The atmosphere inside the vast, grand chamber was silent and cold. Unlike other royal rooms filled with luxurious decorations, this one was almost bare. Only a large throne stood in the center, facing tall, wide-open windows. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the white marble floor which glowed softly in the light.
Princess Celestia sat upon the throne, resting her cheek against one hand while her elbow rested on the armrest. Not a trace of a smile touched her face. The gentle warmth that the princess once possessed was completely gone. All that remained was a cold, weary expression.
Before her stood Silas, Nyx, Fin, Axe, and Aver. They stood perfectly still, not daring to move without permission. The tension in the room made their hearts beat slowly and heavily. They all realized one thing clearly—Celestia had truly changed.
"Princess Celestia, why have you summoned us here?" Nyx finally asked, breaking the heavy silence.
Celestia lifted her eyes slowly, looking at each of them one by one.
"You were all friends with Liy, were you not?"
"Yes..." Axe answered softly.
"Do you know why he changed?"
They looked confused by the question.
"What do you mean?" asked Aver.
Celestia leaned back slowly against the throne.
"I mean... what drove Liy to steal that document."
Silas immediately raised his head. "Liy would never do such a thing," he said quickly and firmly. "He is innocent in this matter. I am certain someone... or something, tried to sabotage him."
Celestia stared at Silas for a long moment, yet her expression remained unchanged.
"If that is the case..." Celestia spoke slowly and coldly. "Find me other animals."
"Hah?" Fin gasped, startled.
"I do not care what kind of animals they are," Celestia continued in a detached tone. "But they must be ones I can trust."
Those words made the atmosphere feel even heavier and more suffocating. Silas drooped his ears slowly in sorrow. Nyx simply stared at the floor, saying nothing.
"Princess Celestia..." Aver spoke, sounding distressed. "Are you... disappointed in Liy?"
"That is none of your concern," Celestia replied shortly.
She then stood up slowly from the throne. Her gown fell straight and elegant as she took a few steps toward the large windows. A soft breeze blew her hair gently.
"I will go into the forest myself to meet the creatures there," Celestia said, without turning back to look at them. "I need companions who will never betray me."
Those words pierced their hearts deeply, though she likely didn't realize how much pain she caused. Silas clenched his paws tightly. Axe and Aver exchanged helpless glances. Fin remained silent, observing Celestia's back intently.
Nyx finally bowed his head low. "As you wish, Princess Celestia."
Silas, Nyx, Axe, and Aver nodded in agreement. None dared to object to Celestia's decision. It wasn't just because they were afraid... but because they realized the princess standing before them now was no longer the Celestia they used to know. The princess who always smiled and treated them like family was slowly fading away, bit by bit.
In a forest filled with trees bearing purple leaves, sunlight filtered through the branches, creating an atmosphere that felt strange yet magical. A gentle wind blew, causing the shimmering leaves to brush against one another with soft whispers.
This was no ordinary forest. It was the home of intelligent animals and mysterious creatures who lived apart from human society. For generations, they had lived peacefully under the protection and watch of Wonderveil's royal family.
In a clearing, Princess Celestia stood tall, looking toward a group of animals who bowed their heads respectfully to her. Her expression remained cold, just as it had been for days now. The gentle smile that used to put everyone at ease was gone completely.
Behind her stood Nyx, Silas, Fin, Axe, and Aver. They were silent. Even they could feel that Celestia's transformation was becoming deeper and more obvious.
"Princess Celestia, why have you called us here?" asked a small hedgehog standing at the front.
Celestia glanced over the group before speaking calmly. "I simply came to see all of you… and choose which among you I can trust to become my companions."
Silence instantly fell over the clearing. Her words sounded simple enough, but the cold tone in her voice made many animals nervous and uneasy.
"Your Highness, may I make some recommendations?" Nyx spoke up immediately.
Celestia turned her gaze toward him. "Very well. I leave it to you, Nyx."
Nyx nodded and began walking slowly around the clearing, observing every creature carefully. He deliberately chose animals that were small, cute, and non-threatening, so the humans inside the palace wouldn't feel fear or suspicion.
In the end, he selected five:
- A small tortoise with dark blue shell.
- A white bird with a long, elegant tail.
- A brown-furred dog.
- A plump, round hamster.
- And a tiny grey mouse.
The chosen animals looked thrilled and excited.
Celestia watched them without much reaction. But moments later, she raised her hand and pointed toward a large black wolf standing far at the back.
"I want you to help me."
The wolf looked surprised, his ears twitching slowly.
"Princess Celestia…" Silas spoke cautiously. "Wolves are dangerous creatures."
"Do not worry," Celestia replied calmly. She looked straight at the wolf. "He will only serve as a messenger."
She paused briefly before adding in a chilling tone:
"Besides… I need wild, fierce animals to help me kill those who betray me."
Those words froze the air instantly. Silas was stunned. Fin swallowed nervously. Axe and Aver exchanged uneasy glances. Nyx simply stayed silent, observing Celestia's changing demeanor closely.
"Your Highness…" Silas began, wanting to say more, but Celestia interrupted him.
"I wish to return now."
She turned away, leaving the clearing.
"The chosen ones may come and live inside the palace. Except the wolf."
The large black wolf lifted his head.
"Because you are a wild creature, you shall sleep outside the palace grounds."
"As you command, Princess," replied the wolf quietly.
Celestia walked steadily out of the forest without glancing back once. Her steps were slow yet firm, leaving a strange, heavy silence behind her.
Some animals began whispering nervously.
"Why is she so cold?" asked the little tortoise softly.
"She is just going through some difficulties," Silas replied, forcing a reassuring smile. "Do not worry."
But despite his words, worry filled his own eyes.
"Hey."
A voice suddenly came from behind them. Everyone turned around.
A large green caterpillar was slowly crawling toward them. It was Liy.
"Liy!" Silas immediately rushed over, his face lighting up with genuine joy.
But Nyx's reaction was completely different. The black cat glared sharply at Liy, completely unmasked hostility in his eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Nyx demanded coldly.
Liy paused his movement for a moment before answering quietly.
"This is the forest belonging to all animals. I have every right to be here."
Nyx scoffed sharply.
"After you stole and hid such an important royal document?"
Tension returned instantly.
"Nyx, stop," Silas intervened quickly. "Liy is innocent in this matter. It is possible he didn't realize the document was stuck to him."
"Didn't realize… or pretended not to notice?" Nyx retorted sarcastically.
Silas's ears drooped low, stung by the harshness.
Liy lowered his head sadly.
"I know everyone is angry with me," he whispered. "But truly, I never intended to take that document."
Nyx turned his face away dismissively.
"I honestly don't know who to trust anymore."
"I won't come near the palace again, Nyx," Liy added softly, his voice trembling slightly.
"That would be best," Nyx replied without hesitation.
Silas immediately stepped in front of Liy protectively, shielding him from Nyx's words.
"That is enough now," Silas said gently. "I still trust you, Liy."
Liy looked up at the white rabbit, his eyes wet with tears forming.
"Thank you…"
Silas smiled warmly and patted the caterpillar gently.
"If anything happens, come tell me."
Liy nodded slowly.
"I must go now," Silas said, turning away. "Come along, Fin, Axe, Aver."
They began walking away together with the newly chosen animals. Nyx walked at the very front, never looking back at Liy again.
Soon, the clearing became quiet once more. Liy watched them leave from a distance. His small green body stood motionless. He tried to smile… but the expression felt heavy and painful.
Hidden in the bushes not far away, a pair of eyes watched everything silently. And those eyes… were smiling cunningly.
The five animals chosen by Nyx, along with the black wolf selected by Princess Celestia, were finally assigned their respective duties within the palace grounds. Even though they were only animals, their presence was now considered important—especially after Celestia's trust in her animal companions had been severely damaged by the incident involving Liy.
The black wolf remained forbidden from entering the palace itself. However, Celestia had arranged a special shelter for him near the knights' quarters, ensuring he received ample food and care. This puzzled many palace workers; they wondered why their increasingly cold and distant princess still showed such consideration toward a wild, dangerous beast.
Meanwhile, the other five animals were led into the royal flower garden by Nyx. The garden was filled with blooming red and white roses, and a fountain in the center flowed gently, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
The small tortoise, the white bird, the brown-furred dog, the plump hamster, and the tiny grey mouse stood in a neat line before Nyx. Nyx sat atop a stone fence, looking them over one by one with a serious expression.
"Very well," he began sternly. "You are all fortunate that I chose you."
The five creatures paid close attention.
"Remember this: you were brought here not to play or enjoy yourselves," Nyx warned, jumping down from the fence. "There are specific tasks you must perform."
"What kind of tasks, sir?" asked the little tortoise softly.
"I selected you because you appear harmless to humans," Nyx explained. "This palace is full of staff and servants. Humans find small, cute animals easier to trust and accept."
The hamster raised a tiny paw proudly. "Cute?"
Nyx sighed impatiently. "That is not the point."
The hamster immediately fell silent.
"You are here to assist Princess Celestia in certain matters," Nyx continued. "But you must never interfere in political affairs."
The white bird tilted its head in confusion. "Why not?"
"Because we are animals… and she is human." Nyx's tone grew heavy. "We should never meddle too deeply in matters of rule and power."
The brown dog sat down, wagging his tail slowly. "But why does the Princess seem to distrust all animals now, just because of one mistake?"
Nyx paused, his eyes sharpening slightly. "Because one animal committed a very serious offense."
They all fell quiet.
"I think…" Nyx spoke slowly, "if humans themselves make mistakes in the future, Princess Celestia might end up trusting no one at all."
The mood in the garden turned gloomy.
"But…" the white bird whispered, "is it fair to blame everyone just because of one creature's actions?"
Nyx turned away, looking troubled. "That is exactly what I cannot understand myself."
He took a deep breath and looked back at them, his expression turning grave again.
"One more thing. You must never speak about anything happening inside this palace to anyone. Not to humans, and not to other animals outside these grounds."
He narrowed his eyes dangerously. "If word of what happens here spreads… you will face severe punishment."
The five animals stood up straight and answered in unison. "Understood!"
Satisfied, Nyx nodded.
Soon after, they were each given their specific roles:
- The white bird was tasked with delivering small messages between the garden and the palace kitchens.
- The tortoise helped the gardeners carry small tools and supplies.
- The brown dog accompanied the knights during their night patrols.
- The hamster assisted with simple chores in the kitchen.
- The tiny mouse was assigned to monitor narrow passages and hidden corners of the palace, where only a creature his size could go unnoticed.
Unbeknownst to them… someone was watching everything from behind a thick rose bush. Strands of long blonde hair peeked through the leaves. Alice observed their every movement, a thin, cunning smile playing on her lips.
"Alice."
A small voice called softly from below.
Alice glanced down. One of her hidden familiars stood near her feet.
"Why did Princess Celestia bring these animals in to help her inside the palace?" the creature asked.
"I don't know," Alice replied calmly. "Besides, it wasn't entirely her choice." She looked toward Nyx in the distance. "It was a decision she allowed… and I have no intention of interfering for now."
The creature nodded slowly.
Alice leaned back against a tree trunk and looked up at the sky.
"When will the war finally begin…" she murmured softly.
Her eyes slowly turned cold and ruthless.
"If I manage to kill that dragon…" A small, wicked smile curved her lips. "Wonderveil will belong entirely to me."
The creature beside her sounded surprised. "Aren't you already powerful enough? You could simply seize the throne directly from Elowen by killing her."
Alice chuckled softly. "Oh, I am indeed powerful." She gazed toward the blue sky above the forest. "But that dragon is Wonderveil's true guardian."
Her smile faded completely. "And that dragon is far stronger than I am."
For the first time, Alice's voice sounded truly serious and heavy.
"I also need everyone—both humans and animals—to place their full trust in me before everything starts."
"You should do something to make Princess Celestia and Princess Elowen truly go to war against each other," the familiar suggested quietly.
Alice sighed. "That is exactly what I want to happen."
"But Celestia is still holding back," she said, her eyes narrowing. "She spends far too much time talking and being with Charles."
Her tone turned icy when she spoke his name.
"I want you to remove Charles from this palace. Permanently."
The familiar fell silent for a moment before answering nervously. "I… I tried before. But instead of him… Liy was the one who got blamed and punished."
For a few seconds, total silence hung in the air.
Then… Alice smiled slowly. It was a beautiful smile, yet terrifyingly cold.
"It does not matter," she said softly. "Try again."
The creature nodded slowly, trembling slightly.
In that instant, Alice's body dissolved into black mist and faded away from behind the bush, leaving no trace behind—as if she had never been there at all.