Two hours had passed since they met Illys.
The gates of Herene loomed ahead—tall, ancient, and carved with sigils that pulsed faintly with magic. Gold inlays shimmered under the morning light.
Lif kept his head low beneath the oversized coat Liora had given him. The fabric smelled like pine and rain—like the forests they'd walked through, like her.
Liora walked beside him, proud and composed. Her face was streaked with dirt, eyes rimmed with fatigue, but her chin was held high.
As they neared the gates, the guards stiffened. Their eyes widened.
"L-Lady?!"
One of them dropped to a knee. The others followed instantly, heads bowing in reverence.
"You're alive—how did you make it back? Are you hurt?"
Liora shook her head. "I'm safe. Because of him." She nodded to Lif. "He protected me. Brought me home."
The guards turned to him, suspicion flashing behind their awe.
"I see," one muttered.
"We haven't eaten in five days," Liora added, her voice firm. "He enters with me. I won't let him starve."
They hesitated. One opened his mouth, then shut it. They wouldnt dare to turn her down
She wasn't just anyone.
She was Liora.
The gates opened.
---
Herene unfolded before them like a dream. Towering trees intertwined with crystalline towers. Bioluminescent vines curled up marble walls. Market stalls spilled over with fruit, spices, and gleaming trinkets.
The air was alive with whispers.
"Is that… Liora?"
"She's back… thank the stars."
A child rushed forward—only to be swept into her mother's arms, tears glistening.
"She's safe… she's safe."
Lif said nothing, overwhelmed. As they walked, he glanced at Liora.
Even the wind carries her name, he thought.
---
The palace rose at the heart of the city like a monument to grace and power. Its doors opened with a slow groan, revealing a throne room lit like a starry sky. Pillars of pale stone reached high, and tapestries of ancient wars, triumphs, and peace lined the walls.
She's this important… even the king and queen would want to see her, Lif thought. But then he saw
Only the king awaited them.
No queen.
She must be busy, he reasoned,
The guards bowed and exited. The elite remained, still as statues.
The king rose slowly, eyes locked on Liora as though trying to believe she was truly there. Then, suddenly, he moved forward and embraced her tightly.
"I missed you so, so much, my girl."
Liora said nothing. She simply held him back.
Lif lowered his gaze, quiet as realization crept in.
She's the king's daughter…
He wanted to gasp, but caught himself.
The king pulled away, eyes glassy. "How did you find your way home? I sent hunters, scouts, trackers—there wasn't even a whisper."
Liora turned, gesturing to Lif. "This boy. He guided me. Protected me."
The king's gaze sharpened as it settled on Lif.
A long silence.
"…Thank you," the king said at last.
Lif bowed stiffly. "My pleasure, Your Majesty," trying to sound formal.
The king offered a faint smile. "You must be starving."
He practically forcing them into the dining hall himself.
---
The dining room was something out of legend. A long, ornate table stretched beneath a ceiling etched with constellations. Lif and Liora sat close, shoulders nearly touching.
A chef arrived, placing two modest steaks before them. Simple. Humble. But after days without food, it tasted divine.
They ate like wolves. The king chuckled softly.
But as Lif raised his cup, his hood slipped—just a little.
The king's gaze caught on something.
His ear.
Rounded.
A human.
The king's smile froze. His eyes narrowed.
Hes a human... Then whats liora doing with him?? How does She like this creature so much i taught her all about how dangerous humans are..
---
That night, Liora lay asleep in her chambers, her breathing slow and peaceful.
Lif sat outside, on the palace steps, silent.
He was ready to leave.
Then the guards came.
"The king requests your presence."