The storm began to ease. The thunder softened, the rain slowed, and droplets trickled off the marble courtyard like silver beads. The fountain's whirlpools calmed, shimmering faintly as Lunar's magic settled.
Lunar sank onto the wet stone bench, hands clasped together, soaked but relieved. Her silver-white hair dripped down her back, her pale skin faintly glowing in the dim torchlight. She breathed deeply, feeling the tension drain from her shoulders.
Lunar (thinking, quietly):"Thank the heavens… the Water Fairies finally listened. The rain… it's stopping."
A tiny ripple of magic moved through the fountain, responding to her mind. She felt it — her sisters, the other Water Fairies, had finally obeyed her silent command. Though their power was great, her connection as a Water Fairy allowed her voice to reach them.
Lunar (thinking, softly, relieved):"Thank you… thank you for listening. Now… now at least the humans won't suffer."
She looked up at the darkening sky, where clouds were slowly breaking to reveal a sliver of moonlight. The world smelled of wet stone and fresh rain. The tension in her chest eased just a little.
From the side of the courtyard, Roy Frost watched quietly. His cloak was still soaked, and his expression remained cold and unreadable — but he had noticed the change. The rain had stopped abruptly, the fountain water had calmed, and Lunar's glowing presence now stood alone and serene.
Roy (coldly, intrigued):"So… you really can control it."
Lunar turned slightly, startled by his voice. She hadn't expected him to speak after the storm ended.
Lunar (softly, hesitant):"I… I can control a little. Not everything… yet."
Roy's piercing eyes studied her, cold as ever, but the tiniest flicker of curiosity crossed his features. He noticed the glow fading from her hands, the relief in her posture, and the quiet confidence beneath her exhaustion.
Roy (cold, clipped):"A little… hmm. Interesting."
Lunar's lips pressed together. She felt exposed — not physically, but in a way that made her heart race. She had revealed a small part of her true power, and now this cold, fire-and-ice prince was analyzing her like she was some puzzle to solve.