Black Crimson

Myles groans as he wakes up. "Where… am I?" Confusion washes over him as he assesses his surroundings. The room is strikingly similar to the one on the egg vehicle, but several differences stand out. The mech in the corner is larger, its metallic frame gleaming under soft light. The floors are made of polished wood, and the walls, adorned with delicate paper panels, exude an elegant, traditional charm. A distinct earthy, jungle-like scent lingers in the air, adding to the unfamiliarity. Despite this, the temperature is just right—cool enough for him to feel comfortable.

"Weird…" he thinks. Everything about this place feels too perfect, as if it was designed specifically for him.

Just as he shifts to climb out of bed, a familiar fragrance halts him in place. The soft, floral aroma drifts closer, preceding the entrance of someone through an opening in the wall.

Lia steps inside, framed by the light behind her. Her towering, statuesque figure is impossible to ignore. Smooth, rich brown skin contrasts elegantly against the flowing white flare dress she wears, its delicate fabric moving with her every step. Silver accessories shimmer subtly in the dim light, accentuating her form, while a brown fabric belt cinches at her waist. Platform sandals complete the look, adding a touch of effortless grace.

Her hair, now let down, cascades in gentle waves, illuminated by the glow behind her. The vision before Myles leaves him utterly dumbstruck. His mouth parts slightly as he takes her in, words failing him.

Myles barely has time to process his surroundings before Lia's voice snaps him back to reality.

"You know—" she starts, then hesitates. A faint flush rises to her cheeks as she turns away. "You're naked."

Myles glances down, realization hitting him like a shockwave. His hands scramble for the nearest cover, yanking the blanket over himself. Lia steps back toward the wall, and the opening she entered through seals the moment she leaves.

Still reeling, Myles exhales sharply. Did I forget something? His mind drifts back to the way her dress flowed around her, how the light caught her hair just right. A warmth spreads in his chest, but he shakes it off. He needed a clear head. First things first—finding the bathroom.

After freshening up, Myles returns to where Lia had left. He hesitates, then knocks on the wall where the opening once was.

No sooner has he tapped than Lia reappears—only to collide with him, knocking them both to the ground.

For a few lingering seconds, they just stare at each other. His breath catches. Her warmth, her scent—everything about her is so close.

Myles finally breaks the silence, his voice lighter than he intended. "So… where are we going?" His eyes stay locked on hers.

Lia smiles, her expression soft yet unreadable. Slowly, she leans in, their faces mere inches apart. Myles' pulse quickens.

"I want to show you my world," she murmurs.

Just as his heart dares to hope, she pulls away, rising to her feet. Myles hides his disappointment, but it's quickly replaced by something else—the sight of her radiant smile. Before he can dwell on it, she takes his hand, pulling him forward with surprising strength.

How can someone be this strong and cute at the same time? he wonders, a small smile playing on his lips.

They stop in front of a sleek, smaller vessel—similar to the ship he had arrived on, but more compact, more refined. Its transparent walls create a seamless 360-degree view of the outside world, making it feel open and otherworldly.

As the vehicle ascends, Myles grips the seat, tension creeping into his muscles. His last experience flying hadn't exactly been pleasant. He forces himself to stay composed, but Lia notices anyway.

She settles beside him, wrapping her arms around his. "What are you so tense about, cutie?" she teases, resting her head lightly on his shoulder.

Myles blinks, momentarily forgetting everything else. His nerves, his unease—it all fades, replaced by the singular thought of her.

Elsewhere, in a sun-drenched garden within the grand estate, Rai and King Julian sit across from each other. The vibrant array of flowers glows under the sunlight, their colors almost surreal.

A bird flutters in from a window—only to collapse mid-flight, its body plummeting to the ground with a sickening splat.

Rai doesn't flinch. Instead, she lifts a hand, her fingers glowing with pulsating energy. Time itself bends to her will. The bird's body reverses its destruction, flesh knitting back together as it rises, wings unfurling. It flutters backwards through the window, which seals shut the moment it passes.

The king watches with quiet approval. "Your criole manipulation has improved," he remarks. "You reverse time with ease. But… there are limits, aren't there?"

Rai smiles at her father, warmth in her expression.

King Julian studies her for a moment, then leans forward slightly. "You seem comfortable here. Any of your sisters—or even that boy—wouldn't last if they stepped into this place."

Rai's eyes widen. "Die?" she asks, an edge of alarm in her voice. She had believed them immune to such a fate.

The king sighs. "Not in the way you think. But they would be lost to us for years… long enough to wound us deeply. That, to me, is a kind of death."

Rai exhales, relieved yet solemn. She shares his sentiment.

A thought occurs to her, and she hesitates. "Wait… if this place has that effect, then you and—"

The king gives her a knowing look, answering the question before she can finish.

A heavy silence lingers between them before he finally speaks. "Daughter of mine, I have waited long for this moment. That boy… you must keep him close. Perhaps even closer than that." His voice is firm, serious.

Rai tilts her head slightly, considering his words. A soft smile touches her lips. "Lia never disappoints, does she?"

The king chuckles. "None of you do, my child. You've always known this time would come, and you've prepared well."

He rises, his regal presence unshaken. "But do not grow sentimental. This is not a fight you can join. Kaelen and Thia have already made preparations for the boy."

Rai watches him go, a thoughtful expression settling over her features.

King Julian pauses before leaving. "Be careful, child. Your responsibility is greater than any before it."

As he walks away, Rai sips her tea, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Everything will be fine, Father."