The train came to a halt with a long, drawn-out hiss, its sound echoing beneath the station's vaulted ceiling like the final breath of a metal beast. The steel wheels slowed, then fell silent—yet no one stepped down immediately.
As though the train itself was reluctant to release its final passenger.
Azure Latch finally stepped onto the platform of Vynarix Central.
His boots touched the smooth stone floor, and for a moment, he did not move. His long coat fell neatly against his frame, stirring gently in the night air.
The city… was glowing.
Not with harsh or blinding light, but with something measured and deliberate—crystal lamps standing at every pillar, stone pathways reflecting moonlight like calm water. The light did not press, did not demand attention. It simply existed, as if the city had long since learned how to breathe alongside the night.
The small lantern floating beside Azure pulsed softly.
This isn't Starlit, he thought.
"Don't stare for too long."
The voice came from behind him—calm, familiar. A voice that had shaped years of his life.
An elderly man stepped down from the carriage with unhurried grace, carrying a small bag and a thick book bound with a thin chain. The glass lens over his right eye reflected the station lights, giving his gaze a depth that seemed older than his years.
"Vynarix favors those who stand upright," the man continued.
"Not those who spend too long merely observing."
Azure nodded slowly.
"It's been a long time," he said quietly.
"Teacher… or Ruler of TERAU."
"Tu Vat Soire."
As Azure turned, his coat shifted slightly. The Rook symbol on his back caught the station light. Several palace guards glanced their way—not with suspicion, but with curiosity.
Their attention soon lingered on the floating lantern.
It was not something one saw every day.
---
The journey to the palace passed in silence.
The royal carriage glided along stone roads, past towering buildings engraved with symbols of moons and eclipses. Outside the window, the city of Vynarix moved like a living painting—branching railway lines, watchtowers, bridges of light.
Azure sat upright, hands resting on his thighs, eyes watching without truly seeing.
"Azure."
Tu Vat spoke suddenly.
"Here," he said quietly, without turning,
"you are not a student."
Azure did not respond.
"And you are not a Royal Guard."
Azure stared ahead, his jaw tightening slightly.
"I know."
"You are also not a defender of the palace."
The lantern beside him flickered faintly, as if sensing the weight of those words.
Tu Vat finally turned.
"Good," he said.
"Remember that."
Azure nodded once more—this time, more heavily.
---
The Palace of Vynarix was quieter than he had expected.
There were no excessive echoes of footsteps, no voices heavy with authority—only wide spaces and carefully controlled light. Azure was instructed to wait in an inner hall.
The walls were lined with moon-glass.
His reflection appeared again and again—each one subtly different. One seemed firmer, another like the shadow of someone still searching for his place.
As though the world itself was deciding which version of him belonged here.
A maid appeared and bowed politely.
"The personal guard will be brought in," she said.
Azure drew a slow breath.
Not the Duke.
Not a trial.
Not a declaration.
Light footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
A young girl entered without escort.
Her short black-and-violet dress moved lightly as she walked, a large ribbon swaying behind her. Behind her head, a purple rose floated quietly, its petals turning as though observing the room.
Her eyes were sharp—too sharp for her age.
"I am Velmira Vynarix," she said plainly.
"Daughter of Duke Vahara Vynarix."
She stopped in front of Azure.
"And you?"
Azure dropped to one knee, head bowed.
"Azure Latch," he replied.
"By order of Duke Vahara, I have been assigned as Your Highness's personal guard."
Velmira did not tell him to rise.
Instead, she circled him slowly, her steps quiet and deliberate. The lantern beside Azure remained still, as if aware it was being judged.
"You don't carry a weapon," Velmira said.
"No need," Azure answered without hesitation.
She stopped directly in front of him.
"You know," she said with a small smile,
"the guards before you always talked big."
Azure lifted his gaze slightly.
"I'm not a Royal Guard."
Velmira let out a soft laugh—not mocking, but satisfied.
"Good."
She stepped forward and extended her hand.
"Then, Lantern Keeper," she said softly.
"From tonight onward… you guard me."
The lantern at Azure's side glowed a little brighter.
He placed one hand against the floor and bowed fully.
"With my life," he answered.
Above them, the moonlight in the glass ceiling trembled faintly.
And in Vynarix, for the first time in a long while,
a light that was never asked for finally began to bloom.