The room was quiet when Kael stirred awake. The air had that faint golden glow of late afternoon, the kind that promised evening was not far away. He stretched his arms lazily and blinked, wondering for a second if the day had been a dream. The laughter, the fountain, the strange device that had marked him a "citizen." Everything felt unreal, like pages of a story he had stepped into by mistake.
He turned his head—and there she was.
Lusia was curled up on the bedding beside the low wooden table, breathing evenly. A strand of her hair had slipped across her cheek, rising and falling gently with every breath. For once, she didn't have that spark in her eyes, or that teasing smile on her lips. She looked younger, softer… almost fragile.
Kael found himself just watching. Her lips parted slightly as she exhaled, one hand tucked beneath her chin like a child clinging to a dream. It was strange—this was the same girl who had dragged him across markets, laughed in his face when he tripped, and pushed him without hesitation toward a scanner that could've very well exposed him. Yet now, with her hair spread like a halo across the pillow, she seemed utterly defenseless.
A thought slipped into Kael's head before he could stop it: So this is what she's like when she lets her guard down.
He smiled faintly. Then, shaking his head, he leaned forward and whispered, "Lusia. Wake up."
No response.
He tried again, louder this time. "Lusia, it's evening. You said we had to go."
The girl stirred, frowning in her sleep. Then, with the stubbornness only she could manage, she turned her face into the pillow and muttered something about "five more minutes."
Kael sighed. "You're worse than a child." He hesitated, then poked her cheek gently.
That did it. Her eyes cracked open, hazy with sleep, but the moment she recognized him, she groaned. "Ugh, Kael, you're too early. Why are you even watching me like that?"
"Because you told me we had plans," he said, deadpan.
Her cheeks flushed faintly, though she tried to hide it by sitting up quickly. "Fine, fine. I'll get ready first. You just… wait there and try not to look like a lost puppy."
Kael raised an eyebrow, but didn't argue.
Lusia disappeared behind a partition, and Kael heard the faint sound of water being poured, fabric rustling, and the soft clink of jewelry. When she stepped back into view, Kael almost forgot how to breathe.
She had washed her hair, and the curls caught the dim light like strands of silk, cascading neatly down her back. The dress she wore was unlike the simple ones he had seen her in before—it was traditional, its design rooted in something far older, almost European in style. White fabric trimmed with deep blue, ribbons crossing the bodice, and a small silver pendant glinting at her throat. It wasn't extravagant, but on her, it might as well have been.
Kael just stared.
"What?" she asked, pretending not to notice the color rising in her own cheeks. "You've never seen a girl in a dress before?"
He blinked and quickly looked away. "Not… like that."
"Like what?" she pressed, smirking now.
"Like…" He fumbled for words, finally muttering, "Like you."
For a heartbeat, her smile faltered, softer now, but she quickly hid it by waving a hand. "Anyway, you're the one with a problem. You can't go to the festival in those rags. Come on."
Before Kael could argue, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him out into the street.
The market was already buzzing with festival energy. Lanterns of colored glass floated between the buildings, glowing faintly in the dusk. Stalls were packed with families, children darting about in neat outfits, the smell of sweets and roasted nuts filling the air.
They stopped at a clothing shop draped in banners of red and gold. The tailor eyed Kael's plain shirt and sighed dramatically. "Another festival emergency, huh? Step inside, lad."
Within minutes, Kael found himself shoved behind a screen with a neatly folded set of clothes. When he emerged, he hardly recognized himself.
The shirt was deep navy with subtle silver embroidery, paired with fitted trousers and a long coat that fell just past his knees. A sash crossed his chest, fastened with a small crest that shimmered faintly in the lantern light. It felt strange at first, too polished—but the way Lusia stared at him made the discomfort worth it.
"You clean up better than I expected," she admitted with a grin. "Almost like you belong here."
Kael scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Almost?"
Her grin widened. "Don't get used to compliments."
She grabbed kael arm and pulled him over back to street "Alright let's leave for the festival or else we will be late"
By the time they reached the temple square, the festival was in full bloom. The temple itself had been transformed—its pillars wrapped in flowers, its steps lined with glowing orbs that floated just above the ground. Music drifted through the air, a lively rhythm that mingled with the chatter and laughter of the crowd.
Mia and Ceyla were waiting near a stall, waving enthusiastically when they spotted Lusia. Both were dressed in fine gowns of their own, their hair styled neatly, but their first comments weren't about themselves.
"So this is the famous boy," Mia teased, looking Kael up and down.
"The one who made Lusia skip half her chores?" Ceyla added with a sly grin.
Lusia rolled her eyes. "Don't exaggerate. He's harmless. And besides—he'll be joining school soon enough. He's not just some outsider."
Kael opened his mouth to speak, but the girls' teasing left him flustered. He settled for a polite bow. "Nice to meet you again."
Mia smiled, satisfied. "Polite, too. Not bad."
Soon they were in the festival's crowd. The festival square was alive with laughter and lights, the scent of roasted nuts and sweet bread weaving through the crisp night air. Lanterns drifted lazily above the crowd, glowing like captured stars.
"Finally!" Mia burst out as the four of them stepped into the bustle, her amber eyes sparkling. "I've been dreaming about this all week. Don't think you're escaping the ring toss, Lusia."
Cylia, calm as ever, gave a small smile. "Or the light-orb fishing. You lost to me last year, remember?"
Lusia rolled her eyes, grinning. "Tch, and you'll lose this time."
Kael walked slightly behind, trying to absorb the swirl of sound and color. The town looked different at night, alive in a way he hadn't seen before. But before he could sink too deep into thought, Mia's voice rang out—directed at him.
"So, Kael." She leaned in with a sly smile. "The town's 'famous stray' finally joins us at the festival, huh? You better not embarrass our Lusia too much."
Kael stiffened, ears warming, unsure how to respond. Cylia chuckled softly, adding, "Don't mind Mia. She just enjoys teasing. We've heard enough about you from her already."
Lusia smacked Mia lightly on the arm. "Oi, don't scare him off. He's braver than he looks."
Kael blinked at that, not sure if she was defending him or teasing him herself. Before he could decide, Lusia shoved a set of rings into his hands. "Alright, prove me right. Hit the center post."
The crowd pressed closer around the stall. Kael tossed his first ring—it clattered far off to the side. Mia snorted. "Oho, promising start."
His second try flew too high. Lusia cupped her hands and shouted, "Focus!" while Cylia hid her smile behind her sleeve.
Kael gritted his teeth, aimed carefully, and let the last ring fly. It spun wildly… then dropped right onto the tallest peg with a perfect clang.
The stall owner raised his brows in surprise. The small crowd around them cheered.
Mia whistled. "Well, well. Not bad for someone who looked like he was about to faint a moment ago."
Kael exhaled slowly, trying not to grin too much. The prize—a stuffed fox—was handed to him. He hesitated, then awkwardly passed it to Lusia.
"...For you."
Lusia blinked, then her lips softened into a smile as she clipped it to her belt. "Thanks."
The group moved on, bouncing between stalls. Kael fumbled embarrassingly at the dart game, nearly dropping one on his shoe, while Mia hit two bullseyes and spun around cheering like she'd conquered a kingdom. Cylia remained calm and precise, winning glowing orbs with quiet skill.
"Looks like you're hopeless at these games," Mia teased Kael, offering him one of her prize sweets. "Here. Consolation prize."
Kael muttered under his breath, "Thanks, I guess," but couldn't hide the faint curl of a smile.
They stopped to watch performers weave glowing ribbons of light into shapes that leapt and danced across the sky—foxes, dragons, birds of fire. Cylia's usual composure broke into awe, while Mia clapped wildly. Kael, however, found his gaze drifting toward Lusia instead—the ribbons of light reflecting in her eyes, her laughter brighter than the lanterns above.
By the time the crowd began to thin, Mia stretched her arms overhead. "Food time! There's a stall across the plaza with honey cakes. I'm not missing it."
"Go ahead," Lusia said with a grin. "Kael and I will meet you later."
Cylia raised a brow, then gave Lusia a knowing look. "Don't take too long." She followed Mia into the crowd, leaving the two of them by the temple gates, lanterns glowing softly overhead.
Lusia turned to Kael, her smile playful. "So, ready for the Ferris wheel?"
Kael tilted his head. "Ferris… wheel?"
"You'll see," she said, tugging him forward by the wrist.
Kael followed, more curious than nervous. Oris had already flooded his mind with knowledge of local devices back when he first woke—so the technology of a floating Ferris wheel without any grounded support didn't shock him. What struck him was the view.
As the wheel lifted them higher, the festival spread out below like a sea of light. Lanterns bobbed in the air, the temple glowed like a beacon, and the crowd shimmered with motion. Above, the moon had climbed high, silver light scattering across the rooftops.
Kael turned—and nearly lost his breath again.
The moonlight caught Lusia's features, softening them yet making them shine. Her curls shimmered silver, her dress glowed faintly against the night, and her eyes—deep, unwavering—looked brighter than any lantern below.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Lusia broke the silence, her voice quieter than usual. "Kael… do you think I'm capable enough?"
He blinked, startled. "Capable enough… for what?"
She didn't answer, only looked at him as if daring him to decide what she meant. He hesitated, then spoke the truth. "You're the one I've depended on since I got here. So yes—you're more than capable."
Her lips curved into a faint smile, but her gaze drifted away. Inside, Kael's mind was racing. Capable enough… Does this have to do with that ceremony in six months? The Path? Or something even deeper?
Before he could ask, Lusia shook her head. "Sorry. That probably sounded strange. Forget it. Your answer… it was enough to motivate me. That's all." She paused, then added softly, "When you start school tomorrow, you'll understand more."
Kael wanted to press, but the Ferris wheel slowed, and Lusia quickly reached for his hand. "Come on. Let's not keep Mia and Ceyla waiting."
They reunited with the girls, who were happily munching on skewers of candied fruit. After a few more laughs, they parted ways under the lanterns, waving goodbye with promises to meet again.
As Kael and Lusia walked home, he noticed her smile had returned. Whatever shadows her question had stirred, she hid them well.
Back at the shop, they said goodnight. Kael slipped back into the inn, the weight of the day finally catching up with him. Yet as he lay on the unfamiliar bed, his mind refused to rest.
Lusia… she's hiding something. Avoiding certain people, asking questions she won't explain. And tomorrow… school begins.
With those thoughts swirling, Kael drifted into uneasy sleep, the sounds of the festival still echoing faintly outside.