Morning light spread across the Veyris Empire.
Golden streams of energy flowed between floating towers while dragons crossed the skies above crystal clouds.
The Imperial Garden was peaceful today.
No battles.
No dimensional storms.
Only the sound of wind moving through glowing trees.
Near a silver lake stood Kael Veyris looking across the horizon.
Footsteps slowly approached.
It was Morrigan.
Her black hair moved gently in the wind and her green eyes looked unusually nervous.
For someone who could manipulate laws and narratives themselves.
she suddenly looked uncertain.
Kael glanced toward her.
You needed something?
Morrigan looked down for a moment.
Then back at him.
When you found me...
I had nothing.
No freedom.
No future.
No place to go.
Her voice softened.
You didn't ask for anything in return.
You simply reached out your hand.
She looked directly at him.
I think...
No...
I know...
I care about you, Kael Veyris.
More than I expected.
Silence followed.
Not uncomfortable silence.
Just quiet.
Kael looked at her for several moments.
Then answered calmly.
You found your own path after that.
That strength belongs to you.
Morrigan blinked.
Then laughed softly.
You really answer everything like that.
Nearby behind a large crystal tree.
five smaller presences were hiding terribly.
Very terribly.
Veyloria Kaelthera
Elyrion Veythera
Kaelignis Veyris
Lyra's Kaelry
Umbrythra Veyliss
Lyra whispered:
Are we spying?
Kaelignis whispered back:
No.
We're gathering information.
Umbrythra tilted her head.
This appears identical to spying.
Elyrion nodded.
Analysis confirms that statement.
Veyloria quietly looked toward them.
...Dad already knows we're here.
Everyone froze.
Silence.
Then all five slowly turned.
Kael was already looking directly at them.
...
Lyra pointed dramatically.
Retreat.
The group immediately ran.
Elsewhere nearby.
Ignisia sat with Lilith and Nyx.
Ignisia crossed her arms.
The children tried spying again.
Lilith smiled.
Again?
That means they learned nothing from last time.
Nyx calmly held her tea.
Curiosity is powerful.
Ignisia looked toward Kael in the distance.
Morrigan finally said what she wanted to say.
Lilith nodded.
Feelings become heavier if people hide them forever.
Nyx looked toward the stars.
Even endless night eventually reaches dawn.
Nearby, the daughters ran across the gardens laughing while pretending absolutely nothing happened.
And Kael.
already knowing everything.
simply watched quietly.