Night fell upon Velmoria Kingdom like a silk curtain woven with starlight.
The kingdom was unrecognizable in its brilliance. Lanterns floated midair like celestial spirits, casting their soft golden glow across rooftops and streets. Spellwoven fabrics adorned the streets. Fireworks burst silently in patterns of roses and phoenixes above the clouds, designed by master illusionists.
At the heart of it all stood Velmoria Castle, transformed into a palace of moonlight. Its towers gleamed with runic enchantments, the gardens overflowed with glowing night-blooms, and music drifted from crystalline instruments. The halls were perfumed with enchanted petals that never wilted.
Tonight was Cilie's birthday—an event whispered across kingdoms.
Inside the castle, nobles of every rank mingled in elegance. Diplomats exchanged veiled threats over wine. Heirs discussed power behind smiles. The air was gilded with laughter, music, and ambition.
And in the middle of it all stood Cilie, the girl of the hour—noble-born, mystery-bound.
Dressed in a flowing gown as black as midnight, with crimson embroidery resembling the markings of arcane sigils, Cilie held the eyes of the court. Her blue hair, elegantly braided, shimmered with tiny crystals. She was poised, charming, untouchable.
She was everything a kingdom wished its heir could be.
And yet, far from the crowd, on a quiet marble balcony bathed in silver moonlight, stood Elijah.
He leaned against the railing, letting the cold wind brush through his hair. His eyes weren't on the stars. They were fixed on his thoughts.
His hand slipped into his coat pocket and closed around something small—the puppet Cilie had given him.
It was... strange. Wrong, even. Not dangerous, but ancient. He could feel it whispering something beyond language. It was a gift, she had said. But for what purpose?
"What are you doing here alone, my prince?"
The voice broke his thoughts, soft and teasing.
Elijah turned. Anna stood there, glowing in the moonlight. Her sapphire gown hugged her frame gently, her hair danced in the breeze, and her bracelet glinted like a constellation.
"I just needed air," he said quietly.
She stepped beside him, her arms resting on the same railing, close but not touching. "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?"
Elijah glanced upward. "Yeah… as beautiful as your swim dress."
She blinked. "Y-You… remembered?"
Elijah turned red. "I didn't mean it like that. I just—uh—"
"You little pervert," she said with a laugh.
"I'm not!" he protested, flustered.
Anna just smiled. Then, with a flick of her wrist, her bracelet lit up, projecting images into the air like glowing paintings. "Jokes aside, I found something during my last expedition. In an underwater cave."
He stared at the image. Strange concentric runes, ancient and crude, were etched onto what looked like deep obsidian rock. The air around the projection felt… heavier.
"This symbol… doesn't feel right," Elijah said, eyes narrowing. "I should show it to Uncle Alaric."
"Exactly what I thought."
Before they could speak more, a new voice broke the mood.
"Hey, lovebirds. Hope I'm not interrupting something important."
It was Ayn, grinning with his usual devil-may-care attitude. Shortly after came Sylphira, radiant in a silver gown threaded with frost magic. Behind her was Drake, calm as always, wearing his ceremonial blazer.
"How do I look?" Sylphira asked gently.
Elijah smiled. "You look beautiful."
She blushed. Just then, Drake approached, nodding to Elijah. "Nice suit."
"Thanks. Yours too."
"But—" Elijah began to speak again, when a suave voice interrupted them.
"You forgot about me?"
They turned.
Daud stepped in, wearing a white tailored suit with subtle enchantments woven into the threads. His mere presence made heads turn inside the ballroom. Girls whispered and giggled.
"He's so handsome…"
"Is he still single?"
"Why can't I get a boyfriend like him?"
Daud joined the group and folded his arms. "What's this serious mood?"
"Something important. You all need to be careful in the coming rounds of the tournament."
Sylphira tilted her head. "Why? What happened?"
Elijah's voice dropped. "This isn't just a competition anymore. It's a Gamble of Kings. They'll do anything to win the crown—even send assassins."
Anna gasped. "Assassins?!"
He nodded. "We managed to stop them this time. But even King Rudolf admitted—next time, we may not be so lucky."
Drake clenched his jaw. "So it's started already."
Daud, quiet until now, said coldly, "I already suspected. If I'm right, the danger comes from Howarth Academy."
"Exactly," Elijah said.
And then… a voice like a breeze cutting through silence.
"Elijah."
They turned.
There stood Cilie.
Her black-and-crimson gown flowed like ink in moonlight. Her expression was unreadable—elegant, distant, yet something shimmered in her violet eyes.
She extended her hand.
"Will you dance with me?"
Elijah blinked. "Me…?"
From behind her, Alaric appeared, sipping wine and casually giving Elijah a big thumbs-up. He mouthed: "Go."
Elijah swallowed and took her hand.
The ballroom cleared. All eyes were on them.
"They look amazing," Ayn said, chewing food as he watched.
He glanced at Anna—who was smiling—but her fists were clenched, and a strange pressure hung around her.
"This aura… bloodlust? But why…?" Ayn thought. "Don't tell me… Yandare."
The orchestra began.
Their steps began slowly. Elijah wasn't a dancer—but she guided him gently, each motion balanced between grace and poise.
They spun. Her dress curled like flame. His eyes met hers.
"…Why did you give me that puppet?" he asked softly, his voice almost lost in the music.
She didn't look away. "Because one day, it will choose you. And you'll need it."
Elijah frowned. "What is it really?"
"A key," she replied. "To a truth hidden in shadow. But don't try to unlock it yet. Not until you're ready."
"…You talk in riddles."
"Only because you still see the world in lines. One day you'll see it in circles."
He blinked. "That… didn't help."
She smiled. For the first time, genuinely.
The music swelled. He pulled her closer. Their steps tightened. They moved like two shadows in harmony. The world faded around them.
Now the dance ended, the applause was interrupted by a group of girls rushing toward Daud.
"Dance with me, Daud!"
"Me first!"
"Sorry, ladies," Daud said, flashing a smooth smile. He took Sylphira's hand. "I already have a partner."
Sylphira blushed furiously as he led her to the floor.
"So beautiful… that elf girl…" murmured the others. "I'm jealous."
As Daud and Sylphira danced gracefully, Ayn focused back on his plate. "Food is better than romance anyway."
Meanwhile, Elijah and Cilie stood face to face, just about to speak
And then—
"Elijah."
He turned—only for his hand to be grabbed and yanked away.
It was Anna.
"Sorry, Princess," she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "But there's something I need to do."
Cilie said nothing. Just watched. Elijah barely had time to react before he was dragged onto the floor again.
"Anna, wait—I need to sit—"
She shoved a vial into his mouth.
"What was—"
"Stamina potion. You're welcome."
She placed his hands around her waist and pulled him into a firm waltz.
Her smile returned. But her eyes…
"You're such a flirt, Elijah," she whispered. "Dancing with other girls right in front of me. Tsk. Zero out of a hundred."
He sighed. "You think I enjoy this? I did it for my family's name… for Master Alaric. That's all."
Her hands tightened. "Is that so?"
"Yes."
"…But at least you're with me now."
He hesitated. "…You're not mad?"
"Oh, I'm very mad." Her voice was sweet. "But I look amazing in this dress, so I'll forgive you."
Elijah groaned. "Anna…"
"Don't think I'll let you go now," she whispered. "I'll dance with you the whole night if I have to."
The song changed, but they didn't stop.
She leaned closer, her head resting lightly on his shoulder.
"You're not just my prince, Elijah," she said softly. "You're my favorite mistake."
He didn't reply.
Because for a moment, just a fleeting one—he wondered if he wasn't falling, too.