Everything began with a sound.
Overlapping screams, sharp and panicked… too many voices at once, mingling with ragged breaths and indistinct noise.
There was no shape, no features—just complete darkness, as if all vision had been ripped away.
The feeling was suffocating.
A pressure on his chest, a loss of balance, as if the ground… had vanished.
The screams grew louder, accompanied by an intense sense that something was happening—something out of control, a moment that could not be stopped or understood.
Then—
His eyes snapped open.
Everything stopped.
His breath came fast, his heart pounding. The stone ceiling above him stood firm and silent, showing no trace of the chaos from moments before.
He ran a hand over his face slowly, as if confirming he was truly awake.
Rayan: (What was that…?)
He sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous motion, trying to ease the faint ache left by the strange dream.
Rayan: (It must have been a nightmare…)
He glanced around the room, taking in the simple walls and neatly made bed, every detail reminding him he was still in the castle.
Rayan: (So I'm still here… I don't even know how much time has passed…"
Moments of thought passed, then there came soft knocks on the door.
Rayan lifted his head slowly, eyes widening slightly.
In a low voice, thinking aloud, he acknowledged the sound before hearing any words:
(Someone's at the door…)
He paused for a moment, then rose carefully, every movement cautious. He approached the door, placed a hand on it, and opened it himself.
Standing before him was a soldier, posture impeccable, voice polite and calm.
Soldier: "Sir, the Princess requests your presence. She is waiting for you in the corridor."
Rayan froze, surprise flickering across his face.
Rayan: "Sir…?"
He stepped back slightly, replying quickly:
"Right… just a moment."
He hurried to put on his shoes, tying them tightly, then moved toward the corridor, ready to meet the princess.
Rayan stepped out of his quarters, the soldier walking beside him in steady, measured steps, guiding him through the castle's long corridors. With every step, the sounds of the morning castle seeped in: footsteps echoing on the stone floor, whispers of servants in distant hallways, and the gentle trickle of a small fountain nearby.
Rayan, walking lightly on the balls of his feet, muttered to himself:
(I'm really nervous today…)
From afar, he noticed a familiar movement. At the end of the corridor stood Rozaria, accompanied by two soldiers, yet she hadn't noticed him.
He paused for a moment internally, heart beating slightly faster, eyes following her every movement. He whispered quietly to himself:
(It's the Princess… damn, she looks stunning today…)
Rozaria spotted Rayan approaching, her eyes shining with clear delight. She raised her hand in a small wave, smiling lightly.
Rozaria: "Rayan!… You're here!"
Rayan paused briefly, returned her smile gently, nodding slightly in respect before replying in a calm, measured voice.
Rayan: "Miss Rozaria! How are you today?"
Rozaria smiled softly, her eyes observing him with cautious interest.
Rozaria: "I'm fine… and you? How did you find yourself in that room?"
Rayan exhaled slightly, lifting a corner of his mouth in a faint smile, attempting to appear relaxed despite his tension.
Rayan: "Better than nothing… actually, it wasn't bad. Even the food wasn't terrible for a stranger in a royal palace."
Rozaria laughed lightly, noticing the smile on his face, her tone playful:
Rozaria: "Good to hear."
She nodded slightly, adding, eyes sparkling:
Rozaria: "Alright, the reason I called you today… it's my day off. I have no work and wanted to wander a little around the kingdom. I thought you could accompany me, to show you some places."
Rayan: "Alright… I don't see why not."
Rayan, Rozaria, and the two guards stepped out through the palace gates, emerging into the open courtyard. Sunlight spilled across the stone-paved ground, its rays reflecting off the banners hanging from the surrounding walls. The scent of flowers from nearby gardens lingered in the air, blending with the soft sound of water flowing from the fountains at the center of the square.
Fresh air greeted them—along with the living pulse of the kingdom itself. Children's laughter echoed in the distance, merchants' voices overlapped as they called out their goods, and the steady movement of people filled the stone streets beyond. Some passersby slowed, their gazes drifting toward the princess.
Walking beside Rozaria, Rayan smiled faintly.
Rayan: "The kingdom is far more lively than I expected."
Rozaria, walking at his side, returned the smile and nodded. She lifted her hand, pointing toward the bustling marketplace ahead, her eyes following the movement of vendors and children weaving between the stalls.
Rozaria: "This is where the market square begins. People gather here every morning to trade—vendors calling out their goods, bargaining, laughing."
She paused for a moment, watching them.
Rozaria: "I like seeing them like this… the people here are always busy, but they're happy."
Then she gestured toward a nearby watchtower, where several guards stood high above, their eyes sweeping across the city.
Rozaria: "And that's the guard tower. From there, we keep watch over the city and ensure everyone's safety. Everything here serves a purpose."
Rayan raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.
Rayan: "That's genuinely fascinating."
Rozaria smiled and nodded slightly toward him.
Rozaria: "Yes… the Kingdom of the Moon is without a doubt the most vibrant kingdom in all of Novarial."
Rayan frowned lightly, glancing around.
Rayan: "Novarial… what's that?"
Rozaria looked at him, then let out a soft laugh, as if she had just remembered something important.
Rozaria: "Ah… I forgot you're not from our world."
She added gently, her tone explanatory.
Rozaria: "Novarial is our world… the planet we all live on."
As they continued walking, Rayan murmured to himself, observing the people and the unfamiliar surroundings.
(Even the planet is different here… interesting.)
He then looked at her and spoke quietly, yet clearly.
Rayan: "It seems there's a lot I'll have to learn."
A brief silence followed as they walked side by side.
Then Rayan spoke again, more softly this time.
Rayan: "Thank you, Miss Rozaria… for helping me. You're truly kind. I honestly don't know what I would've done without you."
Rozaria smiled gently, her eyes resting on his face with warmth, before replying in a calm, sincere voice.
Rozaria: "No… I'm the one who should thank you. You saved my life. I don't know what would have happened to me if you hadn't been there. I was alone in that place… but you stayed."
A brief silence fell between them as they continued walking side by side. They glanced at each other for a moment, sharing a light, warm smile, before returning their attention to the path ahead.
While they walked side by side, a calm yet confident female voice came from the opposite direction, carrying an unmistakable tone of assurance.
??? : "Look who is there, The Princess Rozaria."
Rozaria paused briefly and turned toward the voice, her eyes landing on a young women approaching with steady steps, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Rozaria: "Sasha?"
Sasha was a young women with short, slightly messy dark blue hair and bangs covering her forehead. Her wide eyes held a glint of sharpness and curiosity. She wore practical clothes suitable for movement, a well-fitted short, and her black cloak flowed lightly behind her with each step.
She smiled lightly as she drew closer to Rozaria, her eyes sparkling with vitality and playfulness.
Sasha: "I didn't expect to find you here!"
Rozaria laughed softly.
Rozaria: "Neither did I… What are you doing here?"
Sasha shrugged lightly, her expression carrying a hint of annoyance.
Sasha: "I was just wandering… I needed some fresh air, a break from work pressures. You know captine Claudine… always overbearing as usual!"
Rozaria chuckled lightly, tilting her head slightly.
Rozaria: "Claudine can be strict sometimes…"
Sasha let out a short, sarcastic laugh.
Sasha: "Sometimes you saying… she loves making every day a pain in the ass… but today? I decided to get rid of her nonsense for a bit."
Rozaria leaned slightly forward, her face showing a mix of concern and care, speaking softly.
Rozaria: "So… How's your mother? Has she got better at all?"
Sasha gave a faint smile and let out a low sigh.
Sasha: "My mother… hasn't gotten much better, despite all the treatment and care. I try to visit her from time to time, keep track of her condition, and make sure she's okay."
Rozaria smiled gently, her tone warm.
Rozaria: "I really hope your mother gets better soon…"
Sasha shrugged slightly and gave a tired smile.
Sasha: "I hope so… you know her she's still strong in her own stubborn way. Anyway, thank you for your concern, Rozaria."
Then her eyes shifted toward Rayan, her faint smile mixed with surprise and curiosity. She looked back at Rozaria before speaking.
Sasha: "By the way, who is this guy with you?"
She then turned her gaze directly to Rayan, her eyes full of curiosity.
Sasha: "I've never seen you before… What's your name?"
Rayan closed his eyes for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts, then slowly raised his head, his voice trembling slightly but clear.
Rayan: "My name… is Rayan… Nice to meet you."
Rozaria looked at Rayan with eyes full of gratitude and said softly:
Rozaria: "He saved my life yesterday from some bad people, and I truly owe him for that."
Sasha tilted her head slightly, her eyes scanning Rayan from head to toe, and said in a playful, surprised tone:
Sasha: "Saved your life?… He doesn't look like someone who would do that!"
Rayan narrowed his eyes slightly, biting his teeth, and said in a slightly sharp tone:
Rayan: "What do you mean by that? Who are you, anyway?"
Sasha smiled with pride, her eyes gleaming with confidence.
Sasha: "I'm Sasha Smith… one of the Moonwardens, and one of the strongest fighters in this kingdom you've set foot in."
Rayan stared at Sasha in surprise, then said in a slightly sarcastic tone:
Rayan: "A fighter? Really… You look far too small for that… and for carrying things like these."
He lightly gestured toward the small blades hanging at her sides.
Sasha smiled with a mix of pride and challenge, then suddenly drew her blades with incredible speed and skill. She tossed one into the air in an impressive arc, spun her body with a swift, dazzling motion as if controlling the air itself, and caught the blade again before it hit the ground—all at a very close distance to Rayan.
Rayan froze, his eyes following her movements, unable to fully comprehend what had just happened.
He blinked once, then again, as if his mind needed a moment to catch up.
Sasha looked at Rayan with a light smile and said confidently:
Sasha: "Don't judge a fighter by their appearance. Sometimes, someone who seems small or weak can do far more than you imagine."
He said nothing, just stood there, staring at her with silent astonishment…
as if he had just realized his previous comment was completely out of place.
Sasha then turned to Rozaria, smiling lightly, and said:
Sasha: "Well… I won't keep you, Princess. It was nice talking to you."
She turned gracefully and waved her hand, saying:
Sasha: "See you later."
Rozaria smiled and replied in a friendly tone:
Rozaria: "It was nice talking to you too, Sasha!"
Rayan remained standing beside Rozaria, his gaze following Sasha as she disappeared among the crowd, her black cloak gradually vanishing into the bustling market.
He didn't move or speak for a few seconds.
Then, in a low voice, as if speaking more to himself than to anyone beside him, he said:
Rayan: What was that…."
Rozaria smiled quietly, looking in the same direction, her eyes filled with admiration and acknowledgment.
Rozaria: "Sasha is no ordinary girl… She's strong and clever, and I can't help but admit that she's truly remarkable."
Rayan and Rozaria continued walking through the market lanes, the two guards trailing behind with steady, calm steps. The air was filled with the movement of the merchants, sounds of laughter, and the scent of bread and spices drifting around them.
Rayan muttered softly to himself, still lost in thought about what he had just seen.
Rayan: "No doubt…"
As he walked, he turned to Rozaria and asked in a low but clear voice:
Rayan: "Can I ask you something…?"
Rozaria turned to him, her eyes glinting with a touch of curiosity, a gentle smile forming on her lips.
Rozaria: "Of course. Ask whatever you like."
He looked ahead for a moment before speaking softly.
Rayan: "What did that girl mean… by 'Moonwardens'?"
Rozaria smiled lightly, meeting his gaze with confidence, as if trying to explain something important.
Rozaria: "The Moon Guardians are the elite fighters of our kingdom… extraordinary individuals with rare abilities that very few possess. They are devoted to protecting the kingdom and its people at any cost. Sasha is one of them, so don't be surprised if you saw her move as if she were part of the wind itself… she's truly unique."
Rayan nodded slowly, processing her words, and spoke in a low voice:
Rayan: "So… there are more like her…"
Rozaria smiled softly, her eyes warm as she looked at him.
Rozaria: "Yes… there are others just as strong, but each one has their own strengths and skills. You can't compare them directly—everyone has their own path."
Rayan gave a faint smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and quiet frustration, and said in a low voice:
Rayan: "Wow… even if I decided to become a fighter like them and trained my whole life, I'd never reach that level."
Rozaria walked quietly beside him, leaning forward slightly, and smiled gently.
Rozaria: "Underestimating yourself isn't good… you know."
She continued in a warm and encouraging tone:
Rozaria: "Strength isn't just about the skills you have, but about the challenges you can endure. Every step you take, every decision you make… makes you stronger. Don't underestimate what's inside you."
Then she tilted her head slightly, adding softly, as if whispering to him:
Rozaria: "And I… know that you're capable of more than you think."
Rayan watched her, his cheeks flushing pink from a sudden shyness, whispering to himself:
(Rozaria…)
He turned his gaze forward, gave a calm smile, and spoke in a low but warm voice:
Rayan: "I didn't know… you were so wise…"
As they continued walking, one of the guards hurried up from behind, his face stern and his posture formal.
Guard: "Your Highness!"
Rozaria stopped along with the others and turned quickly toward him, her eyebrows raised.
Rozaria: "What is it?"
The guard answered seriously:
Guard: "The King is calling you to the throne room. He says he wants to see you immediately."
Rozaria raised an eyebrow again, her eyes glimmering with mild annoyance, then sighed bitterly.
Rozaria: "Really… now?! I was just starting to enjoy my day, finally feeling like I could breathe a little… I wonder what it's about."
Rayan, walking beside her, nodded gently and replied calmly:
Rayan: "It's fine. You should go see what your father wants—it might be important. As for me, I can explore the kingdom on my own."
Rozaria paused for a moment, her face carrying a hint of concern, before asking:
Rozaria: "Will you be alright?"
Rayan smiled lightly, reassuring her in a calm voice:
Rayan: "Yes, don't worry."
Rozaria nodded softly, her eyes filled with care and support.
Rozaria: "Alright then… if you need anything, you can always come back to the palace."
Rayan replied simply, with confidence:
Rayan: "Of course."
One of the guards, watching Rayan briefly, asked Rozaria cautiously:
Guard: "Your Highness… would you like us to accompany this stranger?"
Rozaria smiled lightly and answered confidently:
Rozaria: "No… I think he'll be fine."
Rozaria ended the conversation with a calm glance, then turned to the two guards with a firm tone that hid a trace of gentle annoyance:
Rozaria: "Alright then… let's go."
Rayan stood still for a moment, watching them walk away, then exhaled softly.
Rayan: "Being a princess must be exhausting… it's nothing like in the stories."
— End of Chapter —