"Are you Li Lin?"
Before Li Lin could continue his telepathic conversation with Sona, Lux, who had just sneaked away from her mother, stepped between them. She tilted her face upward, her curious gaze fixed on the handsome, well-built man with an extraordinary aura before her.
"I'm Luxanna," she said, her bright eyes sparkling. "His Majesty just introduced me to you, but I prefer people to call me Lux."
"May the Winged Protector bless you, Miss Lux," Li Lin said with a polite smile, bowing in a noble gesture to the fifteen-year-old girl who was the same age as Kai'Sa.
"And may she bless you as well." Lux lifted her skirt slightly and returned the bow with a graceful curtsy. "When Garen returned to High Silvermere, he told me about your deeds."
"Ahem..."
Before Lux could continue her conversation with Li Lin, Kahina intentionally cleared her throat, interrupting the flow of her thoughts.
Lux glanced at the silent Sona standing nearby, but her attention was quickly drawn to Kahina, who kept signaling her with meaningful glances.
As the right-hand woman of the King, Kahina's family was closely allied with Lux's Crownguard family. Each year when Lux returned to the capital, she spent a lot of time with Kahina, and the two shared a deep bond as close confidantes.
The sharp-witted Lux quickly picked up on Kahina's unspoken signals. She hesitated briefly, her gaze flitting between Li Lin and Sona, before her expression turned into one of understanding.
"Kahina, let's go find Quinn," Lux suggested, pointing toward the far side of the hall where Quinn seemed to be keeping her distance from the noble gathering.
"Good idea! I was planning to do that anyway," Kahina replied, latching onto the convenient excuse. Hand in hand, the two young women left Li Lin and Sona, leaving them plenty of personal space.
Before they walked off, Kahina raised her brows at Li Lin with a smirk, her eyes practically saying, "Make the most of this opportunity." Meanwhile, Lux mouthed a quick "thank you" to Li Lin, sneaking a bit of light magic into her gesture as she conjured a faint glow on her index finger behind her back. She even turned to wink mischievously at him before leaving.
"This little girl sure is bold..." Li Lin thought with a wry smile.
Even though the hall was filled with familiar faces, there were still plenty of prying eyes. Lux's magic abilities were still under wraps, and if word of her talents spread because of some loose-tongued guest, it could cause quite the stir in the current unstable climate.
"Lux told me that ever since Lord Pieter spread the King's decree to abolish the anti-magic laws, Lady Augatha quickly found her a mentor among the Illuminators," Sona began as she approached Li Lin, her gaze lingering on the retreating figures of Lux and Kahina.
"However, since arriving in the capital, she has been studying under our shared mentor, Madame Beryl—a renowned healer.
"Officially, Madame Beryl is known for crafting herbal and alchemical remedies akin to Ionia's healing potions, aiding soldiers and those in need. But in truth, she is a master of healing magic."
Sona's steps slowed as she came to stand by Li Lin, her voice soft as she continued. "Madame Beryl has taught us a great deal, particularly about controlling our magical energy. I can feel my connection to Etwahl growing stronger."
Li Lin turned toward Sona, surprise evident in his gaze, just as she tilted her head to meet his eyes. After a brief pause, she offered him a sweet smile and continued telepathically, "But you know, among the three of us, Lux's magical talent is the most remarkable. Even Archbishop Isabel was amazed by her gift for light magic.
"In just two weeks, she went from barely being able to use light magic to wielding it effortlessly."
A hint of envy crept into Sona's tone, though she tried to suppress it.
"But you can wield the ancient artifact, Etwahl," Li Lin said with a chuckle. "And through it, you can hear the voices of others. Doesn't that demonstrate your own magical prowess?"
He smiled warmly. "You're not inferior to Lux. Different types of magic can't be compared directly. She has her strengths, and your magic can achieve things hers cannot."
Sona frowned slightly, her lips pursed in thought. After a moment, her expression softened, and she nodded. "You're right. Each of us has our own strengths. My focus should be on improving myself."
Her gaze shifted to the instrument case resting on a table against the wall, its color complementing her evening gown. She stepped forward gracefully, her shoes clicking softly on the floor, and retrieved her guqin, Etwahl, from the case.
Turning back to Li Lin, she met his eyes and asked with a gentle smile, "I recently learned a new piece. Would you like to hear it?"
Li Lin's lips curved into a smile as he gave her a gentlemanly bow, then stepped forward to take Etwahl from her hands.
"Of course."
…
Since the evening's gathering was informal, Li Lin and Sona informed Barrett of their departure before quietly leaving the event.
Dawnkeep was bustling with people—lords and nobles returning to the capital for the prince's wedding. Sona disliked noisy environments; they disrupted her music. Thus, Li Lin led her out of the castle to the adjacent garden. The fresh scent of blooming lilies lingered in the air, a reminder of when Barrett proposed to Lestara for the fifth time, finally marking the end of their long courtship.
Sona had once shared her parents' love story with Li Lin—a woman who aspired to be a Radiant, dedicating her life to justice, and a man willing to sacrifice his fortune selflessly for the people of Demacia. Their love was romantic, which was why Sona cherished this garden. It was here that Lestara had transplanted lilies to her home, connecting memories.
In the tranquil garden, a few other noble youths strolled among the flowers, but they soon recognized Li Lin and Sona. Smiling politely, they excused themselves, leaving the pair in private. Li Lin and Sona meandered through the sea of blossoms, savoring the rare moment of reunion. Eventually, they arrived at the pavilion in the garden's center.
Sona opened her case and placed Etwahl delicately on her lap. With a gentle surge of magic, the instrument floated slightly, never rising higher than the stone table before her—concealing the use of magic from potential onlookers. A familiar melody, the "Hymn of Valor," filled the air, transitioning into a steady rhythm full of resolve, akin to a warrior recounting their triumphs. This was Sona's second original composition, created for Li Lin two months ago. Following his naming convention, she called it "Aria of Determination."
Then, the tune shifted to something playful and nimble, evoking the image of a barefoot girl dancing among flowers and butterflies. The harmony of nature became a joyous dance. Both she and Li Lin had named it instinctively: "Sonata of Swiftness."
Summer's gentle breeze caressed their faces, and as the sun dipped lower, the western sky burned with the orange-red hues of a fiery sunset. Sona leaned lightly against Li Lin's shoulder, gazing at the horizon where the setting sun disappeared behind the buildings. Her expression, however, betrayed more worry than contentment, despite the intimacy of the moment.
Li Lin, immune to most mental magic, always opened his heart to Sona. Through Etwahl, she could sense his unease and tension. The appointed time with Bel'Veth was approaching, yet his knowledge of this so-called Empress of the Void was limited. But that wasn't his only concern. The Kiramman family had accepted an invitation from the Lightshield royal family, meaning Caitlyn would attend the wedding of Jarvan IV and Shyvana.
Sona already knew about Caitlyn—even Zoe was aware—something Li Lin had confessed earlier. But to be honest, it didn't bother her much. Strict monogamy wasn't exactly a rigid norm in Demacia. Zoe was easier to handle; she knew about Sona, and although she expressed some dissatisfaction, she ultimately accepted her. Her playful nickname for Sona, "Big Cow," was often laced with a mix of envy and jest. After all, magic could create illusions, but Sona was very much the real deal. Caitlyn, however, was a different matter.
Li Lin had cautiously tested Caitlyn's attitude on several occasions, but she always dodged the subject. She joked about being bothered, yet her words and expressions hinted at indifference, as though the teasing was meant to throw him off. Adding to his turmoil, Kassadin had personally attempted to matchmake his daughter, Kai'Sa, with him.
All these intertwined troubles—Bel'Veth, Caitlyn, Zoe, Kai'Sa—had weighed heavily on Li Lin. Avoiding the issue by focusing on work was no longer an option. His conversation with Sona had made him realize how irresponsible that was. He needed to address it, sooner rather than later—for Caitlyn, for Zoe, for Kai'Sa, and for Sona.
There would be no melodramatic "lover's quarrel." At least, there shouldn't be.
As stars began to dot the sky, a servant came to summon them, announcing that the banquet in the Hall of Splendor was about to begin. After a moment of deep thought, Li Lin made his decision. Rising, he kissed Sona's flawless cheek.
"You…" Sona's lips parted slightly in surprise. Words eluded her, and her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she turned her face shyly away, avoiding his gaze.
"I've made up my mind, Sona." Li Lin clasped her slender, delicate hand. Her fingers were cool from the evening chill and the thinness of her evening gown.
"I'm going to tell Caitlyn everything."
(End of Chapter)
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