began forming hearts with her hands—mini hearts, cheek hearts, full-hand hearts, even raising her arms into heart shapes overhead. She was clearly trying to tease her daughter.
And it worked.
Keela couldn't handle it. She turned away, hiding her face in embarrassment, while the rest of us laughed and teased her—especially Noren and Seraphina, who were having way too much fun.
The airship took off amidst smiles and laughter. But no one knew how long that laughter would last—because the storm ahead was unlike any they'd ever faced.
Only hearts forged through trust… and friendships bound by courage… would survive the whirlwind of power that awaited them.
For the one they were about to meet… was none other than Kalan Silencium, one of the central forces in Skyperion's future.
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