As the morning sun bathed the marble colonnades of the Temple of Dawn in golden light, a slow procession stirred the sacred grounds. Worshippers entered solemnly through its grand archways, their footsteps echoing beneath the towering spires. Meanwhile, the Border Defense Command mobilized its forces.
Thirty-six winged pegasi and seventy armored soldiers strained together, pulling a colossal, orb-like explosive—its mass greater than eight boulders—across the steep, winding roads toward Olympus' final defensive line. The weapon, dubbed 'Cosmos' Verdict,' was their last resort.
From the entrance of the Imperial Villa, Luciana watched in silence as Cornelius and the Minister of Border Defense departed with the weapon. A tightness gripped her chest—an invisible pressure as if her heart might burst free.
---
The night before, she had fallen asleep early after feeding baby Hades. Her dreams took her elsewhere—somewhere ethereal, laced with silver light.
In that dream, she stood beside a radiant lakeside pavilion. Erebus was there, seated alongside her mother, Aphrodite. Five children played nearby. When Luciana's eyes met those of Nemesis, the child suddenly ran to her, startling the group.
"Mother! We were waiting for you!" he shouted joyfully, leaping into her embrace.
He looked older, perhaps eight or nine. Slowly, the others followed, all calling her "mother" as they gathered around her. Aphrodite smiled tenderly.
"You have attained the greatest victory," she whispered with a serene smile.
Luciana recognized Hades and Nemesis immediately. One boy, younger than Hades, resembled a miniature Erebus, except for his snowy-white hair. Among the girls, one stood out with her unusual half-white, half-black hair—mirroring both parents. Her eyes had no irises, only whites, yet she was shy and sweet. The youngest remained in Aphrodite's arms, an infant perhaps six months old—younger even than Hades.
Then Erebus appeared beside her and wrapped her in a warm embrace, his lips brushing hers gently.
"E-Erebus, the children are watching," she gasped, flustered.
"So what? I can kiss my woman if I want," he whispered with a mischievous grin, his arms tightening around her waist.
Luciana blushed and turned away. In that moment, clarity struck—she was dreaming. A strange, vivid dream. Suddenly, the infant in her arms began to cry. Her eyes shot open.
---
Luciana gasped, panting as her mind returned to the waking world. Hades groaned nearby, while Nemesis clung to her arm, fast asleep. She gently patted him back into slumber.
The next morning, Nemesis surprised her with a revelation.
"Mother, I saw the same dream," he told her, wide-eyed.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Did you… see a woman?" she asked.
He nodded enthusiastically. "She said she was grandma. She looked like the pretty lady in the picture. Just like you!"
Luciana frowned slightly. "What picture?"
"All the portraits of your mother are locked in grandfather's study," she murmured.
"Did you go in there?" she asked, her voice more curious than scolding.
Nemesis nodded, ashamed. "I was playing hide and seek with brother Tiberius and… I ran into the nearest room. I saw the lady from the picture. She was glowing."
Luciana's eyes welled with tears. "Mother was here…"
"M-Mother, don't cry!" Nemesis panicked. "I promise I'll be good! I won't go there again, please don't cry."
He tried to wipe her tears with his small hands, blistered from training with the sword. Luciana smiled, pulled him close, and kissed his cheek.
"I'm not upset, my sweet boy. Just promise me you'll tell me where you're going next time."
"I promise!" he chirped and hugged her tightly.
"Umm… Mother? Can I come with you today?" he asked hesitantly.
"Where to?"
"Brother Tiberius said there's going to be a big parade. Can I come watch?" He threw his arms wide, mimicking the scale of the event.
Luciana chuckled and nodded. "Of course."
"Then… can Aunt Mel and Brother Tiberius come too?" he added.
Luciana hesitated. "But the sun still harms your aunt. She might fall ill again."
"Please~! Aunt Mel was so happy when she heard about the parade!" he begged in the most disarming way.
She sighed. "Alright. Let me see what I can do."
His joy was instant. He jumped and ran out of the chamber, nearly colliding with Aurora and Naila in the corridor.
"Oh my!" Aurora laughed as Nemesis stumbled and bowed apologetically.
"What a darling boy," Naila murmured, watching him run off. He reminded her of young Canute and Neli.
"It feels like yesterday I had them in my arms," she said wistfully.
Luciana emerged from her chambers, surprised to see them. "Aunt? You're here so early. Is something wrong? Is Uncle Arcea—?"
"No, no," Naila reassured her. "He's stable, thank the gods. He recognized me… and even Neli and Akari. He hasn't met the grandkids, but it felt like old times."
Aurora gently rested a hand on her shoulder. "The grand alchemist remains as admirable as ever."
Luciana chuckled. "It's just good to see you two together again."
They exchanged a sheepish glance.
"Come," Aurora said quickly. "Let's go see the parade."
"More like a warning," Naila muttered.
Luciana accompanied them to the great hall near the temple entrance. The ministers and courtiers had already gathered. Just as Nemesis had promised, Melody and Tiberius were present. Melody wore a protective veil to shield herself from the sun.
"Where's Lady Leila?" Aurora asked.
"She's tending to Hades. Apollonia keeps her up at night," Luciana said, smiling despite her worry.
"She's such a mischievous little thing," Naila chuckled.
"I'm worried about Melody," Aurora fretted. "She shouldn't be out like this. The sun could harm her."
Melody offered a small, reassuring smile. The concern was well-meant, but she would not miss this moment.
As the parade reached its crescendo, the temple bell tolled. Crowds of worshippers and refugees filled the holy precincts, gazing in awe at the orb—Cosmos' Verdict—hauled through the sacred streets.
"Your Highness," the chancellor approached and bowed. "The Minister of Border Defense and Second Lord Arcea have secured the device. They will pass here shortly."
Luciana nodded. "And Dabbah?"
"The target has breached the barrier," he whispered.
Luciana's fists clenched, her nails digging into her skin until blood beaded at her fingertips.
"This is our final chance," she said, voice steady but laced with desperation. "Do not fail the realm."
"We won't," the chancellor vowed and departed.
Moments later, a messenger descended smoothly, landing upon the white marble floor of the temple.
"Your Imperial Highness," he said breathlessly, kneeling. "I bring word from the North. Lord Canute has emerged victorious. Triglav and the Wyvern have been subdued. The Amanécerian army marches back under his banner."
Luciana closed her eyes. Relief flooded her heart like a warm tide. One battle won—one more hope lit in the darkness.