The candlelight flickered against the stone walls of Eden's royal council chamber. Outside, the wind whispered through the spires, but inside, silence pressed heavy on everyone present.
At the head of the room stood Lito, no longer the boy who once lived in the orphanage of Loombert, but now the young King of Eden. His hands rested on the polished oak table, eyes stern, troubled.
Around him stood the six Guardians of Eden—his dearest companions and protectors. Each had faced battles, loss, and miracles at his side. And tonight, they gathered in the wake of a grave threat.
Blackroot had burned.
The small village at Eden's western border had been reduced to ash just days prior. Survivors whispered the name of their attackers: Grandtenia.
"They crossed the line," Gark growled, his voice deep and guttural, fists clenched tightly. "They want try slaughtered innocent farmers in their peace. They want war."
"It might not be so simple," Luminos said, leaning against a pillar, his pale skin glowing under the torchlight. "There are politics in Grandtenia we don't see. Not every sword is drawn by a king's order."
Luna folded her arms, the moon-shaped jewel on her collar catching the light. "Even if this was not a sanctioned attack, we cannot ignore it. If we show weakness, others will follow."
Truth sat quietly near the corner, hands folded in her lap, her festival gown now replaced with a soft cloak of violet. Her shy eyes glanced only at Lito. "The people are scared, Lito... they look to you."
Yune's voice broke through the stillness like an arrow. "What do you want to do?"
All eyes turned to Lito. He looked each of them in the eye before he spoke. "I want to go to Grandtenia and meet their king. Alone."
Silence.
Then chaos.
"Are you out of your mind?!" Nia shouted, her hair briefly flaring with heat. "You want to waltz into the lion's den without backup? Without us?"
Luna's voice followed, calm but piercing. "You're the King. If something happens to you—"
"Then I die trying to preserve peace," Lito said, cutting her off.
Yune stepped forward, eyes sharp. "You think they'll see your lone presence as noble? They'll see a weak king, unguarded. Or worse—a trap."
"If I bring all six of you," Lito replied, "they'll see it as intimidation. Eden's power has grown. The water wheel, the light artifact—we shine in the dark now. They already fear what we're becoming. I cannot give them a reason to strike first."
Truth stood slowly, voice trembling but clear. "But why must you go alone? Send a diplomat—"
"Because no one else can carry the weight of my words," Lito said. "They need to see the sincerity in my eyes. Hear the plea from my mouth. Only then might they believe I come not with threats, but with hope."
Gark slammed a fist on the table, cracking the wood slightly. "You're asking us to stay here and do nothing while you walk into danger. I won't allow it."
"You think I'm not afraid?" Lito's voice rose for the first time. "I am terrified. But if I lead only from behind walls and soldiers, I become a ruler they fear—not love. That's not the kind of king I promised to be."
Luminos stepped forward, his voice a whisper. "Peace is fragile. Like a thread of silver in the dark. One wrong move… it snaps."
"That's why I must tread softly," Lito said. "Alone."
The room fell quiet again.
Luna finally moved, walking closer to him. Her hand touched his arm gently.
"Do you really believe they'll listen?"
"I believe someone has to try," he replied. "Or war will come, whether we want it or not."
Nia wiped her eyes, voice smaller. "You're brave… and stupid. But I know your heart."
Yune looked away, arms crossed. "If you're going, you're wearing armor beneath your robes. That's non-negotiable."
Gark grunted. "And you're taking my dagger. It's the one thing that's never failed me."
Truth stepped forward, holding a small satchel. "And this. A crystal of warding. If you're in danger… it'll buy you time. Maybe enough to run."
Luminos offered a vial. "And this. A drop of nightshade mist. Put it on your blade. A single cut will paralyze even the strongest warrior."
Lito accepted each gift with gratitude and sorrow. He didn't want to leave them behind. But he knew it had to be this way.
Later that night, Lito stood at the palace gates, his cloak around his shoulders, the gifts from his Guardians hidden carefully on his person.
One by one, they approached him.
Yune knelt and kissed his forehead. "Come back to us. Or I will burn Grandtenia myself."
Nia hugged him tight. "You owe me a dance at the next festival."
Luminos touched his shoulder. "Even in peace… never let your guard down."
Gark clapped his back. "Kings don't run. But friends don't die alone. Remember that."
Truth wiped her tears. "I trust you… because you've always trusted me. Since we were kids."
Luna stood last. She looked at him for a long time. "You carry the moonlight now, Lito. Let it guide you."
He mounted his horse, heart heavy but resolved.
As the gates opened and Lito rode into the night, the six Guardians watched in silence.
They could not go with him.
But they would wait.
And hope.
That their King would return.
To be continued...