The days after the battle felt oddly calm. Almost too calm—like the kingdom was holding its breath, waiting for something else to come. The well had been sealed again, the scepter hidden deep within Seraphina's chambers, away from the eyes of the court.
Everyone whispered about her now.
The princess who summoned light.
The girl with the fire in her hands.
The starborn heir.
But Seraphina still didn't feel like a legend.
She wandered to the royal library that afternoon, hoping to feel normal again. The shelves towered above her like ancient trees, and the scent of ink and parchment filled the air. She drifted between the rows until something caught her eye.
A thin scroll, tied with gold ribbon, wedged deep behind an old book of lullabies.
She pulled it out and gently opened it.
> To my daughter,
If you are reading this, then the stars have spoken too soon. I had hoped for more time—to teach you, to prepare you.
But you were always meant to shine in dark places.
You are the Lightbearer. The only one who can awaken the Everflame.
Trust the winds. Follow the music. And beware the man who wears the moon.
I will always love you. — Mother
Seraphina's hands trembled.
"The man who wears the moon…" she whispered.
The masked stranger.
She turned and almost collided with Cassian, who had appeared silently, again. "I thought I told you to stop sneaking up on me."
He gave her a half-smile. "I like watching you read."
She raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because it's the only time your guard is down. You look peaceful."
He noticed the letter. "Is that…?"
Seraphina nodded. "My mother wrote it. She knew something was coming."
Cassian's smile faded. "Then we need to find out what the Everflame is."
---
That night, Seraphina couldn't sleep.
She stepped onto her balcony, the scepter glowing faintly nearby. The stars shimmered above, and the wind carried the scent of rain.
She sang softly—not for magic, not for answers. Just to remember.
---
Song: "The Stars We Lost"
When I was young, she held me close
And whispered stories sweet.
Of winds that danced and fire that slept
Beneath the mountains' feet.
She said one day, the stars might fall,
And I would rise instead.
But how can I be brave enough
To walk where angels fled?
Oh, light me up, forgotten flame,
And guide me through the dark.
For though I walk with trembling steps,
I carry still her spark.
---
The last note lingered in the air like a memory.
Suddenly, a cold wind blew—and a black feather drifted onto her windowsill.
Not a bird's feather.
Something else.
Something dark.
She picked it up slowly. On its edge, words shimmered in silver:
"We see you, Lightbearer."
---