Days turned into days, and weeks into weeks. To anyone watching, the bond between Elowen and Celestia appeared to be fraying, stretching thinner with each passing sunset.
In the eyes of the palace staff, the shift was undeniable. They no longer shared meals as they once did. The light, sisterly laughter that used to fill the dining hall had vanished, replaced by a cold silence. Now, both chose to eat at different times, or simply offered the unquestioned excuse of being "too busy." There were no explosive arguments, no raised voices, yet the distance between them felt like a vast, growing chasm.
Nyx, the large, fierce blue‑furred cat, was among the first to truly take note of this change. His sharp eyes never missed a single detail of palace life, and today, he decided to seek out answers for himself.
He found Elowen at the knights' training grounds. She was dressed in dark blue training gear and sturdy boots, her hair tied back high to reveal a sharp, focused expression. She gripped a wooden training sword tightly, her breath coming in heavy heaves after a session.
"Princess Elowen," Nyx called out.
Elowen turned her head. "Yes?"
"Are you and your sister fighting?" Nyx asked bluntly, without any polite preamble.
Elowen stared at him for a moment before answering calmly, "No. We have simply both been occupied with many matters lately."
Nyx narrowed his eyes. "Do you realize how many people are starting to talk behind your back?"
"I know." Her answer was short, clipped, and devoid of emotion.
Nyx stepped closer. "Elowen... perhaps it is time for you to speed up the coronation. Hand the throne over to Celestia."
"That has always been my intention," Elowen replied without hesitation. "But she is the one who refuses. She says she is not yet ready."
Nyx went quiet for a moment. Then, in a much lower, softer tone, he said, "If that is the case... why don't you consider leaving the palace?"
Elowen froze. She turned slowly, her gaze piercing. "Why would I ever leave my sister, Nyx?"
"Celestia is an adult now," Nyx answered fearlessly. "She knows how to look after herself. And... perhaps she needs space. Space to grow without being in your shadow."
The air between them grew thick with tension. Elowen dropped the wooden sword; the thud echoed sharply against the ground. "I may be known as cruel," she said coldly, "but I will never abandon my sister without a reason. Whatever you are thinking... you had best say it to her yourself."
She walked away without looking back.
A short while later, Nyx made his way to the library, where he found Celestia sitting and reading, looking as peaceful as ever.
"Princess Celestia," Nyx greeted.
Celestia looked up and gave a small smile. "Hello, Nyx." She reached out as if to stroke his thick fur, but as usual, Nyx dodged her hand.
"Are you refusing to become Queen?" Nyx asked directly.
"Yes," Celestia answered honestly. "I am not ready. And... I believe my sister is far more capable and deserving."
"Princess Elowen is not suited for it," Nyx replied firmly. "Only you are. You are kind. That is what Wonderveil needs. Why do you insist on forcing this?"
Celestia's expression began to change, her voice sharpening. "Why are you pressuring me so much?"
"Because this is not just about you!" Nyx countered, his tone hardening. "This is about the nation. You cannot simply choose as you please—and that includes your choice of a life partner."
Celestia gripped the book in her hands tightly. "So the well‑being of Wonderveil... is not the same as my own well‑being?" she asked softly.
Nyx didn't answer immediately. "Love has never been a luxury for royalty," he added. "That is the reality of your position."
Silence filled the room. Celestia took a long, slow breath. "I understand... but I still need time."
Nyx finally nodded. "I respect your decision. But do not take too long."
Without another word, Nyx left the library. His pawsteps echoed in the corridor before he leaped onto a windowsill and disappeared onto the roof—a blue shadow moving between light and dark. He moved swiftly, leaving the palace grounds behind. His destination was clear: he needed to meet Liy and the twins, Axe and Aver.
Nyx stepped deep into the strange forest.
The leaves of the trees, a dark and bruised purple, swayed rhythmically as if whispering secrets to one another. Sunlight struggled to pierce through the thick, heavy canopy, leaving the forest floor in a state of perpetual, mysterious twilight. This was the gathering place for the unusual—the place where animals were never just animals.
Nyx scaled a towering tree, his sharp claws digging into the rough bark. Without a second's hesitation, he leaped from branch to branch with lethal agility, his blue shadow flickering through the dark foliage until he reached a set of ancient, crumbling ruins.
In the center of the ruins sat an old, weathered table. Liy, the oversized caterpillar, sat there with the twins, Axe and Aver. They were currently occupied with a game of cards.
"Argh! I feel like I'm about to lose!" Axe grumbled, his face twisted in frustration.
"I told you, this game requires a brain," Aver teased with a smirk.
"I was just playing for fun! Who knew I'd get backed into a corner like this?"
"Just play your card," Liy said casually, tossing a number five onto the table.
"Are you trying to set me up, Liy?" Axe snapped.
"You still have time for cards… in a situation like this?"
The cold, sharp voice cut through the air like a blade. The three of them turned simultaneously. Nyx stood a short distance away, his eyes narrowed and piercing.
"Nyx!" Aver smiled and started to approach. One sharp look from the cat was enough to make him freeze in his tracks.
"Relax," Liy said, unbothered. "We're just passing the time. Leadership is a human problem. We are just animals."
"But we are humans," Axe and Aver replied in unison.
Liy let out a short sigh. "You two… are the exceptions." He then turned his focus back to Nyx. "So, what has you so worked up?"
Nyx stepped closer into the light. "Princess Celestia is refusing the throne. I don't understand her thinking. She is the only one suited for it."
"And Princess Elowen?" Liy asked softly.
"She is too harsh," Nyx answered without a doubt.
Liy leaned back slightly. "You're forgetting something… she has the dragon."
The mood shifted instantly.
"What are you implying?" Nyx asked, his eyes thinning.
"I heard the dragon chose her itself," Axe added. "A creature that massive… it doesn't just bow to anyone."
"Why would a creature that powerful choose someone like her?" Aver wondered aloud.
"Because Princess Elowen is truly remarkable."
A new voice joined the conversation. They all turned to see Silas emerging from the shadows, his movements calm and deliberate. Behind him, several other animals—a wolf, a hedgehog, and a squirrel—followed silently.
"Silas…" Liy muttered. "What brings you here?"
"Just chatting with friends," Silas replied gently. "Is that a crime?"
No one answered. Silas looked at each of them one by one, his soft smile never wavering.
"I overheard your conversation," he said. "And I agree… Princess Elowen is indeed extraordinary." He paused for a beat. "However… strength alone is not enough to lead."
The words fell softly, like snow. There was no aggression, no accusation. Yet, it was enough to plunge everyone into a thoughtful silence.
Nyx stared at him. "If that's the case… would the dragon's loyalty transfer to Celestia if the throne were given to her?"
Silas shook his head slowly. "Dragons… they are not like us. They aren't bound by titles or crowns." He looked toward the depths of the forest. "A dragon chooses… and sometimes, that choice never changes."
A small squirrel piped up, "Princess Elowen is strong…"
"Yes," Silas replied softly. "Perhaps… too strong." He lowered his head slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And sometimes… that kind of strength makes everyone else feel very, very small."
Silence followed. Axe and Aver glanced at each other uneasily. Liy remained still, but his eyes shifted as if he were deep in thought. Nyx gritted his teeth.
"In any case… we need someone who can put the people's hearts at ease," Silas continued. "Someone who doesn't make them live in fear." He then offered a peaceful smile. "But they are sisters. There is no need for them to be divided."
It sounded like a peaceful conclusion, a call for unity. But the seed had already been planted.
Nyx looked away. "I only want what is best for Wonderveil."
"As do we all," Silas answered calmly. "We shall see… where their paths lead."
A gentle wind blew through the trees, making the purple leaves dance. None of them realized that this conversation was more than just a chat among friends. It was a calculated move in a much larger, darker game.
...........
The carriage moved slowly, leaving behind the palace grounds that were always teeming with the voices of people, the rhythmic clatter of knights' boots, and the general bustle of life. As they traveled further away, the atmosphere grew increasingly quiet. The paved cobblestone roads eventually gave way to dirt paths, flanked by towering trees that blocked out most of the sunlight.
Inside the carriage, only the sound of turning wheels and the whistling wind accompanied them. Ashveil stole a glance at Elowen, who sat opposite him. She looked composed, gazing out of the small window as if the world outside held more importance than anything within.
"Princess Elowen…" Ashveil called out softly.
Elowen didn't turn around, but her voice was clear. "Ashveil, didn't I tell you? Just call me by my name, without the title."
Ashveil went quiet for a moment before nodding slightly, even though Elowen wasn't looking at him. "Forgive me… I'm still not quite used to it," he admitted honestly. He took a breath before continuing, "Elowen… where exactly are we going?"
Only then did Elowen turn her gaze toward him. Her eyes were calm, but there was something unreadable behind them. "We are going to meet the Guardian of Wonderveil," she replied briefly. "I want to ask about Alice."
"The Guardian?" Ashveil frowned. "I've never heard of such a thing."
"Of course there is one," Elowen replied without hesitation. "And I know them personally."
That answer made Ashveil fall silent. A subtle feeling crawled into his chest—a spark of jealousy he didn't want to admit to himself. In his mind, the Guardian must be someone formidable… perhaps a man, perhaps someone closer to Elowen than he was. He clenched his hands slowly. Whoever he is… I am just an assistant.
Their journey continued for nearly four hours. The sun was beginning to dip when the carriage finally came to a halt in front of a massive mountain that loomed high, as if touching the very sky. The carriage door opened. Elowen stepped down first, followed by Ashveil. Without a word, the driver turned the carriage around and left them both alone at the foot of the silent mountain.
A soft wind blew, carrying the chill of the high altitude.
"Do we need to climb?" Ashveil asked, looking up at the steep slopes that seemed impossible to scale.
Elowen shook her head. "No. We just wait here. He will come."
Ashveil opened his mouth to ask more, but before he could—
WHOOSH!
The wind whipped up violently, far stronger than before. Dust and dry leaves swirled around them. A massive shadow passed overhead. Ashveil looked up, and in that instant… his heart felt as if it had stopped.
A giant creature soared in the sky, its wingspan wide enough to blot out the light. Its body was a shimmering black with touches of silver, scales reflecting light like polished metal. Its blue eyes glowed sharply, as if capable of piercing the soul of anyone who dared to look.
The creature descended slowly.
DUM!
The ground shook as it landed before them. A powerful gust of wind swept across their faces, forcing Ashveil to shield his eyes.
"A dragon…?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
His reflexes kicked in—he grabbed Elowen's hand. "Elowen, we have to go! That's a dragon!"
But Elowen didn't move. Instead, she gently pulled her hand back from Ashveil's grip.
"Ashveil… that is the Guardian of Wonderveil."
"Yeah—" Ashveil stopped, his eyes widening. "Huh?"
The dragon lowered its head with profound respect. "Greetings, Your Highness," its voice echoed—deep and heavy, yet as clear as a human's.
Ashveil froze in his tracks. Elowen stepped forward without a hint of fear.
"Vaelrith… it has been a long time."
The dragon—Vaelrith—lifted his head slightly. "I am well. I did not expect Your Highness to bring someone along." His eyes shifted toward Ashveil.
Ashveil felt his entire body go stiff. "I… I am Ashveil," he stammered.
"I brought him because he is my assistant," Elowen explained. "I have something I wish to ask."
Vaelrith nodded slowly. "Do you allow outsiders to enter Wonderveil?" Elowen asked, getting straight to the point.
"You mean… Alice?" Vaelrith replied without hesitation.
Elowen was slightly taken aback, but she remained composed. "Yes."
The dragon went quiet for a moment, as if contemplating something distant. "I am not certain how she entered," he said finally. "However… I feel as though she has been here for a very long time."
"A long time?" Ashveil interrupted instinctively.
"I consider her a part of Wonderveil," Vaelrith continued.
Elowen frowned. "A citizen of Wonderveil…?"
"It is difficult for me to explain," Vaelrith replied softly. "But one thing is certain…" His eyes sharpened slightly. "Be careful with that girl. She carries something… dangerous."
The surrounding air felt as if it had grown colder. Elowen nodded slowly. "I understand. Thank you."
Vaelrith shifted his wings, preparing to depart. "In that case, I shall—"
"Wait a moment!" Ashveil's voice cut in.
Both of them looked at him. With a face full of excitement—and a fair bit of nervousness—Ashveil said, "C-could I… could I ride on your back? I want to see the world from the sky…"
Vaelrith looked at Elowen, as if seeking permission. Elowen gave a small smile.
"You may," she said. "But I will be the one riding with you."
Ashveil went silent for a second… then his face lit up. He had just met a legendary dragon. And now—he was going to fly with it.