“So,” Phoenix began, breaking the silence between them, “I see you are prepared to become king of the Warriors at such a young age.”

  The moonlight traced silver along the edges of her dark armor. For the first time since they met, her voice carried no edge — only curiosity.

  Solis smiled faintly.

  “My whole life has been built around that expectation. Every lesson, every battle, every decision.” He paused. “And you? I believe you would rule better than I ever could.”

  She stopped walking.

  “What makes you think that?” she asked, raising a brow. “You’ve known me for barely an hour. You are quite judgmental, Prince.”

  “Am I?”

  “And I would never fit the title you speak of so easily.” Her gaze shifted forward again. “Love has never been my favorite emotion. I take after my father.”

  “Emotionless?” he asked gently.

  “Yes.”

  Solis studied her for a moment.“Then who taught you to whisper a prayer before every fight?”

  She glanced at him, surprised. “My father. Why?”

  “And yet he claims he never loved Mother Nature.”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  A faint smirk curved his lips.

  She frowned slightly. “I fail to see the humor.”

  “It isn’t humor. It’s truth.”

  He stepped closer, his voice lowering.“Every time we lift a weapon against nature’s creation, she feels it. That is why the Warriors pray — not for victory, but for forgiveness. The Lords never agreed with our ways.” His eyes softened. “Yet your father taught you.”Silence stretched between them.“He loves her,” Solis said quietly. “And he loves you. When your name is spoken, something changes in his eyes.”Phoenix looked away.“

  I don’t know about that,” she said, her voice suddenly fragile in a way it had never been before. “But I am certain she does not love me.”

  He frowned. “Who?”

  “Mother Nature.”

  The words left her like something long buried.

  “If she loved me,” Phoenix continued, pain threading through her voice, “why did she leave me? Where was she when I needed her the most?”

  The night felt heavier.

  Solis stepped closer, slowly — giving her time to step away if she wished.

  She didn’t.

  Gently, he took her hand and placed it over her own heart.

  “Those we love,” he said softly, “and those who love us… never truly leave.”She looked at him.“They stay here.”

  His hand remained over hers for only a second longer before he let go.

  “I am certain your mother loves you,” he added. “Even if she must love the entire world as well.”

  A sad smile touched Phoenix’s lips.They stood beneath the moon, darkness around them, silver light above them — two heirs from opposite realms, silently searching each other for answers neither had found alone.

  A distant call shattered the stillness.“Dinner is ready!”

  Phoenix stepped back slightly.“We should go.”

  Solis inclined his head. “After you, my lady.”

  They walked side by side toward the castle, shadows blending together against the black stone.Halfway down the path, she turned to him.

  “You do have a good heart, young prince.”Her smile was small — but it warmed the darkness more than the moon ever could.

  And for the first time, Phoenix did not feel entirely alone.