I stood by the window, watching as birds soared across the sky, their wings cutting through the air.

Below, the leaves drifted slowly to the ground, carried by the gentle breeze. It was a quiet moment, almost serene.

A soft ding of the bell rang, signaling the arrival of a customer.

"Good morning, doc," Aunt Gretel greeted, settling herself in one of the chairs in the waiting area.

"Good morning," I replied, offering her a warm smile.

She raised an eyebrow, glancing around. "Is Alena not around today?"

"No, she said she needed a day off for personal matters," I explained as I moved closer, gently pressing my finger to her wrist to check her pulse.

"Well," I said after a moment, looking up at her with a slight nod, "you're feeling much better than the last time you came."

"Indeed, I've been feeling a lot better after the herbs and medicine you gave me these past three days," Aunt Gretel said with a relieved smile as I moved toward the counter, gathering a few items for her.

"Since you're doing well, I'll just prescribe some more herbs for another five days, and you should be all set," I told her, preparing the next batch of treatment.

She looked up at me, a mixture of gratitude and concern in her eyes. "I'm really glad you're here, doc... Healers don't usually come to small villages like ours. And the ones who do are so expensive. There are only a few in the Kingdom of Valandor, and they're mostly unavailable to people like us—those who can't afford it."

I smiled softly, meeting her gaze. "Well, I might not be like those magical healers who can heal wounds within seconds," I said, preparing the herbs carefully, "but I do like helping people with the knowledge I have. It's the best I can offer, and it makes a difference, even if it's not as fast as magic."

After jotting down the herbs on a small slip of paper, I handed it to Aunt Gretel, explaining each one carefully. "Make sure to drink this before breakfast," I reminded her with a gentle tone. She nodded, offering a warm smile and words of gratitude before heading out.

The sky outside was already shifting to hues of orange and purple, with nightfall approaching.

Since I would have to venture into the forest in hopes to find some medicine herbs or even magical herbs, I decided to close up early today.

My stock of herbs was running low, especially the Lunaris Fern. A rare and delicate plant that only bloomed under the soft glow of moonlight and was renowned for curing certain stubborn illnesses.

Currently cleaning my clinic, someone suddenly burst into the door

"Sorry, but we're already clo-"

"Miss... Please, you need to help my son" A voice of a man spoke from behind making me look at him, if I'm not wrong, he's in his mid-30s, seeing people from behind carrying an unconscious boy, I quickly dropped the broom, removing my cleaning cap as I quickly prepared the bed

"Place him here," I instructed firmly. The men quickly obeyed, gently laying the boy down. His skin was ashen, his breathing faint.

I reached for his wrist, feeling for a pulse—it was alarmingly weak.

"Please, remove his clothes," I said, my voice calm but urgent. The men hesitated, glancing at one another. I sighed, attempting to ease their discomfort. "You don't have to worry about modesty. I've studied anatomy extensively during my practice."

Reluctantly, they complied, and as I examined the boy, my suspicion was confirmed. Two puncture marks were visible—one near his thigh, the other on his foot.

"Snake bites... How long was he unconscious" I asked

"E-earlier"

"I need a specific time"

"It... It took us almost 15 minutes to get here so i think he lost consciousness over maybe at least 25 minutes already" One of the men spoke with his shaky voice

"Then please step outside, all of you... we don't have much time, if he will be over 30 minutes, he'll die from the venom" I demanded while preparing the surgical equipment from small to large.

The men hesitated, their fear palpable, but they eventually obeyed, filing out one by one. All except for the boy's father, who clung tightly to his son's hand.

"Can I stay?" he pleaded, his voice breaking. "I won't interfere, I swear. I just... I just want to hold his hand."

I hesitated, weighing the risks. His presence could complicate what I needed to do, but if I forced him out, he might become suspicious—and I couldn't afford distractions. With a heavy sigh, I nodded.

I pulled the curtain down, closing us off from the outside. Turning to the boy's father, I spoke as calmly as I could. "I'm going to cut the skin where the bites are and remove as much venom as possible. It will be painful, but it's the only way to save him. Hold his hand tight, and stay calm."

The father nodded, gripping his son's hand like it was the only thing keeping him steady.

I sterilized the knife and made a small cut near the bite on his thigh. Dark blood mixed with venom oozed out, and I used a suction tool to draw it out. But as I looked at the darkened veins spreading across his skin, I knew suction alone wouldn't be enough to save him.

Glancing at the father, who was focused on his son, I quietly let a faint warmth flow from my fingertips as I pressed them near the wound.

My power worked silently, pulling the venom from deep within his body and concentrating it near the bite. The darkened veins slowly faded as I moved to the bite on his foot and repeated the process, guiding the venom out until his pulse grew stronger and his breathing steadied.

Once I was sure the worst was over, I cleaned the wounds with an herbal antiseptic to prevent infection and prepared a small vial of antidote I'd made earlier from the Lunaris Fern.

 I injected it just above the bite on his thigh, watching closely as the boy's body twitched slightly, a sign the antidote was working.

Once I was certain he was completely okay, I reached for a small vial of sleeping medicine. "I'm going to give him a pain reliever," I told the father as I injected it into the boy's arm.

However, it wasn't for pain—it was to keep him asleep longer, giving me time to make everything appear normal and avoid raising suspicion about what I'd done.

Finally, I wrapped the wounds with clean bandages soaked in a healing poultice to draw out any remaining poison. I let out a slow breath, turning to the father. "The venom's been neutralized, but he's still weak. I suggest you stay here for the night so I could check on him every hour"

The father nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you," he whispered, holding his son's hand tightly.

I glanced at the boy's pale face, exhaustion settling over me. "He'll need time to recover, but he'll be okay"

His father thanked me, his voice heavy with emotion, as did the men who had waited anxiously outside.

I offered a small, tired smile before they left, while the two stayed here

Later that night, as I retired to my bedroom, I let out a long sigh, the weight of the day finally settling on me.

That was a dangerous move, Thalia... I thought, rubbing my temples. You shouldn't use your powers like that. If anyone finds out, you'll end up just like your mother.

The memory sent a shiver through me, and I sighed again, sinking into the bed. No matter how careful I tried to be, sometimes there was no other choice.

If only she just left me behind, she could surely escape my father's grip.

I was still a child, just learning how to walk when that day happens.

My father always abused my mother, emotionally... physically... and even using her own magic for his own gain, not carrying if mom was exhausted or not. He was cruel....

~Thalia's POV~

3 days and the boy was finally okay, they just left this afternoon when I told them its all good

Besides, Alena is already back on duty so I can leave the clinic on her watch tonight while I am away to find some herbs in the middle of the forest.

Now, why night when I can go during daytime?

Well, that's because of a certain herbs called Lunares Fern. These kinds of herbs only appear once in a blue moon and its also tricky to find them

The last time I went to the woods to find it, it took me at least 6 hours. Gladly the sun hasn't rose yet otherwise I would end up not finding anything

"Be careful out there, Miss," Alena said as she handed me the basket, her usual warm smile in place.

"Always," I replied with a grin, adjusting the strap over my shoulder. I turned to leave, waving my hand as I stepped out the door.

She waved back, her voice light with concern. "Come back safe!"

I nodded before heading toward the forest, the evening breeze brushing against my face.

It had been 6 hours of wandering through the vast forest, my feet crunching against fallen leaves and twigs. The trees loomed tall around me, their shadows stretching longer under the moonlight.

I sighed heavily, frustration settling in. "Maybe I missed it," I muttered to myself, glancing around at the dense greenery.

I did find some herbs though but not the one I was intending to find, maybe this will do

The surrounding is getting colder as usual tonight, maybe a rain is coming or is it the winter? No, its still summer

As I walked, the sound of flowing water caught my attention, leading me to a small, clear river. The moonlight reflected off the surface, making the stones beneath shimmer like tiny jewels. It was beautiful, but there was still no sign of the Lunaris Fern.

I sighed once again and decided to just head back since its almost sunrise

But just as I turned to leave, a sudden chill ran down my spine. My entire body froze as a hoarse voice came from behind me, and something tugged at the hem of my dress.

Heart racing, I panicked and let out a sharp cry, yanking my dress free with a desperate pull. The strangers' grip released making me stumble backward, falling to the ground with a thud.

My breaths came quick and shallow as I scrambled to sit up, my wide eyes darting toward the source of the voice.

A hand?

Where's the body?

Is it dead?

D-Did the hand just talk?

I don't know what to think. I grabbed a stick on the side and poke the hand and I hitched when it moved a little

It's... Its alive

Slowly, I approached it taking a peek and I sighed heavily in relief when I saw the hand still connected to its body...

Wait... body? There's a fucking person in the river and I didn't even notice!

I quickly pulled the person's hand, pulling his body to the shore.

Maybe this is a bad idea, I thought, my heart pounding as the figure came into view.

His body was battered and bruised, his clothes torn and soaked with water.

 And a deep, gaping wound stretched across his chest and abdomen, if I am right, these wounds were made from a sword that are 3 inches wide, i think?... and his pale skin told me he had lost an alarming amount of blood while hiding in the river.

I quickly knelt beside him, pressing my fingers to his wrist to check his pulse. It was faint—far weaker than any normal person's should be—but then I froze.

Beneath the fragile beat of his heart, I felt something else... mana, flowing faintly through his veins.

My eyes widened in realization. He's not an ordinary person.

My breath hitched as the realization sank in.

He's a mage.

The faint hum of mana coursing through his veins was unmistakable, even in his weakened state. I looked at him again, his pale skin and the deep wounds making it clear he had been through something brutal.

Mages with this kind of mana are rare, and one ending up like this—alone, beaten, and hiding in a river—was even rarer.

But, if he's like this... then there's a chance that the people that did this to him are still near considering the fact that his wounds are still fresh.

I got to really get out of here

Wrong idea

wrong idea

I started to panic again and left the man be, starting to walk away but stopped when the man grunts in pain as he called for my help

I can't just leave him like this, he's dying and he's really going to die if I leave him

But... I'll literally die if those people who did this to him came back and find me tending him

Just... UGH! Fuck this shit...

I swear on my mind as I walked back to the man, even if I drag him to my clinic which is certainly a mile away. He'll be dead before we get back there and I don't have any tools on me to tend him.

"God, please help me..." I whispered under my breath, glancing around nervously. The forest was still, save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of insects. But I couldn't take any chances.

Closing my eyes, I focused, channeling a small amount of magic to heighten my senses. The vibrations around me came to life—tiny ripples in the earth and air, painting a vivid picture of my surroundings. It was as if I could see everything within a hundred kilometers.

I took a deep breath, letting the sensations settle in. There were no humans nearby, only the quiet presence of forest animals going about their lives.

"Don't worry," I whispered, my voice steady despite the tension in my chest. "You won't remember me or know what I did when you wake up."

I took a deep breath and raised both arms to my sides. The air around me grew colder, and I felt the familiar chill of my magic flowing through me. As I opened my eyes, the world disappeared into a blinding white glow that only I could see.

With a gentle motion of my hands, I drew water from the river, its droplets shimmering as they floated toward me. I guided the water carefully, wrapping it around the mage's body like a cocoon. My magic began to work, weaving through his wounds, cuts, and bruises. The water glowed faintly as it cleansed his body, pulling out toxins and sealing even the deepest injuries. His pale skin regained its color, smooth and unblemished, almost as if nothing had happened.

Almost.

But I left the scars untouched. They were a part of his story, and I didn't want to erase them.

When it was done, the water faded away, and I lowered my arms, feeling my strength drain slightly. "That was quite... a lot... I haven't exercised my magic like that for quite some time," I said quietly, hoping I hadn't made a mistake.

This will do...

'Thalia, I hope you didn't made a mistake' I uttered to myself and before the sun rose, I teleported myself back inside my room.

I can't believe it, this night is more exhausting than what I do during day time. Damn that man.

When I opened the door, Alena was surprised a little that she almost spilled the tea on the tray she was holding

"Miss... I... I didn't notice you coming in. You surprised me," she said, rubbing her eyes and greeting me with a soft, "Good morning."

"Don't worry," I replied with a small smile. "I got back earlier than usual. I didn't want to wake you from your sleep." It was a lie, of course, but her half-closed eyes and drowsy movements told me she was still fighting off sleep.

"O-okay, I guess I really did fall asleep," she chuckled awkwardly, rubbing her eyes. "By the way, Sir William is in the living room. I told him you hadn't come back yet since I didn't know you were already here, but he said he'll just wait for you."

"I see, then I'll just get myself ready first before seeing him," I replied with a smile. "I still haven't changed yet."

She nodded, and I gave her a reassuring look before gently closing the door back.

After cleaning myself up, I wore a flowing emerald-green gown, its fabric soft and light as it swayed with every step I took. The wide, bell-shaped sleeves were adorned with delicate floral patterns that seemed to bloom with life, and intricate designs trailed down the hem like vines. A sash cinched at my waist, tying the ensemble together, while the gradient of green, fading into a softer hue at the edges, gave the dress an ethereal glow.

"Have you waited long?" I asked as I approached William with a smile plastered on my face

I can see his eyes gazing my appearance up and down before

"It doesn't matter" He answered as he stood up from the chair, mirroring my smile

There was silence between us for a moment before he spoke

"I came here to ask you out, hoping this time you're not too busy," he said, his tone light but with a hint of nervousness beneath it.

I blinked, caught off guard for a moment. "Oh," I managed, offering a small smile. "Well, I don't have much time to spare since I'm always busy with the clinic, but—"

"Miss, you should really go!" Alena cut in excitedly, her voice almost giddy. "I can take care of the clinic today."

I glanced at her, surprised. "Are you sure?" I asked, a hint of worry slipping into my voice.

"Of course!" she replied confidently, a wide smile plastered on her lips.

I hesitated for a moment before turning back to William, who stood patiently, his gaze hopeful. "I guess I can," I finally said.

He smiled and extended his hand. "Then we shouldn't waste any time. I know how valuable your time is, and I wanted to take you to the capital. They're starting the celebration for The Day of Sovereign Dawn today, and I'd love to show you around tonight."

"I didn't know it was starting today. Hmm... I must've lost track of time, I think," I chuckled awkwardly, slipping my hand into his as he guided me outside the house.

Waiting in front of the house was a grand carriage, pulled by four sturdy horses. A coachman sat at the front, reins in hand, while a small group of William's servants walked behind the carriage, their heads slightly bowed as they prepared for the journey.

"Would you really let your servants walk for a three-hour trip?" I asked, letting go of his hand and glancing at the servants with concern.

"Don't worry," he said reassuringly, his tone light. "They can handle it."

I hesitated, my gaze lingering on the servants, but I decided not to press further. Instead, I stepped toward the carriage. William was quick to hold my hand, steadying me as I climbed inside. I settled onto the plush seat as he joined me.

~Thalia's POV~

When we arrived at the capital, it felt like stepping into an entirely new world. I hadn't visited this place since I was three, and so much had changed.

The streets were livelier, the buildings grander, and the people more polished. Yet, despite its beauty, a shadow of the past lingered in the back of my mind, making the place feel both familiar and distant.

The streets were so crowded that the carriage could barely move. After a while, William decided it was better to leave the carriage behind and walk.

He guided me through the bustling streets, weaving past market stalls and performers, until we reached a famous restaurant.

As we stepped inside, I immediately noticed the difference. The elegant decor and finely dressed patrons, this place is something that a commoner couldn't afford.

I glanced around, feeling slightly out of place. The dishes on the tables looked exquisite, but I couldn't help but wonder how much they cost.

William, however, seemed completely at ease, leading me confidently to a table near the window.

He dragged the chair a little for me to sit as I muttered a 'Thank you' to him.

William indeed came from a noble family and as the only son of Haroon, he gets to inherit all his family's wealth.

Since I started working in my village, it was William's family who had helped me set up my small clinic. They knew about my interest in medicine, and they had been kind enough to offer their support.

The reason for their generosity was tied to my adoptive parent—someone I had come to call father—who had once been a general serving the Kingdom. He hadn't married, not because he didn't want to, but because of the scarred face that had marked him.

Before he passed away, he and William's family had been close friends. When my adoptive father died, they took me in for a time being until I turned 15.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice William had already ordered something. His voice calling my name barely reached me until he gently held my hand on the table that I snapped back to the present.

"O-oh... Umm... sorry," I stammered, feeling a little embarrassed. "I'll just get some stewed lamb with bread"

When the waiter left, I sighed softly and turned my gaze back to the window, the passing scene outside mirroring the quiet thoughts in my head.

"You seem really busy inside your head," William remarked with a light chuckle, his voice breaking through my reverie. I offered him a small smile in response.

"Sorry," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "I was just thinking about how it's been so long since my dad died."

He let out a sigh, his expression softening. "I guess we really can't help but remember those we've lost when we enter a familiar place," he said, his voice quiet with understanding.

As he let go of my hand, I noticed his gaze drift around the room.

A few ladies in the restaurant were clearly looking in our direction—well, mostly at him—and I couldn't help but notice the glances. William, however, didn't seem to mind. He smiled at them politely, not really minding the ladies.

It was clear he was used to this kind of attention considering that he was a handsome young man

"By the way," I began, breaking the silence, "I heard your father was finding you a suitable partner for your soon-to-be wedding. I was surprised at first, but considering you're at the right age to get married, I shouldn't be."

I glanced at him, watching his reaction carefully, wondering how he'd respond to the topic.

"Right, and I was hoping he'll find that certain someone I liked" He responded making me arch my eyebrows

"Didn't know someone had already caught your eyes" I chuckled lightly as he looked at me with a small smile.

"I was hoping she had received the letter right now" He added which made me more confused

I said, leaning closer to him, trying to coax him into whispering the lucky girl's name.

But instead, he flicked my forehead lightly, making me lean back into my seat, rubbing the spot with a playful pout.

"Later," he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You'll meet her soon enough, once she receives that letter."

I frowned slightly but couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "I guess I'll just have to wait, huh?"

We continued our conversation for at least how many hours until its 5pm.

"It's getting darker already," William said, standing up and offering me his hand. "We should head out. The capital will get livelier at night."

I nodded, agreeing with him. As we left the restaurant, the streets were already buzzing with energy, even though the sky hadn't fully darkened yet.

People were setting up stalls, musicians were gathering, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The city seemed to come alive as evening approached, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement myself.

It didn't take long before the sky turned fully dark, and I was awestruck by everything around me.

The streets were lined with stalls offering all sorts of street foods, colorful trinkets, and vibrant clothing. The celebration was much livelier than I'd expected, and the energy was contagious.

The air was filled with laughter, music, and the scent of freshly cooked food. I couldn't help but smile as I took it all in.... everything felt so new and exciting.

We moved from stall to stall, sampling different foods and picking up little things here and there. I was surprised at how much I was enjoying myself. The buzzing energy around me seemed to push away all my worries, and for once, I was just a part of the lively crowd, experiencing the joy of the moment.

Not until I bumped into someone on my way making me stumble back a little

"Thalia, are you okay?" William quickly went to my side

"I'm fine," I assured William with a smile, brushing myself off. Then I turned to the person I had bumped into, lowering my head politely. "I apologize for bumping into you, sir. It was carele—"

My words trailed off as I looked up and froze.

It was him. The man I had saved last night in the forest.

He stood there, his face calm and expressionless, but his eyes seemed to study me briefly before he gave a small nod and walked away. Behind him, a group of soldiers followed.

I stared after him, my heart racing, unsure if he had recognized me. But he didn't stop or turn back, disappearing into the lively streets as though nothing had happened.

He didn't recognize me... Thank God he didn't

I would have lost my head if he did.

"You know him?" William asked, interrupting my thoughts

"His face do look familiar though, but maybe I just mistook him from someone else" I lied, of course I lied... William doesn't know about my secrets, no one does.

"He should be familiar to you, Thalia," William said casually, glancing at the man as he disappeared into the crowd. "He's the second Prince of Valandor."

My eyes widened in shock. "Wait... what? Really?" I blurted out, completely caught off guard.

"Of course," he replied, chuckling at my disbelief. "If I remember correctly, we both saw him when my father brought us to the castle during the King's birthday celebration. You were probably too young to recall it clearly, though."

I stared at William, then back toward where the prince had gone, my mind racing. The man I saved last night... is royalty?

So... I did met him? Wait... why am I remembering this now? Why didn't I recognize him last night when I was healing him?

Doesn't matter! Snap out of it, Thalia. Just be grateful that prince didn't cut your head after you bumped into him

"Look, there's a book store in there" I pointed out, trying to change the subject.

Before William could respond, I grabbed his hand and pulled him along with me toward the shop.

As we stepped inside, I noticed the place was quiet, with only a few people browsing the shelves. It wasn't surprising—books were expensive, and not many had the time or means to appreciate them.

"I'll look around for a bit," I said, facing William with a small smile before heading toward the shelves.

Running my fingers along the spines of the books, I scanned the titles, searching for something that would catch my interest. The faint scent of old paper and leather filled the air, wrapping the room in a comforting stillness.

Just as I was about to grab that certain book that caught my eye, someone else was also about to grab it making us both pull the book

Just as my fingers brushed the spine of a book that had caught my eye, another hand reached for it at the same time. Before I realized what was happening, we both had a hold of the book, pulling it slightly back and forth.

Startled, I turned my head to see who it was, my grip still firm on the book. "Oh, I'm sorry... I got it first" I smiled

"No, I got it first," The man smirked as he tried to pull the book to him which make me grip the book even tighter, not letting go

There was silence between us, both not letting go.

He sighed softly, releasing his grip on the book, which left me momentarily confused.

"Keep it," he said simply, his tone indifferent as he turned away and walked to the other side of the shelf to browse for another book.

"Umm... Thank you?" I said and moved the other way

"You done yet?" William appeared making me smile and showed him the book

"I got one" I grinned

"I didn't know you brought a date tonight, it's very unlikely of you, William" I stopped when I heard that man's voice again making me turn to face him

"Prince Kaiden," William said, a polite smile on his face as he inclined his head slightly in a respectful bow before straightening up. "I didn't know you were here."

Another Prince? I didn't say anything but just blink, why does this night seems to get even crazier? How many Prince does the King really have? Maybe next time I'm going to meet another Prince on our way

Kaiden looked at me for a second and the book he's holding started to fly in the air. As he approached us, the book also followed until he stopped just a few step in front of us.

If I wasn't mistaken, this kind of power was telekinesis—the ability to move objects with the mind. It was a rare gift, even among those born with magic.

"And I also didn't know you're into brave and feisty girls, judging by this lady's behavior earlier," Kaiden commented with a laugh, his tone teasing. William let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his neck.

"It was a mistake," I said quickly, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "I didn't recognize you, Prince Kaiden... forgive my discourtesy." I bowed my head respectfully,

Kaiden raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "There's nothing to forgive. It was quite entertaining." His gaze flicked toward me briefly, making me feel oddly self-conscious.

"But... in any case," Kaiden continued, his tone more serious now, "I wanted to ask if you two were out last night and perhaps saw Matteo in the forest?"

His eyes shifted to me, lingering for a moment longer than I was comfortable with, as if he was directing the question specifically toward me.

I felt my chest tighten when he said those words

"We weren't out last night, Prince Kaiden. I've been busy preparing for today's outing with Thalia."

Kaiden hummed thoughtfully, his eyes still on me before finally shifting back to William. "I see," he said simply, though something in his tone made me feel like he wasn't entirely convinced.

"And you, Miss?" Kaiden's eyes shifted back to me sharply

I swallowed lightly, keeping my tone calm. "No, I was also at my house the whole night" I said, hoping my answer sounded natural.

"Are you sure?" he pressed, his voice steady but carrying a weight that made my heart skip a beat.

I met his gaze, forcing myself to appear unbothered. "Yes, I'm sure," I replied firmly, though the intensity of his stare made me feel as though he was searching for cracks in my words.

"If its okay, may I ask what happen?" William spoke up

"Father issued a new order just an hour ago," Kaiden began "He's assigned someone to spread the word to find the woman who helped my brother last night when he was ambushed by bandits on his way back to the capital. Matteo said the mana in her body is powerful when she used her magic, that she was able to heal the wounds in his body faster than any healer we had in the Kingdom. Too bad Matteo can't remember her face... if he could, it wouldn't be so difficult to locate her."

"And how can you be so sure it's a woman and not a man?" I interrupted, folding my arms in an attempt to appear merely curious.

Kaiden glanced at me, "As I said, my brother can't recall her face," he explained, "but he remembers her figure. So there's no mistaking it, we're searching for a woman."

His words made my heart race, though I kept my face neutral.

So Matteo did notice, he was half conscious when I healed him... but at least my face is still safe... for now at least

I could feel Kaiden's eyes studying me again, as if testing my reaction, and I forced myself to remain composed.

"And... why are you trying to find her again?" I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the unease bubbling inside me.

"Simple," Kaiden replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Because Matteo wanted to find her. And it seems Father and the others are also quite interested in meeting this... mysterious flower."

His choice of words made my chest tighten. I forced a polite smile, though my thoughts were racing. So they're all looking for me now? This is getting far more complicated than I expected.

"From what I know," Kaiden said, breaking the silence, and with a flick of his fingers, the book in my hands floated away and into his grasp. It hovered before him as he opened it to a specific page, his eyes scanning the text.

He turned the book to face us, revealing an illustration of a magnificent bird with flames surrounding its body.

"The Phoenix existed in this world hundreds of years ago, hiding in human form," he began, his tone steady but laced with intrigue. "Blessed by the Gods above, it was said to be a powerful being capable of immense magic and unparalleled healing abilities. They could rise from their ashes, untouched by death itself. However, it was rumored to be killed by its own beloved, destroying its aethercore before killing it completely. It was a fascinating but a tragic story"

An aethercore? If a mage could be able to destroy its aethercore, the heart or soul of a being that connects them to divine or magical realms, does that mean that the mage is also a powerful being?

He glanced at me "however their presence could only be felt by those sensitive to mana. And when they used their power, even for a moment, their essence left a faint, unique trace that lingered."

My breath hitched, but I forced myself to stay calm, my hands tightening slightly at my sides. Does he know?

"That's an interesting story," I said evenly, hoping my voice didn't betray me. "But I thought the Phoenix was just a myth."

I met his gaze, feeling an uneasy shiver run down my spine as he continued, "Do you know why we celebrate the Day of Dawn? Our ancestors are said to have seen it in person in ancient times—a phoenix had once helped our kingdom ascend to victory."

His words hung in the air, and I found myself frozen, unsure how to respond. A phoenix, helping the kingdom? I didn't know whether to feel awed or terrified by the implication.

"The Day of Dawn," he continued, "marks the day our ancestors were granted victory in a great battle, and it's said that a phoenix guided them. It rose from the ashes of war, bringing with it the power to heal the wounded and ensure victory for the kingdom." He paused, his gaze lingering on me, as though waiting for something

Kaiden's smile remained, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes. "It's said the phoenix vanished after that, but its legacy lives on through the Day of Dawn."

"And why are you telling this story?"

"For you to know the essence of our celebration"

"But enough about that. This celebration is no place for heavy topics, wouldn't you agree?" he added lightly, his tone suddenly casual.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Prince Kai," William said, his tone polite but firm, sensing the growing tension in the air. "But Thalia and I need to go. We've already been to so many places, and I don't want to exhaust her further. Please excuse us."

I gave a small bow, offering a polite smile despite the discomfort still swirling inside me. Kaiden's gaze followed us for a moment, his expression unreadable, but he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Of course," Kaiden replied, his voice smooth and detached. "It was a pleasure. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening."

With that, we bowed once more and quickly walked out of the bookstore, the cool night air greeting us as we left. I exhaled, feeling a mixture of relief and unease