The twilight had barely settled across the golden domes of Lumisgrave when the main gates of the capital creaked open. Soldiers in fine silver armor stood in rows, their halberds gleaming under torchlight. The banners of House Farhan flapped in the breeze — deep royal blue stitched with silver lions. The people of the capital, weary from war yet filled with hope, lined the cobbled path that led to the Royal Square.
Trumpets blared. A messenger sprinted into the throne room where King Farhan stood in quiet contemplation beside the high window, hands clasped behind his back. He stared into the darkening sky, still recalling the chaos of the recent war, the courage of the Mythics, and the stunning moment Arslan and Kaelen had saved his life. Yet something else brought a rare softness to his proud eyes tonight.
The messenger knelt. "My King. Prince Kabir has returned."
Farhan's brows lifted with surprise and joy. He turned away from the window, the flickering blue glow of magical lanterns bathing his face in warmth. "So he didn't send a letter this time. That boy... after a whole month in Bellmond..."
---
Royal Square – Lumisgrave
A carriage approached slowly, flanked by elite guards in white and gold. The crowd murmured with anticipation. Whispers of Kabir — the prince who had studied in the great kingdom of Bellmond, the land of intellect and ancient knowledge — buzzed through the people.
As the carriage door opened, a tall, lean young man stepped out, dressed in a tailored navy-blue coat over a silver tunic, the sigil of Lumisgrave embroidered across his chest. His dark brown hair fell just past his ears, tied neatly at the back. A calm, intelligent gaze settled over the crowd.
Kabir, now 20, carried the air of one who had grown quickly — not just in years, but in purpose.
Cheers erupted.
"Prince Kabir!"
"He's back!"
Kabir waved modestly. The guards motioned for space as he made his way through the crowd. Unlike his father's commanding presence, Kabir's charisma came from empathy — his smile subtle, his eyes observant.
At the palace gates, King Farhan waited with open arms.
Kabir bowed respectfully. "Father."
Farhan stepped forward and pulled him into a firm hug, his voice rich with emotion. "Welcome home, my son. You've returned at the perfect time."
Kabir chuckled, then said in a lower voice, "I sensed Lumisgrave calling to me even before I knew why."
Farhan placed a hand on his shoulder, stepping back to study him. "You've changed. You carry something wiser in your gaze. What did Bellmond teach you?"
Kabir smiled. "That knowledge without purpose is like a sword without a hand to guide it. And that Lumisgrave has always been my reason."
Farhan sat with Kabir near the council table, sipping warm elixir tea. Blue flame torches lit the room with a serene glow. A soft breeze passed through open arched windows, bringing the scent of jasmine from the palace gardens.
"The war nearly devoured us all," Farhan said gravely. "But the Mythics stood tall. Especially Arslan. You'll meet him tomorrow."
Kabir nodded. "I have seen him in P.R.I.M.E. The boy surrounded by shadow and flame."
Farhan smirked. "He's more than shadows. You'll see."
A knock broke the moment. Julius entered, head of the Guardian Council. His usually calm face was taut.
"My King. We have received multiple field reports. Demon Sites have emerged in three new locations within Lumisgrave."
Kabir stood, surprised. "Already? So soon after the last incursion?"
Julius replied, placing three glowing stones on the map board. Each floated and projected a red swirling mist over regions of farmland, deep forest, and an old riverbed.
"These are not mere echoes. They are full sites, with movement inside. But no known Echelon signs. Something's... different."
Farhan's jaw clenched. "We can't allow another delay in response. Form scouting parties by dawn. Mythics will lead. And this time... prepare arcane backups."
Kabir observed the images. "I wish I had returned sooner. Let me aid in strategic coordination."
Farhan nodded. "You will but first rest. Begin by reading the new site schematics from Bellmond's archives. We'll need intelligence more than ever."
A Few Hours Later – Royal Balcony
Kabir stood alone, leaning against the golden balustrade, overlooking Lumisgrave.
His thoughts swirled. He had imagined returning to a festival, to music and joy, not war and demon sites. Yet fate was a curious writer.
A courier arrived with a sealed letter wrapped in a silk dragon-thread ribbon.
He handed it to the guards, who brought it straight to the King.
Farhan opened it under candlelight. His brows rose.
Kabir entered.
Farhan read aloud:
"To the Esteemed King Farhan of Lumisgrave,
This is Queen Maria of Kaivelle. I write to inform you that I intend to visit Lumisgrave within the coming moon. I wish to discuss matters of mutual interest, despite the past... conflicts of trade and misunderstanding between our Kingdoms. It is time to see whether peace, or purpose, can exist between fire and frost.
Yours with tempered honor,
Maria Kaelen of House Aetherwing.
Kabir blinked. "Kaivelle? After all these years? Didn't the last envoy end in threats?"
Farhan folded the letter with care. "Yes. And their dragons nearly scorched our skies over trade rights. But this... this is unexpected."
Kabir asked, "Should we accept her visit?"
Farhan's expression turned thoughtful. "We can't afford more enemies. Not now. Perhaps this time, the past should remain in the past."
He looked toward the flame-lit horizon.
"Prepare for her arrival. With caution."