The atmosphere inside the Lunaris High Council Hall was heavy.
Too heavy.
An unnatural silence filled the vast chamber, broken only by the faint echo of breath and the rustle of robes as the most powerful figures of Lunaris sat in their designated seats. Every individual present carried authority—leaders of divisions, commanders, strategists, and guardians of the nation.
This was not an ordinary gathering.
At the centre of the semicircular council table sat Vaelor, the High Councillor of Lunaris.
The moment he rose to speak, every whisper died.
Vaelor was a man who commanded attention without demanding it.
Though his age was close to forty-six, no one would guess it by looking at him. His posture was straight, his build lean yet powerful, the kind earned through discipline rather than vanity. His sharp black eyes held a calculating calm, and his jet-black hair—neatly styled—showed not a trace of weakness or neglect. Every movement he made was controlled and deliberate.
A man forged by intellect as much as experience.
Beside him sat Kaiel, the Council Marshal, his expression grave. Not far from Kaiel was Himitsu, seated quietly in his position as a Council Knight—lower than the core councillors, yet significant enough to be summoned to this meeting.
Vaelor's gaze swept across the room before he finally spoke.
"You all know why we are gathered here today."
His voice was calm—but beneath it lay steel.
"The nation of Solari has attacked one of our border regions."
A murmur rippled through the hall, restrained but tense.
"This attack", Vaelor continued, "is not a coincidence. Nor is it a mistake."
He folded his hands behind his back, slowly pacing before the council.
"For centuries, Lunaris and Solari have stood opposed. Our ideologies, our foundations—everything differs. Where Lunaris was born from equality, Solari thrives on hierarchy, caste, and rigid control."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"For the past few years, there has been no direct conflict. Many believed the hostility had cooled. Some even hoped for peace."
He stopped walking.
"I do not share that optimism."
The silence deepened.
"Aurelian," Vaelor said slowly, speaking the name with quiet caution, "does not make small moves."
At the mention of the Solari Emperor, several council members stiffened.
"I believe he is planning something far greater than a border skirmish," Vaelor continued. "This attack is a signal. A provocation. A declaration without words."
He turned back to the council table.
"We do not know his next move. But we must assume the worst."
Kaiel stood.
"I agree," he said firmly. "Solari has never acted without purpose. If they are testing us, then we must be prepared to respond—not recklessly, but decisively."
Several leaders nodded.
"Yes."
"We are in agreement."
"Lunaris must not lower its guard."
Vaelor listened, then shifted his gaze toward Himitsu.
"Himitsu."
The sudden address pulled Himitsu's attention sharply forward.
"Yes, sir."
Vaelor's voice remained steady. "I am assigning you a critical task."
Himitsu straightened immediately.
"You will be granted access to military resources as needed. Soldiers, intelligence units, equipment—whatever you require."
Himitsu's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded.
"Your priority", Vaelor continued, "is to ensure that Solari does not gain further ground. Protect the people. Secure vulnerable regions. Prevent escalation."
"I understand," Himitsu replied. "I will not fail."
"Kaiel will work alongside you," Vaelor added. "You will coordinate closely."
Kaiel inclined his head. "Of course."
Vaelor glanced around the hall once more.
"Each of you will fulfil your responsibilities. This meeting has concluded."
The council members rose one by one, the weight of impending conflict heavy on their shoulders.
By the time Himitsu returned home, night had already fallen.
Rain had begun to pour, drenching the streets of Lunaris in silver reflections. Exhaustion weighed heavily on his body—not just physical, but mental.
One problem after another, he thought bitterly.
As soon as one ends, another begins.
Without even changing his clothes, he collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Silence.
For a moment.
Then—
A sound.
Soft.
From the balcony.
Himitsu frowned.
He ignored it at first, assuming it was the wind or rain.
Then—
Crash.
Something fell.
His instincts kicked in instantly.
He stood, walked to the window, and pulled it open.
And froze.
Standing on his balcony—soaked, startled, and holding a struggling black cat—
Was Aira.
"…You," Himitsu muttered.
The moment the window opened, the cat wriggled free from her arms and vanished into the night.
Aira turned, eyes wide.
She clearly hadn't expected him to notice.
"…I—!"
She took a step back—
And slipped.
"—!"
Himitsu reacted without thinking, grabbing her arm and pulling her upright.
"Are you trying to kill yourself now?" He snapped. "And why are you here again? Will you ever stop following me?"
Aira's face flushed instantly—bright red, like a tomato.
"I—I wasn't—!" she stammered, avoiding his eyes.
Himitsu sighed and extended his hand properly this time. "Get up."
She hesitated… then slowly placed her hand in his.
For a brief moment—
Time stopped.
They stood impossibly close, staring at each other.
Rain clung to Aira's hair. Her grip trembled slightly.
Himitsu felt his chest tighten—for reasons he didn't understand.
Aira…
And for the first time—
He didn't push her away.