Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 40: Glimmer of Fate

The royal city at night looked especially peaceful and beautiful under the light snowfall. Aria quietly left the hall, feeling weighed down by the conversations, many of which she had never heard of before. She returned to her room, donned her cloak, and stepped outside for some fresh air. By the bonfire, songs echoed, bringing a touch of warmth and nostalgia. Snowflakes gently drifted down, covering the silver streets and adding a layer of mystery to the ancient city. Laughter echoed around, complementing the peaceful atmosphere, almost making one forget the shadow of war and the looming danger.

Aria walked along the path, her steps light yet heavy with thought. She passed by the once familiar buildings, feeling a sense of the passage of time. The old Sovereign Bastion was partly an ancient structure, exuding historical weight, and partly the black stone architecture of Lunar Essence, bringing a cold, modern touch. This contrast filled her with mixed emotions, as if she were caught between two worlds, both familiar and strange.

She stopped in front of the king's hall, gazing at the well-preserved building. The doors were heavily guarded as the Lunar King and Grand Mentor discussed urgent matters inside. She remembered sneaking in here to play as a child, her father sitting high on the throne, patiently listening to the elders' ramblings. Though he often seemed annoyed, he never interrupted them. Life was simple and precious back then, filled with laughter and joy.

However, her father had always been cold and distant towards her. No matter how hard she tried, she could never gain his approval. She was born with an ominous curse, and her mother had passed away in grief because of it. She remembered the arguments during the elders' meetings and her father's disappointment in her, as if her existence was a mistake.

"You will never meet my expectations, Aria," he had once said coldly. "You're nothing but a useless burden."

These words cut deep, wounding her heart. She had left the palace that suffocated her, seeking her own path in the outside world. Now, standing before this grand hall, she felt a complex mix of emotions. She missed those simple days; even though she wasn't happy, at least it was once her home.

Suddenly, she heard soft footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Neven approaching slowly, snowflakes sparkling on his cloak in the dim light. His appearance broke her train of thought and brought warmth to her heart.

"Neven, what are you doing here?" Aria asked, her voice tinged with surprise and delight.

"I saw you leave the banquet hall and was worried something might happen to you, so I followed," Neven replied, concern evident in his eyes.

"Thank you," Aria said softly, feeling a wave of reassurance, "I just needed some fresh air."

Neven stood beside her, looking at the king's hall. "I've been wondering, if our ancestors hadn't come here, what kind of life would I be living now?"

"Do you miss your homeland?" Aria asked.

"I don't know. I've never even seen what the Lunar Essence Clan's city looks like," he said wistfully, then asked curiously, "Do you miss your family?"

"Sometimes I do, but... my father never really liked me. So being away from them doesn't mean much to me," Aria said.

Neven was silent for a moment before speaking softly, "Sometimes, we have to accept the things we can't change. Your father might not see your worth, but that doesn't mean you don't have it. You've already proven yourself; you don't need his approval anymore."

"You're right, Neven." Aria took a deep breath, though her tone remained melancholy.

"We will always be with you," Neven said, "No matter what happens, I'll be by your side."