Crescent Vow

c.iv. shadows of the past

─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───

One evening, finally, on their free day, Lyra found herself in the garden outside the castle with Peony. The garden was a tranquil haven, bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Flowers of every color bloomed in carefully tended beds, their delicate petals catching the fading light. The scent of roses and lavender filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the well-tended soil. The stars began to twinkle above them, and the gentle rustling of leaves created a soothing backdrop.

“Lyra, can I ask you something?” Peony said, breaking the comfortable silence. They were sitting on a stone bench near a small, bubbling fountain, its gentle sound adding to the serene atmosphere.

“Of course,” Lyra replied, looking up at her friend. The cool evening breeze ruffled her hair, and she wrapped her arms around herself, feeling a slight chill.

Peony hesitated, then spoke softly, her eyes searching Lyra's face. “Why are you so determined to help Prince Kael, despite all the dangers and challenges? I’ve seen how hard you push yourself, and it’s more than just duty.”

Lyra sighed, her gaze turning distant as she recalled her past. The garden's peacefulness contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside her. “I suppose... it’s because I know what it feels like to be desperate for help and feel utterly alone.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “Back in my village, I had a perfect family. My parents, my older brother—we were happy. But then, my brother fell ill.”

Peony listened intently, her eyes filled with compassion. She could see the pain in Lyra’s eyes, a deep well of sorrow that seemed to have no end.

“No one could figure out what was wrong with him,” Lyra continued, her voice trembling. “He withered away, and despite all our efforts, we couldn’t save him. My father was devastated and blamed himself. He became withdrawn, and one day, he... he took his own life.”

Tears welled up in Lyra’s eyes, but she pressed on. “My mother, once so loving and warm, changed completely. She became obsessed with finding answers, with blaming others for our misfortune. She grew distant and cold, and I lost her too, in a way.”

Peony reached out, placing a comforting hand on Lyra’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Lyra. I had no idea.” She felt a pang of empathy, her heart aching for her friend. The garden's beauty seemed almost mocking in the face of such raw emotion.

Lyra wiped her tears, a determined look on her face. “I couldn’t save my family, but maybe, just maybe, I can save Prince Kael. I can’t stand the thought of him feeling the same despair and loneliness I did.” She took a deep breath, the scent of roses mingling with the salt of her tears.

Peony’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “You’re so brave, Lyra. More than you know. And you’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you.”

The two friends sat in silence for a moment, the night deepening around them. Fireflies began to appear, their tiny lights flickering like stars coming down to earth. The fountain's gentle bubbling continued, a reminder of the world's small, persistent beauties even amidst pain.

Lyra finally spoke, her voice steadier. “Thank you, Peony. Your support means more to me than you know.”

Peony smiled, her hand still resting on Lyra’s shoulder. “Anytime. We’ll get through this together.”