The rest of the journey took place under an amber sky. The forest trees thinned as Yuehan and Lira reached the foot of a towering silverwood tree. Its trunk rose upward like a pillar carved by the gods. Crescent-shaped lanterns dangled from its branches, casting a warm, golden light over a wide wooden platform.
"Stay close," Lira whispered.
They climbed a staircase that circled the ancient tree. From above, Yuehan could see the Whispering Woods stretching endlessly—a sea of green and silver.
Finally, they reached an elegant platform surrounding the tree. Crystalline runes flickered faintly on the floors. Six elves stood waiting—hooded, solemn, each carrying a staff crowned with glowing leaves.
Yuehan swallowed. Lira straightened her posture.
"Welcome," one of the elders shouted, "to the Green Gate."
Yuehan opened his mouth to speak, but the oldest of them—a woman with silver eyes and hair like the light of falling stars—raised her hand.
"Your name," she said softly.
"Yuehan," he replied softly.
The runes beneath them came to life.
Several of the elves sighed.
The elder's eyes widened. "His name... awakens the wards."
"That proves nothing," another elder snorted. "He could be a danger. The dead Abyssals followed him here."
"We found no sign of corruption," Lira replied sharply. "He crossed every ward unharmed."
The skeptical old man crossed his arms. "Or perhaps the corruption is hidden."
Yuehan stepped forward, holding the lion crest on his chest. "I don't know who I am. I don't know why the undead are after me. I have no intention of harming anyone."
The blond-haired old man looked at him. "What do you remember, child?"
He met his gaze, his voice trembling. "Fire. Scream. A crumbling throne room. My name... that's all."
A silence fell over the elves.
The old man with the light gently touched his staff to the crest on Yuehan's chest.
The symbol shone like blazing silver.
Dazzling. Pure.
"Impossible..." another old man whispered.
"The crest is real," the old man with the light confirmed weakly. "This child is... Dorotheou's."
The Council was shocked.
"The lost kingdom…"
"The royal line?"
"After all this time…"Yuehan was shocked. "Please. I need answers."
"You can have them," said the old man with the light. "But first—rest. Your strength is running low."
Lira turned to him, supporting him.
The old man spoke to her. "Lira Aerendyl, you have done well. From this moment on, the child is under your protection."
Lira blinked, stunned. "Mine?"
"Yes. Until the truth of his past is revealed."
Yuehan looked at her. For the first time, he gave her a weak, reassuring smile.
"Come," she said. "The night is deepening. And with it, the forest is growing restless."
Together they walked away from the Council—into the village, into temporary safety, and into a destiny no one truly understood.
The last thing Yuehan heard as she crossed into the glittering village was the old man's soft whisper:"A prince will return when the world needs him most."
The words followed her into her dreams