"Fate's Unraveling: A Tale Beyond the Stars"

Chapter 21: The Revelation

Miaka’s heart pounded as she was escorted through the winding halls of the Kutou palace, her mind spinning with nerves and uncertainty. The general’s imposing presence beside her made it clear that this was no ordinary summons. Still, her determination to find Yui and protect her friends kept her moving forward. Just as they reached a grand, towering doorway, she hesitated, glancing over her shoulder.

“Wait,” she said, her voice wavering slightly. “There’s something I need to do first.”

The general stopped, looking at her with narrowed eyes. “The Emperor is waiting.”

But Miaka’s attention had shifted; through the palace gates, she spotted Tamahome struggling with the guards, clearly trying to follow her inside. Her heart ached seeing him there, his expression fierce as he attempted to break past the soldiers. She swallowed, a pang of guilt rising as she realized how far he had come to find her. Before she could change her mind, she turned back to the general.

“Actually, I’ll go now,” she said quickly, hoping Tamahome would understand. She caught a glimpse of Chichiri standing nearby, and he gave her a subtle nod. She trusted he would take care of things.

Outside, Chichiri held Tamahome back as he made a final attempt to get through. “Miaka is in no immediate danger,” Chichiri assured him, his voice calm yet firm. “She needs to do this alone for now. Trust her.”

Tamahome, though reluctant, nodded, watching as the palace doors closed behind Miaka.

---

Miaka’s footsteps echoed as the general led her down a vast hallway. Her heart pounded with every step, and the heavy silence only amplified her nerves. She wondered if she would see Yui, if her friend would be alright. Finally, the general stopped in front of an ornate door, pushing it open with a flourish.

“Enter,” he commanded, his voice hard but respectful.

Stepping inside, Miaka was immediately struck by the grandeur of the chamber. At its center sat the Emperor of Kutou, watching her with a quiet, intense gaze. Beside him stood another familiar figure, her delicate face streaked with tears—Yui.

“Yui!” Miaka cried, her voice breaking with relief. She rushed forward, and the two friends threw their arms around each other, holding on tightly as if afraid the other would disappear. Tears streamed down Miaka’s face, and she could feel Yui trembling as well.

“I was so worried about you,” Yui whispered, clinging to her friend. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

Miaka pulled back slightly, looking her friend in the eyes. “I came here for you, Yui. I couldn’t leave you alone.”

But as they embraced, Miaka’s bag slipped from her shoulder and fell to the ground, its contents spilling out. Yui’s gaze fell on the scattered items, her eyes widening as something familiar caught her attention.

“Miaka… is Isuna with you?” Yui asked softly, a hint of hope in her voice.

Before Miaka could answer, Yui reached down and picked up a scarlet-bound book—a copy of The Universe of the Four Gods, identical to the one they had read together. Miaka froze, realizing too late what had fallen out of her bag. Her breath caught as Yui looked from the book to her, understanding dawning in her friend’s eyes.

“What is this?” came a deep, cold voice. Miaka turned to see the general, who had been observing the scene quietly until now. He stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the book with keen interest. He bent down, retrieving it from the ground, and opened it. His gaze swept over the pages, then moved back to Miaka.

A cruel smile curved on his lips as he lifted his gaze to her, the realization evident in his steely blue eyes. “So, you are the Priestess of Suzaku,” he said, his tone laced with amusement.

Miaka’s heart pounded as the weight of her secret became public knowledge. She felt Yui’s hand slip from hers, and for a moment, fear flickered in her friend’s eyes. Miaka tried to reach out, to explain, but Nakago’s grip on the book tightened as he looked down at her, a dangerous glint in his gaze.

“Welcome to Kutou, Priestess of Suzaku,” he said mockingly, his voice low but chilling.