PART 1
The Awakening Shadow
Aveline closed the door slowly, as if afraid to disturb the calm of dusk creeping in from the Eldoria forest. The last rays of the sun pierced through the gaps between the trees like threads of gold, yet no warmth managed to reach her skin. She pulled her worn shawl tighter around her shoulders, a small gesture born more of habit than necessity.
This simple life was supposed to be soothing.
It was supposed to make her feel safe.
But that night, the air carried something different.
She stepped inside, brushing her fingers against the wooden table stained by months of melted wax. The scent of honey and resin filled the room a smell the villagers often found comforting when buying her candles. To Aveline, that scent was more than just a sign of her work; it was proof that she had left another world behind… a world that had once called out to her with a title she now refused to remember.
Princess Liora Avenshier.
The name felt foreign, like it belonged to someone long dead.
Only one thing still tied her to the past: the family portrait hanging above the fireplace. Not a grand and regal painting like those in the palace, but a small replica its details slightly faded, its colors no longer vivid. Still, it was enough to stir longing and pain all at once.
Aveline gazed at the faces within it.
Her father, King Aldric, standing tall with noble authority.
Her mother, Queen Marienne, smiling softly, though her eyes brimmed with hidden strength.
And herself Liora standing between them in a white gown, a faint smile on her lips.
That smile felt like it belonged to someone else.
A small sound broke her reverie the snap of a branch outside the window. Not loud, not the sort of sound that should alarm her… yet her instincts reacted faster than her thoughts. Aveline turned, her body tense like a deer sensing a predator.
Just the wind, she told herself.
But her heart didn't believe it.
She walked to the window and pulled aside the linen curtains. Darkness had begun swallowing the edge of the forest, but she could still see the red dirt path stretching before her cottage. Silent. No movement. No shadow.
And yet… something was wrong.
Not a sound. Not a light.
More like… pressure.
As if the world itself was holding its breath.
Aveline inhaled deeply, trying to convince herself that the unease came only from a past that refused to fade. Even if she had buried her identity, the memory of that night the night everything fell apart still haunted her dreams.
She returned to the table and lit a new candle. The small flame flickered, then steadied, casting a soft glow that pushed back a sliver of darkness. Her shadow danced on the wall like an impatient spirit calling her home.
No. I'm not her anymore.
Not Liora.
I am Aveline.
An ordinary woman.
A candlemaker.
Nothing more, nothing less.
But the lie she had repeated to herself cracked the moment a sudden knock echoed through the front door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Three knocks heavy and firm. Not like the villagers, who usually knocked gently and politely. Not like the children who sometimes came late at night to buy candles or ask for stories.
This knock… had purpose.
A knock that knew her.
Aveline froze.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
This time softer, but far more threatening.
She glanced at the family portrait. The candlelight reflected on the wooden frame, making the faces seem alive for a brief moment. Her throat tightened.
Impossible.
She had run this far.
She had faked her own death.
No one should have been able to find her.
Yet someone or something stood outside her door now.
Aveline grabbed a small carving knife from the table, her fingers trembling. It wasn't a real weapon, but it was better than nothing. She moved toward the door slowly, her steps nearly silent on the wooden floor.
"Who's there?" Her voice sounded weaker than she intended.
No answer.
Only silence.
Then… a whisper.
So faint it nearly vanished into the night wind.
"Liora…"
The blood drained from her face instantly.
No one knew that name in Eldoria.
No one was allowed to know.
Aveline stepped back, her anxiety dissolving into pure terror. But before she could retreat further, the door suddenly shuddered violently as if something outside had slammed into it with immense force.
BOOM!
The candlelight flickered. Shadows twisted wildly across the walls like living creatures.
Aveline held her breath, staring at the door that shook under the invisible assault, and in that instant she knew:
Tonight was not just the beginning of something.
Tonight was the moment everything returned.
And there was no place left to hide.
PART 2
The Knock That Brought the Past Back
The door trembled again.softer, yet somehow more threatening than before. It wasn't a strike, not a shove. It was as if the presence outside was merely… touching it, with the certainty that Aveline would break before the night was over.
Aveline held her breath.
Her fingers tightened around the carving knife until her knuckles turned white.
This made no sense, she thought.
She had erased every trace.
She had burned the letters, destroyed the royal jewelry, even cut her hair so no one would recognize her.
There was no way anyone could have found her.
No way that name could come from the mouth of a stranger.
Outside, the wind stirred the leaves, but the sound couldn't fool her. There was a presence there cold, silent, and full of intent.
"Liora…" the whisper came again.
This time clearer.
Closer.
Aveline stepped back, her spine hitting the table. The candle flame flickered… then died instantly.
Total darkness.
"No…" she hissed, panic rolling in.
It took only a second in the dark for the memories to burst through
the collapsing palace under dark magic, the screams of the knights, and her mother's fading voice as the last light left her body.
No. Focus. You are not Liora anymore.
Her hands moved across the table until she found a small box containing the only magical item she'd kept: a light crystal, her late mother's gift.
She pressed it.
A soft glow blossomed, bathing the room in silvery light.
And that was when she saw it :
A shadow, standing still outside the window.
Tall. Thin. Not entirely human.
And worst of all
the shadow was staring straight at her.
PART 3
A Shadow That Should Not Exist
Aveline's body froze.
The shadow did not move.
Did not blink.
Did not breathe.
It was simply there, like a dark stain pressed onto the world something that should never have been given form.
The crystal's light quivered, as if afraid of the creature.
Aveline forced herself to step half a stride closer, narrowing her eyes, trying to pierce through the blurred outline behind the glass.
And the moment she focused… the creature smiled.
A smile.
Thin. Wrong. As though its face had been forced into a human expression without understanding what a smile truly was.
Aveline jerked back.
That was no human.
It couldn't be.
The shadow slowly lifted its hand.
The pitch-black palm pressed against the window
aligned perfectly with where Aveline stood on the other side.
A faint tremor spread through the glass, not physical, but magical.
Aveline felt it crawl across her skin.
She swallowed, her voice cracking.
"L-Leave me…"
A small laugh slipped from outside—
a laugh with no tone, just an empty echo that churned her stomach.
Then the shadow spoke:
"At last, I've found the… royal shadow."
Aveline's breath hitched.
Royal shadow.
A title only enemies of the crown used for heirs to the throne. Only those who had hunted her family knew that term.
Which meant only one thing:
They did not believe she was dead.
They never stopped searching.
And worse
they now knew exactly where she was.
The light crystal in her hand suddenly dimmed.
Aveline looked at it, panic rising.
"No, no, not now…" she whispered.
The crystal throbbed weakly… then died.
Darkness swallowed the room.
In the black, a deep voice rumbled:
"Open the door, Liora."
PART 4
There Is Nowhere Left to Hide
Aveline spun and sprinted toward the back of the house, her breaths sharp and ragged. She knew she could not stay inside. She knew that once that door shattered, she wouldn't stand a chance.
She had to run.
Now.
She grabbed a small bag filled with clothes, coins, and an old map. But when she bent down to reach for her coat
CRACK!
The front door finally gave way.
Wood exploded, fragments scattering across the floor.
Aveline froze.
Footsteps entered the house.
One… two… three…
Light, yet disturbingly clear as if the creature carried no weight, no mass, no connection to gravity.
Aveline crawled toward the kitchen corner, her body shaking violently. The cabin was small. There weren't many places to hide. If the creature stepped any farther inside, it would find her within seconds.
Moonlight filtered through the cracks in the wall, enough to reveal the silhouette entering the main room.
Aveline held her breath.
The creature walked slowly, as though savoring her fear.
Its shadow slid across the walls like living smoke.
"You have run long enough… Liora…"
Its voice was a blend of many echoing, fractured, utterly inhuman.
Aveline clamped a hand over her mouth, choking back any sound.
The creature stopped.
Still.
Its head tilted slightly just enough to show it sensed something.
Aveline stared, unblinking.
Then
the shadow whispered :
"…I can hear you."
Aveline jolted and ran.
She burst through the back door into the night, not daring to look behind her.
The Eldoria Forest swallowed her with its abyssal darkness
but facing the forest was better than facing that thing.
She had to survive.
She had to get far away.
She had to stay alive.
Because if that shadow caught her…
the entire world would learn that Princess Liora Avenshier still lived.
PART 5
The Hunt in the Eldoria Forest
Branches whipped against Aveline's arms as she sprinted deeper into the forest. Her breath turned to white vapor in the cold air. The moon hung low too low casting an unnatural silver glow on the twisted trees.
Every sound felt louder.
Her heartbeat.
Her footsteps.
And behind her…
The absence of footsteps.
The shadow creature didn't chase like an animal.
It glided.
Aveline heard the soft ripple of darkness a sound like wet ink spreading across paper and she knew it was closing in.
She darted behind a fallen log, crouching low. Her chest burned as she fought to stay silent.
The forest stilled.
Not a single leaf moved.
Then a voice rippled through the trees, echoing in countless directions at once:
"Liora… the throne remembers you."
Aveline's blood froze.
Royal magic.
Ancient magic.
Forbidden magic.
Whoever sent this creature… was not a mere assassin. This was a conjured hunter bound to track royal blood to the ends of the world. Only someone with immense power and a claim to the throne would dare summon such a thing.
She covered her mouth, willing her heartbeat to quiet.
The shadow drifted between the trees, its form flickering like a broken flame. It passed so close that Aveline felt her skin prickle with cold.
But then—
A horn sounded in the distance.
A long, resonant blast.
The creature halted.
Aveline recognized the sound instantly.
The royal horn of Avenshier.
Someone else was in the forest.
Someone trained.
Someone armed.
And the creature hissed its form vibrating with irritation.
"Interference…"
Aveline didn't wait.
As the creature turned away from her hiding place, Aveline bolted in the opposite direction, heading toward the sound of the horn.
For the first time since the night began…
hope flickered.
But she didn't know—
the horn belonged to someone who had been searching for her for years.
And he was closer than she expected.
PART 6
The Knight of the Fallen Crown
The forest opened into a small clearing bathed in moonlight. Standing at the center, armored in silver and black, was a knight.
Tall. Firm.
Familiar.
His cape fluttered behind him like a torn banner.
Aveline halted, breath catching in her throat.
"…Ravian?"
Sir Ravian Thorne the youngest captain of the Royal Guard. The man sworn personally to protect Princess Liora until his last breath.
The man she left behind on the night the palace fell.
Ravian slowly lowered the horn from his lips.
His eyes sharp as steel locked onto her.
For a moment, they simply stared. Aveline felt years of guilt, grief, and memories crash into her like a wave.
He stepped forward.
His voice was low, hoarse, as if speaking her name wounded him.
"Your Highness… you're alive."
Aveline stumbled back. "Don't call me that."
She wasn't Liora anymore.
But Ravian only exhaled shakily relief and disbelief tangled together.
"I have searched for you for four years. Through ruins, across borders, through every kingdom that offered shelter or death. And now I find you… alone… hunted."
"It wasn't supposed to be like this," Aveline whispered.
Before Ravian could respond, the temperature plunged.
His breath turned to frost.
The trees trembled.
The shadow creature materialized behind them its shape towering, hollow, its smile stretching impossibly wide.
Ravian instantly unsheathed his sword, the blade glowing faintly with enchanted runes.
Aveline gasped.
"You still have the Dawnsteel?"
"Your father entrusted it to me," Ravian replied, stepping protectively between her and the creature. "I never stopped carrying it."
The shadow laughed again jagged, mocking.
"Two royals in one place. How generous."
Ravian stiffened.
"I am no royal."
"Not yet," the creature crooned.
"But you guard one. And that makes you the perfect piece to break."
Aveline tugged on Ravian's arm. "We need to run. We can't fight that thing—"
Ravian didn't look back.
His blade glowed brighter.
"I didn't spend four years searching for you just to run."
The creature lunged.
Ravian swung.
Light collided with darkness sparks scattering like dying stars.
Aveline felt the force of it in her bones.
The battle for her life… had begun.
PART 7
Light Against the Unending Dark
The clearing erupted with clashing magic light twisting against shadow.
Ravian fought like a man possessed. Every swing was precise, controlled, brutal. Dawnsteel light slashed through the darkness, carving glowing scars into the creature's form.
But the shadow only re-knit itself, reforming with a sickening whisper.
Aveline backed away.
"Ravian, it can't die that way!"
Ravian gritted his teeth.
"I know."
"What?!"
He slammed the blade into the ground. Light erupted, creating a barrier that forced the creature back temporarily.
Ravian turned to her, panting.
"This creature is bound by blood magic. It won't die unless—"
The ground cracked.
The shadow reappeared behind him, faster than before.
Ravian spun, blocking the blow but the force sent him skidding across the clearing.
Aveline screamed, rushing toward him.
"Ravian!"
He wiped blood from his lip, rising again stubborn, relentless.
But Aveline saw it.
The tremor in his hand.
His magic was nearly spent.
The shadow tilted its head.
"Give me the princess… and I might let you live."
Ravian spat on the ground.
"I'd rather die."
The creature moved—
A whisper in the wind.
Then everything happened at once.
Aveline grabbed Ravian's arm.
Light burst from her hands brighter than the moon.
Ravian stared at her in shock.
"Your magic… you still have it."
She didn't.
Not really.
But desperation awakened what she had buried.
The creature recoiled, hissing violently.
Aveline trembled.
Her heart pounded.
Her palms burned with painful, glowing cracks of royal magic.
"Liora…" Ravian breathed.
"You're awakening."
"No…" she gasped.
"No, I can't—"
But it was too late.
Her power the ancient blood of the royal bloodline had roared back to life.
And the creature felt it.
"Finally," it purred.
"The heir begins to rise."
PART 8
The Forbidden Truth
The creature's form twisted, expanding, filling the clearing with choking darkness.
Aveline clutched her glowing hands, horrified by the power spilling from them.
Ravian stepped closer not to protect her this time, but to steady her.
"You're destabilizing. You have to breathe."
"I haven't used magic in years," she whispered.
"I locked it away I sealed it"
Ravian's voice softened.
"Your mother sealed it. Not you."
Aveline's eyes widened.
"What?"
Ravian swallowed hard, as if revealing this truth pained him.
"Before she died… Queen Marienne asked me to deliver a message to you."
Aveline's heart stopped.
"My mother… left me a message?"
Ravian nodded.
"She said your magic was too powerful. Too wild. She wove a seal to keep it dormant until the moment you'd need it most."
Aveline felt her breath hitch.
"That night… when she fell… she told me the seal would break when the kingdom needed its rightful heir again."
She stepped back.
"No. No, I don't want this. I don't want the throne, or the crown, or the war. I just want peace"
The creature's voice surged, drowning her words :
"You cannot run from your blood, princess. You cannot run from destiny."
Ravian raised his blade again.
"Stay behind me."
But the creature didn't attack.
It shifted its shape smaller, humanoid its grin widening as though it had learned something new.
"The seal has broken," it murmured.
"The hunt changes."
Ravian stiffened.
Aveline whispered, "What does that mean?"
The creature slowly lifted its hand.
Dark sigils spiraled in the air.
"It means… your enemies no longer want you dead."
Aveline felt her blood turn cold.
"They want you alive."
The sigils burst
A signal.
A call.
A summons.
Dozens of shadows answered from the forest.
And the night filled with the sound of many things approaching.
PART 9
An Army of Darkness
The forest erupted with movement.
Shadows slid between trees. Dozens no, scores of dark creatures crawled into the clearing, each one shaped differently : twisted wolves made of smoke, hollow knights with burning eyes, floating silhouettes with elongated limbs.
Aveline's breath shattered.
Ravian stepped in front of her, sword raised high.
"Get behind me," he ordered.
"There are too many"
"I know."
His voice shook only slightly.
Aveline tightened her grip on his arm.
"This is my fault."
"No," Ravian snapped.
"This is the fault of those who murdered your family."
He positioned himself in a defensive stance.
"They want a princess?"
His eyes hardened.
"They'll have to kill me first."
But the creatures didn't attack.
Instead, they circled the clearing like wolves cornering prey.
Then the original shadow the tall one spoke again :
"Princess Liora Avenshier."
It bowed mockingly.
"By order of the usurper king… you are to be captured alive."
Aveline's heart stopped.
Usurper king.
Someone had taken the throne.
Someone powerful.
Someone who wanted her alive.
Ravian gritted his teeth.
"Who sits on the throne now?!"
The creature's grin widened.
"The one who carries royal blood… but not the right to rule."
Aveline's breath trembled.
"Who?"
The creature leaned forward.
"Your uncle."
Her vision blurred.
Her knees nearly buckled.
Her mother's brother.
The man who was supposed to protect the royal bloodline.
Ravian cursed under his breath.
"I knew it. I knew he couldn't be trusted"
Before he could finish, the creatures surged forward.
Ravian swung—
Light clashed with darkness again.
But there were too many.
Far, far too many.
Aveline backed away, panic taking over.
They were going to be overwhelmed.
Killed.
Taken.
Or worse.
Then—
A horn sounded again.
Not Ravian's.
A different one.
A powerful one.
And the shadows… hesitated.
PART 10
The Prince in Exile
From the northern ridge of the forest, torches flared to life blazing like a fiery serpent weaving between the trees.
Dozens of mounted riders burst into the clearing, their armor marked with the crest of the fallen kingdom:
A phoenix rising from ashes.
Aveline gasped.
"No… that crest was destroyed years ago"
Ravian's eyes widened.
"It can't be…"
An arrow of golden light shot through the air
striking the shadow creature square in the chest.
It shrieked and recoiled, its form flickering violently.
A rider leaped from his horse, landing with effortless grace. He removed his hood revealing dark hair, piercing silver eyes, and a face Aveline instantly recognized.
Her breath left her body.
"—Elias?"
Prince Elias Avenshier.
Her cousin.
The second heir.
The one rumored to have died during the fall of the kingdom.
But he wasn't dead.
He stood tall, bow in hand, radiating royal authority and cold fury.
His voice thundered across the battlefield:
"Touch her and every one of you will cease to exist."
The shadows shrank back.
The tall creature growled.
Elias shifted his gaze to Aveline.
His expression softened—
heartbreak and fierce relief intertwining.
"Liora…"
His voice trembled.
"I found you."
Ravian stepped in front of her quickly, protective.
Elias shot him an annoyed glare.
"I'm not here to fight you, Thorne."
"Good," Ravian snapped.
"Because I'm not letting you near her."
The tension crackled.
Aveline stepped between them.
"Stop. Both of you."
Her voice shook but carried the hint of returning royalty.
"We need to survive first."
Elias eyes snapped back to her.
"You're right."
He raised his bow again.
"But there's one more thing."
Aveline swallowed.
"What…?"
Elias looked at the gathered shadows and exhaled.
"UncleAldred sent these creatures because he fears something."
Ravian narrowed his eyes.
"What?"
Elias locked eyes with Aveline.
"He fears the prophecy."
Aveline's stomach dropped.
"What prophecy?"
Elias stepped closer.
"The one that says the true heir the last surviving Avenshier will return and reclaim the throne."
He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"And that heir… is you."
The creatures roared in unison
and the forest exploded into war.
War in the Midst of Darkness and the Long-Awaited Reunion
The roars of shadow creatures echoed through the night sky, shattering the once-silent stillness of the Eldoria forest. They leaped forward, their forms shifting and twisting under the flickering light of torches : smoke wolves snapping at the air, hollow knights wielding flaming swords, and floating silhouettes with arms that stretched like serpents.
Elias drew his bow quickly, a golden light arrow soaring through the air and striking one of the creatures in the chest. It hissed and crumbled into dark particles that dissolved into the ground.
"Attack!" Elias shouted to his troops.
Dozens of knights clad in phoenix-crested steel armor dismounted from their horses, their swords and spears glowing with protective magic. Battle erupted light clashing with darkness, the sound of clashing metal and magical hisses blending into one.
Aveline stood in the middle of it all, her hands still glowing with the newly awakened kingdom's light. She watched Ravian fighting the largest shadow creature the same one that had first found her in the cottage. His Dawnsteel sword blazed brightly, cutting through the dark form, but every wound healed instantly.
"Ravian, be careful!" Aveline cried out as the creature leaped at him.
Ravian spun around, striking the creature with the back of his sword and sending it crashing into a tree. But as he jumped forward to finish it off, another hollow knight emerged from behind the tree and stabbed him in the back. Ravian fell to the ground, blood trickling from his lips.
Aveline felt a fiery anger rise within her. Without thinking, she raised her hand and sent a gentle light that wrapped around Ravian, shielding him from further attacks.
"You need to fall back!" Ravian yelled, standing up again and swinging his sword. "Don't use too much of your magic you're not used to it yet!"
But Aveline didn't listen. She saw Elias fighting in the corner of the meadow, his arrows spent. More shadow creatures kept coming, and Elias's troops were being pushed back.
Then she saw him : Aldred.
Not Aldred himself but a projection of him, standing on a hill far above the meadow. He was tall and imposing, wearing a crown made of darkness. He watched the battle with a smirk, his right hand moving dark sigils that made the shadow creatures grow more ferocious.
"Aldred…" Aveline whispered, her eyes filled with anger and grief.
She remembered how her uncle had once kissed her cheek as a child, given her toys, and promised to always protect the family. But now… he was the one who had destroyed everything.
Elias approached Aveline, his breath heavy. "We can't win like this. These creatures are tied to Aldred's magic we have to destroy the source."
"Where?" Aveline asked, looking toward the hill.
Elias nodded. "He's up there. But to reach him, you have to use all of your magic. You're the only one who can fight his power."
Aveline shook her head. "I can't I'm scared of this power. I'm scared of what I might do."
Elias placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his eyes full of faith. "Your mother sealed your magic because she knew it was too strong for then. But now… the kingdom needs it. We need it, Liora."
In the distance, Ravian was hit again and fell. The large shadow creature approached him, its sword ready to strike.
Without another thought, Aveline took a deep breath. The light in her hands grew, blazing as bright as the sun, making all the shadow creatures recoil with hisses. She felt power flowing through her power from her ancestors, filled with hope and sorrow.
"Don't touch him," she said, her voice now firm and authoritative, nothing like the gentle Aveline they knew.
The large shadow creature turned, its empty eyes fixed on her.
"Princess Liora… at last, you embrace your destiny."
"My destiny isn't for you to decide," Aveline replied, stepping forward. "Or for Aldred's."
She raised her hand, and a bright light shot toward the hill where Aldred's projection stood. The projection smirked and retaliated with a powerful dark attack. The two forces collided in the air, creating an explosion that sent everyone falling to the ground.
When the dust cleared, Aveline saw Ravian standing beside her, his hand resting on his sword. Elias also approached, his bow ready again.
"We go together," Ravian said, his eyes looking at Aveline with trust. "Like I promised I'll never leave you again."
Aveline smiled, though her eyes were full of tears. For the first time in four years, she didn't feel alone. She felt a bond between herself, Ravian, and Elias the three people left to fight the darkness that had consumed the kingdom.
They walked forward together, toward the hill where Aldred waited. The forest watched them, the wind whispering a long-forgotten name : Liora Avenshier, the true heir.
And on the hill, Aldred smiled. He had waited a long time for this the moment he could destroy the last heir and ensure the throne was his forever.
(After the battle against Aldred ended, the Avenshier palace was rebuilt, and a few months later…)
A few months later, the kingdom of Avenshier had flourished again. The palace stood tall once more, filled with light and laughter. Its people were happy, and trade had resumed smoothly. But Liora felt empty.
One morning, Liora was sitting in the palace garden filled with roses, a place she often played as a child when she saw a young man sitting on a bench, his face full of sadness. He wore a simple black to gold gradient, his hair as black as night and his eyes a reddish brown.
"Who are you?" Liora asked in a soft voice.
The man was startled and stood up. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I didn't mean to disturb you. I was just… looking for a place to hide."
"Why do you need to hide?" Liora asked.
"Because I've been banished from this kingdom," he replied. "They say I'm a spy from the Tianlong Kingdom in the Southern region."
Liora raised an eyebrow. "Tianlong? What's your name?"
"I am Prince Yanzhi," he said.
"I came here seeking peace, but they refuse to trust me."
Liora stepped closer and sat down beside him on the bench. She looked at Yanzhi with gentle eyes.
"I understand how you feel. I also don't feel like I belong here even though this is the kingdom where I was born and raised."
"Why? You're the true heir. The throne is yours," Yanzhi said.
Liora smiled weakly.
"The throne? I don't need the throne, Yanzhi. All I need is peace the peace that once existed in this kingdom, when my parents were still alive. All I want is a quiet life, without war and conspiracy."
Just then, Serena entered the garden she had just arrived from the Southern region and had never met Liora before. She saw Liora and Yanzhi, then approached with a worried look. "Your Highness, the council is looking for you. They want to discuss your coronation ceremony."
Liora stood up quickly. She looked toward the palace, then back at Yanzhi. She made a quick decision.
"I will not take the throne, Serena. Tell the council that I choose to leave."
"Leave? Where will you go?" Yanzhi and Serena asked at the same time.
"To the Southern region, with Yanzhi," Liora replied.
"I will find the peace I'm looking for there. And maybe, someday, I will return but not as a ruler, only as someone who wants to help her people."
Ravian and Elias, who had been searching for Liora, arrived in the garden and heard her words. Ravian stepped forward with a sad face. "You can't really be leaving, can you, Liora? I promised I'd always protect you."
"Thank you, Ravian," Liora said, taking his hand for a moment.
"I know you would. But this is a path I have to walk alone. You must lead this kingdom well, together with Elias."
Without waiting for a response, Liora took Yanzhi's hand and walked out of the garden. They left the palace and the kingdom of Avenshier, heading toward the distant Southern region, where peace awaited them.
That night, Liora stood on a hill overlooking the kingdom of Avenshier. She saw the lights glowing in the palace, and gave thanks for everything that had happened. She knew she had made the right decision and she was ready to start a new life with Yanzhi.
First Day in the Village
After walking for a week without rest, Aveline and Yanzhi finally arrived at the small village by the river. Both were tired, their clothes were dirty, and their stomachs were empty. No one knew them only a pair of confused young strangers.
They approached Grandma Mei's house, where she was sitting on the porch arranging flowers. Grandma Mei looked at them with kind eyes, but also curiosity.
"Hello, young ones. Where are you two from?" asked Grandma Mei.
Aveline stepped forward carefully. "We're from far away, Ma'am. We're looking for a place to stay and work. Is there anything we can help with in this village?"
Grandma Mei thought for a moment, then smiled. "There's an empty house on the edge of the village, near the river. If you want to stay there, just help me in the garden and fields. Is that okay?"
Aveline and Yanzhi were overjoyed. They went straight to the house a small place with two separate bedrooms, a simple living room, and an outdoor kitchen. After all, they were just friends nothing more so staying in separate rooms felt more proper.
"You take the room near the door, Yanzhi," said Aveline, dividing up the sleeping spaces. "I'll take the one inside."
Yanzhi nodded. "Okay. If anything happens, call me, alright?"
Starting the next day, their new life began. Every morning, they woke up early Aveline cooked breakfast with the rice and vegetables they had, while Yanzhi cleaned the yard. Then they went to Grandma Mei's garden to water the plants, pick flowers, and pull weeds.
At first, there were many misunderstandings between them. One day, Aveline wanted to cook rice but forgot how to measure it. Yanzhi saw her confusion and laughed.
"It's easy, Aveline," he said, picking up a cup. "One cup of rice for two people. Simple, right?"
Aveline felt embarrassed and covered her face.
"I'm really bad at cooking. Back where I'm from, someone always cooked for me."
"It's okay, I'll teach you later," Yanzhi replied kindly. "We'll learn together."
Since then, Yanzhi often taught Aveline simple things how to cook, how to water plants properly, even how to catch fish in the river. In return, Aveline taught Yanzhi how to arrange flowers beautifully, how to write letters, and how to sing folk songs.
One afternoon, they went to the river to wash clothes. Aveline was washing a shirt when she suddenly slipped and almost fell into the water. Yanzhi quickly grabbed her hand, bringing them close together.
"Be careful, Aveline," he said in a soft voice.
Aveline felt her face turn red. She quickly pulled her hand away. "Thank you, Yanzhi."
That night, they sat under the mango tree in front of the house. The sky was full of stars, and the wind whispered through the leaves. There was no torch, but without realizing it, Aveline made a small light appear from her hand to illuminate their seats.
"Wow, that's so cool!" Yanzhi exclaimed, looking at the light. "You can make light?"
Aveline was shocked and quickly hid her hand. "Yes… but don't tell anyone else, okay? I'm scared they'll be afraid of me."
Yanzhi nodded. "Don't worry, it's our secret. Your magic is really beautiful, you know."
From that moment on, their bond grew stronger. They often talked late at night under the mango tree about their dreams, hopes, and pasts. Aveline told him about the place she was born, while Yanzhi spoke of his faraway village.
"Are you happy living here, Aveline?" Yanzhi asked one night.
Aveline smiled. "Yes. Happier than I've ever been back home. Here, I have you to teach me so many things."
Yanzhi smiled back. "I'm happy you're here too, Aveline. Without you, I'd be so lost."
That night, they sat together until late, with the small light from Aveline's hand shining on them. Their bond grew slowly but surely like a flower blooming gently in spring.
Growing Closer
After that night under the mango tree, the atmosphere between Aveline and Yanzhi felt a little different. There was a new warmth a longer smile, a softer voice, and often they'd look at each other without realizing it.
One morning, Grandma Mei asked them to go to the faraway market to buy rice and oil. The market was a two-hour walk away, so they had to leave early.
The trip to the market was quite pleasant. They walked while talking, looking at the views of hills and rice fields. Aveline often stopped to pick wild flowers, and Yanzhi always waited for her patiently.
"Here, this flower is for you," said Aveline, giving him a white jasmine.
Yanzhi took it with a smile.
"It's so beautiful. Thank you, Aveline."
At the market, many people looked at them. Some market-goers even said,
"Wow, what a lovely couple!" Aveline and Yanzhi immediately blushed.
"We're not a couple!" they said at the same time, then looked at each other and laughed.
On the way back, they walked with the heavy load of rice and oil. Yanzhi saw Aveline struggling with her bag and offered to help. "How about letting me carry some of it? It's heavy, right?"
"It's okay, I'm strong enough," Aveline replied, but she already looked tired.
Yanzhi didn't listen. He took the bag from Aveline's hand and carried it along with his own. "I'm a guy, I should help. Don't worry, I'm strong enough."
Aveline looked at him with admiration. She was glad to have a friend like Yanzhi.
When they got back to the village, they rested by the river. Aveline opened the snack she had brought peanut cakes she had made that morning. They ate together while watching the clear river water.
"Someday, I want to go to that faraway mountain," said Yanzhi. "I heard the view is amazing you can see the sunrise."
"I want to go too!" Aveline replied excitedly. "We'll go together, right?"
"Yeah, definitely together. It won't be fun without you," Yanzhi said, then realized what he had said and blushed.
Aveline smiled. She knew what his words meant.
That night, there was a feast in the village to celebrate the harvest. All the villagers gathered in the village square to sing, dance, and eat lots of food. Aveline wore a Beizi(traditional Chinese jacket) that Grandma Mei had given her, while Yanzhi wore a Duijin Shan(traditional Chinese mandarin-collar shirt).
They stood side by side, watching others dance. Suddenly, a slow folk song started playing. Many couples began dancing together.
"Want to dance?" asked Yanzhi, holding out his hand to Aveline.
Aveline nodded shyly. She took his hand, and they started dancing. They moved slowly across the square, their eyes locked on each other. In that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
When the song ended, they still stood close, their hands still holding each other's. Yanzhi looked into Aveline's eyes seriously. "Aveline… I want to tell you something."
"What is it?" asked Aveline, her heart beating fast.
"I… I'm so happy you're here. Since you came, my life has become more colorful. I… I like you, Aveline. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Aveline cried tears of joy. She nodded again and again. "Yes, I will, Yanzhi! I like you too!"
Yanzhi hugged her tightly. All the villagers watched and cheered happily. Grandma Mei smiled with joy, seeing the two young people she loved finally together.
That night, they went back home with happy hearts. They sat under the mango tree again, their hands still holding each other's. Aveline made a small light appear from her hand, which shone on Yanzhi's face.
"This is the best night of my life," said Aveline.
"With you, every day is the best day," Yanzhi replied, then gently kissed her cheek.
DAYS TOGETHER IN THE VILLAGE
After officially becoming a couple, Aveline and Yanzhi's life became more and more colorful. Every morning, they woke up smiling Aveline cooked breakfast using new recipes she had learned, while Yanzhi always prepared warm water for her.
"The sun's already up, my love. Wake up now?" Yanzhi said, shaking Aveline's shoulder as she still slept.
Aveline opened her eyes slowly, seeing Yanzhi's bright smile. "I'll only wake up if you sing my favorite song," she replied playfully.
Yanzhi smiled and began to sing the folk song Aveline loved. Aveline got up and held his hand as they walked to the kitchen, singing together while cooking.
One day, Grandma Mei told them her rice field would be ready for harvest the following week. "If you can, help me ask the villagers to come help with the harvest, okay? We'll have another feast after that," Grandma Mei said.
Aveline and Yanzhi agreed at once. They walked around the village, inviting the villagers to help. Everyone was willing even the children wanted to help pick up the fallen rice stalks.
Harvest day arrived. All the villagers gathered in the field, wearing work clothes and straw hats. Aveline and Yanzhi worked together Yanzhi picked rice quickly, while Aveline packed it into sacks.
"Look, I can pick rice faster than you!" Yanzhi shouted, pointing to the pile of rice in front of him.
Aveline laughed and tried to keep up. But suddenly, she slipped in the mud and fell. Her face was covered in mud, making everyone laugh especially Yanzhi.
"You're so funny, Aveline!" Yanzhi said, helping her up and wiping the mud from her face.
"I'll get you back later!" Aveline replied, then splashed mud at Yanzhi. Soon, both of them were covered in mud, playing around in the field as the villagers cheered them on.
After the harvest was done, they held a feast in the village square as promised. There was lots of food rice, grilled fish, peanut cakes, and coconut juice. Everyone sang and danced until late at night.
That night, Aveline and Yanzhi went to the riverbank, still covered in mud. They sat on a rock, watching the river reflect the moonlight.
"Do you remember when we first arrived in this village? We were tired and hungry, not knowing where to go," Aveline said.
"Yes, and now we're here, together, with people who love us," Yanzhi replied, holding her hand. "I'm so grateful to have you, Aveline."
Aveline hugged him tightly. "I'm also grateful to have you, Yanzhi. This village feels like home because you're here."
A few weeks later, heavy rain fell for a week straight. The river overflowed, and some of the villagers' fields were flooded. Everyone was worried if the water didn't recede soon, the newly planted crops would be ruined.
"I have an idea," Aveline said to Yanzhi.
"I can use my magic to make a drainage channel that lets water flow to the river faster. But I need your help."
Yanzhi nodded. "I'll always help you. What do I need to do?"
They talked to the villagers, and everyone agreed to help. Aveline used her magic to create light that lit up the path for the channel, while the villagers and Yanzhi dug with shovels and baskets.
After a day of work, the drainage channel was done. Water from the fields began to flow to the river quickly. All the villagers were happy and cheered.
"Thank you, Aveline! You saved our crops!" Uncle Wei shouted, hugging her.
Aveline smiled. "It's not just me we all did it together."
That night, they sat under the mango tree. Yanzhi took a bunch of jasmine from his pocket flowers he had picked from Grandma Mei's garden.
"This is for you, as a thank you for always being willing to help others," Yanzhi said.
Aveline cried tears of joy. She put the flowers in her hair, then kissed Yanzhi on the lips for the first time. The sky was full of stars, and a small light from her hand shone on them both as if nature was also celebrating their happiness.
"You want to stay in this village forever, right, Yanzhi?" Aveline asked.
"Forever, as long as you're here," Yanzhi replied, hugging her tightly.
THE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
After the rain receded and the village grew quiet again, Aveline and Yanzhi remembered their promise : to go to the faraway mountain to watch the sunrise. They prepared their things for a week simple food, water, blankets, and a torch.
"We're leaving today, right?" Aveline asked, checking the packed bag. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Yes, we'll head out this afternoon. Don't forget your blanket the mountain is really cold at night," Yanzhi replied, checking his shoes.
They told Grandma Mei about their plan. Grandma Mei smiled and gave them a package of cakes. "This is for your journey. Don't forget to be careful, kids."
They set off in the afternoon. The path to the mountain was no easy feat there were steep slopes, slippery rocks, and thick forests. But they didn't feel tired, because they kept talking and helping each other the whole way.
"Here, let me help you climb," Yanzhi said, holding out his hand when Aveline struggled to scale a steep hill.
Aveline took his hand and smiled.
"Thank you, my love. You're always there when I need you."
They reached the mountain's peak in the evening. The view from up there was breathtaking they could see the entire village, the river coiling like a snake, and orange clouds from the setting sun.
"Wow… this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Aveline said, her eyes filled with wonder.
"The most beautiful thing is you, standing right next to me," Yanzhi replied, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.
They made a sleeping spot on a small flat area at the top, using their blankets and dry leaves. Night fell, and the air grew colder. Aveline shivered, so Yanzhi held her tight to keep her warm.
"The sky is so full of stars tonight," Aveline said, gazing up from under the blanket.
"Look, there's a pair of twin stars over there," she said, pointing to the sky. "The story goes that they were two people who loved each other but couldn't be together on earth. So God turned them into stars to be side by side forever."
Aveline squeezed Yanzhi's hand tighter.
"We won't end up like that, will we? We'll always be together?"
"Forever," Yanzhi replied, kissing the top of her head.
They slept for a little while, but woke up before dawn to wait for the sunrise. They sat side by side on the edge of the cliff, staring at the dark horizon.
Suddenly, a streak of light appeared on the distant skyline. Slowly, the sun began to rise, painting the sky in shades of orange, red, and yellow. The whole world looked bright and fresh.
"Aaaaa… it's so beautiful!" Aveline shouted with joy. She jumped up and hugged Yanzhi.
Yanzhi looked at her with eyes full of love. He picked up a small stone from the ground one shaped like a heart and gave it to her.
"This is for you," he said. "This stone is from the top of this mountain. May our love be as strong as this stone, and always shine as bright as this sunrise."
Aveline cried tears of happiness. She hugged Yanzhi and kissed him.
"Thank you, Yanzhi. This is the best gift I've ever received. I'll keep it forever."
After watching the sun rise fully, they started making their way down the mountain. The journey down was faster, and they reached the village in the evening. Grandma Mei and the villagers were already waiting for them in front of the house.
"How was it? Was the view beautiful?" Grandma Mei asked.
"The most beautiful in the world!" Aveline replied, showing her the heart-shaped stone in her hand.
All the villagers smiled. They invited Aveline and Yanzhi to eat with them, listening eagerly to their story of the mountain adventure.
That night, they sat under the mango tree again. Aveline held the heart-shaped stone and watched as a small light from her hand glowed on it.
"Today is the second best day of my life," Aveline said.
"When was the first?" Yanzhi asked.
"When you asked me to be your girlfriend," Aveline replied with a smile.
Yanzhi held her tight. In this small village, under the mango tree that always witnessed their happiness, they knew their life was perfect no throne, no power, only love and peace.
THE FORGOTTEN FOREST ADVENTURE
A few weeks after returning from the cave, Grandma Mei told them about a forest at the edge of the village, which few people visited. "The villagers call it the 'Forgotten Forest' because many people go in but struggle to find their way out. They say there's a flower tree there that only blooms once a year," Grandma Mei said.
Aveline and Yanzhi were immediately curious. "We want to go there, Grandma! We'll be careful and bring a map we drew ourselves," Aveline said, showing the map she'd made with clay.
Grandma Mei thought for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, but bring a torch and a bell. If you get lost, ring the bell so the villagers can hear you."
They set off in the morning, bringing the map, torch, bell, and food. The path to the forest was already difficult thick bushes and tall trees blocked out the sunlight. They followed Aveline's map, but suddenly heavy rain fell, making the map wet and unreadable.
"Ah, this is bad! Our map is ruined!" Aveline shouted, worried.
Yanzhi took the bell and rang it. "Don't panic. Let's try to find the path by following the sound of the river. The river must lead back to the village."
They walked slowly, following the distant sound of the river. The forest grew darker and colder. Sometimes they heard animal sounds, but Yanzhi always stood in front of Aveline to protect her.
"Here, hold my hand. Don't get lost," Yanzhi said, gripping Aveline's hand tightly.
Aveline felt calm.
"I'm not scared as long as you're here, Yanzhi."
After walking for two hours, the rain stopped and the sun began to peek through the leaves. Suddenly, they saw bright light ahead and it turned out to be the spot where the flower tree Grandma Mei had talked about was growing!
The tree was huge, with beautiful light purple flowers. Each flower gave off a pleasant scent, and birds began to land on its branches.
"There it is! The tree that only blooms once a year!" Aveline shouted with joy. She ran to the tree and touched the flowers gently.
Yanzhi approached and looked at the tree in wonder. "This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, apart from you."
They sat under the tree, eating their food and enjoying the flower's fragrance. Meanwhile, Aveline made a small light appear from her hand, which shone on the flowers and made them even brighter.
Suddenly, they saw a small child crying in the corner of the forest. The child was wearing dirty clothes and had a hurt leg.
"Hi, little one. Why are you crying?" Aveline asked softly, approaching the child.
"I'm lost… I'm looking for Mama but I can't find her," the child said, crying even harder.
Aveline hugged the child and wiped their tears. "Don't worry, we'll take you back to the village. Your Mama must be looking for you."
They walked with the child, following the sound of the river. The child told them their name was Xiao Yu, and they'd gone into the forest to pick flowers for Mama.
After walking for an hour, they finally left the forest and reached the village. Soon, a young woman ran toward them and hugged Xiao Yu tightly.
"Xiao Yu! I was so worried!" the woman shouted, crying tears of joy. She looked at Aveline and Yanzhi and said,
"Thank you so much for saving my child! I'll always be grateful to you both."
All the villagers who saw them cheered. Uncle Wei approached and said,
"You two are amazing! You found the flower tree and saved the lost child."
That night, they sat under the mango tree with Grandma Mei, Xiao Yu, and Xiao Yu's Mama. The woman brought cakes she'd made as a thank you.
"You two don't just go on adventures you help others too. I'm proud of you," Grandma Mei said.
As they walked on, they suddenly heard a young woman's voice calling for help: "Please… is anyone there?"
They searched for the source of the sound and found a beautiful young woman with golden-brown hair and light brown eyes, standing behind some bushes. Her clothes were dirty, her hair was wet from the rain, and her face was full of fear.
"Hi! Are you lost?" Aveline asked gently, approaching her.
The young woman looked at them, but her eyes immediately fell on Yanzhi. She smiled softly and nodded. "Yes… I've been in here since morning, but I can't find my way out. Please help me?"
Aveline nodded, but noticed the young woman was only looking at Yanzhi and never at her. She was a little confused, but still friendly.
"Okay. Where are you from? Why did you come into this forest alone?" Aveline asked.
The young woman kept staring at Yanzhi, as if she hadn't heard Aveline's question. Yanzhi looked at Aveline with a "what do I do?" expression, then turned to the young woman. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?"
The young woman smiled wider.
"I'm fine, thank you. You're very handsome…"
Aveline sighed softly and stood in front of Yanzhi, making the young woman look at her. "Hey, I asked you earlier where are you from? Why are you alone?"
The young woman was surprised and finally looked at Aveline. "Oh, sorry. I'm from far away. I came here to find the flower tree they talk about, but I got lost. My name is Lili."
"I'm Aveline, and this is Yanzhi my boyfriend," Aveline said, her tone a little firm as she crossed her arms.
Lili raised an eyebrow, but her eyes went back to Yanzhi. "Your boyfriend? Wow, you're so lucky, Aveline… he's handsome and kind."
Yanzhi smiled awkwardly and pulled Aveline closer. "We need to get out of here quickly before it rains again. Come on, let's go together."
During the walk, Lili always stayed next to Yanzhi, asking him all kinds of things about the village, his hobbies, even his favorite food. She barely spoke to Aveline, except when Aveline asked about the direction.
"Yanzhi, you love adventures, right? I love adventures too! We could go on another one together sometime, okay?" Lili said happily.
Aveline, who was walking in front, heard this and turned around. "Sorry, Lili. When we go on adventures, it's always just the two of us. Right, Yanzhi?"
Yanzhi nodded quickly. "Yes, that's right. We're always together."
Lili looked disappointed, but said nothing. After walking for an hour, they finally saw the flower tree that only blooms once a year! The tree was huge, with fragrant, beautiful light purple flowers.
"Wow… this is so beautiful!" Lili shouted, but her eyes were still on Yanzhi. "Do you see that, Yanzhi? These flowers are just as beautiful as you!"
Aveline shook her head and smiled amusedly. She knew Lili was smitten with Yanzhi, but she wasn't jealous she actually found it funny how Lili kept staring at him.
After enjoying the view of the flower tree, they continued walking and finally left the forest. At the edge of the village, an old man was looking for Lili.
"Lili! I was so worried!" the old man shouted, approaching them.
"Ah, Father!" Lili shouted, running to him. She then turned back to Aveline and Yanzhi, but her eyes were still on Yanzhi.
"Thank you so much, Yanzhi… and you too, Aveline. If it weren't for you, I'd still be lost in the forest. I hope we can meet again, Yanzhi?"
Yanzhi smiled kindly. "Of course. Just don't go into the forest alone again, okay?"
After Lili and her father left, Aveline turned to Yanzhi and patted his shoulder.
"Wow, you're really popular in the forest, huh? A beautiful young woman who's smitten with you!"
Yanzhi blushed and hugged her.
"I was just trying to help. The only person I see is you, my love. No one else matters."
Aveline smiled happily. They walked back to Grandma Mei's house, talking and laughing about their experience meeting Lili in the forest. That night, they sat under the mango tree, enjoying the night air and the bright stars.
"Today's adventure was so funny," Aveline said. "Beautiful flower tree, beautiful young woman smitten with you…"
"The funniest part is you telling the story," Yanzhi replied, kissing her lips. "And I'm happy to go on any adventure with you, no matter who we meet."
Aveline held Yanzhi's hand.
"The best adventures aren't just about what we find they're about what we do for others."
Yanzhi agreed and kissed the top of her head.
"Yes, and I'm glad I get to do all of it with you."
That night, the sky was full of stars, and the scent of the flowers from the forest tree still hung in the air as if telling the story of their adventure, full of happiness and kindness.
.....
A few weeks after the forest incident, the morning was bright and clear. Aveline had to help Grandma Mei go to the market to buy monthly supplies she promised to be back before noon. Yanzhi was in the yard, cutting wood to fix the broken fence.
Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice: "Yanzhi! You're here!"
Yanzhi turned and saw Lili standing at the gate, wearing a clean white dress and her hair neatly styled. She carried a small basket in her hand.
"Lili? Why are you back in the village?" Yanzhi asked with a polite smile, but stayed where he was.
Lili walked closer, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the sweaty Yanzhi working.
"I wanted to visit the village again. And… I heard you're fixing the fence. Can I help?"
"Ah, no need, this is men's work. You probably wouldn't know how," Yanzhi replied quickly.
"But I can help carry the wood you've cut! Or sweep the yard it's messy with all those wood shavings," Lili said in a pleading tone, glancing down at the yard which was indeed a little cluttered.
Before Yanzhi could refuse, Lili had grabbed the broom from the corner of the yard and started sweeping quickly. She occasionally turned to smile at Yanzhi, even deliberately making small mistakes to get his attention.
"Oops! My broom fell," she shouted, then bent down to pick it up while deliberately twisting her body so Yanzhi would look at her.
Yanzhi just nodded and went back to cutting wood. But Lili didn't give up. She walked over to where Yanzhi was standing and offered him a cup of warm water from her basket.
"You must be tired. Drink this first," she said, holding out the cup with a slightly trembling hand.
Yanzhi had to accept it. "Thank you, Lili. But Aveline will be back soon." He deliberately mentioned Aveline to make Lili understand.
But Lili acted as if she didn't hear. She started asking about Yanzhi's life in the village: "You like living here, don't you? I also want to live in a peaceful place like this… especially if there's someone kind like you here."
Just then, Lili saw a large piece of wood fall toward Yanzhi. She ran quickly and pushed him aside turns out it was just a small, harmless piece of wood, but Lili deliberately made it seem like she'd saved his life.
"Gosh, that was close! You have to be more careful, Yanzhi," Lili said in a worried tone, wiping the sweat from Yanzhi's forehead with her own handkerchief.
Yanzhi stepped back slightly. "Thank you, but it was just a small piece of wood."
It was then that they heard Aveline's voice from the gate: "Yanzhi, I'm back! Grandma Mei bought your favorite cake—"
Aveline stopped when she saw Lili standing next to Yanzhi, Lili's hand still hanging in the air as if she was about to touch him. She was a little surprised, but immediately smiled.
"Lili? You're back! That's nice!" Aveline said warmly, walking over with her shopping basket.
Lili was startled and quickly pulled her hand back. "A-Aveline! I… I just wanted to help Yanzhi fix the fence and sweep the yard."
"Wow, thank you so much, Lili! You're so kind," Aveline said, then looked at the clean yard. "Wow, it's so tidy! Come on in then. I'll make you a drink."
While inside the house, Lili kept trying to get Yanzhi's attention: she asked about his hobbies, mentioned that she also loved adventures like him, even offered to take him to the river later. But Yanzhi always replied briefly and often redirected the conversation to Aveline.
"Aveline, did you know? Yesterday I saw the jasmine in Grandma Mei's garden is blooming. You must love it since that's the flower I gave you back then," Yanzhi said, looking at Aveline with loving eyes.
Aveline smiled happily. "Yes, I know. I already picked some to put in our room."
Lili watched this and felt jealous, but she didn't want to give up. She stood up and said, "Yanzhi, this afternoon I'm going to the forest to look for the rare flowers that only grow there. Can you come with me? I need your help because the path is hard."
Before Yanzhi could answer, Aveline spoke up: "Sorry, Lili. Tonight we promised Uncle Wei we'd help fix his house. But if you want, tomorrow we can all go to the forest together me, Yanzhi, and some other villagers."
Lili sighed in disappointment, but couldn't say anything. She knew Aveline was protecting their relationship, but she still wasn't ready to give up.
"See you again, Yanzhi. Don't forget our promise…" Lili said as she walked out, turning back one last time with a hopeful look.
After Lili left, Yanzhi walked over and hugged Aveline. "Sorry, my love. I didn't mean to make her come back."
Aveline stroked Yanzhi's hair and smiled. "It's okay. I know you're just being kind. What matters is that you're always by my side."
Yanzhi kissed Aveline's lips. "Forever, my love. You're the only one I want."
Outside, Lili stood at the gate and looked at Grandma Mei's house with a determined expression. "I won't give up that easily, Aveline. I'll make Yanzhi see me."
THE SECRET REVEALED
After Lili left, Uncle Wei hurried down the road toward the market. He spotted Grandma Mei and Aveline talking in front of the spice shop and walked over at once.
"Grandma Mei, Aveline… there's something I need to tell you," Uncle Wei said in a low voice, looking around to make sure no one else was listening.
"Is something wrong, Uncle Wei?" Grandma Mei asked, worried.
"I just saw Lili standing at your gate with a strange look on her face. She was staring at your house with such determination, like she wanted something. And… I remember now! Five years ago, there was a family living on the edge of the village their daughter was named Lili. The family left after being suspected of stealing from the villagers," Uncle Wei said.
Aveline was shocked. "But Lili said she was from far away…"
"You need to be careful, kids. I don't know why she's back in the village, but something in my gut says she's not just here to get to know Yanzhi," Uncle Wei added.
Grandma Mei nodded seriously. "Thank you, Uncle Wei. We'll be on our guard."
At that moment, far from the village by the river, Lili stood with a man in black clothes. The man looked angry.
"How long have you been trying to get close to him? We need money from the village's things! Don't waste time with this fake romance!" the man shouted.
"Relax, Father. I'm already close to Yanzhi. He thinks I'm a good person. Soon, I'll ask him to take me to Grandma Mei's house where she keeps the valuable things from her ancestors!" Lili replied with an evil smile.
"But Aveline is always in the way!" her father said.
"Don't worry. Tomorrow, I'll ask Yanzhi to go to the forest with me alone. Aveline will definitely say no, but I'll find a way to stop her from coming," Lili said, holding a small stone she'd brought from the forest.
The next morning, Lili came to Grandma Mei's house again. Aveline was in the kitchen making breakfast, while Yanzhi was cleaning the yard.
"Yanzhi! I found the rare flower I told you about yesterday! They only bloom today! Can we go now? We'll be right back, I promise!" Lili said excitedly.
"I need to ask Aveline first," Yanzhi replied.
But Lili quickly pulled his hand. "No, please! She'll just worry and say no. We'll only be gone a little while. I'll even bring a pretty flower back for her!"
Before Yanzhi could think, Lili saw Aveline coming out of the kitchen. She whispered quickly, "Hurry, let's go through the back. If she sees us, we'll never get to go!"
Yanzhi felt hesitant, but seeing Lili's hopeful smile, he finally agreed. They hurried away through the back of the house, not realizing Aveline was watching them from the window.
Aveline felt uneasy. She remembered Uncle Wei's words and immediately grabbed a torch and bell, running after them while calling Yanzhi's name.
In the forest, Lili led Yanzhi to a quiet, dark place not to the flower tree, but to a hidden cave.
"Where are the rare flowers, Lili?" Yanzhi asked suspiciously.
Lili smiled evilly. "There are no rare flowers, Yanzhi. I just wanted to bring you here so Father can take you hostage. Grandma Mei has to give us all her valuable things if she wants you safe!"
Suddenly, the man in black appeared from behind the bushes, holding a stick.
"You're trapped now, young man!"
Yanzhi stood tall. "I won't let you hurt Grandma Mei or the villagers!"
Just as the man was about to attack, a loud bell rang from far away.
"Yanzhi! I'm here!" Aveline shouted.
Lili and her father were shocked. Aveline appeared with Uncle Wei and several villagers, all carrying shovels and baskets.
"You won't get away, Lili! We know your secret!" Uncle Wei said.
The man tried to run, but the villagers caught him quickly. Lili fell to her knees and cried. "I'm sorry… I had no choice. Father forced me because we need money to treat Mother, who's sick!"
Aveline walked over to Lili carefully.
"Why didn't you tell us? We would have helped!"
Lili cried harder.
"I was scared you wouldn't trust me… because of my family's past."
Grandma Mei walked over and hugged Lili. "The past doesn't define the future, child. If you want to change, this village will welcome you."
After that, the man was taken to the village head's office to be dealt with. Lili chose to stay in the village and work in Uncle Wei's fields to pay off her family's debts. Aveline and Yanzhi even taught her to cook and help in Grandma Mei's garden.
A few weeks later, Lili had become part of the village. She thanked Aveline and Yanzhi. "I'm sorry I tried to steal Yanzhi's attention and hurt you both. Now I know true love is about helping and respecting each other."
Yanzhi smiled. "Everyone deserves a second chance, Lili."
That night, all the villagers gathered under the mango tree, singing and eating together. The sky was full of stars, and a small light from Aveline's hand shone on them all as if nature was celebrating that the truth had come out and goodness had won.
.....
LILI, THE NEW VILLAGER
After her family's secret was revealed, Lili was determined to change. She lived in a small house provided by the villagers, and every morning she woke up earlier than everyone else to help in Uncle Wei's fields.
"Hi, Uncle Wei! What are we harvesting today?" Lili asked with a bright smile, carrying a straw hat and work clothes that were worn but clean.
"We're picking chilies today, Lili. Can you help pack them into sacks?" Uncle Wei asked with a smile. He'd started to trust Lili after seeing her hard work for a week.
"Don't worry, Uncle! I'll be fast!" Lili replied, immediately getting to work with energy. She didn't want people to see her as the daughter of a thief anymore she wanted to be someone useful to the village.
In the afternoons, Lili always went to Grandma Mei's garden to help Aveline pick flowers and tend to the plants.
"Lili, look these jasmine flowers are blooming. Can you help me make a garland from them for the villager who's getting married next week?" Aveline asked.
"Yes, I can! I love making flower garlands," Lili said excitedly. She started learning so many things from Aveline from cooking and making handicrafts, to how to speak to others with kindness.
One day, the village children were playing in the square when one of them, Xiao Ming, fell and hurt his leg. All the children cried, but there were no adults around.
Lili, who was passing by, saw this and immediately walked over to Xiao Ming. "Don't cry, little one. Aunty Lili will help treat your wound."
She took Xiao Ming to her house, cleaned the wound with clean water, and covered it with a fresh cloth. She even sang a folk song to calm him down.
"All better now. We'll play again tomorrow, but be more careful, okay?" Lili said in a soft voice.
Xiao Ming smiled. "Thank you, Aunty Lili! You're so kind!"
The story spread quickly through the village. Villagers who had once avoided Lili started greeting her warmly. That night, Xiao Ming's mother brought cakes to Lili's house as a thank you.
"Thank you so much, Lili. I never thought you'd help my son," Xiao Ming's mother said.
"We're all family in this village, Ma'am. We all have to help each other," Lili replied, her eyes a little teary. This was the first time she'd felt truly accepted in the village.
A few months later, Lili started teaching the village children to make handicrafts from leaves and flowers. They made beautiful garlands, bracelets, and hats. On market day, they sold the handicrafts and collected money to repair the village mosque.
"Look at this, Aveline! We've collected so much money!" Lili shouted happily, showing a box full of coins.
Aveline hugged Lili. "You're amazing, Lili! You've truly become an incredible person."
Yanzhi smiled too. "We're proud of you, Lili. The village is happier because you're here."
That night, all the villagers gathered in the village square to celebrate. They sang, danced, and ate food they'd made together. Lili stood in the middle, watching everyone's happy faces, and felt happier than she'd ever felt before.
She walked over to Grandma Mei, who was sitting under the mango tree.
"Grandma Mei, thank you for giving me a second chance. Without you and all the villagers, I wouldn't be who I am today."
Grandma Mei stroked Lili's hair. "You made that change yourself, child. This village is always open to those who want to change and love others."
In the sky, the stars shone brightly, and a small light from Aveline's hand glowed on Lili as if to signal that she had finally found a place that was truly home.
...
One day, heavy rain fell all morning. Lili sat in her house, watching the rain drench the fields she worried Uncle Wei's harvest would be ruined. Without a second thought, she grabbed her old umbrella and ran to the fields.
When she arrived, she saw Uncle Wei trying to save his chili plants with an umbrella that was too small. His whole body was soaked, but he kept working nonstop.
"Uncle Wei, let me help you!" Lili shouted, immediately helping to save the plants that could still be saved.
They worked together for an hour, until the rain stopped. Uncle Wei sat tiredly on the ground, looking at Lili who was also soaked but still smiling.
"Lili… five years ago, your family stole a bundle of rice from my field. I was so angry, I even swore I'd never want to look at your face again," Uncle Wei said in a soft voice.
Lili was shocked, tears starting to well up in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Uncle… I know my family was wrong…"
"But look at you now. You wake up earlier than everyone else to help me, even came out in the middle of the rain just to save my plants. Your change is real, Lili. I'm sorry too for holding a grudge until now," Uncle Wei said, taking Lili's hand.
In that moment, Lili cried freely. This was the first time someone who had been hurt by her family had forgiven her and it filled her heart with a joy she had never felt before.
That evening, Lili went to Grandma Mei's garden. She saw Aveline watering the jasmine flowers and walked over carefully.
"Aveline… I'm sorry I tried to steal Yanzhi's attention. I feel so terrible for making you worry," Lili said, her hands trembling.
Aveline stopped and turned around. She saw Lili's tears and immediately hugged her.
"Lili, that's in the past. What matters is that you're a good person now. Sometimes we make mistakes because we have to, but what we do after that defines who we are," Aveline said in a gentle voice.
Lili hugged Aveline tighter. "Thank you for accepting me. I don't have any siblings, but now I feel like I have an older sister."
"I feel like I have a younger sister too," Aveline replied, wiping Lili's tears.
A few days later, Lili's mother who had recovered from her illness came to the village. She saw Lili teaching the children to make handicrafts and cried tears of joy.
"Lili, my child… you've truly changed. I'm so proud of you!" her mother shouted, running over to hug her.
"All because of this village, Mom. They gave me a second chance, gave me a home, and made me feel wanted," Lili replied, crying too.
All the villagers watched, and many felt moved. Grandma Mei stood in front, smiling with teary eyes.
"Look at that, children. This is what goodness looks like. We gave one chance, and she gave back with an incredible change," Grandma Mei said.
That night, all the villagers gathered under the mango tree. Lili stood in the middle, holding the handicrafts the children had made. She gave one to Uncle Wei and one to her mother.
"This is for you, Uncle Wei as a thank you for forgiving me. And this is for you, Mom as proof that your daughter has changed," Lili said in a firm but emotional voice.
Everyone clapped, and some even cried. Yanzhi walked over and said, "Lili, you've proven that the human heart can change. This village is better because you're here."
In the sky, the stars shone brighter, and the small light from Aveline's hand glowed more brightly on Lili as if nature itself was crying tears of joy at the change she had made, a change that truly touched everyone's heart.
THE FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
A few weeks after her mother left, Lili's birthday arrived. She'd forgotten all about it until that morning, when she saw the village children gathered in front of her house with secretive grins.
"Lili, open the door!" shouted Xiao Ming and his friends.
When Lili opened the door, she saw them holding a cake they'd made themselves from rice flour and coconut sugar, plus a beautiful jasmine garland.
"Happy birthday, Aunty Lili! We made this cake for you!" Xiao Ming said with a wide smile.
Lili was shocked and started crying. This was the first time she'd celebrated her birthday with anyone before, her family had always forgotten or couldn't afford a cake.
"Thank you… thank you so much…" Lili said, hugging all the children.
Soon after, Aveline, Yanzhi, Uncle Wei, and Grandma Mei arrived with food and gifts: a new set of work clothes and a better umbrella to replace her old one.
"We all knew it was your birthday today, Lili. You're not alone anymore," Grandma Mei said, hugging her.
They ate together in Lili's yard, sang "Happy Birthday," and shared stories. In that moment, Lili knew she truly had a family in this village.
....
One day, a group of kids from a nearby village came and bullied the local children. They called the village kids "backwards" and stole the handicrafts Lili and the children had made.
Lili saw this and didn't hesitate. She walked over to the group, standing tall.
"Leave here. Don't hurt the kids here. If you don't, I'll tell your village head," Lili said in a firm but calm voice.
The group of kids saw how serious she was and got scared, running away. The village children immediately ran to Lili and hugged her.
"Thank you, Aunty Lili! You're like our hero!" one of the kids shouted.
Lili stroked the child's hair. "I'll always protect all of you, because you're my family."
That night, the village mothers brought food to Lili's house as a thank you. They said Lili had become the "guardian" of the village children.
....
One morning, a young man from another village came to town. He said he'd lost all his money and had no place to stay because he'd been robbed. Many villagers didn't trust him they remembered Lili's past.
But Lili walked over to him. "Would you like to eat first? I have rice and vegetables at my house."
The man cried and nodded. At Lili's house, he told her he'd really been tricked and had lost all the money he'd saved to treat his sick mother.
Lili spoke to the villagers. "You gave me a second chance, right? Now, let's give him one too."
After thinking it over, the villagers agreed. They gave him a place to stay in an empty house and work in the fields. A few months later, the man paid back what he owed and thanked everyone especially Lili.
"I'll change like you did, Lili. Thank you for trusting me," the man said.
Lili smiled. She realized her change hadn't just touched other people's hearts it had made them want to become better too.
...
On a clear night, all the villagers gathered under the mango tree. Lili stood in the middle, holding a notebook she'd kept filled with stories of her own change and everyone in the village.
"I started with a mistake, feeling lost and unwanted. But this village gave me a home, love, and a second chance. Now, I can stand here and say I'm happy truly happy," Lili said in an emotional voice.
Everyone stood up and clapped. Aveline walked over and gave her a jasmine flower. Yanzhi said, "You've taught us that love and forgiveness can change the world."
In the sky, the stars shone brightly, and the small light from Aveline's hand glowed on Lili and everyone under the mango tree as if nature was celebrating the happiness they shared, a happiness built from change and love.