The soft rustle of fabric echoed as Luna stepped out of her tent. She wore a simple yet stunning white dress, the silky fabric glowing gently under the calm blue moonlight. A delicate flower crown sat perfectly on her head, sparkling with tiny fruits, herbs, and shimmering needles woven carefully by the fairies. The little fairies sat proudly on her crown, their wings glittering like stars as they giggled and swayed with each of Luna's graceful steps.
Behind her, Meli followed quietly, her usual protective presence steady and strong.
The guards nearby, who had been busy lifting heavy boxes, froze mid-motion. One even lost his grip, the box slipping from his hands and thudding to the ground with a loud thump. But none of them moved to pick it up—their eyes were completely fixed on Luna.
Mirzand, who had been waiting just outside, was left completely speechless. His usual playful smirk faded, his jaw slightly slack as he stared at her in awe.
"What the... is she even real?" he whispered under his breath, his heart skipping a beat.
Not far away, Lolan, who had been silently observing from a distance, furrowed his brows in surprise. Even he, who rarely let emotions show, couldn't deny it—her beauty was something beyond this world.
"She really is..." he muttered to himself, trailing off as he watched the way the moonlight seemed to follow her.
Mirzand crossed his arms and smirked, his tone playful yet curious.
"So this is how the Princess of Light looks like?"
Before Luna could reply, Myra jumped forward, her tiny wings flaring in anger.
"Luna! You should punish him! He spoke to us in such a disgusting way !" she squeaked, her face flushed with rage.
Mirzand raised his hands defensively.
"Wait, actually, what I meant—"
Luna's golden eyes narrowed sharply, cutting him off.
"Did you forget what you promised yesterday?" Her voice was cold, each word firm and terrifying.
"Do not treat us the way you treat others. I will not repeat myself. Do not dare to harm me or my people."
Mirzand blinked, slightly startled but quickly recovering his playful attitude.
"Come on, that was just a joke! Who knew these little sparkles would take it so seriously?" he said, laughing softly, clearly not understanding the weight of his words.
Luna's patience was about to snap, her eyes flashing dangerously, but just then, Floe nervously fluttered between them.
"Umm... I think Myra misunderstood... Actually..." Floe stammered, glancing at Luna and then at Mirzand, unsure but wanting to calm the situation.
Hearing Floe's hesitant voice, Luna exhaled sharply and turned away.
"Let's go," she said firmly.
Without another word, Luna walked off, her fairies and Meli quickly following her, except for Floe, who stayed behind, her head down and her face glowing pink.
Mirzand raised an eyebrow, noticing she hadn't moved.
"Hey, aren't you going with them?" he asked, his tone softer this time.
Floe hesitated, clutching her hands nervously. There was something she wanted to ask. Sensing her hesitation, Mirzand tilted his head, curious.
"What is it? What's on your mind?"
Finally, she quietly asked,
"Why... why did you say that?"
Mirzand blinked.
"Say what?" he asked, genuinely confused.
Before Floe could explain, Lira suddenly appeared, her sharp eyes immediately landing on Floe.
"Floe. Come here. Now." Lira's voice was strict and firm.
Without another word, Floe quickly fluttered to Lira's side. As she left, Lira shot a death glare at Mirzand, her eyes practically screaming, Stay away from her.
Mirzand scratched his head, watching them leave.
"Are all these little sparkles crazy or what?" he muttered, still confused but strangely amused.
***********************************************
Luna, Meli, and her seven fairies continued their journey to the Kingdom of Molgarin, accompanied by the shadow masters. It was getting late, and the moon began shifting its color from blue to white. The guards were busy setting up the camp for the night, while the maids, including Meli, started preparing food. The fairies fluttered around the campsite, exploring and playing.
Meanwhile, Luna quietly slipped away, walking toward a nearby lake that shimmered under the changing moonlight. The blend of blue and white cast a magical, peaceful glow over the area. She sat down on the soft grass near the edge, dipping her bare feet into the cool water. The cold wind gently brushed against her skin, creating a calming atmosphere despite the uncertain situation they were in.
As Luna relaxed, she noticed a tiny sparkle in the grass nearby. Curious, she leaned closer and realized it was Floe, lying on the ground with her wings dim and faint.
"Floe, what are you doing here?" Luna asked softly.
Floe sat up slowly, her wings fluttering weakly.
"I... I just..." she hesitated.
Luna's eyes narrowed with concern.
"Did you eat anything? Your light is fading."
Floe looked down, whispering,
"I deserve this."
"No, you don't," Luna said firmly. "Tell me, why didn't you join the others to play?"
Floe hesitated again but finally opened up.
"Actually... I wanted to eat, but Lira said..." her voice trailed off, but Luna already understood.
Without a word, Luna plucked a small, ripe fruit from the flower crown on her head and handed it to Floe. The fairy's face immediately lit up with a grateful smile. Both of them chuckled softly, the sound echoing under the soft moonlight.
After a peaceful moment, Floe looked up and asked,
"Luna, how did you know Sol was your soulmate?"
Luna thought for a moment.
"Was he?" she whispered to herself.
Floe tilted her head, puzzled.
"Don't you love him?"
Luna sighed.
"To be honest... I don't know. I mean, what is love? How do you even know when you're in love?"
Floe gently flew to Luna's lap and sat there, looking up at her.
"Everyone says that if you're in love, you'll feel butterflies in your stomach, you'll miss him when he's not around, and you'll always think about him."
Luna smiled slightly and thought deeply.
"I did feel butterflies when we kissed… but I never really missed him. I only think about him when people ask. We're engaged, but..." she trailed off.
Both of them sat quietly, the cool breeze brushing their faces.
Floe finally asked,
"Then why did you choose him? What made him special among the other princes?"
Luna gave a small, almost sad smile.
"Because he was perfect. He came from the second most powerful country in Lunaria. My family approved of him—well, except for Auren. He seemed like the right choice." She paused.
"I think I didn't love him. I just accepted him because I thought I should. After the Tree of Fate revealed my powers, everything happened so fast. Then… he was stabbed right in front of me. That moment made me feel something, but now I wonder if it was love or just guilt."
She glanced down at Floe with curiosity.
"Wait, why are you suddenly asking about this?"
Floe's face turned pink as she quickly looked away.
Luna's eyes widened in realization.
"Don't tell me… you have feelings for someone?" she teased, her voice playful.
Floe giggled nervously and quickly fluttered away, her wings finally regaining their glow.
"Oh, come on! Tell me!" Luna laughed, chasing after her through the grass.
Their laughter echoed through the quiet night, catching Noctarion's attention from a distance. His usual cold expression softened, and the corner of his lips curved into a faint smile as he watched them.
Unbeknownst to them all, a figure dressed entirely in black silently observed them from afar, hidden in the shadows.
***********************************************
After Luna's peaceful moment by the lake with floe, she and Floe finally returned to the lively camp where the others were gathered around the crackling fire. The fairies, who had been waiting for Floe, immediately brightened upon seeing her.
"Floe!" Sira called out, fluttering over to her. "You disappeared for so long! We were worried."
Floe smiled shyly, her wings slowly regaining their sparkle. "Sorry… I just needed a little time."
Just then, Lira hurried toward them, carefully holding a small plate with fruit and honey drops. "Floe, this is for you. I saved it before Myra could eat everything."
Floe's eyes sparkled with joy. "For me? Really?" She flew up and hugged Lira tightly. "Thank you!"
The seven fairies quickly gathered around, happily chattering and finally reunited. They twirled in the air, their soft glows mixing like little stars dancing around Luna.
"You're back!" Myra cheered. "Now, let's eat together, like before!"
While the fairies laughed and played, Meli approached Luna, carrying a wooden plate filled with warm bread, sweet berries, and roasted herbs. "Your Highness, I've brought your dinner."
Instead of taking it to her royal tent, Luna sat cross-legged on the grass next to the maids, who were quietly eating on their own away from the soldiers.
"Can I join you?" Luna asked, her gentle voice catching the maids by surprise.
"Your Highness?" one of them stammered. "But… but… you're the Princess…"
"So?" Luna smiled and sat down, brushing her white dress aside. "There's no one to stop me now. I'll eat wherever I want."
The maids stared at her, wide-eyed. It was unheard of—a princess sitting with her servants, eating the same food, with no guards standing stiffly behind her.
"You don't mind, right?" Luna asked, tilting her head playfully.
"N-No! We don't mind at all!" Meli laughed, finally sitting down beside her. "Please, eat with us, Princess."
The fairies, now buzzing with excitement, also settled around her. Floe sat on Luna's shoulder again, her wings shimmering softly as she munched on the sweet fruits Lira brought.
At a distance, Lolan watched the scene quietly while leaning against a tree, arms crossed.
"She's… not like the other girls," Lolan murmured, his gaze never leaving Luna's relaxed figure as she laughed with the maids.
Mirzand, sitting nearby sharpening his blade, raised an eyebrow. "Of course, she's not like the others."
"She doesn't act like a princess," Lolan added thoughtfully. "She's so… free. Eating with the maids, playing with fairies, sitting on the ground… no fear, no arrogance."
Mirzand smirked and glanced at Luna. "She's still a girl though."
Lolan frowned slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Mirzand chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Even if she's different from the rest, she's still a girl who can cry, laugh, and—" he paused, tossing his blade into the air and catching it smoothly—"fall in love."
Lolan's expression tightened, his gaze flickering briefly. "Love, huh?"
Mirzand noticed the subtle shift in Lolan's mood and grinned. "What? Don't tell me you're interested in the Princess?"
Lolan clicked his tongue and looked away. "Don't be stupid."
"Oh, I see. You're already falling for her charm, huh?" Mirzand teased, leaning in. "Be careful. Girls like her can get into your heart without even trying."
Lolan shot him a glare. "I'm not like you."
Mirzand laughed lazily. "Sure you're not."
Back by the fire, Luna wiped her mouth with a cloth and sighed happily. "That was delicious. Meli, thank you."
Meli beamed. "I'm just happy you liked it, Princess."
"Stop calling me 'Princess' when we're eating together like this," Luna said, crossing her arms with a fake pout. "It sounds too formal."
"What should we call you then?" Meli asked with a smile.
"Just Luna," she said, grinning.
The maids and the fairies exchanged shocked glances before bursting into giggles. "Okay, Luna!" they all said together.
The camp was now filled with warmth, laughter, and the soft sound of the fairies' wings as they sparkled under the white moon.
Far away, Noctarion silently observed the scene from the shadows, his expression unreadable—but a soft glimmer passed through his silver eyes as he whispered to himself,
"She really is different "
The campfire blazed at the center of the camp, casting soft, warm light over everyone gathered—shadow masters, soldiers, maids, and the seven glowing fairies.
Floe tugged at Luna's sleeve, her voice gentle but excited. "Luna, let's dance like before! Please?"
Luna smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Of course. Let's show them our real dance."
The fairies circled around Luna, their wings shimmering faintly as the sound of a flute filled the cool night air. Their movements began slowly—soft twirls and delicate steps. But soon, the rhythm picked up, and they danced with wild joy, spinning and fluttering around Luna in glowing patterns.
Luna danced with them effortlessly, her Ginger hair flowing, Her feet barely touched the ground, and with every spin, she seemed to float among her fairies.
The entire camp was captivated. The maids smiled, whispering to each other, and even the shadow masters paused to watch.
Not far from the fire, Lolan stood with Mirzand, both observing the beautiful scene.
Lolan watched silently for a while, then murmured, "beautiful".
Mirzand glanced at him.
" fall in love?".
"am not a Playboy like you." Lolan said softly, still watching Luna as she laughed and danced. " who will fall for every girl you meet"
Mirzand smirked lazily. "actually ,I don't fall in love I fall in lust."
Lolan crossed his arms. "disgusting."
"you know, she is my next target " Mirzand said, a teasing glint in his eye. "I will do a favour to my dearest friend nocta."
Lolan chuckled. "That's the part that makes me nervous."
Mirzand shrugged. " I will win am 100% sure after all she is a girl."
As the dance slowed to an end, the fairies collapsed around Luna, laughing and breathless. Everyone clapped softly, the camp echoing with admiration.
Luna sat down with the maids and began picking at some fruits. "There's no one to stop me now," she said, smiling as she shared the fruits with her maids. "I can sit, eat, and dance with whoever I like."
The maids giggled happily. No one treated her like a distant royal anymore.
As the group settled, Myra's sharp eyes caught something.
"Wait—Luna, you're missing a fruit from your crown!" she said.
Luna touched her crown gently. "Oh? You're right."
"I'll go get one! There's a tree nearby with the same fruit," Myra said quickly, fluttering up before Luna could answer.
"It's just over there. I'll be back in a second!" she called.
Near the tree, Lolan and Mirzand were still standing, quietly watching the peaceful night.
As Myra hovered up to the tree to pluck a ripe fruit, Mirzand spotted her and immediately smirked.
"Well, well, what's this? The royal crown guard, hard at work?" he teased.
Myra shot him an irritated glare. "I'm just getting a replacement! Move out of the way!"
"Such dedication," Mirzand said dramatically. "Risking her life for a missing fruit! What a hero."
Lolan chuckled softly. "Hey, don't be so hard on her. That crown's important."
Myra's cheeks puffed angrily. "I'm not here to play around with you two!"
Mirzand grinned. "We know. You're on a royal mission."
"I'm not talking to you anymore!" she huffed, grabbing the fruit and zipping back toward Luna.
When she reached the circle, she immediately complained, "Luna! Mirzand's teasing me again! He's always making fun of me!"
Luna laughed gently, patting Myra's head. "You'll get used to him."
Just then, Mirzand strolled over, completely casual, hands in his pockets. "I'm only helping her build character."
"Annoying people isn't character building!" Myra snapped.
"Sure it is," Mirzand winked, then turned his teasing gaze toward Floe. "And you. Why do you always hide when I look at you?"
Floe's tiny wings fluttered nervously. "I—I don't hide…"
Mirzand leaned a little closer, grinning. "You're always running. Am I really that scary?"
"I… I just… I get nervous…" Floe whispered, cheeks flushing pink as she darted behind Luna's shoulder.
"She's not scared of you, she's just shy!" Myra defended her quickly.
"Oh? Is that so?" Mirzand's grin only grew wider.
Luna giggled, watching her fairies scramble in embarrassment. "Mirzand, stop bullying my fairies."
"I'm not bullying," he said innocently. "I'm keeping the camp lively."
Myra crossed her arms, pouting. "One day, we'll make you pay for all this teasing."
"I look forward to it," Mirzand chuckled, strolling away with Lolan, both of them still quietly amused.
Luna watched them go, then turned to her fairies with a warm smile. "Don't worry. Next time, we'll get the last laugh."
"You promise?" Myra asked, her eyes bright.
"Promise," Luna whispered, and they all burst into soft giggles under the starry sky.
"As always in Luna's life, happiness is short-lived. Somewhere in the darkness, something evil is waiting for her."