Chapter 2

The capital of Mistland Island, the majestic City of Magic, became the site of a grand event every year — the Festival of Magic. On this day, all twelve of the prominent families representing the twelve magical cities gathered in the palace to meet with the monarch. For the past 15 years, gratitude for the country's prosperity had been directed not to the king, but to Queen Redhart, the first woman to occupy the throne. Her reign was undisputed, and her power commanded respect even from the oldest magical families.

The festival always attracted many locals and travelers. The streets of the capital shimmered with lights, the air was filled with the aromas of rare incense and spices, blending with the lively sounds of music. Magical illusions, woven by the finest masters, floated over the squares, while dancers performed ritualistic movements, accompanied by bursts of elemental magic.

By evening, when the sun painted the sky in crimson hues, a luxurious carriage adorned with the Sudzukawa family crest arrived at the royal palace. Lian Sudzukawa, the head of the family, stepped gracefully onto the marble steps, exiting the carriage with the poise befitting her status.

Her chestnut hair was styled in an elegant updo, revealing a refined face with high cheekbones and deep brown eyes. She exuded calmness and stern confidence, typical of someone accustomed to making decisions that shaped the fate of hundreds. Her husband, Hiro Sudzukawa, could not attend the festival due to his declining health. This sparked whispers among the servants and guests, but Lian showed no sign of concern.

The queen's servants hurried to her, bowing in respect.

"Welcome, Lady Sudzukawa. Her Majesty is expecting you," one of them said with a slight bow.

Lian nodded, not wasting words on a reply. Soon, her daughter leaped out of the carriage.

The girl, around thirteen years old, immediately captured the attention of those present. Her chestnut hair cascaded in soft waves, but what stood out most were her eyes — deep, piercing blue. In Mistland, such eye color was rare, and only found in Soleil.

Murmurs of surprise spread through the crowd, but before anyone could speak, another figure stepped out of the carriage.

A boy, slightly taller than the girl, with short light blond hair and eyes just as blue as hers. His skin was darker than that of most capital residents, which only heightened the sense of surprise.

The servants exchanged glances, realizing that this was not a Sudzukawa family member. Blue eyes had always been a sign of origin from the city of Soleil, and they were also the symbol of one of the ancient tribes that had been eradicated. To see two such children together was an extraordinary rarity.

Ignoring the whispers, Lian turned to her children.

"Miré, follow me." Her voice was calm but authoritative.

The children nodded silently and followed their mother into the castle.

The royal palace was a true masterpiece. High ceilings, entwined with magical crystals, emitted a soft, warm glow. Along the walls stood massive statues of former monarchs, and the stained glass windows shimmered with various hues depending on the time of day.

Miré tried not to look around too often, but her eyes inevitably lingered on the exotic details. In contrast, the boy remained calm, as though such luxury was familiar to him.

A servant guided them into a spacious hall, where the throne stood in the center, surrounded by several guards. Everyone watched with interest as representatives of one of the leading families entered. The Sudzukawa family was fairly well-known. Lian stood before the throne and nodded to the servants.

"Straighten your back." Her voice was soft but firm.

Miré quickly corrected her posture and cast a subtle glance at the boy standing behind. He stared straight ahead, showing no emotion.

Before Miré could speak, the doors of the hall swung open, and Queen Redhart entered.

She was a tall woman with long violet hair styled into an intricate updo. Her presence immediately filled the entire hall — the air seemed to thicken. The queen slowly scanned the gathering, then sat on her throne.

Lian bowed her head in respect. She glanced at the queen as if there was some unresolved issue or conflict between them. But Lian only bowed, then gently nudged her daughter forward.

"Your Majesty," Lian's voice was even. "Allow me to introduce my daughter, Miré Sudzukawa."

The queen looked at the girl intently. Her red eyes sparkled like flames. She studied the girl with interest, and it almost seemed like she smirked.

"Blue eyes…" she murmured softly, her lips curling into a slight smile. "Just like her father. Has she awakened her magic yet?"

Miré swallowed hard, feeling all eyes on her again. She bowed to the queen and spoke, trying to remain calm.

"Only recently, when I turned thirteen, I immediately underwent the initiation rite."

"What magic does the daughter of the Sudzukawa family possess?" The queen’s voice was calm, but her red eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Miré swallowed again. The hall fell silent, awaiting her response. Her fingers unconsciously clenched into a fist, but she quickly relaxed her hand, remembering her mother’s instructions — never show weakness.

She glanced at Lian, but her face was a mask of composure. Only a slight, nearly imperceptible arch of her brow betrayed the tension.

Several seconds passed, but Miré still did not answer. Lian then tilted her head slightly and spoke for her.

"My daughter possesses the magic of the Abyss, Your Majesty."

A hush fell over the hall.

The queen furrowed her brows. Her fingers lightly touched the armrest of the throne, and for a moment, the air around her seemed to tremble, as if the very tension of the material had increased.

"The magic of the Abyss..." she murmured softly, as if tasting the words.

"The magic of the Abyss..." Queen Redhart repeated, as if recalling something distant. A faint fire flickered in her eyes.

"I haven’t heard that name in a long time."

Miré didn’t understand the meaning of the queen's reaction, but she could feel it — the queen knew something.

"Was your magic sealed?" the queen suddenly asked.

Miré quickly lifted her gaze.

"I..." She hesitated, but nodded.

The queen smirked.

"Of course. For three months now," Lian spoke in place of her daughter.

She looked at Lian, and between the two women, it seemed as though an invisible spark of tension passed through the air.

"But how long will you continue hiding it?" The queen tilted her head slightly. "Even sealed magic still seeks a way out. Do you know what that means?"

Lian remained silent. The queen then turned her attention back to the girl.

"Miré Sudzukawa... Time will tell whether your gift is a blessing or a curse."

The queen continued to scrutinize Miré, as though trying to see through her. But then her gaze shifted upward, to the boy who had stood silently the whole time.

His presence seemed like a shadow behind Lian and Miré — he had not once intervened in the conversation, nor had he made a single unnecessary movement. Only his cold blue eyes calmly followed the events unfolding.

"How interesting..." Queen Redhart suddenly said, narrowing her eyes. "This boy... He is the last of the Ambers family, isn’t he?"

The silence in the hall grew heavier.

Lian didn’t flinch, but Miré felt the air around her mother shift — it was as though she had placed an invisible barrier between the queen and the boy.

"How curious that he ended up in your household, Lian Sudzukawa."

Lian calmly nodded and, without hesitation, called out.

"Luka , come forward."

The boy silently stepped forward, his posture impeccable, his movements confident yet restrained. He stopped next to Lian, slightly bowing his head in respect to the queen.

"Your Majesty, allow me to present Luka Ambers."

The queen tilted her head as if studying him more deeply than her eyes allowed.

"Luka Ambers... The last of the ash-blooded, companion of the Sudzukawa family."

She spoke these words slowly, as though savoring them, then smiled at the corners of her lips.

"So, the Sudzukawa family collects rare treasures. One child with the magic of the Abyss, another with unique eyes that no longer belong to this world... Fascinating."

Luka did not look away.

"The Sudzukawa family has become my home, Your Majesty," he replied in a steady voice.

It was the first time he had spoken. His voice was calm, but there was no hint of submission in it.

The queen did not respond immediately. She studied him, then gave a slight smirk.

"Let it be so."

She turned her gaze back to Lian.

"You’re playing a very interesting game."

Lian slightly inclined her head but said nothing. The atmosphere in the hall grew even more tense. Miré felt something invisible permeating the air, even though no one had spoken. The queen continued to scrutinize Luka , but it seemed her thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

Lian gave a slight bow, signaling that the Sudzukawa family was ready to leave. The servants standing at the edges of the throne room silently stretched out, preparing to escort them out.

Miré almost sighed in relief, but as they took a few steps toward the door, a quiet, almost mocking voice sounded.

"Oh yes... I almost forgot."

The Sudzukawa family stopped.

Queen Redhart smirked and, resting her elbow on the armrest of the throne, slightly tilted her head.

"Recently, an interesting event occurred in the city of Nox, among the mountains. The eldest daughter of the Kurosaki family has awakened her magic."

Miré stiffened.

"Heavenly magic."

The two words rang out in perfect silence, like thunder in a clear sky.

Lian didn’t move, but Miré noticed how her mother’s fingers clenched into a fist. She didn’t understand why, but this news was clearly not just a coincidence.

The queen slowly rose from the throne.

Everyone around her froze — her movements were fluid, yet there was an internal power in them, as though every step concealed an elemental force, ready to explode at any moment. > LMT: She stepped closer.

Mire felt her mother subtly step forward, as if an invisible barrier had appeared between them. Lian was no longer standing just as the head of the family—her posture had shifted, now standing as if to protect.

And that was what made Mire's heart tighten with anxiety.

Protect from whom? From the queen?

Redhart stopped, her lips curling into a light, almost playful smile.

"Interesting, isn't it?" she spoke softly. "The Abyssal magic and the Heavenly magic... Eternal opposites, bound together."

She slowly scanned Mire with her gaze, then looked back at Lian, but now there was something else in her eyes.

"I suppose they should be introduced."

"Bound...?" Mire finally managed to say.

Redhart turned her gaze back to her, tilting her head slightly as if assessing how much Mire knew.

"Oh, yes. These two forces exist together... and one day, they always meet."

Mire felt as though something deeper flickered in the queen's eyes, something unspoken.

"This is destiny," she added with a faint smirk.

Lian had remained silent throughout, but Mire could feel her mother tense up even more.

It wasn’t that simple.

The queen looked at Lian again, and there was something almost sly in her smile.

"You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you? Probably surprised that your daughter possesses this magic."

These words sounded almost innocent, but Mire sensed there was something more behind them.

Lian held the queen's gaze.

"Some things are inevitable, but their outcome depends on us."

Lian said nothing in response. Mire didn’t understand anything.

But she didn’t need to sort through the details to feel it: these two knew each other far better than it seemed at first glance.

The queen shook her head lightly and stepped back, returning to her throne.

"Well... Then, let us watch what the future brings us."

She smiled.

"We will meet again soon, Mire Sudzukawa."

Mire and Luka stayed in the guest room. Lian Sudzukawa, as always, left them to greet other family members, leaving the room for the two remaining. Mire sighed wearily and flopped onto the couch, spreading her arms out. The room was quiet, only muffled voices reached from behind the walls—somewhere out there, her mother was talking with representatives of the other noble families. Mire rolled her eyes as she stared at the ceiling and muttered:

"Mom's hiding something from me again."

Luka , who had been calmly staring out the window, didn’t respond. His face remained impassive as always.

Mire lifted herself on her elbows and frowned.

"Are you even listening to me?"

Luka slightly turned his head, but his gaze still stayed on the glass.

"I’m listening," he replied shortly.

Mire puffed out her cheeks, glaring at him.

"Then why are you silent?"

Luka slowly shifted his gaze to her but said nothing.

It was infuriating.

Mire jumped off the couch, approached him from behind, and tried to scare him, but Luka turned around at the last moment. She didn’t manage to stop herself and clumsily fell to the floor.

"Ouch!" she yelped, rubbing her elbow.

Luka sighed.

"What were you even trying to do?"

Mire quickly got to her feet, crossed her arms, and glared at him.

"I wanted to see if you'd react!"

"You’re acting like I don’t care!"

Luka shrugged.

"What am I supposed to react to? That you’re complaining about Lady Sudzukawa again?"

Mire glared at him.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot that I should just silently agree with everything she does!" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Did you forget that she hides everything from me? Never explains anything! Just says, 'Do as I say,' and that's it!"

Luka looked at her a little more intently, but only sighed.

"She knows what she’s doing," he said calmly.

"Knows?" Mire sneered. "Of course, Lady Sudzukawa never makes mistakes, right?"

Luka didn’t answer. He simply picked up the kettle and slowly poured himself some tea. Mire clenched her fists.

"Do you even realize what you’re saying? Do you remember that last year my mother bought you and made you live with us against your will?" Her voice grew louder, sharper. "She literally said she needed you, that she’d make something useful out of you! Like you were just a tool! Doesn’t that make you mad?"

Luka looked at the tea in his cup as if pondering her words.

"You see the situation that way, Mire," he said finally. "But Lady Sudzukawa saved me from death. I’m not angry."

Mire recoiled.

"You... don’t get angry?" she asked, stunned.

"No," Luka took a sip of tea. "Maybe she’s harsh, but she knows what she’s doing."

"She even changed your name." Mire flared up. "She manipulates people!"

"And so?" Luka looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "The world works in such a way that the one who can manipulate wins."

Mire couldn’t believe her ears.

"You... you just blindly believe everything she says?!"

"No," he set the cup down on the table. "I just see the big picture. Even with the queen... Do you really think Lady Sudzukawa just kept you from her all these thirteen years?"

Mire frowned.

"What are you getting at?"

Luka sighed heavily and shook his head.

"Do you even learn anything? Do you understand how this world works?"

Mire flared up.

"Don’t talk to me like I’m a little kid!"

"And you act like one," Luka remarked coldly.

"Oh, of course!" she threw her hands up. "And you’re so grown-up, right? You understand everything, you’re an expert at everything!"

Luka ignored her sarcasm.

"All the children of the main families are acquainted with the monarchs of the magical world from childhood," he said evenly. "According to etiquette, Lady Sudzukawa should have introduced you as an infant and brought you to meetings every year."

Mire snorted in irritation.

"Horrible! What a tragedy!" Her voice dripped with mockery. "Poor my mom, what a terrible sin not to show me to the queen!"

Luka clenched his fists.

"You’re acting like a spoiled child."

"And you’re acting like my mother’s obedient puppy!" Mire snapped.

For a moment, silence hung in the air.

Luka gritted his teeth.

"You’re part of the Sudzukawa family," he said slowly, with emphasis. "And you should behave with dignity. Not disgrace the family, wear your name with pride. You are Sudzukawa."

Mire shuddered with anger.

"And you’re an outsider to this family."

The word slipped out before she could realize it.

Luka froze.

Mire immediately understood that she’d said something terrible. She opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.

Luka turned away. Slowly, he picked up his cup and continued drinking his tea as if nothing had happened.

That gesture angered Mire more than if he’d yelled at her.

"Outsider!"

She screamed again, not knowing why, but suddenly everything made her furious. After that, she spun around and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Mire stormed forward, ignoring the servants who respectfully parted before her. Her thoughts were flooded with anger, hurt, and bitterness. Everything Luka had said, everything she had said…

Why is he always like this? Why does he never show what he feels? As if he doesn't care about anything I say, anything I do…

"Outsider..." she whispered, feeling her own words echo in her mind.

She clenched her fists.

Suddenly, a vast hall opened up before her, filled with people. Men and women in fine clothing, exquisite jewelry, soft light reflected in glasses of wine. Servants moved between the guests, bringing drinks and food.

At the center of all this grandeur stood her mother.

Lian Sudzukawa held herself impeccably as always—perfect posture, a light smile, confident movements. She was talking to someone from the other families, completely unaware of Mire.

Mire had already taken a step forward, preparing to approach when suddenly, someone’s hand gently, but firmly grabbed her wrist.

"Don’t," a quiet voice sounded.

Mire sharply turned around.

In front of her stood a girl her age.

Dark blue hair fell neatly on her shoulders in waves, lavender eyes carefully watching her. She looked graceful, refined—everything Mire never felt herself to be.

"You..." Mire started, but the girl interrupted her.

"You can’t go there."

Mire frowned, surprised.

"I know."

She pulled her hand away and turned, but then felt a probing gaze on her.

"Are you Sudzukawa?" the girl asked.

Mire blinked, turning back to her.

"How did you know?"

"Your eyes," the girl squinted. "Blue eyes, my mom told me how beautiful they are."

"Your mom?"

"Yes, she’s in this hall too. Nemuri Kurosaki, she often visits your city to relax." > LMT: Mire stood in front of Meruka, gazing at her with surprise. There was something unusual, something special in the girl’s eyes that immediately caught her attention. And then, in her gaze, there was something that made Mire feel awkward. She remembered the queen mentioning Kurosaki. The queen had said that the eldest daughter of Kurosaki possessed celestial magic, linked to the magic of the abyss.

“Celestial magic...” she thought to herself. And now, looking at this girl, she realized that it wasn’t just words. This was a true gift.

She scoffed a little, almost ironically, and stared at her, trying to understand who this person before her was. The girl maintained perfect posture, confident in herself and every movement, as if nothing in the world could fluster her.

“Are you really like they say?” Mire couldn’t resist asking, her voice filled with confusion.

The girl didn’t answer immediately, as if enjoying Mire’s reaction. Her eyes had something light and teasing in them.

“Did you really hear about me?” she finally asked. “I’m flattered.”

Mire couldn’t help but smile, but then she noticed something flicker behind the girl. A small boy appeared, who, despite his young age, looked very serious. He had dark hair, almost the same as his sister’s, and deep dark blue eyes. His gaze was piercing, filled with wariness.

Mire stared at the boy, surprised to see him here.

“Who’s this?” she asked, not hiding her surprise.

The girl gently, but confidently, bent down and took him in her arms. The boy immediately wrapped his arms around her neck, as if not wanting to let go.

“This is my younger brother,” she explained, her face softening and warming as she looked at the baby. “His name is Ryu.”

Mire sighed quietly. The boy looked so small and vulnerable, as though he had only recently come to understand this world. He was around four years old, if not younger.

“He ran off,” the girl continued, trying to hold the boy while ensuring he was comfortable. “He wanted to see mom. I barely caught up with him here.”

Mire couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly the person before her had changed. Just a few moments ago, she seemed like a doll of a girl, but now, as she held her younger brother, her face had softened, filled with care and love. Mire felt her heart tighten for a moment. She had never seen anyone look at family members that way.

“You’re very mature for your age,” Mire said quietly, not expecting those words to come out of her mouth.

Ryu’s sister looked at her with mild surprise, then her lips spread into an unseen smile.

“I just care for those I love,” she said calmly. “Not everyone can understand that.”

Mire fell silent, her eyes clouding for a moment. Ryu looked so defenseless, so real in his little fragility, and it made her feel a strange sense of envy.

She wanted to ask her another question, but just then, a familiar voice came from behind her.

“Mire, are you here?” a low, calm voice that Mire immediately recognized.

She turned around and met Luka ’s gaze. He stood a little farther from the entrance to the hall, with a servant quietly talking to him. Luka looked calm, even slightly distant, as always.

Mire felt her anger, which had been raging in her chest, begin to rise again. But this time, she couldn’t hide her emotions. She was still upset and didn’t want him to see her like this.

The dark-haired girl, noticing the change in Mire, smiled faintly and casually said,

“I see you know each other. It looks like you’ve had an argument. You seem ready to run away.”

Mire turned to her and gave her a challenging look.

“It’s none of your business,” she replied quietly, but something in her voice revealed irritation.

The girl raised an eyebrow but didn’t say another word. Instead, she simply shook her head, as though surprised by Mire’s behavior.

Mire turned back to Luka . His calm, slightly cold and distant look once again made her feel as if there was an invisible wall between them. Luka still hadn’t moved closer, standing at a distance, in no hurry to approach her. He was the same as always, and it made Mire feel that there was no real connection between them.

“I want to take a walk outside,” she said quietly, deciding not to continue the conversation with him.

She couldn’t stay in this building anymore, surrounded by people she couldn’t understand.

She took a step to the side, but Luka , as always, was persistent.

“Don’t you want to talk?” His voice was soft, but it seemed as though he was trying to get inside her thoughts.

Mire looked at him sharply.

“About what?” Her response was as sharp as a blade.

Luka was silent, but his gaze became more cautious.

The girl with the boy watched their interaction, but her face remained neutral. She didn’t intervene, but there was a faint smirk in her eyes, as if she were sure there would only be more misunderstanding between them.

Mire stood, perplexed and irritated, but her gaze quickly shifted to the other side when the girl took a step forward. Meruka, tilting her head slightly, restrainedly smiled and quietly said,

“Allow me to interrupt your conversation.” She pulled Ryu a little closer and then bowed. “I’m Meruka Kurosaki from the city of Nox. I hope you don’t mind if I intervene. I want to get to know both of you better.”

Mire froze for a moment. She hadn’t expected such a straightforward introduction, especially from someone her age. Usually, girls in her circle behaved much more reservedly and often hid their true identities, preferring mystery and enigma. But Meruka was different.

Luka stood nearby, and, noticing the girl’s unusual behavior, he raised an eyebrow. He inclined his head, lowered it in front of her, and restrainedly introduced himself:

“Luka Embers, from the city of Soleil. Please forgive me for not introducing myself sooner.”

Then the attention shifted to Mire, who, in turn, introduced herself without rushing.

“Mire Sudzukawa.”

All three stood in the semi-darkness of the corridor. Meruka smiled at both of them and continued the conversation. It seemed as if she was trying to distract them.

“It seems we’re all the same age. How old are you? I’m 13, just awakened my magic.”

Mire felt the tension rise. She wasn’t used to such direct, open introductions, especially from a girl who seemed so mysterious and mature.

Luka , always a little distant, looked at Meruka thoughtfully and, almost casually, noted,

“Why did you decide to share your age? Usually, girls hide it.”

Meruka smirked, her lips curving up slightly, but her smile wasn’t fake. She looked at him calmly and replied,

“Because I feel it’ll be easier for us to become friends if we know each other’s age. Why hide it if we’re probably all the same age?”

Mire was surprised to hear such words. In her mind, she immediately thought that Meruka might actually be older than she appeared. There was something in her confidence and way of speaking that made Mire doubt the girl’s real age.

“Do you think Luka and I are your peers?” she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

Meruka nodded, not losing her confidence.

“I feel it.” She smiled, and that smile wasn’t mocking, as if she simply accepted the obvious.

Mire took a step back, feeling the air around them lighten a bit. But her surprise at Meruka’s words hadn’t passed. How could she so easily assume that they would become friends? She barely knew them. Meruka, it seemed, had no trouble socializing with them, as though she had been surrounded by people like them her entire life.

“I’m also 13, but Luka is 14,” Mire quietly replied.

Meanwhile, Meruka signaled to the servant standing a little to the side, and with a smile, handed him her younger brother.

“Take him back to our room,” she said, “It’s time for him to sleep.”

The boy she had been holding in her arms was now trying to wriggle free, his small hands clutching at his sister, but it seemed that he understood it was time to go. When the servant approached, Meruka sighed lightly and handed Ryu to his hands, and the boy reluctantly reached out to the man.

Mire watched the process. Meruka was so natural and confident in her actions that Mire couldn’t help but feel a little envious. She couldn’t imagine being so sure of herself at that age.

“Thank you for your help,” Meruka said gratefully to the servant, and he nodded and left with the boy. After that, she turned her attention back to Mire and Luka .

“I think we shouldn’t stay here, near the hall where all these important people have gathered. Someone might decide to come out into the corridor and they’ll notice us,” Meruka suggested, her voice quiet but insistent. “Let’s find a place where it’s calm.”

Mire, a little surprised by such a suggestion but also intrigued, nodded. Luka , after a brief pause, also agreed, raising his eyebrows and, seemingly thoughtful, didn’t object.

“Where do you suggest we go?” he asked.

Meruka smiled, her face becoming light and open again.

“Let’s go to one of the gardens,” she suggested, confident as ever. “I know where we can find a place to talk peacefully.

Mire once again felt a bit out of place. The whole situation with the new acquaintance and the strange offer from Meruka made her feel uncomfortable. The girl seemed to have no trouble interacting with others. She was so confident in herself and her place in this world that Mire couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to be like that.

However, after a few seconds of silence, Mire felt there was no point in standing in the corridor, wondering where to go. Her irritation had subsided a little, and following Meruka and Luka , she decided that at least she should try to find out what these "friends" were like. And perhaps learn something about herself.

Meruka moved forward, and the trio headed toward one of the lounges, leaving behind the empty corridor and hall where all the important people had gathered. Mire walked beside Luka , not quite understanding what to expect from this situation.

Meruka walked ahead with an unusual lightness, as though her steps weren’t even touching the ground. Her dark blue hair, flowing down her shoulders, accentuated her elegance. Every movement was smooth and confident, and the faint smile on her lips was almost imperceptible, like a spring breeze gently caressing the skin. Everything about her — from her refined dress to graceful gestures — indicated that she was one of those people who effortlessly charms others with her sophistication.

Her lavender eyes, like two deep lakes, gazed at Mire and Luka with unseen perceptiveness, and it seemed she understood everything happening around her without saying a word. But her confidence wasn’t arrogant or haughty. On the contrary, there was a lightness in her demeanor that didn’t create distance between people, but skillfully brought them closer together.

Meruka confidently exited the corridor, leading Mire and Luka behind her. Their footsteps echoed in the empty hallways until they reached a massive door with intricate carvings. She asked the servants to remain in the corridor and give them a moment to talk. After that, the girl pushed the door open without hesitation, revealing a garden before them.

The air was filled with a delicate scent of roses, which grew abundantly here. Red, white, pink, golden, and among them — rare black ones, mysterious as the night itself. Mire slowed her pace, looking around. She had seen pink gardens before, but never one like this.

“It’s beautiful here,” she said quietly, running her fingers over the petals of a nearby flower.

“This is one of my favorite places,” Meruka smiled. “Roses speak more than people. They can be gentle, dangerous, mysterious. Just like us.”

Mire remained silent, but her gaze was drawn to the black roses. They seemed almost unreal, as if they didn’t belong to this world.

Meruka noticed her interest but didn’t immediately comment. Instead, she took a step forward and pointed to a rose bush of an unusual, deep blue hue.

“Here,” she said, turning her head toward her companions. “Don’t you think they resemble someone’s eye color?”

Luka chuckled but didn’t say anything. Mire merely frowned, quickly averting her gaze from the flowers.

“Your eyes are darker,” she muttered finally, still looking away. “And mine are brighter.”

Luka smirked.

“Of course. You’re our star.”

Mire suddenly turned toward him, ready to say something, but then a light laugh rang out. Meruka covered her mouth with her hand, but her eyes were genuinely smiling.

“You really do look like siblings,” she noted with a warm smile.

“What?” Mire and Luka responded simultaneously, throwing equally indignant looks her way.

“Stop talking nonsense,” Mire quickly added, but her voice betrayed a hint of embarrassment.

“Nothing in common,” Luka replied calmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

But Meruka just shook her head, smiling even wider.

“You know, people who are close in spirit can argue all they want, but sometimes they don’t even notice how they see each other much more clearly than they think,” she said thoughtfully. “The mind may deny it, but the hearts speak differently.”

She leaned over the roses and, plucking one of the blue ones, lightly tossed it into the air, watching the petals tremble slightly in the gentle breeze.

Mire, turning away, looked back at the roses, but now she could no longer easily ignore them.

“Let’s move on.”

The garden was shrouded in a light mist, gliding along the gravel paths, as if whispering with the flowers. The wind rustled the bushes, making them whisper as if the leaves were trying to say something important. Mire walked a little behind, thoughtfully touching the tips of her fingers to the petals. Meruka led them forward, like the mistress of this place, while Luka walked calmly beside her, his hands in his pockets.

“Sometimes I feel like yelling at him too,” Meruka suddenly said with a light smile.

Mire blinked and turned her gaze toward her.

“Who?”

“My little brother,” Meruka explained, watching their reaction. “He can be so annoying that I just want to grab him by the ears and shake him.”

Mire raised an eyebrow, and Luka only threw a short glance at her but didn’t say anything.

“You… look like someone who never gets angry,” Mire remarked, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s hard to imagine you getting irritated.”

Meruka smiled.

“I just learned to hide it. But sometimes, when he gets on my nerves, I remind myself that he’s my little brother and that he’s still young. He doesn’t understand everything the way I do.”

She slightly tilted her head, admiring the black roses.

“And then I tell myself, ‘Meruka, he’s your family. You have to take care of him.’ Even if he annoys me, even if I’m angry, I always try to make it right immediately.”

Mire paused. She’d never really thought much about things like that. Family had always been difficult for her. A brother… she no longer had a brother.

“Hm,” was all she said, hiding her hands in her sleeves.

They turned the corner where the blue roses grew, resembling pieces of the sky that had fallen to the ground. Mire looked at them and again remembered Meruka’s words about eye color.

“You two should also cherish each other,” Meruka suddenly said, turning toward them.

Mire and Luka both looked at her at the same time but with different expressions on their faces.

“What?” Mire frowned.

“Hm,” Luka mumbled, slightly tilting his head.

“Little arguments are just a tear in the heart,” Meruka continued, lightly shaking her head as if her voice carried ancient wisdom. “People often get angry with each other over silly things, but is it really worth it? When you lose someone you love, you realize that those arguments meant nothing.”

Mire pressed her lips together, staring at the ground.

“We’re not…” she began, but then fell silent.

Luka just looked away, watching the flowers.

Meruka didn’t insist. She simply continued walking down the path without looking back.

The air in the garden was fresh, filled with the scent of roses. They walked slowly, weaving between the bushes, listening to the wind rustling the petals.

“This garden… do you come here often?” Mire finally asked, trying to distract herself from Meruka’s words.

“Yes, my father often has to go to the capital on business,” she nodded. “He always took me with him to see the capital. But I stayed at the castle and came here. It’s one of the few places where you can hear silence.”

“Funny,” Luka smirked. “People usually say they listen to the music of the wind or the whisper of the leaves.”

“I hear silence,” Meruka replied without hesitation. “You can hear more in it than in words.”

Mire rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

They stopped at a small fountain. The water flowed in thin streams, creating a soft, almost imperceptible sound.

“And you?” Meruka suddenly asked. “Do you have a place where you can hear the silence?”

Luka thought for a moment.

“I’d say the sea,” he finally said. “When you look at the waves, they swallow everything. Even thoughts.”

Meruka nodded.

“And you, Mire?”

The girl didn’t answer right away.

“I don’t know,” she admitted after a pause. “I don’t think I have such a place.”

Meruka looked at her a little longer than she should have, but didn’t say anything.

They continued walking down the path, weaving through the garden. The wind ruffled their hair, causing the blue roses to sway as if they were dancing.

“I think if you don’t have such a place, it’s worth finding one,” Meruka finally said. “When you find it, you’ll understand what it means to hear silence.”

Mire just silently walked on.

They reached a gazebo, where intricately carved wooden benches stood. Meruka was the first to sit on one, gesturing for the others to join her.

“It’s nice here,” Luka admitted, sitting down beside her.

“Yes,” Meruka nodded, admiring the garden. “You can just sit and do nothing.”

“I don’t like doing nothing,” Mire muttered, crossing her arms.

Meruka smiled.

“Maybe you just don’t know how.”

Mire shot her a displeased look, but something like interest flickered in her eyes.

Luka chuckled slightly, watching their interaction.

The garden fell into peaceful silence, filled only with the whisper of the wind and the distant murmur of the water. In that moment, none of them were in a hurry to leave.

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