Light of the Dawn

1. Capture

The first rays of dawn streamed through the grand, arched windows of the Dawn Court's palace, painting the marble floors in hues of gold and blush. Isarella sat cross-legged by the window in her chambers, her favorite journal perched on her knees. A quill danced across the page, spilling words of poetry like inked stars.

"The sun may rise, but it is the heart that burns brighter..." she whispered aloud, testing the melody of her newest composition. She tapped the quill against her lips, her honey-brown eyes narrowing as she searched for the perfect line to follow.

A knock at her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called, her voice melodic even without trying.

The door opened to reveal Perseus, his dark hair tied neatly back, his golden armor catching the morning light. Though his posture was formal, his warm smile betrayed the affection he held for his daughter. "Training in fifteen minutes, starling," he said, stepping inside. "Your guards are already lamenting the bruises they're about to receive."

Isarella smirked, closing her journal and setting it aside. "Perhaps I'll go easy on them today," she teased, rising to her feet. Her long, golden hair spilled down her back, catching the sunlight like a halo.

Perseus chuckled. "You? Go easy? I'll believe it when I see it." He stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But don't forget balance, Isarella. Strength in one hand, art in the other. That's how we rise."

"I know," she said softly, leaning into his touch. "I won't let either slip."

The training courtyard buzzed with energy as the Dawn Court's warriors prepared for the day. Isarella entered, her slender frame clad in a simple tunic and breeches that allowed for swift movement. Her steel sword gleamed in her hand, a gift from Thesan himself, engraved with intricate patterns of sunbursts and rays.

"Ready to dance, princess?" one of the guards called out, a playful grin on his face.

Isarella tilted her head, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Always."

The duel began, the clash of steel ringing out like a symphony. Isarella moved like liquid sunlight, her blade an extension of her body. She ducked, parried, and spun, her agility turning the fight into a graceful performance. The guard lunged, but she was already behind him, her blade pressed lightly to his back.

"Point," she said, stepping away.

Her fathers watched from the balcony above, pride evident on their faces. Thesan, ever the embodiment of the dawn, leaned on the railing with a soft smile, while Perseus stood tall, his eyes gleaming with approval.

"She's relentless," Perseus remarked.

"And radiant," Thesan replied.

Later that evening, Isarella sat at the grand piano in the ballroom. The room was quiet save for the soft hum of her voice and the gentle tapping of Thesan's fingers on the piano keys. Together, they created a melody that echoed through the palace like the first light of dawn.

"Father," she said softly as the music faded, her fingers lingering on the keys. "Do you ever think about her? My mother?"

Thesan's hands stilled. He looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before softening. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But not with longing. Only questions. Much like you."

"Do you think she regrets it?"

Thesan leaned forward, cupping her face in his hands. "It doesn't matter if she does, Isarella. What matters is that you are here, that you are loved. Perseus and I—our hearts are yours. No regrets. Only joy."

Her throat tightened, but she smiled. "I know," she whispered. "And I love you both more than words can say."

"Then sing it, my starling," Thesan said, pressing a kiss to her forehead.