Princess POV
We were alone.
Just the two of us, walking slowly along the riverbank as if the world beyond that narrow path no longer existed. The night had wrapped itself gently around everything—the water shimmering under the silver glow of the moon, the soft whisper of wind brushing through the trees, and the faint flicker of fireflies dancing above the surface like drifting stars.
It was quiet and peaceful. And yet… none of that held my attention, not the river, not the sky Not even the lights of the festival far behind us.
My eyes kept drifting back to Raven.
Walking beside me as if nothing had changed… as if tonight wasn't different.
But it was. She felt different, brighter, softer somehow.. even with that calm expression she always wore.
I couldn't stop looking at her. What is wrong with me today…?
I looked away quickly, trying to steady my thoughts.
Focus… just act normal.
"…They're probably looking for us by now," I said, forcing my voice to sound casual. "We should head back… after the fireworks."
Raven nodded slightly.
"Alright… when do they start?"
"Soon," I replied, then pointed toward a quiet spot near the river where the grass looked a little clearer. "That place looks nice… let's sit there."
She nodded again, simple, calm and unaware of the storm of emotions within me.
She stepped forward first—and slipped.
"Raven—!"
I reached out immediately, grabbing her hand to stop her from falling, but the ground beneath us was damp… unstable. My footing gave way just as easily.
The next moment—We fell.
She landed on her back. And I… fell right on top of her.
For a moment, everything went still. Her arm wrapped instinctively behind my back… the other near my head, almost like she was holding me in place.
My hand—without thinking—rested over her chest…Right above her heart.
I felt it… her heartbeat, strong, steady and warm.
And beneath my palm… her warmth spread through me in a way I wasn't prepared for.
I didn't move. I didn't want to move. If I moved… this moment would end, and I didn't want it to end.
Not yet.
My own heart started racing, loud enough that I was sure she could hear it. The world around us faded, the wind, the river, everything.
All I could feel… was her. All I could hear… was her heartbeat.
Then—She laughed softly. "…This is embarrassing," she said. "I warned you not to fall… and I'm the one who ended up on the ground."
I froze for a second. That laugh…It wasn't her usual fake smile or quiet tone, It was real.
Soft.
Warm.
Beautiful.
My chest tightened slightly. I lifted my head just a little— and I saw her.
Our faces were so close. Closer than ever before. She was saying something… I could see her lips moving…But I couldn't hear a single word.
Because all my attention… all of it… was focused on her face. On the way the moonlight traced her features.
On her eyes…Reflecting the first sparks of fireworks that had begun lighting the sky above us without me even noticing.
Her golden eyes have always captivated me. But tonight…They felt impossible to look away from.
She reached up, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.
She said something. I didn't hear it, I couldn't. I was too busy memorizing her, Her long eyelashes…Her sharp gaze…Her expression.
Then my eyes drifted. Unconsciously to her lips.
Red.
Soft.
Inviting.
My fingers moved before I could stop them, touched her cheek gently… tracing the same path she had just taken.
Down…
Slowly…Until my fingers hovered over her lips, They were soft, Even without touching fully… I could tell.
My heart began pounding faster, No… I shouldn't…Not here… not like this…But I couldn't stop. because all I could see was her kissable lips.
Without thinking—I leaned in and kissed her.
The moment our lips met…Warmth spread through me instantly.
Soft.
Gentle.
Real.
I had imagined it before, More times than I wanted to admit, But this…This was different, better.
I didn't want it to end, I never wanted it to end.
I pulled back slightly, opening my eyes.
She looked… shocked.
Frozen.
And for a split second, doubt flickered inside me.
But that thought disappeared just as quickly . Because the warmth of that moment still lingered on my lips , and I wanted it again.
"…Just one more time," I whispered softly.
Before she could respond I leaned in again and captured her lips, and this time, the feeling spread deeper… stronger… like it was filling every part of me, It was a beautiful and warm feeling and I liked it.
I've wanted this… for so long…
But it didn't last, I felt her hands on my shoulders, She pushed me back gently, I blinked,confused.
Why…?
Then—Reality hit me, hard
Wait…did I just kissed Raven, My eyes widened, OMG I kissed her.. What did I just do—?!
Heat rushed to my face instantly. I covered my face with both hands, words spilling out in panic. "I-I'm sorry! I don't know what came over me—I didn't mean to— I'm really sorry.!"
Her voice was calm.
"It's okay… but can you get up first please ."
"…Get up?"
Then I realized I was still sitting on her. "…I—I'm sorry—I didn't realize—I wasn't—"
I stopped talking Mid-sentence Because a thought hit me clear, sharp and unavoidable.
I already did it, I already crossed that line, There was no going back.
Slowly, I lowered my hands and Placed them on Raven shoulders, Looked straight into her eyes.
"…No."
She blinked.
"…No?"
"I'm not sorry." My voice steadied. "I didn't plan it… not like this… not here…" My fingers tightened slightly against her shoulder. "But I wanted to do it."
Her expression shifted, confusion and surprise.
"I already crossed the line and kissed you ," I continued holding her gaze. "So I'm not going to pretend like nothing happened."
"…What are you talking about?" she asked.
"I'm saying…" I took a breath. "…I'm going to tell you how I feel."
"…A confession?"
"Yes."
She said calmly "…Can you get up first? then We can talk later."
No, I knew that tone, That escape, That distance. If I moved now—She would avoid it, Hide behind that calm fake smile and pretend like everything is okay.
"No," I said immediately.
She looked at me.
"…What?"
"I'm not getting up."
I pressed my hands lightly against her shoulders, keeping her there—not forcefully, but enough. "If I move now, you'll avoid it," I said firmly. "I know You'll act like nothing happened."
She looked away.
That was enough.
I was right.
"So no," I added, quieter but resolute. "You'll have to stay like this." I looked at her with a smile and said. " so please bear with me until I finish talking."
She didn't respond at first, she just looked at me then looked at the night sky, She muttered , "This is a little embarrassing."she sighed softly.
A small smile formed on my lips, Good, that means she won't resist.
I took a deep breath, It didn't help, My heart was still racing—too fast, too loud, too obvious. I was sure she could feel it through the space between us, through the hand I had unconsciously curled against her chest.
Say it. You've already gone this far… don't stop now.
"…I'm really nervous," I admitted, my voice quieter than I intended. "I don't know how to tell you… I don't even know where to begin…"
For a second, I almost looked away, almost, But I forced myself to keep looking at her. "At least… please don't interrupt me," I added softly. "Just… listen."
Raven didn't say anything, She just looked at me.
Calm.
Unreadable.
Like always.
That only made it harder… and somehow easier at the same time, I exhaled slowly and began.
"The first time I saw You, it wasn't love at first sight , It was curiosity." I said honestly. "… when I saw you for the first time… in the city square…"
The memory came back so clearly, her figure , the way everything ended in a single explosion, "…you defeated those monsters so easily," I continued, my voice gaining a little steadiness. "I couldn't stop thinking about it. About you."
"Who is she?."
"How is she this strong?."
"Why have I never seen her before?."
"I was curious," I said. "More than I've ever been about anyone." My fingers tightened slightly against her shoulder. "And then… when I got sick… when I was… about to …die."
My voice softened.
"You came that night… and saved me." I swallowed. "That's when everything changed." The memory of that night—the fear, the pain… and then her and her touch and her voice —cutting through it all.
"I felt drawn to you," I admitted. "I wanted to be close to you."
I let out a small breath. "And when we finally became friends…" My lips curved into a faint smile. "I realized… I wanted more than that."
Raven was still silent beneath me, still calm, still watching.
And for a brief second—I noticed it, the way she was lying there, still and quiet not resisting.
…Why does she look like that…? She looks so vulnerable and innocent beneath me, and I like it so much .
I blinked quickly.
What ,No—focus.
I shook the thought away and continued.
"I think about you… a lot,more than I ever admit out loud."
The words came easier after that, Like something that had been building for too long.
"Mornings start with your name in my head, and nights… they end with thoughts of you that won't let me sleep."
I gave a small breathless laugh. " Even during the day, when I try to stay busy, it still comes back to you. It's always you somehow.
I wonder what you're doing, how you're feeling, if you think of me too, because my mind never really leaves you.
For a brief moment, I saw it—a flicker of surprise on her face, gone just as quickly as it appeared, Hidden behind that calm mask she always wore, but I saw it.
And it gave me just enough courage to keep going. "I wish you knew how much our little talks and the time we spend together mean to me , Every moment with you feels special, like something I never want to end."
My chest tightened, but I didn't stop.
"You make everything lighter," I whispered. "Softer… better, Just thinking about you makes me smile like an idiot."
This time, I noticed it again— a slight shift in her expression, a faint crease between her brows, But she still said nothing, Still didn't interrupt.
So I kept going.
" I don't know what I mean to you.
Maybe I'm special, maybe not." My fingers curled slightly against her chest, grounding myself. " But for me, you are very special."
"My life is full of noise… expectations… problems, But when I think of you…I feel calm, happy and safe."
The last word lingered.
"…Warm."
My heartbeat was loud again, But this time… I didn't try to hide it, I leaned just a little closer.
"I'm in love with you."
" I love you in a way I cant even explain anymore.
Youre always in my head, even when Im trying to focus on other things, "I miss you in every small moments I didn't even know could hurt, And that's how I realized… how much you matter to me."
The world around us faded again.
"I just want you close," I whispered. "Always." My voice softened even more. "You're the one person… I never want to lose."
I smiled at her gently, my heart finally settling into something steady… something certain.
"…I love you, Raven."
Lantern light drifted through the trees like scattered stars, carried by the distant pulse of the festival. Faint laughter, music, the echo of life everything felt so far away from where we were.
Here…There was only silence ,and her.
Raven was looking at me, But something in her expression had changed, It wasn't the calm I was used to seeing, There was something else—something I couldn't name.
Was it… disappointment?, Sadness?, Or something deeper that I simply couldn't read?.
My chest tightened.
Why is she looking at me like that…?
The silence stretched, too long, too heavy, a strange unease twisted in my stomach. Did I make a mistake…?
Was it too soon…?
Should I have waited…?
"…Raven?" I finally said, my voice quieter than I wanted. "Why are you silent…? Why aren't you saying anything?"
She looked at me.
And for a moment—I thought she might say something that would change everything, Instead, she said:. "Thank you for your feelings… but…"
A pause.
A breath.
"I'm sorry. I can't return them."
Everything stopped, the world… the river…the wind…. Even the distant music—Gone, Silence swallowed everything whole, I couldn't even hear my own heartbeat anymore.
…She rejected me. The thought echoed, hollow and unreal.
Why…?
Did I do something wrong?
Was it too soon?
No…
Something inside me snapped into place. Cold, clear, unyielding.
"No," I said firmly. "I won't accept that."
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"You don't even know me," she replied coolly. "You only know what I've shown you. How can you fall in love with someone you don't truly know?"
My grip on her shoulder tightened—just slightly.
"I know you enough," I said, steady and unwavering, "to fall in love with you."
For just a heartbeat—Something flickered across her face. Something unguarded. Surprise… maybe more, But it vanished instantly.
"You don't want that," she said, her voice quieter now, but still firm. "Believe me. You don't want me in your life."
My brows drew together.
Confusion.
Frustration.
"…You shouldn't have told me this," she continued. "Don't give your heart to someone like me. It will only bring you pain."
Something inside me burned, Not anger alone, Something sharper, More stubborn.
I tightened my hold on her. "I'm not taking it back," I said without hesitation. "And you_ you don't get to ignore this, Not this time."
My voice dropped slightly.
"It's my heart. I'll give it to whoever I choose."
She turned her face away, avoiding me. "You're kind," she said quietly. "A good person. You deserve someone better than… than me."
That—
That irritated me, no , it angered me, I reached up, holding her face firmly and turning it back toward me.
"who do you think you are," I said, my voice edged with something sharp, "to decide what I deserve?"
Her eyes met mine.
Finally.
"This is my life," I continued. "I decide what I deserve. I decide who I choose." My grip softened just slightly—but my gaze didn't waver. "And I chose you."
Her jaw tightened.
"Our paths were never meant to cross," she said.
A small smile formed on my lips.
"…And yet we did."
She pulled slightly, like she wanted to break free—but she didn't, not really. " Please Don't make this harder than it already is," she said.
"I'm not," I replied. "I'm trying to understand you." My voice softened—but only a little. "So please… don't push me away, Raven."
A pause.
"If you're going to reject me… then give me a real reason." I held her gaze. "Not excuses and nonsense."
Silence fell again, tense, heavy, The distant sounds of the festival clashed with the quiet storm between us.
Then she exhaled slow and bitter.
"I'm a commoner," she said. "You're a noble." Her eyes didn't leave mine now. "I'm a hunter. You're a princess… soon to be queen."
A small pause.
"Don't you see the distance between us? we are literally from two different worlds."
I didn't hesitate.
"I don't care, not about status, not about titles, not even about crowns, Nothing like that will stand in the way of how I feel about you."
She stared at me silently and long then— "I'm sorry," she said. "But I don't have feelings for you."
It hurt , Of course it did. But it wasn't enough to stop me. "Yet," I replied immediately.
Her brow lifted slightly.
"You don't have feelings for me… yet."
She looked at me differently then. "You're not giving me much of a choice here."
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"No," I said simply. "I'm not."
She let out a quiet breath. "…I cannot accept your feelings and you cannot accept rejection, so what should I do now?"
I thought for a moment. Then leaned closer, just slightly. "I'm not giving up on you," I said softly, Not now, not ever, Even if you don't accept my feelings today… but you will eventually."
I tilted my head just a little, a faint smirk forming. "I'll make you fall in love with me."
Her expression shifted—just barely.
So I leaned in closer, my voice lowering into something softer… more dangerous.
"I promise you that."
I pulled back just enough to meet her eyes again. "So be ready, Because I won't hide how I feel about you anymore."
Her response came quickly.
"You're very confident, Princess," she said. "But don't hope too much, I'm telling you this for your own good , because I'm not looking for love."
I smiled not sweetly not shyly but with certainty. "Oh, darling," I said lightly, "you should be worried about yourself."
I held her gaze, unflinching. "Because after tonight… you'll see me differently." A small pause. "And you should prepare yourself…"
My voice dropped to a whisper.
"…to fall deeply in love with me."
The silence between us lingered for a few seconds after everything I had said—after everything she had tried to deny.
Then Raven let out a quiet breath and said, almost tiredly,
"…As you say Princess. Now, if we're done talking… can you please get up?"
I almost did.
Almost.
But then a thought crossed my mind—and a small smile formed on my lips. "Oh… of course," I said lightly. "I'll get up."
I leaned just a little closer, my tone shifting. "But first… can you call me by my name?"
Her brow lifted immediately.
"What…Are you serious right now?"
I leaned in closer, my grip tightening just slightly—not enough to hurt, just enough to remind her that I was still very much in control of this moment.
"Yes," I said with a smirk. "I'm serious."
Our faces were close, too close. Close enough to see every flicker of emotion she tried to hide. Close enough to feel her breath.
"I won't get up," I whispered, "until you say it."
I leaned even closer, my voice softer now.
"…Say it."
She didn't move.
"You know you can't keep me pinned down forever, your highness," she said calmly.
I smiled.
"I've kept you down this whole time, darling," I replied. "Just say my name… and I'll let you go."
Her eyes met mine—sharp, steady. "I'm only on the ground because I allowed it," she said. "My queen."
That—
That made me pause for half a second. My queen…? Your highness…? Is she doing this on purpose… because I asked her to call me by my name…?
A quiet laugh escaped me.
"…And yet," I said with a grin, "you didn't push me away."
She didn't answer. Instead, she suddenly grabbed my wrists and pushed herself up.
But she didn't stand. We ended up sitting—closer than before, much closer.
I was still in her lap, Our faces even nearer now.
She looked at me with that same composed expression.
"…Looks like you've gotten comfortable," she said, a faint, almost fake smile on her lips. "Just because I went easy on you."
I didn't answer insteas I leaned in and kissed her quick and soft,gone in a second.
Her brows drew together immediately.
"…What was that?"
I laughed softly, my voice light. "Sorry… I couldn't stop myself." I tilted my head slightly, smiling in a way I didn't even try to hide. "I'm just… really happy."
My voice softened. "This is the first time in my life I've felt something like this." I looked at her—really looked at her. "And I'm happy… that it's you."
Silence followed again, then she spoke flat and careful. "Whatever you think you feel towards me… I hope you let it fade." a pause. "… forget it."
Her gaze didn't soften.
"I'm saying this for your sake."
I stood up slowly, Then extended my hand toward her with a gentle smile. "Thank you for worrying about me," I said Then added, a little more quietly— "But it's already too late for your advice."
She looked at my hand for a moment, then took it.
I pulled her up to her feet. "I'm already deeply in love with you."
She withdrew her hand gently, exhaling. "…We should head back," she said. "They're probably waiting for us."
I smiled. "I wanted to stay a little longer," I admitted. "Just the two of us." A small pause. "But it seems we don't have enough time today."
I turned to her again, my voice softer now. "…Can we go out again? Another day, just you and me."
She answered without hesitation.
"I don't mind. As long as it's work-related."
My brows furrowed slightly. "That's not what I meant." I looked at her directly. "I meant… a date."
She raised an eyebrow.
"A date is for lovers," she said. "And last time I checked… we are not lovers."
I muttered under my breath,
"You're not romantic at all…"Then I smiled again. "We will be," I said lightly. "Very soon ."
"You'll see."
We started walking side by side along the river For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then she said, without looking at me,
"You're very confident."
I smiled to myself. "I am," I replied. "Because I know I can make you fall in love with me." My gaze drifted to her hand. "…Can I hold your hand while we walk?"
"No."
She didn't even hesitate. I sighed dramatically. "The ground is slippery…"
She said Indifference ."I'm sure you'll be fine."
I smirked, "I know I will be, I was talking about you." I glanced at her. " I'm worried about you , What if you fall again?"
For just a second—
Her composure cracked.
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and she stumbled slightly over her words. "I—I'll be fine. Thank you for your concern."
I couldn't help it I laughed soft but real." You're really funny."
"Stop laughing at me," she said.
"I'm not laughing at you," I replied, still smiling. "I'm laughing because…"I looked ahead, the soft glow of lanterns returning as we neared the festival. "…I'm happy."
A small pause.
"I'm enjoying this."
She didn't look at me, But her voice softened, just a little.
"…I'm glad you are."
We reached the heart of the city again, and the moment we stepped into the central square, the calm of the riverside felt like a distant dream. Lanterns swayed overhead, casting warm gold across the crowd, voices overlapping into a lively hum. Music, laughter, shouting—it was chaos, but the kind people embraced.
I glanced around, scanning faces instinctively, though I already knew how futile it was.
"I don't think we'll find Kara and the others easily in this crowd," I said, raising my voice just enough for Raven to hear.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she went still beside me.
Her eyes closed, her expression sharpening into something focused—something distant. For a brief moment, the noise around us seemed to fade, as if she had stepped into a different world entirely.
Then her eyes opened.
"They're near a tavern," she said simply. "Come on."
I blinked at her, caught off guard by how certain she sounded. "How did you know.?"
She started walking, and I followed quickly, curiosity pulling at me. "Hey , tell me how you found out where they are.?"
"I searched for Kara's mana," she replied, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"…You what?"
She glanced at me briefly. "It's an ability I copied from a tracker I met during my travels. Think of it as a compass. I can locate people I've met before by recognizing their mana… as long as they're within range."
I stared at her, genuinely impressed. "That's… incredible. How far can it reach?"
She paused, thinking. "I can cover almost the entire city."
My eyes widened. "That's not 'range,' that's absurd."
A faint smile tugged at her lips. "Not really. I could push it further… I just need time."
There it was again—that quiet dissatisfaction. Even with power like that, she still wasn't content.
I smiled softly. "You'll get there. I'm sure of it."
She didn't respond immediately, but her expression softened just slightly. "…Thanks."
Then she stopped. "They're here."
Ahead of us, near a brightly lit competition tent, I spotted them—Kara and the children, gathered in a noisy cluster of excitement.
The moment they saw us, the younger ones ran toward us like a wave.
"Look what I won!" my little sister exclaimed, holding up a glowing crystal. "It's a fourth-tier wind mana stone!"
I laughed and ruffled her hair. "That's amazing."
At the same time, Ken, Heli, and Ben rushed to Raven, practically talking over each other.
"Raven! Look!"
"I got a dagger!"
"I got a fire stone!"
Raven crouched slightly to their level, her expression softening in a way I was starting to recognize. "And you?" she asked Ben.
He held up a stack of books with clear pride. "They're from Azferia. One's about forbidden black magic… and this one talks about other worlds."
Raven gently patted his head. "If you want more books, just tell me I will buy it for you ."
His smile, small but genuine, was enough to make something warm bloom in my chest.
While she stayed with them, Kara made her way to me. "You took your time," she said with a knowing smile. "Where did you go?"
I didn't even try to hide it. "Everywhere. A play, competitions, a café… a fortune teller… and the river."
Her smile widened. "Looks like you had fun."
I let out a small breath, unable to stop my own smile. "I really did. Thanks to you."
She nudged my shoulder lightly. "Don't mention it."
"Did you see the fireworks?" she asked.
My cheeks warmed instantly. "…Not really." Images flashed in my mind—her eyes, the closeness, the kiss. "…Something better happened."
Kara's eyebrow shot up. "Why are you blushing? What happened?"
Before I could answer, I noticed Raven and the children approaching, I leaned in quickly and whispered, "I'll tell you later."
Kara grinned. "Now I'm definitely curious."
Evanna, who had clearly been listening, tilted her head. "Curious about what?"
I straightened immediately, forcing a casual smile. "Nothing. Just… deciding where to go next."
The children didn't need more encouragement.
"There's a dueling competition!" one of them shouted. "Let's go!"
Kara's eyes lit up. "Now that sounds interesting."
I turned to Raven. "What do you think?"
She shrugged. "Anywhere is fine with me ."
Of course it was.
The dueling arena was even louder than the square. Fighters clashed under bright lights—hunters, soldiers, knights—all testing their strength, even Raven's friends chris and ayla Daniel participate in the competition .
Kara joined without hesitation and she was incredible.
She cut through opponent after opponent, her movements sharp, controlled, confident… until, finally, she lost to a skilled huntress.
Even in defeat, she looked alive.
Raven, however, refused every attempt kara tried to drag her in.
"I don't fight without reason," she said flatly.
Somehow, that felt very… Raven.
We wandered after that—games, food stalls, trinkets, laughter. Hours passed without me noticing, For once, time felt too fast.
Eventually, Kara sighed. "It's late. We should head back before the king starts worrying."
I hesitated, then said, "Before we return… I want to visit the temple."
She nodded. "Alright. Let's go."
The temple stood not far from the festival—a quiet sanctuary of stone and soft golden light. Unlike the chaos behind us, it felt sacred… still.
As we approached, I spotted a familiar figure.
"Sister Mary?"
She turned, smiling warmly. "Good evening. What a pleasant surprise."
We greeted her, and she looked at me with gentle concern. "It's been a while, princess . The children miss you."
I smiled, a little guilty. "I've been busy… but I'll visit more often."
"You're always welcome."
Evanna stepped forward eagerly. "Can I come too?"
Sister Mary laughed softly and patted her head. "Of course my child you can come to."
I glanced toward Raven—and paused.
A small girl with dark hair and green eyes clung tightly to her leg, refusing to let go.
Sister Mary sighed, amused. "Faye, let go is busy ."
The girl shook her head stubbornly. "No. I want Raven."
Raven didn't hesitate.
She bent down, lifted the girl into her arms, and said calmly, "It's fine. I'll take her with me."
Sister Mary looked uncertain. "Are you sure?"
Raven nodded once.
"…Alright," sister Mary said softly.
She turned back to me. "It was good seeing you, Princess. I hope you visit soon."
"I will," I promised.
She smiled—and then she was gone, the children following behind her.
Silence settled again.
I looked at Raven, at the small girl resting comfortably in her arms… and something in my chest tightened.
The temple doors stood tall before us, carved from pale stone that seemed to glow under the lantern light. Everything about this place felt… sacred. Quiet. As if the world outside—the laughter, the noise, the chaos—had been gently pushed away.
I smiled at Raven, trying to keep the warmth in my voice. "Hey, Raven… aren't you going to introduce me to this little lady?"
Raven shifted Faye slightly in her arms and said calmly, "Princess Lyria, this is Faye. She's about four years old. You've probably seen her at the orphanage… she just tends to hide."
Her voice softened as she looked down. "Faye, this is Princess Lyria. Can you say hello?"
The little girl peeked out shyly, her tiny fingers gripping Raven's clothes.
"H… hi," she whispered.
My heart melted instantly.
I crouched slightly to her level, smiling as gently as I could. "Hi, Faye. How are you? Did you enjoy the festival?"
She nodded quickly, her eyes still fixed on me—wide, curious.
Raven raised a brow. "What is it? Why are you staring at her like that?"
Faye leaned closer to Raven and whispered something into her ear.
For a brief moment, Raven froze, then she laughed soft, warm and unguarded. "You can tell her yourself," she said.
Faye turned to me, fidgeting, her voice small and trembling.
"You're… very beautiful ."
For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
I placed a hand over my chest dramatically. "Oh… thank you. And you are the cutest and most beautiful little girl I've ever seen."
She squeaked softly and buried her face into Raven's shoulder, hugging her tightly.
I watched them, smiling without even realizing it.
Faye looked so much like her—dark hair, sharp eyes … but softer, lighter. Like a reflection untouched by the weight Raven carried.
We reached the temple steps, and as we approached the entrance, I noticed something.
Raven had stopped.
I turned. "Raven? Why aren't you coming?"
She stood a few steps back, her figure half-shadowed by the dim light. "You can go in," she said simply. "I'll wait here."
Kara frowned immediately. "What? Why?"
I stepped closer to Raven. "Are you okay? Did something happen?"
She shook her head. "Nothing."
Then, after a brief pause—
"I just don't believe in goddesses."
Kara blinked. "Wait… you mean you think they're not real?"
Raven's gaze lifted slightly, her voice colder now.
"No. I know they're real." a pause "I just don't believe in them."
The difference hit harder than I expected.
"…Why?" I asked quietly.
For a moment—just a moment—I saw it, something raw , Something sharp.anger and pain.
It flickered in her eyes like a blade catching light, and then…. It was gone.
She smiled.
Like nothing had happened.
"I'm sorry," she said lightly. "I shouldn't say things like that in front of believers. This is just my opinion, I have my reasons."
Silence fell between us.
Kara and I exchanged a brief glance.
There was something there… something she wasn't saying, Something she wouldn't say.
Raven shifted Faye in her arms again and gestured toward the entrance. "Go on. We'll wait here."
Her tone was gentle—but final.
I hesitated.
Every part of me wanted to stay.
To ask more.
To understand.
To not leave her standing alone outside something she clearly… rejected.
But she had already stepped back, Already drawn the line.
"…Alright," I said softly. "We won't be long."
She gave a small nod.
"Take your time."
Then she turned slightly, her attention shifting to the children. "Ken, Heli," she said, her tone firm but calm, "behave inside. Don't cause trouble."
"Yes!" they answered immediately.
"Ben," she added, "keep an eye on them."
He nodded seriously.
We walked past the threshold, And I felt it the moment I crossed into the temple.
Warmth.
Soft light.
The faint scent of incense wrapped around us, and distant whispers of prayer echoed through the halls. Statues of the goddesses stood tall, serene and radiant, watching over the space with silent grace.
But I couldn't focus, not fully, Because my thoughts stayed outside with her.
Raven… standing in the dark, holding a child in her arms, refusing to step into a place meant for faith.
Not because she didn't believe, But because she chose not to.
I closed my eyes briefly.
What happened to you…?
When I opened them again, I stepped forward with the others, But a part of me remained at the entrance—Watching her silhouette beneath the night sky.
The prayer should have grounded me.
It always did.
The soft glow of candles, the quiet murmur of voices, the steady rhythm of devotion—this place was meant to bring clarity. Peace. Certainty.
But tonight… my thoughts refused to settle.
Raven's voice echoed in my mind. I know they exist… I just don't believe in them.
I frowned slightly as I stood before the altar, hands clasped together.
What did that even mean? When she said it… she wasn't guessing. She wasn't doubting.
She knew.
The certainty in her voice—it wasn't faith. It was experience.
My breath slowed.
Has she… met them?, no , no… that didn't make sense.
Or maybe it did.
Raven was not… normal.
Everything about her defied what I understood about this world—her strength, her composure, the way she carried things she never spoke about.
Something had happened to her, Something big enough to turn belief into rejection.
My chest tightened.
What kind of past makes someone turn away from gods… even when they know they're real?
I exhaled quietly and lowered my gaze.
No.
I shook my head slightly, Don't overthink it, Lyria. Everyone had their own beliefs. Their own reasons.
And Raven… clearly had hers, Still…I couldn't stop wondering.
"Hey, Lyria—are you listening?"
Kara's voice pulled me back.
I blinked and looked at her. "Hm? Did you say something?"
She gave me a look. "We're done. If you're not finished, we can wait."
I glanced at the altar, then back at her.
"…No. I'm done too. Let's go."
We said our farewells to the priestesses, who smiled warmly.
"It was an honor to have you here, Your Highness. We hope you visit again."
I returned the smile. "Thank you. I will."
And then we stepped outside.
The moment I crossed the threshold, the night air greeted me—cool, gentle, carrying with it the quiet hush of a world settling down after celebration.
And there she was.
Raven sat on a wooden bench across from the temple, one arm resting casually along the back.
Beside her, Faye swung her legs happily, a small piece of candy in her hand, her face lit with pure joy.
Raven wasn't speaking, She was just… watching her, Quietly.
Calmly.
There was something soft in her gaze—something so subtle, yet so real.
We approached them, and I smiled. "Sorry we took so long."
Raven shook her head. "No need to apologize. You weren't late."
Kara sighed lightly. "I hate to say it, but we should head back now, Lyria."
I pouted slightly. "I wanted to stay longer…"Then I sighed. "But if we're any later, the king might send knights after us."
Raven stood up smoothly. "Where's your carriage? I'll walk you there."
I shook my head. "That's not necessary, we can go on our own—"
"It is," she cut in calmly. "I won't feel at ease otherwise , I insist."
I paused.
Then smiled.
"…Alright. If that's what you want."
Before we could move, Faye suddenly hopped off the bench and walked up to me, raising her tiny hand.
I blinked in confusion. "Hm? Do you want something? I don't understand."
She didn't speak.
Raven glanced at her and said simply, "She wants to hold your hand."
My heart softened instantly. I crouched slightly and smiled. "Do you want to hold my hand while we walk?"
Faye nodded eagerly.
I took her small hand in mine—and something warm spread through my chest.
She giggled softly.
Then, just as we began walking, she reached her other hand toward Raven.
Raven blinked. "What? Do you want me to carry you?"
Faye shook her head. "Your hand…"
Raven let out a quiet sigh—but there was no real resistance in it.
"Alright," she said, taking her hand. "But tell me if you get tired."
And just like that—we started walking faye between us humming softly to herself.
I glanced sideways, at Raven , at the way her hand held faye's— steady, protective without trying, at how natural it looked.
Kara leaned closer to me, whispering in my ear, "That's a very cute scene… you look like a happy little family."
My face immediately warmed, I looked away quickly.
…A family.
The word lingered soft, dangerous and hopeful, I couldn't stop the small smile forming on my lips.
Kara snickered. "Look at you blushing. Seems like you liked what I said."
I lightly hit her shoulder. "Lower your voice!"
She laughed. "Alright, alright."
We continued walking until we reached the carriage waiting near the edge of the city.
I knelt down in front of Faye, smiling gently. "I have to go now… but we'll see each other again, okay?"
I kissed her cheek softly and patted her head.
She giggled—and immediately ran back to cling to Raven's leg.
I stood up and looked at Raven.
"Thank you… for today. For accepting my invitation."
She gave a small smile. "No, I should thank you… for inviting me. I had a good time."
My smile softened. "I did too. I hope we can all go out again like this."
She nodded slightly.
"See you tomorrow at training," I added.
Evanna climbed into the carriage After saying goodbye to her friends Ben, Hailey, and Ken, and Kara stepped ahead.
"Goodnight, Raven," Kara said.
"Goodnight."
I stepped closer to Raven, Close enough to feel her presence, Then I rose slightly on my toes, leaning toward her ear.
And whispered softly—"I haven't even left yet… and I already miss you."
I pulled back just enough to see her face, there it was , that flicker.
Her eyes widened—just for a second. Then the mask returned, A polite smile. "See you tomorrow… goodnight Princess."
I laughed softly, Even if it lasted only a second—I saw it, And that was enough.
"Goodnight," I said smiling.
Then I turned and stepped into the carriage.
As it began to move, Kara immediately leaned toward me.
"…What was that?"
I leaned back, smiling to myself, "I'll tell you when we get home."
But my gaze drifted outside. To where she stood Holding Faye's hand, Watching us leave.
And even as the distance grew—I felt it , Something had changed tonight, And I wasn't going to let it slip away.