Reborn as the only princess of Cene Kingdom

Chapter 17: Awakening of Light and Shadow

The third day had come, and still, Princess Stella Luna lay unconscious in her bed. The Black Palace, usually teeming with life and activity, had taken on a hushed, somber tone. Every passing hour deepened the concern that hung heavy in the air. The wound on her shoulder, though tended to by the kingdom's finest healers, had begun to knit itself back together, but the princess's eyes remained closed.

High Priest Eleazar, had visited her chamber multiple times. His weathered hands traced gentle symbols in the air as he murmured prayers over her still form. "She is fine," he had said, his voice a mix of reassurance and uncertainty. Yet, despite his wisdom and power, he could not explain why the princess had not yet awoken. His brow furrowed in thought, but even his vast knowledge could not unravel the mystery that held Stella Luna in slumber.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains and the castle was bathed in the dim light of dusk, Duke Luther found himself once again by Stella's side. His usual stoic demeanor had cracked, revealing the worry that gnawed at him. He had been there when she fell, had seen the incredible surge of power that had saved them all. But now, watching her fragile form lying motionless in the large bed, he felt powerless.

Night had fully settled in. The chamber was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fire in the hearth. Duke Luther sat in a chair beside her bed, his gaze fixed on her face. Even in sleep, she was beautiful—her features soft and serene, her long lashes resting against her pale cheeks. The shadows from the fire danced across her skin, and in that moment, she seemed almost ethereal, like a being from another world.

His hand itched to reach out and brush a stray lock of hair from her face, but he held back, unsure of how to navigate the emotions swirling within him. He had always seen her as a girl, a young princess under his protection. But now, after everything that had happened, he found himself struggling to reconcile that image with the woman she was becoming—a woman of immense power, and yet, someone so vulnerable.

His thoughts were interrupted by a faint glow that began to emanate from her body. At first, it was so subtle that he thought he had imagined it. But then, the light grew brighter, casting a soft golden hue around her. His breath caught in his throat as he watched in awe, his heart pounding in his chest.

Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open. The deep violet of her irises seemed to shimmer in the glow, and for a moment, they locked gazes—his wide with shock, hers filled with something he couldn't quite place. Relief, perhaps, or maybe something deeper. The room was silent except for the crackling fire, and time seemed to slow.

"Stella," he whispered, his voice barely audible. He leaned closer, unable to hide the relief that flooded through him. "You're awake."

She blinked slowly, as if adjusting to the world around her. Her gaze softened when it met his, and she offered a small, tired smile. "Luther... you stayed," she murmured, her voice hoarse from disuse.

"I couldn't leave you," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "Not after... everything."

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the unspoken words hanging between them. Duke Luther reached out, finally allowing his fingers to gently tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear. Her skin was warm to the touch, and the simple act grounded him, made him feel connected to her in a way he hadn't before.

"I'm sorry if I worried you," she whispered, her eyes searching his face for reassurance.

"You have nothing to apologize for," he said, his tone firm but gentle. "You saved us all, Stella. I don't know how, but you did."

Her smile faded slightly, and she looked away, her brow furrowing. "It wasn't just me. There's so much I still don't understand, but... I think I'm beginning to."