Aurelia Delensar arrived in Vescalen before Edward and his sister.
Originally, she had planned to detour through the Mistwood Forest to see the unicorns, but after waking from her drunken stupor, she abruptly changed her mind. She ordered Caelum Valtaris to reroute back to Darrowye and take an alternate path to Vescalen.
The princess was as capricious as ever.
Though puzzled, Caelum obeyed without question, guiding her toward the Holy Light Temple.
During the journey, Aurelia was uncharacteristically quiet, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery.
Caelum watched her from the shadows, his mind racing with questions.
Had she noticed something unusual about that night?
Did she remember how he had shamelessly coaxed her into promising never to abandon him?
These thoughts left him tense and uneasy, waiting for her judgment.
Shame, guilt, and a flicker of joy warred within him.
—He had finally secured her promise.
But Aurelia said nothing.
Occasionally, her ruby eyes would meet his, and she would offer a faint, polite smile.
It was the kind of smile reserved for distant acquaintances, cool and detached.
It left Caelum utterly baffled.
"My lady…"
On the day they arrived in Vescalen, Caelum finally broke the silence. "Are you unhappy?"
Aurelia looked surprised. "Why do you ask?"
Caelum hesitated, unsure how to explain.
Aurelia smiled. She could have dismissed him, but his clumsy concern was endearing.
"I've been away from home for so long. I miss it," she admitted.
For a moment, the pink waterfalls, the cream-colored peaks, and the migrating unicorns lost their charm.
She no longer wanted to continue her journey.
But Vescalen held a special place in her heart.
It was where her brother had once promised to take her to witness the legendary seventy-two sunsets.
Her brother…
Aurelia's expression grew complicated as she thought of the crown prince.
She decided to fulfill the promise on her own.
But…
"I don't want to go home," she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"If I go back, I'll have to marry someone I despise. I don't want that."
The golden-haired princess turned to gaze out the window, where the sun hung high in the sky, casting its radiant light.
White doves soared past the gilded spires of the cathedral, painting a picture of a world untouched by sorrow.
Marriage?
This was the first time Caelum had heard Aurelia mention the reason for her hasty departure from the palace.
His pupils narrowed into slits, a predatory glint flashing in his golden eyes.
Cold fury surged within him, barely contained.
Someone dared to encroach on his territory, to try and take the princess from him?
"Who are you to marry?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, ready to eliminate any obstacle that troubled her.
Aurelia, unaware of his murderous intent, shook her head.
"Probably some old, ugly, cruel man," she said vaguely.
She had no idea what the lycan chieftain looked like.
All she knew was what she'd overheard in Queen Isolde's chambers—the maids had whispered that the lycans were massive and "that" was terrifying.
Aurelia didn't know what "that" referred to, but the word "terrifying" was enough to frighten her.
Besides, the marriage contract had been signed twenty years ago, meaning the chieftain was likely as old as her father.
An old man preying on a young girl—how despicable!
Caelum stepped closer, his shadow enveloping her like a predator stalking its prey.
"Then we won't go back," he said, his voice a low growl.
The idea was tempting, but Aurelia shook her head.
"I can't stay away forever," she said softly.
She missed her home—her bed, her favorite pillow, her father, and even her brother.
She even missed the queen's pretentious voice.
She just didn't want to marry.
—But there was no need to explain that to Caelum.
She glanced at the dark-skinned knight, so different from the silver-tongued knights who flattered the noblewomen at court.
He wouldn't understand the worries of an unmarried girl.
Caelum didn't understand.
He was willing to stay by her side forever, to explore every corner of the continent with her.
As a lycan from the frozen north, he was wild and free by nature. He had enjoyed their travels, every moment filled with sweetness.
And he could tell Aurelia had been happy too.
But now she wanted to end it all.
Was she planning to return and marry?
The thought was unbearable.
No matter what she wanted, he wouldn't allow it.
The only one she would marry was him.
Before Caelum could press for more information about her unwanted suitor, Aurelia stood up.
"It's boring staying in the room. Let's go out," she declared.
The conversation was over.
Caelum would have to find another opportunity to question her.
As they stepped downstairs, they ran into an unexpected face.
Edward was at the front desk, checking in.
Aurelia was surprised. "Edward?"
The young nobleman turned, his light flaxen hair catching the sunlight. "Your Highness, good day."
Aurelia frowned. "I thought you weren't coming for the acolyte selection until next week?"
Edward nodded. "That was the plan. But Serena is delicate, and the journey was too taxing. We took a shortcut to Vescalen to rest and prepare."
Aurelia's concern was genuine. "Is Serena ill? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Edward smiled politely. "I'll convey your concern to her. She'll be delighted."
His pale amber eyes were warm, but he gently declined her offer to visit.
Aurelia didn't mind.
Edward's obvious care for his sister reassured her.
"If you need anything, let Nini know. He'll take care of it," she said.
As they walked through the streets, Aurelia looked up at the legendary never-setting sun.
"Nini, is there anything fun to do in Vescalen?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment. "The sky looks the same as anywhere else."
Caelum followed her gaze, his golden eyes flickering with a faint red light before it vanished.
This was his first time in Vescalen, the city of the Holy Light Temple.
The air was thick with light magic, overwhelming all other elements.
It made him uncomfortable.
The constant sunlight burned like a dry fire within him, a restless hunger threatening to consume him.
Even though the Red Moon hadn't arrived, he was already struggling to maintain control.
Beasts rarely ventured into human territories for this reason—the environment amplified their instincts, making it hard to think clearly.
Caelum closed his eyes briefly. "My lady, would you like to buy new clothes?"
Shopping was an indoor activity, a way to escape the relentless sun.
Aurelia's eyes lit up. "Yes, let's go!"
New clothes were always a source of joy.
The fashion in Vescalen was different from the capital's elaborate gowns or Darrowye's revealing styles.
Aurelia chose a high-waisted, flowing dress with a square neckline that revealed her collarbone and delicate arms.
She looked like an angel, her golden hair glowing in the light.
"I need a new crown to match!" she exclaimed, her excitement infectious.
The priceless ruby crown was forgotten as she fell in love with a wreath made of laurel leaves, a specialty of Vescalen.
"This one is an ancient elven design, and this one is made from laurel leaves from the Moon Goddess's temple," she said, holding up two options.
She turned to Caelum. "What do you think?"
When he didn't respond, she looked back, only to freeze.
The crown slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor.
Her face paled, her lips trembling as she whispered,
"...Brother."