The Raven's Fang Inn was one of Eizo's finest—an elegant refuge of polished wood and soft lamplight, its quiet halls far removed from the chaos of the streets. Inside a modest but well-kept room, Yamori sat on the edge of a wide bed, shoulders tense as he unwound the blood-stained handkerchief from his palm. The graze from earlier had turned a faint, unnatural shade of purple. He stared at it briefly, expression unreadable, then let out a low sigh.
Across the room, Sinbad leaned his twin axes against the wall. Their black blades caught the dim glow of the oil lamp, silent and ominous. Turning to his son, he snapped his fingers. At once, water gathered from the air, swirling around Yamori's hand in a shimmering coil.
"Hold still, boy," Sinbad said, voice calm but firm. "This will be quick."
The water glowed faintly, pulsing with a gentle blue light. Where it touched, the wound knit itself together, the discoloration fading as if washed away. The trace of poison dissolved, leaving only smooth, unbroken skin. Yamori studied the sight with cool detachment, then released another quiet breath as the water dispersed into mist.
"Cancer Zodiac skill tree," Yamori murmured. "Water's always pure, isn't it?"
A soft chuckle rumbled from Sinbad's chest as he moved to sit beside him, his gaze drifting toward the window where the twin moons still hung.
"Indeed," he said. "I was blessed by the sea's mother herself. When I was your age, I was restless—an adventurer through and through. I roamed far from home with an old friend, always chasing some trouble or another. One job took us out to sea—hunting a serpent for a guild contract. I nearly died that day. The beast struck, and I was thrown into the depths. But instead of cold and darkness, I felt warmth… as if the waves themselves were alive. They carried me, welcomed me. And in that moment, the Cancer Zodiac chose me."
Yamori tilted his head slightly. "I thought the Zodiacs only chose nobles."
Sinbad smiled at that, though his eyes were distant, as if recalling something precious. "That's the story they tell, but it's not the truth. Nobility may think the stars favor them, but the Zodiacs answer to no crown. They choose flame—spirit. It could be a king or a beggar; it doesn't matter. When your soul burns bright enough, one of them will see you."
From the table, Sinbad drew a worn notebook and tore a page free. Carefully, he ripped the sheet into thirteen small circles—twelve large, one smaller—and arranged them in a ring around the center. He struck a match, setting it upright in the smallest circle.
"Think of this," he said, gesturing to the flame. "The fire inside us calls to the Zodiacs. We don't choose them; they choose us. When a defining moment comes—when your character is laid bare—that's when one will answer. A single light in the vast dark, drawn to another."
The match burned low, tipping toward one of the paper circles. It caught, flaring blue. Yamori watched, expression steady, before leaning back onto the bed.
"So they pick us," he said. "Fine. I'll wait for mine. But…" His voice hesitated. "Why the water doppelgänger? Why make it look like Kaede and me were… dancing?"
The last word came reluctantly, as though it barely made it past his lips. Sinbad blinked, then burst into laughter—loud and warm, like a wave breaking.
"You truly don't know? Hah! I thought it was obvious. But I suppose you're still just a boy."
Yamori's sigh was sharp, almost irritated, but Sinbad only grinned wider. Then his tone shifted, growing softer.
"Tell me this, though," Sinbad said. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
Yamori turned his head away, a subtle act of defiance. His silence was answer enough. Sinbad didn't press, though amusement glinted in his eyes.
---
Elsewhere, the gala continued in full splendor. Music floated through the warm night, laughter and crystal chimes echoing from the grand ballroom. On a marble balcony overlooking the city, Kaede stood small and pale against the glittering lights. Footsteps approached, and she turned just as a tall man with golden hair and striking blue eyes stepped into view.
"Papa!" she cried, rushing forward.
The King of Stella knelt, gathering her into his arms with a quiet, relieved laugh. "My little one," he murmured, holding her close.
A knight in silver armor approached and knelt beside them. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head. "The council has adjourned as ordered. We are ready to return to Stella. We also apprehended several men—bandits, beaten and bloodied. They may be connected to the attempted abduction."
Kaede looked up, but the King only sighed and brushed her hair back with one hand, his expression darkening. "I failed you tonight, Kaede. I should never have let this happen. If your brother were here, he would have hunted the culprits himself. I swear, by the Black Crest of Stella, we will uncover who dared this."
Then his gaze sharpened, catching the glint of her ear. "Wait… your earrings. One is missing!"
The knight's head rose slightly, alarm flickering in his eyes. But Kaede only smiled, her innocence belying the spark of mischief beneath it.
"That's a secret, Papa," she said softly.