Orion and Lyra left Aurelion behind, venturing into the vast landscapes of Aeternum.Each step they took was more than a simple journey; it quietly built a bond that had started in the impulsive heat of a tavern and now bloomed like a secret garden, nurtured by trust, admiration, and growing intimacy.
One of the first trails they traveled together was called the Path of Stars.Nestled between mountains and glowing flower fields, the trail transformed at nightfall.The petals shimmered like living constellations, harmonizing with the sky above.
That night, beneath the glittering silence, Lyra let herself get lost in the infinite.Orion stood beside her, his eyes reflecting the same cosmos.
"I always thought stars were just distant lights" she said, her voice carried by the breeze's soft melody."But now I see... they're like us. Shining, even when no one is watching."
Orion gently squeezed her hand, smiling."And we're only beginning to shine."
Days later, they arrived at the city of Arkanis, famous for its spectacular magic competitions.The atmosphere was electric, pulsing with arcane energy and anticipation.
Lyra hesitated before the grand stage and the noisy crowd.Sensing her apprehension, Orion stepped close, holding her face tenderly.
"You're stronger than you think. And I'll be here, even when it all feels too big."
Encouraged by his words, Lyra stepped onto the stage.She fought skillfully—and above all, bravely.She emerged victorious, earning second place, losing only to a renowned young master.
When she came down from the stage, her eyes sparkled brighter than any spell cast that day.
"I did it!" she exclaimed.
Orion pulled her into a tight embrace."I never doubted you."
Nights passed in quiet comfort, wrapped in starlight and unspoken promises.On silent balconies or beside whispering campfires, the two shared fragments of their souls.
One night, Orion broke the silence.
"Have you ever thought about living forever?"
"It doesn't matter how long you live... but how you live" she answered, serenity in her eyes.
In the Whispering Forest, where the trees murmured ancient memories, they found a portal hidden beneath thick vines.Crossing it, they entered a realm where time seemed suspended, and colors, emotions, and scents became ethereal.
Under that enchanted spell, they danced among flowers as tall as trees, wrapped in sweet aromas and new memories.
Lyra paused, eyes fixed on Orion."It feels like we're floating..."
"Because we are" he said before kissing her softly.
There, in that world where everything else faded, their love manifested in its purest form.
In an ancient cave, while searching for a magical artifact, they faced a formidable guardian:a colossal serpent with radiant scales.Its voice echoed with threat.
"Why do you disturb my domain?"
Orion stepped forward, calm."We did not come as intruders. We seek only to learn, to discover... together."
The serpent tested them in fierce battle.Lyra fought bravely, unaware that Orion held back the entire time.He refused to destroy the magic of the journey.
It wasn't just about power—it was about memories.He wouldn't let the weight of his strength overshadow the lightness he felt beside Lyra.
When the serpent finally yielded, exhausted and respectful, the path ahead opened.
By a mirrored lake on a serene night, Lyra leaned into him.
"You changed my life, Orion. With you, I feel like I can face anything."
"And you gave me a purpose, Lyra. I'm excited to see where this road takes us."
In Elysium, the eternal city where crystal towers floated like islands of light and hanging gardens swayed in the wind, the two walked side by side, exploring every wonder.
At a stall of enchanted jewelry, Lyra looked like a child before the impossible.Her eyes lit up when she saw a necklace that held the reflection of constellations.
"This is the Necklace of Hope" said the vendor."On the darkest nights, it will show the brightest stars."
"It's beautiful" Orion admitted."But I have something even more precious to give you. A promise: to never leave you alone."
Lyra looked at him with quiet tenderness."Even surrounded by magical jewels, what I want most... is this. You."
Toward the end of their visit, they found a delicate ring whose gem pulsed in shifting hues tied to emotion.
"This is the Ring of Fates" the vendor explained."It reflects the bond of love between souls."
Orion stepped closer, sensing the item held something profound.
"If you want... we could keep it. It can represent what we're building."
"You wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not. Because it's not just a ring. It's a living memory of who we are—and who we're becoming."
She smiled and slipped it on her finger.A warm sensation passed between them—as if the universe, for a moment, held its breath and whispered: Yes.
Then they arrived at the Elysium Auction House.A monumental structure of gold and shadow.The towering gates guarded more than riches—they guarded stories.
Lyra looked on in awe."It's like stepping into a fairy tale!"
As they approached the entrance, Orion felt the magical energy radiating from within.With a subtle gesture, an SSSVIP card encrusted with diamonds materialized in his palm, pulsing with the aura of exclusivity and wealth.
"Ready?" he asked Lyra, who was practically bouncing with excitement beside him.
"Always!" she replied, gripping his hand.
Orion pushed the doors, which opened inward with a soft creak, revealing the dazzling interior.The space exceeded all expectations of luxury:crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, and elegantly set tables displayed rare and precious items.
At the center of the hall, a young master in fine robes was surrounded by admirers, looking down on the offerings with unmistakable arrogance.He was the typical webnovel antagonist: sharp features, a smug smile, and a gaze of disdain for anyone beneath him.
Orion felt a spark of amusement.As he and Lyra approached, the young master noticed them, narrowing his eyes in contempt.
"And who is this? A vagabond who thinks he belongs here?" he mocked, voice dripping with scorn.
Orion remained unfazed.With a simple motion, he raised the SSSVIP card, casting a glow that momentarily silenced the room.Even the lavish lights seemed dim in comparison.
"Care to reconsider your words, Young Master?" Orion asked, voice calm but filled with authority—and a silent delight.
The young master faltered, his scorn turning to shock.
"That... that can't be real. There's no way you have an SSSVIP pass!"
"Seems you've underestimated what true power looks like at this auction" Orion replied, a satisfied smile on his lips.
Lyra watched, enchanted by his natural confidence.Her heart raced when he turned to her, eyes gleaming.
"Come, Lyra" he said."Let's see what else this night has in store."
They passed through the stunned crowd, leaving the young master and his entourage speechless.Whispers and admiring glances followed them as they moved gracefully among the guests, who instinctively made way.
The auction hall was adorned in grandeur—artifacts, treasures, and relics of inestimable value on display.
Orion and Lyra sat in a reserved VIP section, with a perfect view of the central stage where the bidding would soon begin.
"Look at all this, Orion! It feels like a dream!" Lyra whispered, dizzy with wonder.
"Only the beginning" he replied, eyes fixed as the lights dimmed and the first lot was presented.