Title:The Demon King is a Cactus,But We Can Not Help Feeling Attracted Towards Him?!

Rating: T

Summary: In a world where curses and magic intertwine, three unlikely companions—a devoted priestess, a mischievous flower girl, and a cursed demon—embark on a journey of redemption, friendship, and self-discovery.

Pairing: Vayne/Milletian

Author’s Note: Birthday fic dedicated to @astreafalls/bblovesmillet

Faraway in the fair kingdom of Erinn, where the lands flourished with plentiful bounty and its citizens were outstanding members of society, lived a young priestess in these lands.  She was of a heart pure as gold, blessed with an intuitive mind and fair as a hill covered in snow. The local villagers both revered and admired their beloved priestess for it was through her will and blessings that she has kept their quaint village safe from the ferocious, ornery beasts that roamed nearby.

 

Until one day, an ordinary day like any other, with the one exception…..

 

“So…you are saying you have a…demon cactus?”

 

The priestess, or also known as simply Astrea, looked over to the elderly couple who simply nodded. She tapped a finger to her chin as she pondered this. Demonic possession wasn't something out of the ordinary for those beings nor something she was unfamiliar with, but she had never heard of demons possessing organic objects. Much less….a succulent. But the elderly couple seemed quite sure of what they've seen, even if they may not understand it entirely, so Astrea was determined to see for herself this demonic…cactus.

 

With her trusty companion Beep perched on her shoulder, she made her way toward the elderly couple’s cottage on the outskirts of the village. The quaint little home stood at the edge of a small, flower-filled meadow, which gave it an oddly peaceful feel considering the unusual nature of her visit.

 

Astrea cautiously approached the elderly couple's garden, her staff of mooncrystal and star shards at her side, ready to channel her divine powers if needed. She carefully stepped over the bright yellow tulip blooms and wildflowers, observing the area for where this demon could possibly be camouflaging himself among the land. So far she didn't spot anything out of the ordinary, but the heavy presence was definitely nearby, which meant….

 

“AHA!” Astrea yelled out, which seemed to have startled the entity as she noticed a spot of colorful flower beds rustling from the sudden sound. “I got you now, little demon!”

 

She pounced, ready to send the malignant entity back to the deepest levels of hell. Or at least that was the intention if it weren't for an awkward placed foot forward having her slipping on the grass, sending her tumbling forward. Flowers, petals, and strands of grass flew around the air from the sudden impact, her robes in disarray and hat inches away from her, Astrea wondered now of the damages she will have to repair on the poor flowerbeds. Beep, ever the watchful companion, let out a disapproving chirp and shook his head, as if to say, Really, Astrea?  Before she could calculate how much time it takes to replant, she heard a low, growly voice address her.

 

“Is the priestess of Erinn always this clumsy? To think I had cause for concern…”

 

Astrea slowly pushed herself up from the flowerbed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and turned her attention towards the source of the voice. There, nestled among the flowers, was a small cactus with spiky green stems and covered in disarray petals. It seemed like an ordinary cactus, except for the fact that it seemed…strangely handsome? Its face had a pleasing sharp bone structure that seemed better suited for a grown man than that of a succulent

Astrea blinked, staring at the cactus’s peculiar face as she dusted herself off. She hadn’t exactly been expecting to find a cactus with cheekbones.

The cactus raised a single, eyebrow-like spine, the expression mildly sardonic. "You're the village's great priestess? Hm. They didn’t mention you were also its resident gardener."

Astrea’s cheeks deepened in color, but she steadied herself, straightened her robes, placed her hat back on her head, and took a deep breath. “I am Astrea, priestess of Erinn, and protector of the realm. And you—” she gestured with her staff toward the prickly little plant, “—must be the demon they spoke of.”

The cactus sighed. "Regrettably, yes. My name is Vayne, a high ranking demon, or at least I was—until that meddling god cursed me into this.” He made a small motion with his stumpy cactus arms to emphasize his miniature form. Astrea would have smiled at how cute the demon seemed if it wasn't for the intense glare he shot at her causing her to restrain herself.

Mildly.

Astrea clasped her hands behind her back, biting her lip to keep from laughing. Here was this supposedly fearsome high-ranking demon, reduced to a pint-sized cactus, glowering at her with all the menace he could muster from his prickly face. Beep fluttered closer, letting out a series of soft, amused chirps as he eyed Vayne. The cactus shot the bird a withering glare, though his spiky eyebrows twitched in resignation.

"So... Vayne," she said, taking a careful step back to avoid further flattening the flowerbed. "I’m guessing this isn’t the form you were aiming for?"

The cactus rolled its eyes. "Brilliant deduction. Believe me, this was not part of my plan. I had grand designs of, well, dominion, not… gardening duties and the indignity of being potted." Vayne shook his stubby arms as though shaking invisible chains.

Astrea's lips twitched. “Well, now that you’re here, I suppose you could try for a more peaceful life maybe?”

Vayne narrowed his eyes. “Spare me your sanctimonious ideas, priestess. This was no divine intervention—it was an act of sabotage from a god I crossed paths with one too many times. Apparently, a demon in a flowerpot was amusing enough for his cosmic sense of humor.”

Astrea pursed her lips, weighing Vayne's request as she glanced from the dashing—albeit pint-sized—cactus to Beep, who was shaking his head vigorously, his feathers all aflutter with disapproval.

“Oh, come on, Beep,” Astrea murmured, tilting her head to whisper to her bird. “What harm could he do? He’s a cactus. How much of a rampage could he cause?” She smiled confidently, convinced that she had it all under control.

Astrea held back another smile and tilted her head thoughtfully. “Alright, Mr. Demon-Formerly-Domineering, what exactly do you need from me?”

The cactus fell silent, as if struggling to ask for help. Finally, Vayne grumbled, “To break the curse, I need a spell of purification. And an infusion of true power, which I can’t achieve in this state alone. If you were to assist me, Priestess, I might be able to escape this… botanical prison.”

Astrea eyed him, unsure. “Hmm….” she tapped her chin, contemplating what sort of consequences that could ensue from assisting the demonic succulent just for being handsome. “How do I know you won’t go on a rampage the moment you’re free?”

Vayne gave a dry chuckle. “I may have a rather thorny reputation, but I have standards. Let’s just say I owe you one. Consider this my demon’s pact—until I’ve returned this favor, your village shall remain untouched.” It was then his hidden eye, which was partially obscured till now, glowed like a ruby. Enveloping them both under a warm red hue.

The sincerity in his tiny cactus gaze took her by surprise. Astrea found it hard to look away, but she didn't dare let her gaze falter. After a moment, she nodded. “Alright, Vayne. I shall help, I swear this as Erinn’s sacred priestess I will free you from your curse.” Suddenly the red glow of his eye dissipated, signaling the success of their pact. For a moment she thought she saw the cactus smile, but in a blink it was gone and he was back to what seemed to be his default expression. Which was no expression at all but staring intently at things for long periods of time. Astrea decided to ponder this later, now was the time to get to work!

Beep let out a series of frantic chirps, darting back and forth in dismay. But Astrea only gave her little bird a reassuring pat. “It’ll be fine, Beep! Besides, I’ll have you to protect me if anything goes wrong.”

Beep’s expression somehow managed to convey both exasperation and resignation as Astrea, ignoring his warnings, began to pick up the cactus.

“But you’ll need more than just me.”

~

The priestess and cactus set off, after much apologies given to the elderly couple for semi ruining a part of their garden while Vayne just stared at her as usual as Astrea went on about making a prayer that guaranteed the flowerbed would repair itself (the elderly couple were just happy they no longer had to deal evil cactus forces corrupting their garden, but they didn't feel right to interrupt the priestess as she went on and on and on—).

Astrea straightened, readying herself for the task ahead. She tapped her staff lightly against the ground, a spark of resolve in her eyes as shojo bubbles began to surround her. “But you’ll need more than just me, Vayne. This curse requires knowledge and skills beyond mine—someone who knows the ins and outs of, well… unorthodox magic.”

Vayne’s eye dimly glowed again as he considered this. “I suppose it would be wise to seek someone familiar with shadows and gray areas of magic,” he muttered, though the thought of relying on yet another human seemed to irk him. “Do you have anyone in mind that could aid us in this predicament?”

Astrea sweat dropped, shojo bubbles popping out of existence as she realized she had no idea on who she could rely on for assistance.

“You…you truly have no inkling of an idea inside that pretty head of yours don't you.”

‘Curses, he's so observant’, Astrea tried not to let his dark gloomy expression and the dangerous aura emitting off him deter her, she was sure she could think of something!

Astrea’s mind raced, but for once, she was at a loss. She fidgeted with the edge of her robes, feeling the intensity of Vayne’s stare bearing up at her. Come on, think! She was a priestess, after all! Surely, she knew someone who could help with an ancient, diabolical curse.

But her mind drew a frustrating blank.

“I, uh… may need a moment,” she admitted, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. She knew this wasn’t exactly her area of expertise—she was used to blessings, not un-cursing demon cacti.

The demon cactus’s expression was, as always, one of silent but thoroughly judgmental observation. “I’d hope you come up with something soon. Every second spent in this form is an insult to my very existence.” 

Astrea gulped, but forced herself to keep her resolve. They had been walking along the road, well Vayne more so hopped alongside her which caused her no end of amusement at his cute little hops trying to keep up to her pace— ‘Focus!’

“ I think first we should head to the village’s market square. If we are to embark on a journey to find a way to break this curse, we must stock up on all the essentials! Like food, snacks, treats, plenty of refreshing drinks–”

Vayne’s red eye glowed, clearly unamused. “Snacks and treats? Refreshing drinks? You realize we’re not planning a picnic, right, priestess?”

Astrea placed her hands on her hips, undeterred. “If we’re going to be journeying across who-knows-where, we’ll need provisions! And, frankly, not everything has to be gloom and doom, Vayne. You might actually enjoy a few earthly comforts if you gave them a chance.”

Beep gave an approving chirp, agreeing with her, hopping on top of Vayne and cocking his head, as if studying him with playful curiosity. Vayne squirmed under the scrutiny, mumbling something about “disrespectful wildlife” before clearing his throat.

“I am a high-ranking demon. I do not require mortal ‘comforts.’ I’ve withstood far worse than a little hunger and thirst.”

“Suit yourself,” she replied breezily. “More for me.”

Vayne grumbled something she couldn't quite hear, something that slightly sounded like ‘tool’ but she wasn't entirely sure. No matter, with a goal in mind she was determined! She began to head towards the village, with Vayne in tow.

Astrea bit her lip, fighting back a smile as she watched Vayne, the tiny demon cactus, hopping determinedly along the road beside her. His stubby cactus form, (or rather, his determined little hops) barely kept pace, but his expression remained as intense as ever, his single visible eye fixed ahead as if he were marching with purpose.

She couldn’t help it—a giggle slipped out.

Vayne stopped, his glare narrowing on her. “Do you find this amusing, priestess?” he asked, the deep rumble of his voice completely at odds with his size and, well, cactus-ness.

Astrea straightened, forcing herself to focus. “No, no, of course not,” she said, trying not to smile. “It’s just… your resilience is admirable.”

“Humans and their mockery,” he grumbled, his spikes bristling slightly. “And here I thought priests were supposed to be pious.”

“Hey, I am pious!” she defended, stifling her amusement. “It’s just… well, it’s not every day a demon cactus hops along beside me, alright?”

Vayne gave her a long, intense stare that could have set fires—if cacti could do that. “I’d prefer you focus on getting me back to my true form rather than on whatever entertainment this form seems to give you.”

Astrea swallowed her laugh, nodding. “Right! Right, of course. Focus.” She lifted her gaze to the road ahead, resolving to ignore the soft pat-pat of his hops, no matter how amusing it was.

The road to the village was quiet, the morning mist still clinging to the grass and the air filled with birdsong. Despite herself, Astrea found the journey strangely pleasant. She could feel Vayne’s aura—a hint of darkness, a sense of something dangerous kept under wraps. But here he was, hopping along like an oversized garden ornament. It was hard not to see the humor in it.

Astrea kept her gaze ahead, but every so often she’d sneak a glance at the hopping cactus beside her, suppressing a smile. There was something so absurd, yet oddly endearing about this dark, formidable aura confined to a tiny, spiny body that bounced down the road.

Despite his prickly attitude and brooding nature, Vayne kept up without a word of complaint. His pride, she realized, was still very much intact, even in this, well, reduced state. She respected that, though it didn’t make him any less amusing.

As they walked, she felt the quiet comfort of the morning around them. The road was bordered by wildflowers and sprawling fields, dotted with dew. The gentle warmth of dawn mixed with the cool mist lingering in the grass. It reminded her of why she’d dedicated herself to protecting the village and its people. There was so much beauty, so much life—something she doubted a demon like Vayne had ever truly experienced.

As they finally reached the village's edge, she thought she saw the barest flicker of something thoughtful—something deeper—in his small, visible eye. But, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by his usual disinterested stare.

Astrea took a deep breath, steeling herself. Together, they stepped into the village, reaching the bustling market, the strange pair of priestess and demon cactus ready to take the next step on their unusual journey.

~

Astrea took in the sights and sounds of the bustling market square: villagers haggling over fresh produce, merchants calling out their wares, children weaving through the crowd with laughter and delight. It was a lively, familiar scene, yet today felt different. With a small, determined cactus demon by her side, (who she now put inside her bag to not risk losing him in the crowd, or worse, his pot gets tipped over) she was no longer just the village priestess—she was setting off on a journey of real, unpredictable magic.

She glanced down at Vayne, who was staring straight ahead, seemingly unimpressed by the lively market. But she noticed his eye darting occasionally to the displays—particularly the stands with charms, crystals, and jars of dried herbs, no doubt sensing the faint traces of magic that lingered among them. A slight, huffy sigh escaped him, though he said nothing, and Astrea couldn’t help but smile.

“Alright, let’s think practically,” she said, gathering her resolve. “Since we don’t exactly know what kind of curse-breaking supplies we’ll need, we should probably stock up on general magical supplies. Something’s bound to come in handy.”

Vayne gave a skeptical grunt, but he nodded, head poking out from her bag as they approached a table laden with amulets, vials, and ancient-looking scrolls. “A wise decision,” he muttered. “Though I highly doubt any of this trinket nonsense will do more than scratch the surface of what we’ll need to undo a god’s curse.”

“Maybe,” Astrea replied cheerfully, holding up a small vial of glittering powder. “But you’d be surprised at what ordinary charms and enchantments can do when given a little hope. Sometimes magic works better when it’s about faith as much as power.”

Vayne huffed. “Faith… The ever-enduring fallback of humans. So fragile. So easily broken.”

Astrea gave him a sidelong glance, undeterred. “And yet here we are, about to rely on some of that same ‘fragile’ faith to help you, aren’t we?”

Vayne’s eye flashed, and for a moment, she thought she saw something thoughtful—maybe even a little conflicted—in his gaze. But he merely grunted and looked away.

She filled her basket with small but useful charms: a moonstone for protection, a few dried herbs for warding, a small healing balm, and an obsidian pendant that the merchant swore would shield against curses. Beep chirped approvingly as Astrea slipped a few seeds and a small treat pouch into the basket for him. Astrea even added a few items she thought Vayne might actually appreciate, though she didn’t tell him that.

All that was left was to ponder where she could find someone who had knowledge of the dark arts to figure out the curse. Grandma would be the most likely candidate, but alas she hasn't had any contact with her in years. Her companions back home were knowledgeable in many subjects but none of them were great mages. Connie in particular was more likely to fanboy over meeting a high ranking demon, cactus body be damned.

As she amused herself with the vision of Vayne being subjected to Connie’s attention, she didn't quite notice a figure approaching her, nearly jumping out of her skin when she felt a light tap on her shoulder.

“A bell blossom for the priestess?”

 

Astrea looked up from the stalls and was met by a peculiar but beautiful glowing flower, her gaze moving from it towards the one holding said lovely bloom. Holding the flower was a young girl, no older than she as she presumed, dressed in a simple but ornate apron dress. Astrea noted with wonder at the variety of flowers that decorated her hair, but what she was most struck with, was the pale lilac eyes staring straight at her, unblinking.

 

Beautiful, yet unnerving in their intensity.

 

Beep tilted his round little head, eyeing the girl with a mix of curiosity and caution as he flitted over to perch on Astrea’s shoulder. His small, dark eyes seemed to take in every detail—the flowers in her hair, the calm but mysterious air about her, and the gentle glow of the bell blossom she held. Vayne seemed to have felt the same, she noted, as she looked down to see that he was also staring intently at the flower girl who patiently stood there waiting for an answer. Shaking herself out of her mystified expression, Astrea accepted the blossom, “Thank you! How much do I owe you?”

 

The flower girl shakes her head, “Oh no it is a gift, a good luck charm since you seemed to be in need of…” She trailed off when she seemed to notice the miniature cactus poking out from Astrea’s bag, seemingly forgetting what she was going to say. Vayne returned the stare in full force, the two seemingly locked in a staring contest as Astrea nervously looked between them. Surely the flower girl saw a regular cactus instead of an uncanny handsome face—

 

“Oh my!! You are quite the handsome little cactus!!” The flower girl squealed, attracting some attention from other civilians as they eyed her weirdly. She disregarded them completely as she placed  a blossom on his head and petted him lightly. “What a cute pair you two make now!”

 

 Astrea’s cheeks flushed as she stammered, “O-oh, no, we’re not a… I mean, he’s not…”

But the flower girl seemed utterly charmed, completely oblivious to Astrea’s flustered protests. She beamed down at Vayne, who, despite his best efforts, looked thoroughly caught off guard—his single eye blinking in something akin to bewilderment as the flower girl cooed over him. The delicate blossom she’d placed on his head tilted slightly, giving him a comically dashing appearance, which only made her squeal with more delight.

“You’re such an adorable little fomorian cactus!” she whispered conspiratorially, lowering her voice as though sharing a secret. Astrea froze, heart thudding. What did she say…?

Astrea’s pulse quickened, her mind racing. Fomorian? No ordinary flower girl would know of such a dark, ancient lineage, let alone recognize its mark on a cursed cactus. She stole a glance at Vayne, who seemed equally stunned. His single eye flared, narrowing with an intensity that was both threatening and deeply, genuinely curious. Before she was able to question the girl, several villagers approached her.

“Priestess! Priestess! Please bless our wares so we may have a fruitful profit!”

Astrea blinked, pulled abruptly back to the bustling market and the eager villagers gathered around her. The urgency in their voices left no room for delay. She offered them a warm smile, quickly slipping into her role as the village priestess.

“Of course, good folk,” she said, nodding to each of them. “May Erinn’s light bless your work and bring abundance to your harvest.”

More villagers crowded around Astrea, their requests for blessings becoming increasingly… unconventional.

“Priestess!” called out a fisherman holding up a rather wobbly-looking fishnet. “Please bless my net so it only catches the fattest fish in the river!”

Astrea stifled a nervous laugh, placing her hand on the net. “May you find abundance, good sir,” she said with all the sincerity she could muster, glancing around to find the flower girl, who seemed to be no longer in the crowd.

Next came an elderly woman clutching a basket of brightly colored yarn. “Priestess, could you bless my yarn so it never tangles? I’m knitting a scarf, and last time I nearly strangled myself in knots!”

Astrea nodded solemnly, touching the yarn. “May your work flow smoothly and untangled,” she intoned, though the faint quiver of her lips betrayed her befuddlement.

Then a young boy darted forward, brandishing a simple wooden stick like a sword. “Priestess! Bless my stick so it becomes the most powerful weapon in all of Erinn!”

Astrea sweat dropped heavily, but she couldn't resist such an ambitious request. She tapped the stick with her staff and, with a wink, declared, “May it serve you bravely in all your battles!”

The requests kept coming, each more outlandish than the last. A baker thrust a loaf of bread forward, asking for it to stay fresh “forever and ever,” while a gardener begged her to bless his soil so that only the prettiest flowers would bloom. Astrea obliged every one of them, her cheeks aching from smiling and her voice barely concealing the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Finally, as the crowd began to disperse, was she able to breathe a sigh of relief. Vayne who witnessed the entire ordeal, looked as if a vein was ready to pop at any moment.

“Do humans always make such absurd demands of you?” he asked, his voice tight with disbelief. “Blessing fishnets and loaves of bread as if they were holy artifacts... It’s a wonder you haven’t cursed them with bad luck for the audacity alone.”

Astrea nervously giggled, shaking her head. “Oh, it’s just part of the job. They’re good people—they believe a little blessing can help them along, even if it’s just for peace of mind-”

It was then Astrea froze on the spot as she remembered her goal. Suddenly, with no warning she began to sprint, causing the erected cactus to get whiplash at the sudden change of what was a calm yet eager pace. He turned to her and said, “Why are you suddenly running as if you have a bee squirming in your pantalettes?!”

 

Astrea, without missing a beat nor slowing down, though she did nearly stumble into an old lady and her cart, explained, “The flower girl! I need to catch up to her, she could be the answer to our problems!”

The cactus prince flailed his prickly arms in disbelief as he bobbed along, trying to not fall out of the bag during Astrea's frenzied sprint. "The flower girl? You mean that child with the overabundance of wildflowers? What on earth could she possibly do for us?"

Astrea didn't slow down, her focus razor-sharp. "She’s not just a flower girl—well, she is, but she knows magic! I felt it. She also saw that you are sentient! Maybe she can help reverse your curse."

The cactus gave a skeptical shake, but his voice softened. “Magic or not, that girl didn’t exactly look like she’d want to get tangled in demon business.”

Astrea's eyes lit up with determination as she dodged a puddle. “Then it’s my job to convince her!”

They turned down a bustling alley, where the flower girl’s floral scent lingered faintly in the air, a trail that Astrea eagerly followed.

The bustling alley was alive with noise and color, stalls overflowing with trinkets and spices as townsfolk milled about. Astrea weaved through the crowd, her eyes scanning for a glimpse of wildflowers amidst the chaos. Her floral scent, like a whisper, guided her forward, each step bringing a flicker of hope. Beep flapped his tiny wings furiously, his round little body bouncing in the air as he valiantly tried to keep pace with Astrea’s mad dash. He chirped in protest, though whether it was aimed at Astrea’s recklessness or Vayne’s grumbling was unclear.

The cactus prince grumbled from his spot in the bag, occasionally wincing as he jostled against Astrea’s hurried movements. "If you’re wrong, this will be yet another humiliating chapter in my cursed life," he muttered, though a sliver of curiosity betrayed him.

Astrea offered a reassuring pat on the bag, her voice unwavering. “Trust me. I know she’s special, just like you.”

The cactus prince scoffed, but he couldn’t mask a hint of warmth in his tone. "I wasn’t always a cactus, you know."

Just ahead, Astrea spotted a blur of colorful petals—There! She was setting up her flower cart, arranging her blooms with care, completely unaware of the whirlwind heading her way. With a final surge of energy, Astrea called out, “Miss flower girl! Wait!”

The flower girl turned, startled, her gaze shifting from the priestess to the cactus poking out of the bag as she raised an eyebrow.

In her excitement, Astrea failed to notice the stray broomstick someone had carelessly left across the cobblestone path. Her foot caught on it, and in an instant, she was airborne, arms flailing.

“Not again!” the cactus prince, Vayne, managed to yelp as he was launched from her bag, prickles and all.

Astrea crashed forward with all the grace of a falling sack of flour, her momentum sending her barreling into the flower cart. A cascade of wildflowers burst into the air as the flower girl herself stumbled back, barely catching herself before colliding with a display of herbs. Petals drifted around them, landing on heads, shoulders, and—unfortunately—Vayne, who had landed unceremoniously in a patch of soft daisies.

Beep, ever the agile bird, hovered just above the chaos, untouched and watching the scene unfold with a mix of bemusement and mild exasperation as Astrea performed once again another of her spectacular stumbles.

Astrea sat up, red-faced, and spit out a daisy out her mouth. “Um… I'm sorry! It was—well—an accident, but it’s fate!” She clambered to her feet and pointed at Vayne, who looked distinctly unimpressed from his floral landing spot. “You can see he’s alive, right? And that he’s… um… cursed?”

The flower girl blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden attack of chaos, slowly as she processed the chaotic scene in front of her. Astrea was half-standing, half-stumbling, looking both mortified and determined, while Vayne, still sprawled in a sea of daisies, was giving her a look that could only be described as displeased with the world.

Astrea, still flustered but determined, rushed to explain, her hands waving animatedly. “See! He’s not just a cactus—he used to be a demon! But he got cursed, and now he’s stuck in this form, and—”

Vayne, from the daisies, let out an exasperated sigh. “I wasn’t just a demon, you know. I was important. You should be a little more respectful.”

The flower girl’s eyebrow twitched, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “A demon, you say?”

Astrea nodded eagerly, her expression a blend of desperation and hope. “Yes! And we need your help. I felt magic in you when we met, and I’m sure you’re the one who can lift his curse. Please, you have to help us!”

The flower girl crouched down beside Vayne, inspecting him with a surprising amount of interest. She picked a stray daisy from his spines with the gentlest touch. “Well, that’s a new one,” she said, examining the flower. “You’re not exactly the first cursed creature I’ve met, but... you’re certainly the most unexpected.”

Astrea's heart raced. “So… you’ll help him?”

The flower girl tilted her head, her fingers still grazing Vayne’s prickly surface. “I suppose I could help. But first, I need some answers. If you don’t mind, mister demon, what exactly did you do to deserve being turned into a cactus?"

Vayne froze at the question, his sharp spines suddenly stiffening. He gave a short, almost defensive laugh, clearly uncomfortable. “What do you mean, what did I do? As if any demon deserves this fate?” He shifted uneasily in her grasp, clearly not enjoying being handled so gently. “I wasn’t exactly the nicest of beings, but I wasn’t evil—I didn’t deserve to be stuck in this plant form, of all things.”

Astrea bit her lip, worried that Vayne’s bristling would make the flower girl change her mind, but the flower girl hummed thoughtfully, still holding Vayne with delicate care as he continued his rant.

“Hmm. So, not evil, but not exactly a saint either,” she mused aloud, her tone soft yet probing. “Tell me, mister demon, if you weren’t evil, what kind of demon were you?”

Vayne’s sharp gaze flickered uneasily, his pride clearly stung. He let out an exaggerated sigh, wishing he could retreat into the shadows of his cursed form. “I was... confident. Too confident, maybe. I thought my power and charm could solve anything. But as you may have guessed, they didn’t.” He shifted uncomfortably, the thorns of his pride still pricking him despite the gentle handling. “I may have angered the wrong gods. Not that it’s any of your business, flower girl.”

The flower girl's eyes sparkled with interest, unphased by the sharp tone of his voice, the corner of her lips twitching upward in a knowing smile. “Ah, angered the gods, did you?” She leaned in a little closer, her fingers gently adjusting the cactus’s spines. “Now that’s something worth hearing about. But no need to be shy, mister demon prince. I’ve dealt with a fair number of immortal beings, and they all think they can outwit fate. So, tell me—what did you do to earn their wrath?”

Vayne's eyes narrowed, his spines shifting uncomfortably as he tried to avoid meeting both of the girl's gaze. “Well, if you must know,” he began reluctantly, as though the confession pained him, “it all started with a volcano.”

The flower girl raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “A volcano, huh? Do tell.”

Vayne huffed, clearly regretting the entire direction the conversation had taken. “Yes, a volcano. I thought I could tame it. You know, like... harness its power, make it work for me. I mean, who wouldn’t want to control the most destructive force on the planet, right? I thought it’d be a great way to impress my enemies, or—well, mostly for fun. But, as you can probably guess, that didn’t end well.”

Astrea blinked, trying to hold back a giggle. “Wait, wait, wait—you tried to tame a volcano?”

Vayne shot her an irritated look. “I didn’t try, I did it! It was all going great—at first. I even managed to create a magma throne built on the edge of the caldera! Very dramatic, I might add. But, of course, I underestimated one tiny little thing—volcanoes don’t like to be controlled.”

The flower girl stared at him in disbelief. “You built a throne... on a volcano?”

Vayne gave a dramatic nod. “I was a demon with flair, alright? It was a good throne. Hot, yes, but very stylish. Anyway, the gods, as you might imagine, didn’t like it one bit. They took great offense to me thinking I could control something that was beyond any mortal’s reach.”

The flower girl snickered, unable to contain her amusement. “So, what? The gods got mad and cursed you because you tried to out-style them with a volcano?”

Vayne sighed, clearly embarrassed but not willing to admit the full extent of his blunder. “Pretty much. The volcano erupted—badly—and it kind of... ruined the landscape for miles. Not to mention, I lost my stylish magma throne.” He let out a dramatic sigh, almost wistful. “It was a really good throne.”

Astrea stifled a giggle, trying to stay serious. “So the volcano erupted, and that’s when the gods cursed you?”

Vayne nodded miserably. “Yup. And I had to learn the hard way that volcanic eruptions are, apparently, not a good thing to ‘manage.’ The gods were furious, and they decided to make me the most cursed cactus in the land. It was… an overreaction, really. But they were rightfully pissed.”

The flower girl couldn’t help herself anymore—she burst out laughing, her hands on her stomach as she shook her head. “You… you got cursed into becoming a cactus over a volcano throne? Really? That’s your big evil mistake?”

Vayne shot her a glare that could’ve cut glass. “You try controlling a volcano and see how much you enjoy prideful, godly wrath in your face.” He fidgeted uncomfortably, stub cactus arms flailing sending spines flying. “I was an impressive demon, okay? I just—misjudged the fine line between ‘ambitious’ and ‘disastrously reckless.’”

Astrea, trying to keep her composure, put a hand over her mouth to hide her own chuckles. “I don’t know, Vayne, it sounds like you might’ve gotten a little too carried away with the... dramatic flair.”

Vayne groaned, looking away. “You wouldn’t understand. It was supposed to be symbolic.”

Still, the two girls continued to laugh, souring his mood further and further and only began to restrain themselves when they saw a dark aura flow out of him as his handsome face darkened.

Astrea and Elodie stared down at the cactus, its tiny needles glinting under the sunlight. The demon cactus, trapped within his spiny green prison.

Astrea looked helplessly at the flower girl. “Please miss flower girl, you know more about magic and his lineage than I do. Can’t you, um, un-cactus him?”

The flower girl shook her head. “Not exactly. I’ve never tried transforming anything more alive than a withered daisy, but…” She paused, looking at the cactus intently. "My mistress might know more about undoing ancient curses! I can take you to her, but first!” She motioned to the entire chaos that is her tipped over cart and all the flowers scattered around, “ You must help me clean up this mess and we can head off together!”

Astrea clapped her hands. "Yes! We’ll do whatever it takes. Right?"

Vayne gave Astrea a long, deadpan stare, his prickly body sagging slightly under the weight of his predicament. “Whatever it takes, huh?” He looked around at the scattered flowers, some of which had landed on his spines, and grimaced. “I’m really starting to regret that lava throne now.”

The flower girl gave him a mischievous grin. “Oh, don’t worry, mister demon. It’s just a little flower cleanup. You’re not actually doing anything—just hanging out and being cursed.”

Vayne sighed. “I don’t think this is how I pictured redeeming myself.”

Astrea, trying to stay upbeat despite the chaos, began picking up flowers with earnest effort. “Come on, Vayne, we’re in this together! You’re the cactus prince, so you can help by, um, supervising. You know, just supervising.”

Vayne muttered under his breath. “I don’t supervise. I command. But fine, let’s see how much damage I can do to your little flower cart with my sharp, pointy form. Great idea.”

The flower girl chuckled at their banter, kneeling down to gently pick up the herbs that had been knocked over in the commotion. As the group worked together to tidy up the mess, the flower girl paused, her hands stilling as she picked up a stray lavender sprig. She glanced up at Astrea with a small smile. “I realized we’ve all been caught up in this chaos, but I never even properly introduced myself.” She held out a hand, her fingers lightly stained with pollen and dirt. “I’m Elodie.”

Astrea eagerly accepted her hand, her smile warm and bright. "Astrea," she said, shaking Elodie’s hand with a touch of excitement. "It’s such a pleasure to meet you! I’m a priestess, though... I’m still learning a lot, especially about magic." Elodie glanced at Beep, a soft smile spreading across her face. “And who’s this little one?” she asked, extending a hand slowly, so as not to startle him.

“This is Beep,” Astrea replied with a fond smile. “He’s been with me since I was a child. He’s my protector… and occasional critic.”

Beep let out a soft chirp, as if in agreement, though his gaze remained watchful. Elodie chuckled and lowered her hand respectfully, nodding to him.

Astrea glanced over at Vayne, who was half-heartedly attempting to organize the flowers, clearly still grumbling under his breath. “And this is Vayne.”

Vayne, who had been half-heartedly trying to reorganize the scattered flowers while looking thoroughly unimpressed, finally sighed and turned toward Elodie to give her disinterred nod.

 “Don’t mind him, Elodie. He’s just a little prickly.” She shot Vayne a playful glance, then turned back to Elodie who stifled a giggle. The cactus twitched, wondering for a moment between the pros and cons of summoning a fire pillar under them at this very moment. He decided against it, even though Vayne was still grumbling about his circumstances, a small flicker of hope ignited within him. Maybe—just maybe—he would find some way out of his prickly predicament.

And with that, the group finished cleaning the last of the flowers and herbs, ready to embark on their next step: meeting Elodie’s mysterious mistress.

~

The journey to meet Elodie’s guardian was a short one, but filled with anticipation—and more than a little trepidation from Vayne, who had no idea what to expect from someone described only as “unique.” Astrea, bouncing with excitement, seemed undeterred by the uncertainty. After all, this was the key to breaking Vayne’s curse. Elodie, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, humming a gentle tune as she led them toward a peculiar little cottage nestled between a grove of trees that seemed to dance in the breeze.

“Welcome to my mistress’s home,” Elodie said, gesturing dramatically to the cottage that looked, for all the world, like it had been pulled straight out of a storybook. Flowers tangled in the walls, and the roof had a decidedly crooked tilt, as if it had been built in a hurry.

Vayne narrowed his eyes, suddenly regretting this decision. “Are you sure this is the place?” he asked, trying to peer into the chaotic clutter of what appeared to be random magical contraptions, potted plants, and a whole lot of smoke. “This looks… not very... 'cursed-breaking' to me.”

Elodie shot him a knowing look. “Trust me, Lady Esras is the best at what she does—even if she makes a few questionable choices.”

Before Vayne could respond, the door swung open with an odd creak, revealing a woman with wild, maroon,untamed hair and a slightly unhinged look in her eyes. Her clothing was a mismatched assortment of colors and textures, as if she had grabbed the nearest items in her closet, not bothering with style—or sense—at all.

"Ah, Elodie, my favorite flower!" The woman’s voice was high-pitched and oddly cheerful, a stark contrast to the mayhem she seemed to embody. “And who are these two?” She blinked at Vayne, and then stared at Astrea. “A priestess and a cactus? Oh, this is good. You know, I’ve always wanted to experiment with cacti magic, but—” She interrupted herself with a giddy laugh. “I never thought I’d get a living cactus!”

Vayne sweat dropped, not used to being the one now being subjected under someone’s intense lustful gaze as the peculiar woman looked him over, seemingly fascinated with a sentient demonic cactus. Astrea coughed, feeling as nervous as Vayne was.

Vayne’s discomfort was palpable as Esras leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing in on him with a curious, almost predatory intensity. The way she examined him—really examined him—sent a chill down his prickly spine, and he could feel himself shrinking inwardly. His usual commanding presence was no match for the oddity that was Esras.

"Fascinating," Esras murmured, tracing a finger through the air near Vayne’s form, though she was careful not to touch him directly. “A fomor… trapped in a cactus… how deliciously unique.” Her voice was breathy, and Vayne could swear he felt her gaze pierce through him, as if trying to unravel the mystery of his curse with her eyes alone.

Vayne instinctively recoiled, his thorns pricking up slightly. “You’re staring, woman.” He tried to sound as regal and imperious as possible, but the words came out more squeaky than anything, as if he was the one being examined instead of the other way around.

Astrea, still standing nearby and unsure of how to react, coughed awkwardly again. “Ahem, hello miss? I am the priestess of Erinn, Astrea. Pleased to make your acquaintance—” she offered a handshake, trying to steer the conversation back to the more pressing matters at hand.

Esras interrupted with a manic wave of her hand instead. “Oh, this is going to be fun.” She swirled around and clapped her hands. “Okay, okay, here’s the plan! No time to waste! We’ll start with the tea! The tea is always the key, right, Elodie?”

Elodie, who was smiling innocently throughout the entire exchange , nodded. “Of course. Tea first.”

Astrea exchanged a confused glance with Vayne, but Elodie just continued smiling. “Don’t question it. It’s part of the process.”

Esras began frantically pulling ingredients from shelves, tossing them into a cauldron that bubbled ominously. The room was filled with the smell of herbs, potions, and something that suspiciously resembled burnt toast. Vayne winced at the smell, but said nothing. He wasn’t sure if this was some kind of test or if Esras was just genuinely eccentric.

Esras was a whirlwind of movement as she tossed handfuls of strange powders, dried herbs, and glowing crystals into the cauldron, muttering incantations under her breath that sounded like half-garbled rhymes. The concoction fizzed and sizzled, sending up thick tendrils of green smoke that twisted and curled toward the ceiling. The room smelled like a strange blend of burnt toast, rotten eggs, and lavender—an oddly unsettling mix.

Vayne wrinkled his nonexistent nose, leaning back as far as his cactus form would allow. “Are you sure this is the right approach?” he asked, trying to hide his rising panic.

Esras looked up from the cauldron with a gleam in her eye, grinning in a way that didn’t exactly instill confidence. “The only approach, my dear cactus prince. Magic isn’t meant to be safe or predictable—it’s meant to be exciting!”

Astrea clutched her hands together, offering Vayne a reassuring smile. “She knows what she’s doing, Vayne. Probably.”

Elodie leaned over to Vayne, giving him a sympathetic pat on his spiky head. “Don’t worry. The last time she did this, it only turned a couple of things inside-out.”

“Inside-out—” Vayne gaped, his voice climbing in alarm.

Esras shot them a look over her shoulder, clearly thrilled by the conversation. “Only if you’re very lucky!” She returned to stirring with a fervor that suggested she was thoroughly enjoying herself. “Now, hold still, and let the curse-breaking begin!”

With a flourish, she tossed a final pinch of what looked like silver sugar dust into the cauldron. The mixture bubbled furiously, rising in a frothy wave before—POP!—it sent a burst of glittering mist through the room.

The mist settled over everyone, and for a brief moment, there was only silence. Astrea looked around, hopeful. “Did… did it work?”she said, watching as the glitter slowly settled.

Vayne inspected his form, only to find himself still covered in spines and distinctly cactus-shaped. “No,” he replied flatly. “Still cursed.”

Esras clapped her hands with a delighted little laugh, entirely unfazed by the potion's lack of immediate success. “Oh, you silly cactus! That wasn’t meant to break the curse outright—it’s a revelation potion!” She looked around at their bewildered faces, clearly enjoying every second of their confusion. “It’s supposed to show us symbols of what’s needed to undo the curse.”

Astrea blinked. “So… this potion wasn’t for curing him?”

“Precisely!” Esras said with a gleeful nod. “What, did you think you’d just drink a little potion and—poof!—you’d be back to normal? Oh, no, my dear. This is the fun part! Now, we just have to wait for the visions to reveal themselves.”

Just then, Elodie (who had apparently left the room momentarily while the priestess and cactus prince watched Esras’s ritual) re-entered, holding a tray with a teapot and several mismatched cups, her face lighting up as she saw the mist beginning to swirl and condense. “Perfect timing!” she said cheerfully, setting the tray down with a flourish. “The tea is ready. And look—Esras, I used the lavender blend you like!” She poured with exaggerated care, making sure everyone’s cup was properly filled with the fragrant tea, as the mist gathered in the center of the room.

Vayne, still trying to shake glitter off his spines, eyed the tea cautiously. “And what exactly is this for? Does it add to the vision, or...?”

Esras waved him off. “It’s just tea, dear, just tea. Enjoy it! Visions of fate go so much better with a warm cup in hand, don’t you think?”

Elodie beamed, holding a cup out to Vayne as if he could actually drink it. “It’s very relaxing! Trust me, you’ll need it.”

Vayne sighed, leaning away from the proffered cup. “I’ll take your word for it.”

As everyone else took their cups, the mist finally settled, revealing faint, shimmering symbols that floated in the air. They twisted and glimmered, forming intricate patterns of letters and images. Astrea squinted at them, trying to decipher the cryptic shapes.

The glittering mist started to shift, symbols forming and dissolving like clouds in the air. First, a symbol of a star shining brightly among many other stars , then a volcano with little bubbles rising from it, and finally, a crystal teardrop that turned into a crescent moon before disappearing.

Astrea frowned, leaning closer to try and make sense of it. “A star? A volcano? And… a moon?” She turned to Esras, puzzled. “What do you think it means?”

Esras tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, stars are a symbol of hope and divinity, and we look towards them for guidance…the volcano, I’d guess, is a nod to our dear cactus prince’s  past indiscretions,” Vayne glared at Elodie who only continued to sip at her tea innocently, avoiding eye contact, “.... and the moon…” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “That could mean a lot of things. Perhaps a place, or a time. Or a person.”

As Esras mused over the symbols, Astrea’s brows furrowed with concentration. "Hope, past mistakes… and mystery," she murmured, almost to herself. She leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "Maybe the star means we have to look for guidance from someone who knows about curses?"

Esras gave a pleased nod, swirling her tea with a small smirk. "Exactly. Stars are often a metaphor for mentors, or a guiding light. It could be a hint that someone with knowledge—a seer, perhaps, or a wise elder—is meant to help you along the way."

Astrea’s eyes lit up. "So, maybe there’s someone who understands ancient magic or curses better than we do!"

Vayne sighed, still looking thoroughly unimpressed with the glittering symbols, but a hint of interest sparked in his expression. "So where does this mysterious person come in? And what’s with the volcano?" He threw a look at Esras, clearly expecting an answer.

Elodie hid a laugh behind her cup. “Well, maybe it’s not just about your mistakes, Vayne. A volcano could mean power, something buried deep that could help break the curse.”

Astrea glanced at the final symbol, the teardrop-turned-moon, and her face softened. "A crystal tear… does it mean sacrifice or loss?" She looked to Esras, searching for confirmation.

Esras tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Perhaps. The moon can symbolize many things: time, secrets, illusions. And a teardrop can signify emotion, longing, or something dear to one’s heart. It’s a bit of a riddle, really."

Astrea chewed her lip thoughtfully. “So, we’re looking for a guide, we need something powerful and buried—maybe hidden away—and… something about the moon and loss?”

Esras shrugged with a mysterious grin. “That’s for you to figure out, my dear. But my advice? Follow the stars for guidance, face the heat of your past, and remember that the moon often reveals itself only when you stop searching so hard.”

Astrea nodded slowly, committing the riddle to memory. Vayne gave a defeated sigh, muttering, “More mysteries. Fantastic.”

Esras smirked, raising her tea cup in a mock toast, to which Elodie gladly joined in. "To riddles and revelations!”

~

The trio settled down in Esras’s quaint, cluttered cottage, surrounded by shelves of strange potions, dusty tomes, and herbs hanging from the rafters. Esras herself already retreating to her own personal chambers, rambling on and on about achieving godhood and golem summoning, to which Elodie assured the pair it was nothing to concern themselves with. As the sky darkened outside, Astrea clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes lighting up with an idea. “Let’s have a sleepover!” she whispered, as though it were a grand secret.

Vayne, who had just resigned himself to being set down on a small pillow, looked up, alarmed. “A what?”

Astrea practically bounced over to him, eyes sparkling. “A sleepover! It’ll be fun! We can tell stories and share secrets… maybe braid each other’s hair?” She glanced at his spines. “Or, um, try to, anyway.”

Elodie beamed, equally enthusiastic. “Oh, I love sleepovers! We can make face masks with herbs, too!” She turned to Vayne, grinning. “Who knows? Maybe it’ll even soften those prickles of yours.”

Vayne groaned, but before he could protest, Astrea and Elodie had already arranged a cozy nest of blankets on the floor. They’d set out tea, a few mismatched cups, and even a few candles for ambiance, which flickered cheerily in the dim light.

“Oh, come on, Vayne!” Astrea teased, giving him a little nudge. “Don’t you ever take time to just… relax?”

Vayne gave her a deadpan look. “I was relaxing—until I was dragged into this absurd ritual.”

Ignoring his complaints, Elodie plopped down beside him, grinning mischievously. “How about we start with a story? Vayne, surely you have some grand tale from the demon realms to share?”

Vayne rolled his eyes, his prickly stub arms crossing in defiance..or well tried to. “You think demons sit around telling bedtime stories?” he scoffed. “Our ‘stories’ are more like battle records. Each tale a testament to strength, conquest, or… narrowly avoiding disaster.”

Astrea leaned in, eyes wide. “Try us! We want to know all about your adventures.”

He sighed dramatically, clearly giving in but keeping his tone as bored as possible. “Fine. There was this one time when a very powerful demon lord and his loyal followers—by which I mean, me—were tasked with protecting a realm from… marauding celestial birds. Huge, vicious things,” he added, enjoying the wide-eyed reactions. “They’d screech and swoop down, clawing at anything that dared to step foot in their sacred forest.”

Astrea gasped, completely captivated. “Did you win?”

Vayne shrugged nonchalantly, though he clearly enjoyed the attention. “Of course I did. They didn’t stand a chance.” Vayne held up his spiny arm with an air of theatrical pride, his voice lowering to a grandiose tone. “Let me tell you—my escape was nothing short of legendary."

Elodie and Astrea exchanged an amused glance, trying not to laugh. Astrea reached over to poke him gently. “You mean, you… ran away?”

Vayne glared at her, grumbling under his breath. “I didn’t ‘run away’! I merely… retreated strategically.”

Elodie snorted, finally losing her composure and laughing, which set Astrea off as well. They both giggled as Vayne bristled, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

“Alright, alright,” Elodie managed, wiping a tear from her eye. “Maybe we’ll let you off the hook on the storytelling, for now. But how about face masks?”

Vayne blinked, watching in horror as Elodie reached for a jar of some goopy, green mixture. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh, come on!” Astrea urged, trying not to giggle. “It’ll be good for you! Just a little herb mask—who knows, maybe it’ll even help with… demon cactus skin?”

Vayne’s prickles stiffened in alarm. “Absolutely not.”

But Astrea and Elodie had already dipped their fingers into the mixture, grinning at him in a way that suggested he didn’t have much of a choice. Moments later, Vayne found himself covered in a thin layer of mint green paste, his expression frozen in utter betrayal as the two girls gleefully applied their own face masks.

“I’m a high ranking demon,” he muttered, glaring at the wall. “Reduced to a beauty experiment.”

Elodie patted his head fondly. “See, wasn’t that fun?”

Astrea giggled, settling in beside him with a warm blanket draped over her shoulders. “Thanks for joining our sleepover, Vayne.”

As the three sat together, sipping tea with ridiculous green masks on their faces, the cottage filled with laughter and lighthearted chatter. And, though he’d never admit it, Vayne almost felt… content, surrounded by his strange, cheerful new friends—even if he was still a cactus.

Elodie’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she set her teacup down, leaning forward with an air of excitement. “Alright, I know what we should do next,” she announced, holding up an empty liquor bottle from Esras’s secret stash. “Let’s play… spin the bottle!”

Astrea froze while mid-munching on a biscuit, face turning a light pink hue while Vayne’s face darkened completely. He took back everything he felt previously and very much wished right now he could summon a hundred fire pillars at this very moment.

~

The morning sun filtered through the cottage windows as the group sat around a cozy breakfast spread. Vayne looked particularly satisfied, his cactus spines glinting with smug triumph as Astrea and Elodie gingerly touched the pinpricks dotting their bodies. It seemed any attempt at last night’s “game” had ended in a rather prickly conclusion—Vayne’s spontaneous defensive reflex of firing cactus pins around the room had put a quick halt to any notions of spin the bottle.

Perched nearby, Beep chirped cheerfully as he carefully plucked the tiny cactus spines from the girls’ skin, his little beak moving with precision as he did his morning rounds.

“Thank you, Beep,” Astrea said, wincing as Beep picked out another pin from her shoulder. She absentmindedly stroked Beep’s feathery head as the last pin was removed, then looked at Elodie with a glimmer of determination, who was inhaling a leaning tower of pancakes in one go. Her plate had become a small monument of breakfast glory, and she didn’t seem to notice Astrea’s gaze as she stuffed another forkful in her mouth with sheer determination.

“Elodie…” Astrea began, trying not to laugh as she watched her new friend inhale another towering bite, “maybe leave room for breathing?”

Elodie paused, looking up sheepishly with her cheeks full, and managed a muffled, “Sorry! Just need my energy for this journey.” She grinned, swallowed the remaining stack of pancakes, and then gave Astrea a thumbs-up.

As the tower dwindled and everyone polished off their breakfast (except Vayne, who had politely declined the offer of syrup-drenched pancakes for the obvious reason of being a cactus), the group packed up their things and stepped out into the crisp morning air, ready to follow the first symbol: the stars.

“Let’s hope this ‘place of guidance’ is somewhere nearby,” Astrea mused as they set off, her eyes scanning the horizon.

“If it isn’t,” Vayne muttered, “at least we know Elodie won’t starve on the way there.”

The morning sun bathed the landscape in a golden glow as the trio made their way along the winding path. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of dew and the soft rustling of leaves. Beep fluttered just ahead, keeping a sharp eye out as always, while Elodie skipped along, clearly still riding a syrup-fueled sugar high.

Astrea adjusted her bag, her brow furrowed in thought. “So… the first clue. Stars, a symbol of guidance. Any ideas where we might find a place that fits?”

Elodie, still skipping, twirled on her heel mid-skip. “Maybe a magical observatory? Or a secret celestial library!” She giggled, spinning in place. “What if it’s in the sky, and we need wings to get there?”

Astrea blinked, imagining the prospect. “That’s… ambitious.”

Vayne, bouncing along begrudgingly in Astrea’s satchel, let out a long-suffering sigh. “No wings. No sky libraries. Stars as guidance means something practical, not whimsical.”

Elodie pouted. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“I lost it around the same time I became a pincushion,” Vayne deadpanned.

Astrea hummed, tapping her chin. “Maybe a temple? Or an ancient shrine dedicated to the stars?”

Elodie gasped dramatically. “Or a giant star-shaped rock! Like, we find it and it glows when we touch it!”

Vayne made a sound that could only be described as a cactus groan. “That’s not how anything works, Elodie.”

Beep chirped from above, as if chiming in on the debate. Astrea suddenly perked up. “Wait, what if it’s a place people go to for guidance? Like… a sanctuary or a place where people seek advice?”

Vayne’s eyes narrowed, or they would have if he had eyebrows. “A place of reflection or divination, perhaps?”

Elodie nodded vigorously. “Oooh! Like a stargazing cliff or a fortune teller’s hut! We could find someone who reads the stars!”

Astrea tilted her head. “Or it could be somewhere less literal… like a village known for wisdom, or a scholar who specializes in celestial studies.”

Vayne huffed. “At least you’re thinking logically now. But if it turns out to be a star-shaped rock, I’ll personally applaud Elodie.”

Elodie stuck her tongue out at him, still grinning. “Deal! If it is so, you owe me a story from your demon days.”

Astrea giggled, the tension melting into lightheartedness. “Alright then, let’s make a deal: whoever guesses right gets to decide what we have for dinner tonight.”

Vayne muttered, “Anything but cactus stew, and I’m fine.”

As they continued down the path, Elodie suddenly gasped and pointed ahead. "Look! There’s a signpost up there!" She dashed forward, skidding to a stop in front of the weathered wooden sign.

Astrea caught up, slightly out of breath. “What does it say?” Astrea asked, brushing her hair out of her face.

Elodie squinted dramatically at the faded letters. “It says… ‘ancient sanctum, 5 miles ahead.’” She grinned triumphantly, spinning around. 

Astrea’s eyes lit up. “An ancient sanctum? That sounds promising!” She clasped her hands together. “It could be where people seek guidance, or maybe even where the stars’ wisdom is kept.”

Vayne, ever the skeptic, peeked out from the satchel with a deadpan stare. “Or maybe it’s a crumbling ruin where you’ll trip on another broomstick.”

Elodie ignored him, hands on her hips. “Come on, Mr. Doom-and-Gloom. Have a little faith!”

“Faith doesn’t negate caution,” Vayne muttered. “For all we know, this sanctum could be crawling with traps or—worse—overzealous guardians.”

Astrea frowned. “He might be right. We should be prepared for anything.”

Elodie winked. “Don’t worry, I’ve got a bag of tricks—and cookies—for emergencies.”

Vayne sighed, retreating into the bag. “Great. If we’re caught, we can bribe the guards with snacks.”

Astrea stifled a giggled while Elodie pouted. “Alright, let’s get moving before Vayne starts narrating a disaster scenario.”

With renewed determination (and a healthy dose of playful bickering), the trio set off toward the sanctum, ready to uncover whatever celestial secrets awaited them. They continued bantering as they walked, their voices echoing through the quiet forest trail. For all the chaos that had brought them together, there was an odd sense of peace among the trio as they moved closer to whatever lay ahead. Even Vayne, grumbling as usual, seemed a little less prickly in the warmth of their laughter.

~

The road to the sanctum was winding and steep, with trees lining both sides, their branches stretching up to form a natural canopy overhead. The air had grown cooler as they ventured deeper into the forest, and the sound of distant birds singing was the only noise accompanying them.

“So,” Astrea began, breaking the comfortable silence, “since we’re going on a journey together, I guess now’s as good a time as any to get to know each other a bit better.”

Vayne, still grumbling inside the bag, didn’t bother looking up. “Oh, joy. Another round of introductions.”

Elodie, on the other hand, perked up at the idea. “Ooooh, I’m in! What are we playing, Truth or Dare?”

Astrea gave her a curious look. “Um, no. I was just thinking we could—”

Elodie cut her off. “I dare you to tell us your deepest secret, Astrea!” She grinned mischievously.

Astrea blinked, caught off guard. “W-what? No, that’s not what I meant at all!”

Vayne, ever the cynic, peeked out of the bag. “Honestly, if we’re going to play, I’ll start with a truth: How do you two deal with being this… cheerful? I’m seriously losing my patience.”

Astrea blinked at him, genuinely puzzled. “What do you mean? I thought being cheerful was a good thing?”

“Good for who?” Vayne grumbled. “It’s exhausting.”

“C’mon, we’re fun!” Elodie piped up, skipping ahead. “We could teach you how to have fun! Just gotta let loose a little!”

“Oh, believe me,” Vayne drawled, “I’ve let loose enough to get cursed as a cactus. I’m good, thanks.”

Astrea giggled at the image of Vayne trying to “let loose.” “Okay, well, what about you, Elodie? What’s something we don’t know about you?”

Elodie, always quick to pick up on the challenge, thought for a moment before grinning. “Well, I did once trick an entire village into thinking I was a fortune teller. I didn’t know any actual fortune-telling spells, but I sure gave them a good show with some vague prophecies and random herbs!”

Astrea raised an eyebrow, amused. “What did you tell them?”

“I told one person they were going to find great treasure... if they ate three apples at noon,” Elodie said with a smirk. “And another, that they would meet a tall stranger who would bring them fortune. Turns out it was just some guy with a cart of oranges!”

Vayne snorted, almost enjoying the absurdity. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”

“Well, I had to make sure they didn’t go asking for refunds,” Elodie replied with a wink.

Astrea laughed. “I’m not sure if that’s clever or just completely ridiculous, but it definitely sounds like something you would do.”

“Well, you are always so serious about everything,” Elodie teased. “You’ve never pulled a prank?”

Astrea blushed a little, feeling caught. “I’ve… done some small pranks with Beep. Like hiding a spoon in a tea pot, but that’s it. I don’t know, I guess I just prefer helping people with actual problems.”

“Now that’s a real life’s work,” Vayne quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Helping people. Must be a very rewarding existence.”

Astrea shot him an amused glance. “I think it is. Helping others is... comforting, in its own way.”

Elodie’s eyes softened as she looked at Astrea. “You know, I’m starting to think you’re more of a softie than you let on.”

Astrea flushed. “I’m not soft! I’m practical!” she protested, though there was a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Vayne, still poking out of the satchel, snorted. “Well, if you two are done with your little heart-to-heart, we should probably get to this ‘sanctum’ before Elodie starts singing.”

“You just wait, Vayne,” Elodie warned. “You’ll find out soon enough how fun I can be.”

Vayne groaned, wishing he could retreat further into the safety of the bag. “No, please. Anything but that.”

Astrea laughed at their exchange, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. Even with all the chaos and absurdity, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie growing between them. It wasn’t perfect, but maybe that was the point.

They continued down the road, bickering, laughing, and slowly—very slowly—getting closer to whatever awaited them at the end of the path.

As they continued their game, the trio’s absurdities escalated to new heights. Elodie, her energy still undeterred by the winding path, had managed to convince Astrea to reveal the most embarrassing thing she’d done as a child (which, despite her initial reluctance, turned out to be accidentally baking a “pudding” so awful it became an instant weapon for the local birds).

Vayne groaned loudly from the satchel. “At this rate, I’ll lose my mind before we reach this so-called sanctum.”

“Well, you’re the one who keeps getting cranky,” Elodie teased, skipping ahead.

Astrea laughed, feeling lighter than she had in a while. But as they continued their journey, something interrupted the lighthearted moment.

Elodie’s stomach gave a loud, rumbling growl that could be heard even over their conversation. She paused, her face turning pink as she clutched her belly. “Uh, sorry, I think I’m a little hungry...”

Astrea smiled sympathetically. “It’s alright, Elodie. I think it’s a good time to stop and rest for a bit.” She glanced around, noticing they were deep enough in the forest where the path was quiet and the trees formed a natural clearing. “We can take a break here.”

But Vayne, who had been quietly observing, frowned. “I don’t like this,” he muttered, looking around the dense forest. “This place feels... off.”

Astrea tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“It’s too quiet,” Vayne said, his voice low. “When things get too quiet, that’s when you’ve got to be extra cautious. There could be anything out here.”

Elodie looked around with a playful grin. “Oh, come on! You’re just being paranoid. It’s just the forest. And besides, we’re all together, right? What’s going to happen?”

“I’m not saying it’s dangerous, but someone has to keep their head on straight,” Vayne retorted, his voice laced with suspicion. “We should keep moving.”

Astrea, despite his skepticism, placed a hand on his satchel reassuringly. “We’ll only rest for a short while, Vayne. It’ll be fine.”

The tension hung in the air for a moment as they all looked around the forest. Beep fluttered nearby, chirping curiously at the growing stillness of the woods, and Astrea thought for a second that even Beep seemed to sense something.

“We won’t stop for too long,” Astrea promised, her voice calm but firm. “Let’s just eat something quick, get our strength up, and then continue on.”

Elodie, ever the optimist, smiled brightly, despite her stomach’s protests. “Yeah! A quick snack and then we can keep going! I’m starving!”

Vayne, begrudgingly, pulled his cactus form further into the satchel, muttering, “Fine, but I’m not getting caught unprepared because someone wanted to have a snack.”

The group set down their things, and Astrea began preparing a quick meal, taking out the small supplies she’d brought. Elodie happily began rummaging through her pack as well, though she was mostly focused on the cookies she’d packed earlier.

Vayne, though still uneasy, reluctantly allowed himself to relax, keeping an eye on their surroundings. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the tree line, but for the moment, there was no sign of danger.

As the trio settled down for a brief break, Vayne couldn’t shake the unease creeping up his spine. His cactus form seemed to tingle with a strange, almost imperceptible pressure in the air. He squinted at the trees, his mind racing through possible scenarios—suddenly feeling more like the reluctant guardian of this group than a cursed demon cactus.

Elodie, blissfully unaware of Vayne’s internal monologue, munched on her cookies, humming a tune to herself. Astrea, too, appeared at ease as she prepared a simple meal, the warm sunlight filtering through the branches above. The peacefulness of the moment felt… odd to Vayne. Too calm, too serene.

"Hey, Vayne, stop glaring at the trees like you’re expecting an ambush," Elodie teased between bites. "What’s the worst that could happen? It’s just some quiet forest."

“Just because you’ve never been chased by a horde of enchanted squirrels doesn’t mean it can’t happen,” Vayne muttered under his breath, but the remark was ignored.

Astrea looked up, handing Vayne a piece of dried fruit she’d prepared. “Eat something, Vayne. You’ve been unusually quiet. You’re starting to make me nervous.”

Vayne glanced at the fruit, his cactus face twitching. “I’ll pass. But thank you.” He returned his attention to the shadows under the trees. The birds were strangely silent, and the rustling of the leaves had an unnatural stillness to it.

Beep, who usually flitted around with an endless supply of chirps and peeps, now sat perched on Astrea’s shoulder in an unusual silence. His round, white feathers puffed up as his head turned from side to side, scanning the surroundings with sharp, unblinking eyes. It was a stark contrast to his usual playful nature, and Vayne noticed it immediately.

 The atmosphere seemed to shift as the world around them began to distort in subtle ways. At first, it was barely noticeable—a flicker in the light, a slight ripple in the air, like the horizon itself was wavering. The air grew thicker, charged with an unnatural stillness that made even the trees seem to hold their breath.

Beep’s feathers puffed up as he let out another low trill, his wide eyes darting around in a panicked flurry, and he hopped closer to Astrea’s shoulder, unwilling to stray any further.

Astrea looked around nervously, her heart quickening. “Did anyone else see that? The air… it’s changing.”

Vayne’s sharp gaze flicked to the surrounding forest, his cactus spines bristling slightly. "It’s not just the air. The whole place feels... wrong." He lifted a clawed hand to his forehead, as if trying to push through a strange pressure that had suddenly settled there. "We need to leave. Now."

But before anyone could respond, the distortion intensified. The ground beneath their feet seemed to shimmer, and trees along the edges of their path twisted unnaturally, their trunks bending at odd angles like they were caught in a gust of wind that didn’t exist. A low hum reverberated through the ground, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to vibrate in their bones.

Astrea’s hand tightened on her staff, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear. "What is this? It’s like the very world around us is shifting."

Suddenly, the forest in front of them split, as if the trees themselves were parting for some unseen force. From the darkened opening emerged a figure, its presence too faint to discern fully, but its shape seemed humanoid. The figure moved with a gliding, almost ethereal grace, its form bending and flickering like a mirage.

“Elodie, stay behind me!” Astrea called, instinctively positioning herself between the figure and her friend.

The figure drew closer, its form becoming more solid, but its features remained elusive, shrouded in an eerie glow. It finally spoke, its voice both distant and immediate, as though coming from within their very minds.

"You’ve crossed into the borders of the Sanctum," the voice intoned. "What seeks to pass must prove its worth."

The voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable authority—one that made the very air vibrate with power.

Astrea’s grip on her staff tightened. "Who are you?" she demanded, though her voice trembled slightly.

The figure’s outline flickered, almost as if amused. "A keeper of the boundary," it said cryptically, its glowing form twisting in on itself. "Only those with true purpose may enter. Are you worthy?"

Vayne shot a glance at Astrea and Elodie, his expression smug. "Well, this got interesting quickly."

The figure stepped forward, and as the warping air settled, his form became unmistakably clear. He was tall—towering, even—with the commanding presence of a warrior carved from stone. His angular features were sharp, chiseled like a marble sculpture, every line of his face etched with the weight of ages. His expression was as unreadable as it was somber, yet beneath the stoicism lay the faintest trace of something deeper—anguish, perhaps, or the quiet burden of endless vigilance.

Folded neatly against his back were pristine white wings, feathers catching the filtered light in a way that made them shimmer like polished silver. Despite their beauty, there was nothing soft or comforting about them; they radiated strength, as if they could shield against more than just physical harm. He exuded the aura of someone who had stood sentinel over the world’s secrets for far too long.

Astrea’s breath caught in her throat. She felt as though she were standing before a monument to the ages—something both living and ancient, divine and distant.

Vayne, on the other hand, let out a low groan. "Talvish," he muttered, clearly exasperated. "Perfect. Just the angelic buzzkill we needed."

The man—Talvish—turned his gaze toward the trio, his eyes a shade of blue so piercing it was as if they had seen every sorrow and triumph the world had to offer. His voice was calm, steady, but carried the weight of a thousand unspoken stories.

"Vayne," he said, his tone devoid of warmth. "I see even curses cannot dull your penchant for finding trouble."

Vayne rolled his eyes. "Nice to see you, too. Still holding onto that charming personality, I see."

Talvish’s expression didn’t waver, but the faintest flicker of disapproval passed through his eyes. "What brings you to the Sanctum’s threshold, demon?"

Astrea stepped forward, clutching her staff tightly, her voice steady but respectful. "We seek guidance, Guardian. The stars led us here, and we believe you may hold the answers we need."

Talvish’s eyes softened slightly as they passed over Astrea, though they remained wary. "You tread dangerous ground, child of light. The Sanctum does not offer aid lightly."

Elodie, unbothered by the tension, smiled and waved. "Hi! I’m Elodie, and we’re trying to break his cactus curse!" She pointed at Vayne with a flourish.

Talvish’s gaze lingered on Vayne, his expression unreadable. "Perhaps some curses are better left intact."

Astrea gulped, the hold on her staff tightening . “Please, Guardian, we only seek your guidance to break Vayne’s curse.”

Talvish folded his arms, his wings shifting slightly as he fixed his unyielding gaze on the group. “Guidance is not given freely, especially when it concerns a demon of his…” He glanced at Vayne, his lip curling ever so slightly. “...caliber.”

Vayne snorted. “Oh, come on, Talvish. Still holding that grudge from the time I—”

Talvish’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Do not finish that sentence.”

Astrea quickly interjected, her voice earnest. “Whatever happened between you two, this is bigger than just old grudges. Vayne may be… difficult, but he wants to break the curse and make amends. Right?” She turned to him with an expectant look.

Vayne shrugged. “Sure. Let’s go with that.”

Talvish sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Your idea of atonement is dubious at best.”

Meanwhile, Elodie was practically swooning, her hands clasped under her chin as she unabashedly stared at Talvish. “You know,” she whispered loudly to Astrea, “he’s so handsome. Like, divine warrior carved from the heavens handsome.”

Astrea whipped around towards her friend, face flushed. "Elodie!"

“Look at those wings!” Elodie continued, eyes sparkling. “And that jawline! Is it possible for someone to be that chiseled?”

Vayne groaned, leaning out of Astrea’s satchel. “Seriously? You’re swooning over him? He’s as charming as a rock.”

Talvish raised an unimpressed eyebrow. “Better a rock than a thorn in everyone’s side.”

Elodie ignored them both, now fully daydreaming. “I bet he could recite ancient poetry while slaying monsters.”

Vayne glared. “He recites ancient rules. Very inspiring.”

Astrea shot Elodie a pleading look. “Elodie, focus!”

Elodie snapped out of her reverie, cheeks slightly flushed. “Right! Focus. So, uh… mister guardian, about that guidance? We’re kind of on a tight schedule here.”

Talvish’s stoic mask slipped for a moment, a faint sigh escaping him. “You travel with peculiar companions, priestess.”

“You have no idea,” Vayne muttered.

Astrea clasped her hands together, looking at Talvish imploringly. “Please, Guardian. If there’s even a chance you could help us interpret the stars’ message, we would be forever grateful.”

Talvish hesitated, his gaze softening slightly as he studied Astrea. Finally, he inclined his head. “Very well. I will grant you a moment of my time. But know this—if I deem your cause unworthy, I will not hesitate to send you away.”

Vayne smirked. “Aw, he does care.”

Talvish shot him a glare so cold it could have frozen fire. “Do not push your luck, demon.”

Elodie whispered to Astrea, “Even when he’s angry, he’s majestic.”

Astrea sighed inwardly. This was going to be a long day.

~

With a curt nod, Talvish led the bumbling trio deeper into the sanctum, his movements precise and silent, like a living statue brought to life. The trio followed, the atmosphere thick with an ancient stillness that seemed to cling to the air. The path ahead was lined with towering marble columns, each one etched with celestial symbols that glowed faintly in the dim light. Soft, golden motes of light floated lazily through the air, giving the space an ethereal glow.

The ceiling arched high above them, resembling a night sky frozen in stone. Stars, meticulously carved, glittered faintly, as if echoing the real constellations beyond. Murals of celestial beings danced across the walls, their expressions serene and their eyes aglow with timeless wisdom.

The floor beneath them was polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the faint light of the floating motes. Every step they took echoed softly, creating a rhythmic cadence that reverberated through the hallowed hall.

Astrea’s eyes darted around in awe. “It’s like walking through the heavens,” she whispered, her voice reverent.

Elodie, ever excitable, twirled as they walked, the soft fabric of her dress catching the light. “It’s like the stars came down just for us,” she said, her voice full of wonder.

Vayne, less impressed, grumbled from his spot in Astrea’s satchel. “It’s a big, sparkly cave. I’ve seen better.”

Talvish didn’t turn around but his voice carried back to them, cold and precise. “Silence, demon. You tread upon sacred ground. Respect it.”

Astrea shot Vayne a warning glance. “He’s right. Please, Vayne.”

“Fine,” Vayne muttered, though his tone remained irritated.

Beep fluttered quietly above, even the normally cheeky bird subdued by the solemn grandeur of the sanctum.

The sanctum expanded into a vast, open chamber. Above them, the domed ceiling stretched impossibly high, painted in a swirling tapestry of night sky and stars. The stars seemed to shimmer and shift, as if alive, mirroring the constellations outside. In the center of the chamber stood a grand pedestal, its surface engraved with a complex pattern of celestial symbols that pulsed faintly with a silvery-blue light.

Talvish stopped before the pedestal, his wings swaying neatly behind him. He turned to face the group, his expression unreadable. “This is the Sanctum of Aton Cimeni’s stars,” he said, his voice resonating through the chamber. “It is here that the wisdom of the stars is preserved and interpreted.”

Astrea stepped forward, her eyes wide with awe. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Elodie, too, was mesmerized, though her gaze occasionally flicked back to Talvish. “It’s like standing in the middle of the cosmos.”

Vayne, less impressed, muttered from his perch in Astrea’s satchel. “Lovely decor. Now, how does this help us break the curse?”

Talvish ignored him, gesturing toward the pedestal. “Place your hands upon the symbols, priestess. If your cause is true, the stars will reveal the path you must take.”

Astrea hesitated, then stepped closer. She reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as they hovered above the glowing surface. Taking a deep breath, she pressed her palms against the pedestal.

As Astrea’s hands met the cool surface of the pedestal, a ripple of energy pulsed through the chamber. The carved symbols beneath her fingers began to glow, their light growing brighter with each passing second. A soft hum filled the air, resonating like distant chimes.

Astrea’s breath hitched as the light spiraled upward in tendrils of silver, twisting and weaving until they formed a shimmering dome overhead. The constellations came alive, stars shifting and aligning into patterns that felt both ancient and new. The swirling cosmos above seemed infinite, their beauty breathtaking.

Elodie clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. “It’s like a dream! Look at that!”

Vayne, watching from his satchel, remained unimpressed. “Yes, yes, twinkling lights. Can we move on to the part where this actually helps?”

Ignoring him, Astrea focused on the shifting constellations. Slowly, three familiar symbols appeared: the radiant star, the bubbling volcano, and the crescent moon. They pulsed with an otherworldly glow before rearranging into a linear pattern, pointing in a single direction.

Talvish watched in silence, his face a mask of calm. “The stars have acknowledged your quest,” he said softly. “The path has been revealed. Follow the star. It will guide you to the sanctuary where your first trial awaits, the Place of Hope.”

Astrea's voice wavered with a mix of awe and determination. “What will we face there?”

Talvish’s eyes narrowed. “Hope is both a light and a burden. It will test your resolve, your trust in each other, and your ability to face the truth within.”

Vayne snorted. “Sounds ominous. Let me guess—more riddles?”

Talvish turned his cold gaze to Vayne. “For you, demon, it may be more than riddles. Hope, in your case, may demand a price.”

Vayne rolled his eyes. “Wonderful. My favorite thing—unpaid debts.”

Ignoring him, Talvish turned back to Astrea. “You must follow the stars to the first trial. Be vigilant. The sanctum has shown you mercy; the trials will not.”

Astrea nodded, her heart pounding. “We’re ready.”

Elodie clapped her hands together. “Let’s do this!” She paused, glancing at Vayne. “You’re coming too, Mr. Cactus, whether you like it or not.”

Vayne sighed, retreating into the satchel. “As if I have a choice.”

Talvish’s gaze shifted to Vayne, his expression hardening once more. “Remember, demon: this is your last chance to prove you are more than your sins. Do not squander it.”

Vayne met his gaze evenly. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

The tension between them crackled like a distant storm, but Astrea stepped between them, breaking the moment. “Thank you, guardian. We’ll do our best.”

The glowing star at the pedestal began to dim, and the sanctum slowly returned to its previous state. The cosmic display faded, leaving behind an intense stillness. The trio gathered their resolve and turned toward the sanctum’s exit, the weight of their mission pressing down on them.

Talvish’s voice followed them as they departed. “May the light of the Aton Cimeni guide your steps—and may you prove yourselves worthy of their wisdom.”

~

Elodie, practically skipping as they left the sanctum, kept glancing back over her shoulder to wave enthusiastically at Talvish. “Bye! Thank you for your help! See you soon!” she called, her voice echoing through the ancient halls.

Astrea sighed, a mix of fondness and mild exasperation. “Elodie, focus. We have a mission.”

“I am focused,” Elodie chirped, turning back briefly before spinning around again for one last wave. “It’s just polite to thank our handsome guide properly.”

Astrea sweat dropped . “Elodie…”

Vayne, peeking out from the satchel with a deadpan expression, couldn’t resist a jab. “Yes, Elodie. Heaven forbid we forget to charm the stoic guardian of cosmic wisdom.”

Elodie stuck out her tongue at him. “You’re just jealous because you don’t have wings.”

Vayne scoffed. “Oh yes, I’m deeply envious of someone who spends centuries brooding in a sanctum.”

Astrea tried to suppress a giggle as she gently nudged Elodie forward. “Come on. Let’s get going before Talvish decides to revoke his help.”

Elodie gave one last, exaggerated wave. “Goodbye, mister guardian! Don’t miss us too much!”

Talvish, still standing by the pedestal, gave her a single, solemn nod before turning back to the celestial symbols. His stoic demeanor betrayed no reaction, but the faintest twitch of his lip suggested he might be quietly amused.

Vayne sighed heavily as the sanctum disappeared behind them. “I’m surrounded by fools.”

Astrea patted his satchel. “You’ll survive, Vayne. We all will. Let’s focus on finding the Place of Hope.”

Elodie skipped ahead, humming cheerfully. “I hope mister guardian writes us a letter.”

“Stars help me,” Vayne muttered, retreating deeper into the bag.

~

The forest path unfurled before them, dappled in soft sunlight filtering through a canopy of ancient trees. The air felt lighter now, though an ethereal calm still lingered from their encounter in the sanctum. Beep fluttered ahead, chirping softly, his earlier tension now replaced with his usual keen watchfulness. The crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot was the only sound, punctuated by the occasional burst of Elodie’s humming.

Astrea adjusted her satchel, her eyes glancing up at the sky. "So… a Place of Hope,” she mused aloud. “It could be anywhere.”

Elodie twirled around, walking backward to face them. “Maybe it’s a village where people go to find new beginnings! Or a hidden meadow that grants wishes.”

“Or,” Vayne interjected from his usual spot, “a cryptic wild goose chase where the ‘hope’ part is keeping your sanity intact.”

Astrea rolled her eyes with a smile. “Optimism isn’t your strong suit, is it?”

“It’s overrated,” Vayne replied. “Besides, I think we’ve already used up enough ‘hope’ wrangling Talvish.”

Elodie giggled, skipping a little ahead. “You’re just grumpy because he doesn't like you.”

“He’s an immortal guardian,” Vayne said, tone dry. “He dislikes everyone equally.”

Astrea laughed softly. “Except Elodie, apparently.”

Vayne muttered something inaudible, retreating deeper into the satchel. Beep fluttered down and landed near Astrea’s shoulder, tilting his head curiously.

Astrea sighed, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “Still… hope is a powerful thing. It’s what’s keeping us moving forward, right?”

Elodie slowed, falling into step beside her. “And if there’s one thing we’re good at, it’s moving forward… even if we have no idea where we’re going.”

“Exactly,” Astrea said, grinning. “Let’s keep going. If the stars want us to find hope, I’m sure we will.”

The trio’s journey stretched into the golden hours of the afternoon, the landscape shifting from dense forests to sprawling meadows kissed by the wind. Above them, the sky was a vast, deep blue, and as the sun dipped lower, faint pinpricks of stars began to emerge—glimmers of distant constellations guiding their way.

Beep flew ahead, occasionally swooping down to investigate the occasional flower or shiny pebble, only to return to Astrea’s shoulder with a proud chirp. Elodie continued to skip along, humming a tune, her pockets suspiciously bulging with snacks. Vayne, ever the unwilling passenger, grumbled from Astrea’s satchel as the group encountered yet another comical delay.

“Do we have to stop for every shiny rock?” Vayne groaned as Elodie knelt to pick up a particularly glittering stone. “It’s not going to unlock any cosmic secrets.”

“But it’s sparkly!” Elodie protested, holding it up to the fading sunlight. “You never know, it might be a sign.”

Astrea chuckled, adjusting her satchel. “It’s probably quartz, but you have to admire the enthusiasm.”

Vayne made a noise somewhere between a sigh and a growl. “Enthusiasm won’t break the curse.”

Elodie stuck her tongue out at him. “No, but it makes the journey fun.”

A few miles later, they stumbled across a bubbling brook, clear and cold. Astrea knelt to refill their waterskins, while Elodie, undeterred by any pretense of seriousness, decided to fashion a crown from nearby wildflowers. She plopped the makeshift wreath onto Vayne’s head.

“Perfect,” she declared with a grin. “Prince of Prickles, ruler of sarcasm and reluctant adventurers.”

Astrea stifled a giggle. “It suits you.”

Vayne didn’t even bother to shake it off. “One day, when I’m not a cactus, I will remember this.”

“Oh no!” Elodie mock gasped. “Will you throw us in the dungeon of pointy plants?”

Astrea joined in. “Or make us weed your royal garden?”

Vayne muttered, “You’re both already on the list.”

As dusk settled in, the stars grew brighter, and the faint outline of a constellation began to take shape above them. Astrea stopped, her breath catching as she pointed upward. “Look! There—it’s the constellation we saw in the sanctum.”

The trio paused, quiet for a moment, the teasing forgotten as the stars twinkled above like a celestial map.

“Guess we’re on the right path,” Astrea said softly, a smile tugging at her lips.

Elodie, ever the optimist, punched the air. “See? I told you sparkly things are important!”

Vayne sighed, but this time, it held a note of reluctant amusement. “Fine. But if the next leg of the journey involves enchanted squirrels, you’re on your own.”

As they continued walking beneath the growing twilight, the serene silence was abruptly broken by the unmistakable growl of Elodie’s stomach. The sound echoed loud enough to make even the stars take notice—or so it seemed to Astrea and Vayne, who both froze mid-step.

Elodie’s face turned a shade of pink. “Uh… oops.”

Astrea chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think that’s our cue to stop for dinner.”

Vayne groaned from the satchel, his voice laced with exasperation. “Again? Didn’t we just eat?”

Elodie puffed out her cheeks. “That was hours ago! Besides, it’s not my fault I burn through food so fast.”

Astrea patted the satchel reassuringly. “Come on, Vayne. We need to eat, and you need to… observe us eating.”

Vayne let out a long-suffering sigh. “Fine, but if we get ambushed by forest fiends because of this, it’s on you.”

“Oh, lighten up,” Elodie said, waving him off. “You’ll thank us when we’re not grumpy from hunger.”

They found a small clearing by the brook, the gentle babble of water providing a soothing backdrop. Astrea began setting up camp, spreading out a simple blanket while Elodie rummaged through her pack for supplies. Beep perched on a nearby rock, watching the scene with what could only be described as birdlike bemusement.

Vayne, still reluctant, muttered from the satchel. “This feels like a bad idea.”

“Oh, hush,” Astrea said, rolling her eyes as she gathered firewood. “We’ve got Beep as a lookout.”

“Yes,” Vayne deadpanned. “Because a small, round bird is the epitome of defense.”

Elodie giggled, lighting a small fire with a flick of her wrist. “Don’t be such a cactus.”

“I am a cactus,” Vayne shot back.

Astrea couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer. “Then maybe it’s time you embraced it.”

Elodie smirked, fanning the small fire with a satisfied flourish. “You’re right, Astrea. Vayne should embrace his inner cactus. Maybe we’ll get him a bigger pot to sit in so he can grow.”

Vayne’s voice oozed dry sarcasm. “Oh, how delightful. Perhaps you’ll also sprinkle me with water and whisper sweet nothings to help me grow.”

Astrea giggled. “If it helps break the curse, I’m willing to try.”

Elodie leaned forward, a wicked grin playing on her lips. “Do you think you’d bloom, Vayne? Maybe a pretty little flower on top?”

Vayne stilled, his voice dropping to a wary tone. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

Elodie’s grin widened, mischief sparkling in her eyes. “Oh, you know… some cacti bloom under the right conditions. Big, beautiful flowers. Maybe you just need a little extra care.”

Astrea tilted her head, playing along. “And patience. Lots of patience.”

Vayne shifted uneasily as he looked up at them, his voice edged with suspicion.“I’m sensing a very dangerous energy here, and I don’t like it.”

Elodie clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling with glee. “Alright, let’s see if I can make you bloom, Vayne! Just a little harmless magic—think of it as a makeover!”

Vayne's spines bristled. “Absolutely not.”

Astrea, half-horrified but also half-amused, held up a hand. “Ellie, maybe we should—”

“Oh, relax!” Elodie interrupted, winking. “I’ve got this.” She conjured a soft, golden glow in her hands, the light swirling like warm honey. “This will be gentle, I promise.”

Vayne backed away slowly, voice rising in alarm. “I’m warning you! If you so much as—”

Too late. Elodie flicked her wrist, sending the golden light spiraling toward him. It wrapped around his cactus form like ribbons, glittering with magical energy.

Astrea gasped, hovering nearby with a mix of fascination and guilt. “Ellie, maybe you should stop—”

Vayne growled. “Maybe you should both stop!”

The light pulsed once, twice—and then a soft pop echoed through the camp. Astrea and Elodie leaned in, eyes wide with anticipation.

A tiny pink flower bloomed on top of Vayne’s head.

For a moment, there was stunned silence. Elodie clasped her hands to her mouth, stifling a giggle. Astrea’s shoulders shook as she tried—and failed—not to laugh.

Vayne’s voice was deadly calm. “Is it… a flower?”

Astrea nodded, biting her lip to hold back laughter. “It’s… really cute.”

Elodie grinned triumphantly. “See? You’re blooming already!”

Vayne sighed, long and loud, his tone laced with doom. “When I regain my true form, you both will regret this.”

Elodie tilted her head, smiling sweetly. “Maybe. But until then…” She plucked a cookie from her bag and waved it at him. “Who’s a pretty flower now?”

Vayne groaned. “This is my curse, isn’t it? Not the cactus form—this.”

~

The soft crackle of the fire had dwindled into embers, casting a gentle glow over the camp. Dinner had come and gone, the scent of roasted herbs and baked bread still lingering in the air. Elodie lay face-down in the grass, completely oblivious, her arms sprawled wide, fast asleep. Beep had taken the opportunity to nest in her hair, chirping softly as he fluffed his feathers into the tangled curls.

Astrea sat by the dying fire, her knees tucked under her chin, staring up at the stars. The night was peaceful, the vast sky above glittering with constellations, though every now and then her gaze would drift toward Vayne.

He sat a few feet away, slouched in a way that only a cactus could manage, with the tiny pink flower still perched atop his head. He looked miserable, the delicate bloom bobbing slightly as he sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that evening.

“I can feel your pity from here,” Vayne muttered without turning around.

Astrea chuckled softly, resting her chin on her knees. “It’s not pity. I was just thinking how… peaceful this is.”

Vayne gave a low, skeptical hum. “Peaceful for you. Humiliating for me.”

She tilted her head, smiling gently. “You’re not so scary with a flower on your head.”

He groaned, though there was less venom in it than usual. “Astrea, please.”

“I think it suits you,” she added, a teasing lilt in her voice.

“Don’t push it.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the quiet sounds of the night surrounding them. Astrea’s eyes softened as she looked at him. “You know,” she said thoughtfully, “even though you complain a lot… I think you’re glad you’re not alone anymore.”

Vayne stiffened slightly, the soft light from the fire flickering over his face. “I didn’t ask for company.”

“No,” Astrea agreed, “but maybe you needed it.”

He didn’t respond right away. The crackling embers and Beep’s soft chirps paired with Elodie's snoring filled the space between them. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter, almost resigned. “I didn’t think anyone would care enough to try.”

Astrea smiled, her eyes glimmering in the firelight. “Well, you’ve got us now. Even if Elodie casts questionable spells on you.”

Vayne scoffed, though there was a hint of something softer beneath it. “Wonderful. A priestess with a hero complex, a sugar-fueled witch, and a bird who thinks I’m amusing. Truly, I’m blessed.”

Astrea laughed, the sound light and genuine. “See? We’re perfect.”

He didn’t argue. And for the first time in a long while, Vayne felt the faintest whisper of something he thought he’d lost—a sliver of hope.

~

The pale light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and gold. The forest stirred with the first whispers of morning—branches swaying gently in the breeze, the scent of dew lingering in the crisp air. Beep fluttered about energetically, as if eager to begin the day’s journey. Elodie stretched, yawning dramatically, before rubbing her eyes and bouncing to her feet with surprising vigor.

“Rise and shine!” Elodie chirped, her voice far too cheerful for the early hour. She turned toward Astrea, who was still curled up in her blanket, cocooned like a reluctant caterpillar refusing to transform.

Astrea groaned, burying her face deeper into the folds of her cloak. “Five more minutes…”

“Nope!” Elodie grinned, tugging on the edge of the blanket. “We’ve got a constellation to chase!”

Vayne, still perched in Astrea’s satchel nearby, regarded the scene with thinly veiled amusement. “You’re wasting your breath. She looks like she’s made a pact with her pillow.”

Elodie planted her hands on her hips, undeterred. “We need backup.” She scooped up Beep and held him over Astrea. “Go on, Beep. Do your thing.”

Beep chirped once, then hopped onto Astrea’s head, pecking at her hair with delicate persistence.

Astrea groaned louder, swatting half-heartedly at the little bird. “Traitor.”

“It’s like watching someone wrestle a cloud,” Vayne remarked dryly. “I’m impressed.”

With a huff, Elodie gave the blanket one final tug, finally yanking it away. Astrea sat up slowly, her hair a wild tangle, her eyes half-lidded with sleep. She looked both exhausted and mildly betrayed.

“Happy now?” she mumbled, glaring at the morning sky as if it had personally offended her.

“Very,” Elodie said, beaming. She handed Astrea a small canteen. “Drink up. You’ll feel better.”

Astrea took it reluctantly, sipping the water while blinking blearily at her surroundings. “Why is it always dawn when we have to do these things?”

“Because destiny doesn’t sleep,” Vayne quipped, sounding far too smug.

“Neither do sarcastic cacti, apparently,” Astrea muttered, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

They packed up camp as Astrea gradually shook off her grogginess, Elodie humming cheerfully all the while. With the fire doused and their belongings gathered, they set off down the forest path once more, following the ethereal pull of the stars' guidance.

Astrea yawned one last time, falling into step beside Elodie. “Next time, I’m getting a spell that lets me sleep through dawn.”

“You’d still need Beep,” Vayne drawled. “And he’s quite effective.”

Astrea shot a playful glare at the bird. “Betrayal, Beep. Pure betrayal.”

Beep chirped innocently, settling happily on her shoulder as they continued their journey, the light of adventure shining ahead.

The morning sun climbed higher as the trio followed the winding path through the forest, its golden light filtering through the canopy above. The air felt lighter now, charged with a sense of quiet anticipation. Each step seemed to bring them closer to something significant, as if the very ground beneath their feet resonated with purpose.

Astrea clutched the golden pendant around her neck, its smooth surface warm to the touch. “A Place of Hope…” she murmured, glancing at her companions. “I wonder what it’ll be like.”

Elodie skipped ahead, her platinum hair catching the sunlight. “Maybe it’s a village where people go to leave their troubles behind,” she said dreamily. “Or a meadow filled with magical flowers that grant wishes.”

Vayne snorted from his perch in the satchel. “Knowing our luck, it’ll be a ruin with a cryptic riddle.”

“Don’t jinx it,” Astrea warned, though she couldn’t help but smile. Despite the challenges ahead, there was an undeniable comfort in their banter.

The path began to shift, the dense forest giving way to a gentle slope. In the distance, a faint shimmer caught Astrea’s eye—a soft, radiant glow that seemed to pulse in time with the beat of her heart.

“There,” she said, pointing. “That must be it.”

The group quickened their pace, curiosity spurring them forward. As they crested the hill, they found themselves standing before a vast expanse of rolling hills, dotted with ancient stone pillars arranged in a wide, circular formation. At the center of the circle, a crystalline fountain bubbled softly, its waters shimmering like liquid starlight.

Elodie gasped. “It’s beautiful…”

Vayne was quiet, his usual sarcasm notably absent. Even he seemed momentarily awed by the serene majesty of the place.

Astrea stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the fountain. “This must be the Place of Hope,” she said softly. “A sanctuary for those seeking solace and guidance.”

The trio moved closer, the gentle sound of the fountain’s waters filling the air. As they approached, the light around them grew warmer, more inviting. It felt as though the very essence of the place was welcoming them, urging them to step into its embrace.

Elodie knelt by the fountain, dipping her fingers into the cool, luminous water. “It feels… peaceful,” she whispered. “Like all your worries just fade away.”

Astrea nodded, her heart swelling with quiet determination. “If there’s a clue here, we’ll find it. This place is meant to guide us.”

Vayne, ever skeptical, muttered, “Let’s hope it’s more straightforward than the last sanctum. I’d prefer not to be lectured by another guardian.”

Astrea chuckled, her fingers brushing the water’s surface. “Whatever we find, we’ll face it together.”

The cactus gave a faint sigh. “I suppose I have no choice. Lead the way, humans.”

Elodie, who had been watching the whole scene with quiet amusement, chimed in. “Oh, come now, Vayne. Surely even a demon cactus can appreciate a bit of harmless hope and whimsy?”

Vayne shot her a withering look. “I’m a creature of shadow and flame, forged in the depths of infernal realms. I do not deal in whimsy.”

Elodie smirked, leaning casually on the edge of the fountain. “Yet here you are, sitting in a satchel, with a dainty little flower on your head.”

Vayne groaned, his voice dripping with exasperation. “One unfortunate incident does not define an entire existence.”

Astrea couldn’t help but giggle, her laughter light and infectious. “Maybe not, but it’s hard to take you seriously when you look… well, so cute.”

“Cute?” Vayne repeated, his tone laced with indignation. “I am many things, Astrea, but cute is not one of them.”

Elodie gasped, feigning shock. “Is that… blushing I see? Is the mighty demon cactus embarrassed?”

“Demons don’t blush,” Vayne snapped, though his emerald complexion seemed suspiciously darker. “This flower is an affront to my dignity.”

Astrea grinned, cupping her hands to the fountain’s water and letting it trickle through her fingers. “Maybe you should embrace it. Flowers are symbols of renewal and growth. Perhaps it’s a sign.”

“A sign that I’m cursed,” Vayne muttered.

“No,” Astrea said gently, her eyes softening. “A sign that even in the strangest places, beauty can bloom.”

For a moment, there was silence. The gentle sound of the fountain, the soft rustle of the wind, and the distant chirping of birds filled the air. Even Vayne seemed at a loss for words, his usual sharp retorts temporarily stilled.

Elodie, ever the opportunist, broke the spell. “So, does that mean we can call him Blooming Vayne now?”

Vayne growled low. “You’re testing the limits of my patience.”

Astrea shook her head, still smiling. “Alright, alright, enough teasing. Let’s focus on why we’re here.”

Elodie skipped ahead, clearly enjoying herself. “Fine, but I’m keeping that nickname.”

With a final exasperated sigh, Vayne relented. “Just… let’s get this over with.”

As they turned away from the glowing fountain, even Vayne’s grumbles couldn’t quite mask the warmth in his voice.

The trio walked around the area, examining the ancient stonework and the vibrant flora surrounding the glowing fountain. Astrea hummed softly to herself, her eyes scanning the intricate carvings on the stone pillars, while Elodie dashed around, clearly more focused on finding something exciting rather than practical. Vayne, meanwhile, was doing his best to look unimpressed, though the soft glow of the place seemed to have taken the edge off his usual prickliness.

“Look at all these vines!” Elodie exclaimed, her hands running along the thick tendrils curling up the walls. “They’re so magical looking! I wonder if they’ll start dancing if I sing to them.”

“Please, Elodie,” Vayne deadpanned, “don’t encourage it. We don’t need a plant rebellion on top of everything else.”

“I bet it’d be more interesting than your brooding,” she shot back with a grin.

Vayne scoffed but couldn’t quite keep the hint of amusement from his voice. “I’m not brooding. I’m simply ensuring no one is lured into an ambush by these… charming flora.”

Astrea looked over at the fountain once more, her brow furrowed in thought. “Maybe we need to… ask it something?” she suggested, eyeing the water’s glow as it rippled gently.

Elodie perked up at the idea. “Ooh! Like a magical riddle? Or maybe we need to bathe in it to unlock the next clue!”

Vayne winced. “I’ll pass. I’m already getting soaked enough with this whole… flower incident.” He pointed to his head dramatically, where the little bloom had now fully opened, looking far too cheerful for his taste.

Astrea couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Maybe you should just let the flower have its moment. It could be a symbol of new beginnings, right?”

Vayne rolled his eyes. “I’ll begin feeling better when we find the next clue, and not when I’m mistaken for a garden ornament.”

While they bantered, Beep fluttered down onto a nearby rock, chirping at something in the distance. Astrea noticed and followed the bird’s gaze. “What is it, Beep?” she asked, her voice soft.

“Of course,” Vayne muttered, “leave it to the bird to be the only one with a brain.”

“Shh, listen!” Astrea said excitedly, turning her attention back to Beep. The little bird hopped from rock to rock, its beak pointed toward a small opening in the stone wall, hidden behind some ivy.

“Oh, so the bird finds the clue, and we get to do the work,” Vayne groused.

“We’ll get there together!” Astrea said brightly, grabbing Elodie’s arm and pulling her toward the opening.

Elodie grinned. “All right, Blooming Vayne, you coming?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “What could possibly go wrong?”

The three of them carefully made their way to the ivy-covered opening, with Beep cheerfully chirping from above. As they approached, the ivy rustled, almost as if it was welcoming them into the unknown.

Astrea glanced at Elodie, grinning with excitement. “Let’s see what’s behind door number one, shall we?”

Vayne’s eyes narrowed as he reluctantly followed, his mind already preparing for whatever absurdity the next clue would bring. “I’m sure this will end wonderfully,” he muttered, though even he couldn’t hide the slight curiosity that flickered in his eyes.

As the trio stepped cautiously into the ivy-covered opening, the atmosphere shifted almost immediately. The air grew still, and the sound of their footsteps echoed louder than usual in the confined space. The faint glow from outside seemed to fade away as the passageway stretched ahead, darker and more winding than they had expected. Vayne, ever the skeptic, kept a cautious distance from the others, his eyes darting to every corner as if anticipating a trap.

"Well, at least it's not another glowing fountain," he muttered, though there was no mistaking the tension in his voice.

Astrea, determined as always, stepped forward first, her eyes scanning the dimly lit walls. “We’ll figure this out. Stay close.”

Behind them, the sound of rustling leaves faded, and with an unsettling click, the ivy-covered entrance they’d just passed through closed behind them with an eerie, almost final thud.

Elodie, who had been humming softly to herself, froze. “Uh, guys…?”

Vayne turned, his eyes narrowing. "It's locked."

Astrea quickly spun around, her eyes widening. The entrance was gone, completely obscured by thick vines, which seemed to have grown even thicker in the few moments they had been inside. “We… can’t go back?”

“No,” Vayne said, his voice a bit sharper now, his earlier sarcasm replaced by wariness. “Looks like we’ve got no choice but to move forward.”

“Great,” Elodie said nervously, trying her best to keep a happy face as if this was just another part of their adventure. "Guess we’re in for the long haul, then!"

Astrea hesitated, glancing at the path ahead. It was narrow, twisting with jagged edges and overgrown roots, but at least they had a way forward. “We’ll make it through,” she said with more conviction than she felt. “Whatever this is, it’s leading us somewhere.”

Vayne let out an exasperated sigh, crossing his arms. "I can think of a dozen ways this could go wrong, but I suppose that’s my curse, isn’t it?”

Elodie grinned and nudged Astrea with her elbow. “At least he’s not blooming anymore, huh?”

Vayne shot them both a glare, but the comment only made Astrea smile. “Let’s just keep moving. The stars have a way of leading us forward, and I believe we’re exactly where we need to be.”

With that, they pressed on, their footsteps now the only sound in the eerie silence of the hidden passageway. The air around them felt thick, as if the very walls were watching them, but they had no choice but to continue forward, toward whatever mystery awaited them.

“Alright, let’s do this,” Astrea murmured, her voice filled with a determination she didn’t quite feel yet. The rest of the journey would test them in ways they couldn’t yet understand, but one thing was certain: they weren’t going back. They had to move forward.

Beep flitted anxiously above them, his chirps slightly more subdued now, as if even the bird knew something was off.

Vayne sighed, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a faint stir of something he hadn’t quite acknowledged before—an odd sense of camaraderie. Whether he liked it or not, he was stuck with these two for better or worse. And, for once, it seemed like they might actually manage to get him out of this mess.

“For the record,” Vayne grumbled as they walked deeper into the passage, “I still think this is a terrible idea.”

As they ventured deeper into the passage, a palpable unease settled over the group, though none of them admitted it outright. Elodie, always quick to mask her feelings with a grin, continued to hum under her breath, but every now and then, she would glance at the shadows with a flicker of nervousness in her eyes. She tried to play it off by tapping her foot to the rhythm of her humming, but it was clear that even she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the growing tension.

Astrea, oblivious to Elodie's quiet anxiety, marched ahead with her usual resolve, trying to stay upbeat despite the increasing weight of the silence around them. Her voice echoed slightly as she tried to lift their spirits. “You know, I’m starting to think we’ve gotten really good at this whole ‘getting lost in strange places’ thing.”

Vayne, his tone dripping with sarcasm, raised an eyebrow. “Ah, yes. If there’s one thing we’re experts at, it’s stumbling into doom with absolutely no idea what we’re doing.”

Astrea giggled, though it was a bit strained, as she kept walking ahead. "Oh, come now. We’re not completely lost this time. We have a guide."

Vayne snorted. "A guide who locked us in a creepy corridor with no clear way out. What could possibly go wrong?"

Elodie’s eyes flicked nervously over the walls, the stone growing darker and more oppressive the further they went. She tried to mask it by chiming in with forced cheer. "It’s an adventure, right? Everything’s fine. Yes….fine."

But even as she said that, the pair couldn’t help but notice how tense Elodie’s shoulders were, her hands tightly gripping her bag. Astrea’s smile faded a little as she glanced at her friend, her intuition telling her that Elodie wasn’t as confident as she seemed.

“Hey, Elodie,” Astrea called gently, “you alright?”

Elodie stiffened, startled by the direct question, but quickly plastered a smile on her face. “Oh! Yeah, of course. I’m fine! Just... you know, a little bit of that nervous excitement!” she added with an exaggerated wink, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Beep fluttered  from Astrea’s shoulder and landed lightly on Elodie’s head, his tiny claws carefully threading through her hair as if to soothe her. He let out a soft, concerned chirp, tilting his head to one side as if to ask the same question Astrea had just voiced. His usual calm demeanor was absent, replaced by a quiet, watchful stillness.

Vayne, ever perceptive in his own way, gave her a long, measuring look. “She’s terrified,” he muttered, loud enough for only Astrea to hear. “Not that I blame her. This place feels wrong.”

Astrea hesitated, glancing between Elodie’s strained expression and Vayne’s sardonic face. She wanted to reassure her friend, but didn’t quite know how, especially with the growing unease in the air. Still, she tried to maintain her usual optimism. “We’re all in this together, right? No matter how scary it seems, we’ve got each other.”

Elodie flashed a quick, tight-lipped smile. “Right. Together.”

There was a long, awkward pause, the quiet of the passage hanging heavily over them.

Then, Vayne broke the silence with a grumble, his voice surprisingly softer than usual. “Well, if we're going to be stuck in here, we might as well make it interesting. How about another round of truth or dare? At least it’ll give us something to do while we wait to be trapped forever.”

Astrea shot Vayne a grateful smile, relieved to see he was at least trying to lighten the mood. "You know, that's not a bad idea. We could all use a distraction."

Elodie stole a glance at Vayne, the smirk on his face as he tried to shake off his grumpy exterior. Despite his usual sarcasm, there was a flicker of consideration in his actions that made her feel oddly comforted. It wasn’t much, but for a brief moment, it felt like they weren’t quite so alone in this strange place. Her earlier nerves had been quelled by his reluctant attempt at humor.

With the game beginning with her, Vayne raised an eyebrow, as if he were both dreading and curious about what he would ask. "Alright, Elodie," he drawled. "Truth or dare?"

Elodie hesitated, biting her lip before finally deciding. "Truth," she answered. She had an inkling he wouldn’t make her do or say something again.

Vayne thought for a moment, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Alright, Elodie," he began slowly. "What’s one thing you’re hiding from the rest of us? A secret, maybe? Something you haven't told anyone?"

Astrea perked up at that, curious to see what Elodie might reveal, but it was Elodie’s turn to feel the weight of the question. She looked down at her feet, her fingers fiddling with a loose thread from her sleeve as she considered how to answer. The silence stretched on for a few moments before she finally spoke, her voice soft but steady.

"I... I’m afraid," she admitted, almost more to herself than anyone else. "Afraid that all of this—everything we’re doing—might be pointless. That we’re going to end up losing something precious, and I’ll just be standing there, unable to stop it."

Her words hung heavy in the air, and even Vayne seemed to pause, his usual snark momentarily absent. He blinked, realizing just how serious Elodie’s fears were.

Astrea, ever the optimist, stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We can’t know what the future holds, but we can choose how we face it. Together." Her voice was soft but firm, filled with that comforting warmth she always brought. "And if you’re ever worried, you don’t have to hide it, Elodie. You’ve got us. We’ll face whatever comes as a team."

Vayne, still perched in Astrea’s bag, let out a heavy sigh. "Look, I’m not the sentimental type, but… I’ll admit, this group would be a lot less tolerable without you, Elodie. So don’t go thinking you're alone in this."

Elodie’s lips twitched into a hesitant smile, the vulnerability in her eyes slowly being replaced by a hint of the same playful confidence she usually wore. “Thanks. I guess I needed to hear that."

She shot a quick glance toward him, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and gratitude. "Alright, Vayne. Your turn," she said, grinning as she tried to steady her nerves.

Vayne’s cactus-like features twitched in annoyance, but there was a glint of something almost… soft in his expression, something Elodie wasn’t sure she had noticed before. "Fine," he grumbled, clearly resigned to the game. "I’ll pick truth. But if I get asked something ridiculous, I’m holding you all responsible."

Elodie’s grin widened, feeling a surge of confidence. "Oh, it won’t be ridiculous. It’ll be interesting." She paused for dramatic effect. "Tell us, Vayne, what’s the one thing you’ve always wanted but can never have? Something you secretly wish for but know you’ll never get."

Vayne’s expression froze for a moment, his eyes narrowing in thought, and Elodie could see the gears turning behind his sharp features. There was something fleeting, almost vulnerable, in his hesitation.

He scoffed, but it was more to cover up his brief pause. “You think I’m some kind of sentimental fool, don’t you? Wishing for things like some lovesick human?”

Elodie’s smile softened, sensing that there was more beneath his sarcasm. "No, not at all. But everyone has something they wish for, right?"

Vayne stared at her for a long moment before letting out a long sigh. “Fine. You want the truth? I wish I could be... free. Free from the curse. Free from my own nature. I’ve spent so long shackled by my past, and no matter how much I fight, I can’t escape it.” His voice dropped a little lower, more earnest than Elodie had expected.

Elodie blinked, surprised by his sincerity. Her grin faltered for a split second, replaced with a touch of understanding. "I didn’t expect you to say that." She paused, thinking about her own journey. "But, you know, maybe... maybe freedom isn’t something we just wait for. Maybe it’s something we build. Even if it's bit by bit."

Vayne, to his credit, didn’t respond with his usual biting retort. Instead, he gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. "Maybe you’re right," he muttered, as though admitting something he wasn’t quite ready to accept.

Astrea, who had been watching the exchange from the sidelines, smiled warmly at the bond that was beginning to form between them. It wasn’t much, but it was something. In this strange, cursed world they were traveling through, they had to cling to the connections they made, even if they were small.

Elodie, a little shy but encouraged by Vayne’s rare honesty, broke the silence. “Well, now it’s your turn. What do you think, Astrea? Truth or dare?”

Astrea blinked, startled out of her thoughts. “Huh? Oh, um, I’ll go with truth,” she said, still processing the moment that had just passed between Vayne and Elodie.

Elodie’s grin returned, mischievous as ever. “Alright, priestess. Spill the beans: what’s something you’ve never told anyone? A secret you’ve been keeping?”

Astrea’s face went slightly pink at the thought. She opened her mouth, but then closed it again, searching for an answer that wasn’t too embarrassing. She hadn’t exactly been in the habit of keeping secrets—at least not ones that were particularly scandalous.

“I…” Astrea hesitated, biting her lip. “I’ve always been afraid of letting people down. Even though I try to be strong for everyone, I’m scared that if I fail, I won’t be able to fix things. I know I’m supposed to be this beacon of hope, but sometimes… I don’t feel like I’m enough.”

Vayne’s eyes narrowed in thought, though he didn’t speak. Elodie, for once, kept her playful grin to herself, letting Astrea have this moment of vulnerability. The silence that followed was comforting in its way, a shared understanding growing between them all.

“You’re more than enough, Astrea,” Elodie said softly, her tone far more sincere than usual. "You’re already doing the best you can."

Astrea blinked at her, a bit taken aback by the warmth in Elodie’s words. But then she smiled, a small but genuine smile, and said, “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

Beep fluttered down back to Astrea’s shoulder, his tiny wings rustling gently as he nestled against her neck. He let out a soft, melodic chirp, the sound almost like a lullaby. With a delicate nuzzle, he pressed his feathery head against her cheek, as if to say, You’re enough. You’ve always been enough. His warmth, though small, was comforting, a quiet reminder that even the smallest gestures could carry the greatest weight.

Astrea lifted a hand to stroke Beep’s soft feathers, her smile growing a little steadier. “Thank you, Beep,” she whispered, the tension in her shoulders easing.

Vayne, who had been unusually quiet during the exchange, looked up and gave a faint snort. "This feels dangerously close to a group therapy session," he muttered, though there was no heat in his voice.

Elodie chuckled. “It’s better than nothing, right?”

Astrea’s heart felt a little lighter, the shared moment of honesty lifting some of the weight of the journey ahead. As they continued their strange little game, the bonds between them seemed to strengthen—fragile, but real—and the quiet tension of the passage ahead didn’t seem quite as suffocating anymore. Together, they would face whatever came next, one step at a time.

The sudden flash of light was blinding, almost painful in its intensity. For a moment, it felt as if the very air around them was bending, folding in on itself, until—just as suddenly as it had come—the light receded, leaving the group stunned and disoriented. They blinked, rubbing their eyes, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

When their vision finally cleared, they found themselves no longer in the dark, damp tunnel. Instead, they stood in a grand throne room that seemed to stretch into eternity. The stone floors beneath them shimmered, and the walls rose in towering arches that twisted with delicate, intricate carvings. The air felt charged with a divine presence, an almost palpable pressure that pressed against their skin.

At the far end of the room, upon a raised dais, sat a figure so majestic it could only belong to a being of divine power.

Manannan Mac Lir.

Light glinted off his silvery hair, cascading in waves like foam on the ocean. His finely-tanned skin contrasted beautifully against the flowing blue cape draped over his broad shoulders. Dark wings, like the deep shadows of the sea, stretched behind him in a display of his otherworldly nature. He sat with an air of calm authority, his gaze languid yet piercing, as if he had all the time in the world to observe the trespassers before him.

The trio stood frozen, awestruck by the deity’s presence. Manannan’s eyes, fathomless and ancient, met each of theirs with a lazy, almost predatory calm.

“Ah,” his voice rolled out, smooth and deep, like waves lapping against the shore. “What do we have here? Mortals, stumbling upon my domain. How quaint.” His tone was neither angry nor welcoming—simply indifferent, as if he had grown bored with the world’s playthings long ago. Yet, there was a certain allure to his words, an undeniable power that radiated from every syllable.

Astrea’s heart raced, her mind trying to comprehend what was happening. The stars had led them here—was this part of their path? Or had they wandered too far into the unknown?

“Who are you to disturb my realm?” Manannan’s gaze swept over them with a detached curiosity, as if considering whether or not they were worthy of his attention. His wings fluttered once, the sound like the distant crash of waves.

Elodie, clearly still in shock but trying her best to stay composed, straightened. “We—um—we’re just travelers, trying to find something. Hope, I think. We came here looking for answers, and... well, we didn’t expect to meet a god.”

Vayne's eyes widened as he took in the figure before him, and then his face twisted into an expression of pure irritation. His mind raced, his brows furrowing in sudden recognition. "Wait a minute," he muttered under his breath, his voice sharp as a cactus thorn. "Of all the gods we could run into... it had to be you."

Astrea and Elodie glanced at each other, confused by the sudden shift in Vayne’s demeanor.

Manannan’s dark wings fluttered slightly as he regarded Vayne with an expression that seemed almost bored. "Ah, I see. The cactus speaks. What a delightful surprise," he said, his voice smooth and filled with mockery. "So, you do remember me."

Manannan’s lips curled into a slight smirk as he observed Vayne with amusement, his wings rustling lightly behind him. "Oh yes, I remember you very well. You were quite the unruly little demon prince. Though, I must say, you’ve blossomed nicely into your current form," he said, his tone dripping with mockery.

Vayne’s cactus spines bristled in irritation, his voice sharp as he retorted, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that becoming a cactus would make me the subject of your divine fascination. Maybe if you spent less time messing with mortals, you’d actually have some decent company.”

Astrea and Elodie exchanged uncertain glances as the back-and-forth continued between Vayne and Manannan. The insults flew back and forth like sparks from a flint, each more barbed than the last. Astrea bit her lip, trying to think of a way to steer the conversation back on track. Elodie, on the other hand, looked a little more amused than she probably should have been.

"Maybe... we should try being nicer to him?" Elodie suggested, half-heartedly, her eyes darting between the two bickering figures. She clearly wasn’t sure how to stop the verbal sparring from escalating further.

Astrea shook her head. "I don’t think ‘niceness’ is going to work with Manannan. If anything, that would probably make him more irritated." She glanced at Vayne, whose prickly demeanor seemed to be worsening with each jab from the god. "We need to make him want to help us. Not just because of the curse, but because he sees that we’re serious."

"But... how?" Elodie asked, her voice quiet. "He’s not exactly the type to give out freebies, is he? Especially if he’s got some history with Vayne."

Astrea paused, deep in thought. "Maybe it’s about showing him we’re more than just fools wandering into his domain. We’ve come this far because of hope. It might be worth trying to appeal to his sense of... well, whatever it is that keeps a god like him invested in things like us."

Elodie raised an eyebrow at Astrea. "Hope? You really think he’ll buy that? Hope’s a little hard to sell to a god, don’t you think?"

Before Astrea could answer, Vayne’s voice cut through the tension, his sarcasm thick enough to cut through the room’s growing unease. "Hope, huh? Yes, because that’s exactly what this god needs: more hope. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to learn how much hope we have. Right after he’s done poking fun at my thorny situation."

Astrea winced at the tone in Vayne’s voice but knew he was right. Appealing to Manannan's better nature might not be the most effective route. Manannan's laughter echoed through the throne room, its sound both mocking and amused.

"You speak as though hope is something that can be given," Manannan said, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "It is earned, little mortal. Hope, like the sea, is fickle—one moment it is calm, the next it is a raging storm. But it is the storm that tests the sailor."

Elodie shivered, her smile faltering. "Isn’t he a bit... intense?"

Astrea nervously agreed with friend, now noticing that the sea god was staring at her directly.

Manannan's gaze never wavered from Astrea, and in that moment, it felt as though the entire throne room had become a backdrop to his scrutiny. His eyes, glowing with the calm yet infinite depth of the sea, were locked onto her with an intensity that made Astrea's breath catch in her throat. The weight of his stare was like the pull of an unseen current, wrapping around her, drawing her in with a quiet, yet undeniable force.

There was something predatory about the way he regarded her—almost as though she were a rare treasure, something he had discovered in the depths of a shipwrecked ocean. The calmness of his demeanor only heightened the unease, for within his stillness was the sharp awareness of a god who had seen millennia pass and could perceive things that mere mortals could not. The air seemed to crackle with his unspoken thoughts as he sized her up, his wings unfolding slightly behind him, as though preparing to take flight at any moment.

For a brief, fleeting moment, it felt as if the world around them fell away, leaving just the two of them in a space of silence. In that silence, Astrea felt her heart beat louder than it ever had before, and for a moment, she couldn’t tell if it was fear or something else entirely—something ancient, something that resonated with the quiet power of the sea. It was as if she were both a mere mortal and yet a worthy challenge all at once. A single, sharp breath escaped her lips before she could stop herself, breaking the tension.

Elodie, sensing the change in the atmosphere, took a half-step back, a nervous flutter in her chest. "Uh... I don't like the way he's looking at you, Astrea," she murmured under her breath, though she couldn't help the slight edge of awe that crept into her voice.

Astrea swallowed hard, her gaze flicking from Manannan to Elodie. She had seen powerful figures before, but this—this was different. "I think... I think he sees something," she said, her voice uncertain but steady. "Something that interests him."

Vayne’s sharp eyes flicked between Astrea and Manannan, the growing tension in the room feeding the unease bubbling in his chest. He felt a sharp prickle along his spine, a familiar sense of territoriality rising within him that had nothing to do with his cactus form and everything to do with the way the sea god was looking at Astrea.

The low, unsettling murmur of the god’s voice, his cool words, and that unnervingly calm gaze—all of it combined with a sense of dread that made Vayne’s spines bristle. He was used to being disrespected. He was used to being overlooked. But this? This was different. Manannan’s gaze was possessive, not just of Astrea’s soul or her presence, but of her very essence.

"She’s not yours," Vayne muttered under his breath, his words laced with more venom than he intended. “You can't have her.” The silence that followed his remark hung thick in the air like a tangible threat.

Manannan’s smile widened slightly, but there was no malice in it—just the serene, unreadable calm of a deity who had seen countless mortals come and go, each seeking favors or answers they had no right to demand. "She is no one’s possession, little cactus," he replied, his voice calm and dismissive, as though the notion of possession itself was beneath him. "I merely recognize potential when I see it."

Astrea, still trying to maintain her composure, glanced nervously between the two, sensing the heat of the exchange. She cleared her throat, trying to shift the topic. “Vayne, please,” she said softly, her hand unconsciously reaching up to stroke the small flower atop his head, as if grounding herself in the gesture. “We need Lord Manannan’s help. Let’s focus on that.”

Manannan didn’t seem at all fazed by the tension in the air. Instead, he simply looked at Astrea with that same distant, inhuman gaze that made her feel both small and significant all at once. "Indeed, you need something from me," he said, his voice taking on a more contemplative tone.

Astrea straightened, her hands clasped together as she took a deep breath. She could feel Vayne’s eyes on her, his silent warning like an echo in the back of her mind, but she wasn’t about to back down now. They needed help—desperately—and she was determined to get it.

She stepped forward, trying her best to appear calm despite the undercurrent of tension. "Lord Manannan," she began, her voice steady, though she couldn’t quite shake the uneasy flutter in her chest. "I understand there is history between you and Vayne, but I ask that you set that aside, just for a moment to aid us in breaking his curse."

Manannan’s lips curled into a faint smile, but his eyes remained cold and unreadable. “A curse, hmm?” he mused, not looking at Vayne but rather at Astrea, as though she were the only one present. “And you think I should help you because of this?” He waved a hand casually at Vayne, as if the demon cactus wasn’t even worth acknowledging. “The cursed prince who never learned to mind his manners?”

Astrea stood firm, her heart pounding as she tried to keep the conversation on track. Vayne’s grumbles from her satchel were becoming louder, but she focused on keeping her composure. "Yes, Lord Manannan," she said, maintaining eye contact. "We know Vayne hasn’t been the most... well-behaved, but that’s why we need your help. You’re the only one who can break his curse, and we’ll do whatever it takes to prove we’re worthy of your aid."

Manannan’s gaze flickered toward her once more, and this time, for the briefest of moments, something softened in his eyes. He regarded her for a long moment, the silence between them stretching long enough to make the others fidget uncomfortably.

Finally, he spoke again, his voice a little less mocking, though still filled with an air of authority. “Very well. I shall help you. But remember, mortal—there is always a price for the sea’s favor. No one leaves the waves unchanged.”

Beep fluttered anxiously around Astrea, his tiny wings a blur as he circled her head like a protective sentinel. He landed on her shoulder with a soft thud, his round eyes narrowing as he chirped in low, worried tones. He hopped closer to her neck, nudging her cheek insistently, as if urging her to reconsider the sea god’s ominous warning.

Astrea gently patted Beep, her fingers threading through his snowy feathers. “I know, Beep,” she murmured softly, her voice soothing despite the unease lingering in her heart. “But we have to trust that this is the right path.” She glanced toward Vayne, who still simmered with irritation, and then back at the pool shimmering in the distance.

Beep let out a hesitant trill, reluctant but resigned, and nestled closer against her.

With that, the tension in the room seemed to break, though not without leaving behind a lingering sense of unease. Vayne, still seething with frustration, shot one last glare at Manannan before turning his attention back to Astrea, his worry not yet fully quelled.

But they had what they came for—the sea god’s reluctant agreement. Now, they just had to figure out what it would cost them.

“If you wish to gain my favor, then you must play with the Far Darrigs,” Manannan said, almost as though it was the most normal request in the world.

Astrea blinked in confusion. “Far Darrigs? What—what are those?” she asked, glancing at Elodie and Vayne for clarification, but neither seemed to have heard of them before either.

Manannan’s smile widened, clearly enjoying their bewilderment. “Ah, how delightful. You are unfamiliar with them, are you?” He chuckled softly. “Far Darrigs are not like other creatures. They are playful, mischievous fairies, the children of the sea, who reside in the waters of Scuabtuinne. They love to play games, test mortals, and revel in innocent fun. All I ask is that you entertain them, keep them amused, and in return, I shall grant your request.”

Elodie’s eyes lit up. “Fairies! Oh, that sounds fun! We can definitely do that, right?” She looked to Astrea and Vayne, practically bouncing with excitement.

Vayne, who had been brooding in his usual cactus-like manner, groaned. “Fairies? Playing games? This sounds like another one of your brilliant plans, Astrea.”

Astrea raised her hands in mock surrender. “We don’t really have much of a choice, do we?” She was trying to keep her spirits up, despite the sense of unease still hanging in the air. “Besides, fairies can’t be that bad, right? They’re supposed to be cute and silly.”

Manannan’s dark wings rustled softly behind him, his expression unreadable. “They are harmless in their way, but difficult to please. And their games are often... unpredictable. You’ll see for yourselves soon enough. But be warned—if you fail to amuse them, there will be consequences.”

 Before anyone could respond, a rustling sound echoed from the far end of the room, and from the shadows emerged a small, colorful creature. It was no taller than Astrea’s knee, with glowing skin and fins akin to an axolotl that shimmered in the light like delicate bits of iridescent glass. Its eyes were wide, and a big grin stretched across its face.

The creature giggled—giggled—before zooming around them in a dizzying circle. “Play! Play! Play with us!” it squealed, and just as quickly as it had appeared, it darted out of view, leaving behind an echoing, infectious laughter.

“That,” Manannan said with an amused glint in his eye, “was a Far Darrig.”

Astrea’s mouth hung open slightly as she watched the tiny creature zip around. “That’s... that’s adorable! But... wait, that’s it? We just play with them?”

The sea god gave a slow, deliberate nod. “Indeed. They are simple creatures, but their hearts are pure. Their laughter is what I seek.” His eyes briefly flickered to Vayne, and a sly smile tugged at his lips. “Though, I imagine a demon prince might not find their games so... engaging.”

As the Far Darrigs began to emerge in greater numbers, the throne room quickly became a whirlwind of color and energy. The tiny creatures—each one varying in shades of blue, pink, and green—zoomed around the trio like energetic fireflies. Their soft, shimmering bodies flickered with light as they buzzed excitedly, their wide, innocent eyes locked onto their new playmates.

One Far Darrig with bright pink fins and flowers floated ran up to Elodie and squealed, "Hewwo! Wewwcome to ouw home! Pway wit' us, pwease!" Its voice was a high-pitched, almost comically exaggerated, its tiny hands clasped together in anticipation.

Elodie, who had already been charmed by the tiny creatures, clapped her hands and beamed. "Oh my goodness, you’re adorable!" she said, her voice full of unrestrained joy. She knelt down, extending her hands to one of the Far Darrigs, who happily skipped over to her, hovering around her with delighted giggles.

"Fwuffy! You wook wike a cuddy wittle bunny!" the Far Darrig giggled, its voice trailing off with a series of squeaks.

Vayne, on the other hand, stood rigidly in the center of the room, his expression a mix of disbelief and disgust as a small green Far Darrig flitted in front of him. "Wook at you, Cactus! Wook at you!" it squealed, circling him in dizzying loops. "Awe you pwetty inside, too? Pway wif us!" The creature’s high-pitched voice only made the situation worse as it kept circling him.

Vayne’s eye twitched. "I am not playing with you," he growled, swatting at the Far Darrig. "Do you have any idea who I—?"

Before he could finish, another blue Far Darrig skittled up to his face and chimed in, "Weww, do you wike hugs, Cactus? Hugs awe sooo nice!" The creature landed lightly on his shoulder, and in a shocking move, wrapped its tiny arms around his neck in a hug, causing the demon prince to stiffen even more.

Astrea watched the chaos unfold, trying to hide her smile behind her hand, though the sound of suppressed laughter was impossible to suppress. The sight of the grumpy, intimidating demon cactus—being hugged by a tiny fairy—was too much. She bit her lip, trying to keep her composure.

"Vayne, I think they're  getting a little... attached to you," she teased, though her voice was laced with a playful tone.

Vayne shot her a glare, his usual sarcasm and bravado starting to crack. "I swear, if one more of these—these things—touch me, I will... well, I don’t know what I’ll do, but I’ll make it painful," he muttered darkly.

"Fwuffy Cactus!" the blue Far Darrig chirped, and in a fit of excitement, started rubbing its face against his spiky cactus body, which only made Vayne flinch in pure horror. "Cactus needs wots of wuv! Need wots of pway!"

Elodie, meanwhile, was in the midst of an absolute whirlwind of Far Darrigs, as they swirled around her and giggled in a constant, high-pitched chorus. “I love you all!” she said, laughing as she tried to dodge their little jumps and playful pokes. One of them managed to land on her head, giggling, "Bwiend! Fwiend fwuffy!"

"You’re all so cute!" Elodie squealed, her face lit with joy. "Let’s play! What games do you want to pway?"

The pink Far Darrig on her shoulder wagged its tail in excitement. “Hide and seek, pwease! Wets pway hide and seek!”

Vayne, however, was still struggling with his own Far Darrig, which had now decided to remain attached to him like gum under shoe. “I am not playing hide and seek with a fairy,” he snarled, the tiny creature tightening its embrace cheerfully despite the venom in his voice.

Manannan’s deep voice, though calm, carried an amused undertone as he observed the scene before him. “Ah, yes. I see the game has begun. How... entertaining.” He watched with a faint smile as Vayne’s frustration grew with each passing moment, the demon prince having no idea how to handle the unrelenting affection of these tiny creatures.

The chaos continued unabated as the Far Darrigs zipped around the trio, their bright eyes gleaming with mischief and glee. What started as a simple game of hide and seek quickly devolved into a whirlwind of absurdity, as each Far Darrig took its role far too seriously, making every moment more ridiculous than the last.

Elodie, naturally, was having the time of her life. She darted in and out of corners, giggling uncontrollably every time one of the Far Darrigs found her, only for them to whisk her away to play the next round. “Gotcha!” one of the pink ones squealed, its tiny tail wagging excitedly as it held her leg captive for a few seconds before letting her go to continue the chase.

Astrea, though not as enthusiastic than Elodie, couldn’t help but be caught up in the infectious energy. She and several of the Far Darrigs had teamed up for a round of “ring toss,” which somehow involved attempting to toss flowers and stones onto each other’s heads. It was ridiculous. Astrea had a small pile of glittering gems precariously balanced on her head, and one of the blue Far Darrigs was trying to tie a flower garland around her wrist. It was an utter mess, but she couldn’t help but laugh as one of the Far Darrigs missed completely and hurled a daisy right into her face.

Beep, who initially tried to maintain his usual dignified demeanor, soon found himself swept up in the chaos as well. One of the green Far Darrigs took a particular interest in the snowy bird, chasing him with tiny hands outstretched and giggling uncontrollably. Beep, puffing up indignantly, let out a sharp chirrup of protest and darted into the air. But the Far Darrig was undeterred, twirling around beneath him with unbridled glee.

Beep let out a soft trill, as if conceding, before leaping into the air again. This time, instead of escaping, he swooped down, playfully brushing the Far Darrig with his wings. The little creature let out a delighted squeal, clapping its hands in pure joy.

Meanwhile, Vayne was at the center of the storm, and no matter how hard he tried to maintain his composure, it was clear that even the demon prince couldn’t escape the absurdity of the situation.

“Cease this!” Vayne hissed, swatting one of the Far Darrigs away from his cactus body as another creature zipped past him, dragging a trail of glimmering sea shells and iridescent pebbles behind it. “This is not how you break a curse!” His voice was strained, barely holding back his frustration, but one of the tiny green Far Darrigs flitted to his side and held up a glittering stone in both hands, chirping, “Fow you! Pwease take it!”

Vayne glared down at the stone as if it were an insult to his dignity. “I am not playing jewelry box for you.”

But the Far Darrig wouldn’t take no for an answer, gently placing the stone into Vayne’s stump hand. A few more of its companions fluttered up to him, adding bright flowers, more pebbles, and a strand of pearls into his collection. Slowly, as more and more Far Darrigs circled him, Vayne became an unwilling model of absurdity. The little creatures, with their tiny hands, began decorating his cactus body with flowers, stones, and glimmering shells, creating a garish yet somehow endearing ensemble of sparkles and blossoms.

“Wook! Wook! Cactus is a princess now!” one Far Darrig chirped excitedly, while another perched on Vayne’s shoulder and declared, “Fwuffy Cactus is pwetty! Pwetty in stwones!”

Vayne’s face was a storm cloud. His spines twitched, his body trembling, but he said nothing, fully aware that any protests would only encourage the Far Darrigs further. The entire throne room was alive with their playful shrieks and giggles as they layered him with an absurd assortment of sparkly gems, flowers, and other little trinkets.

Astrea, her hands covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle her laughter, couldn’t help but add, “You’re... you’re looking very lovely, Vayne.”

Elodie, meanwhile, was practically rolling on the ground, clutching her stomach in fits of laughter. “Oh my gosh, Vayne, you look amazing! Are you sure you don’t want to keep the flowers?”

Vayne’s eyes narrowed dangerously as the last few Far Darrigs finished their work, one of them adjusting a flower garland on top of his head. “I swear, if you don’t take these off me right now, I’ll—”

Before he could finish, the pink Far Darrig that had been on Astrea’s head earlier flitted in front of him and giggled, “You wook so pwetty, Cactus! We give you all da bestest fwiends!”

With that, the Far Darrigs let out a joyful chorus of cheers, practically celebrating their "masterpiece." They circled Vayne one last time, admiring their work. Vayne stood there, looking more like a walking flower garden than a demon prince, while his hands were now practically weighed down by the assortment of trinkets and gems that covered him.

Manannan, who had been watching the entire scene with a mild smirk, finally spoke up, his voice rich with amusement. “Ah, yes. Very... regal, Prince Vayne. You may even rival the most glamorous of my sea creatures.”

Vayne’s glare could have boiled water, but he was powerless to stop it. With a growl, he swatted a Far Darrig off his shoulder, causing the tiny creature to giggle even louder. "I am not amused."

Astrea wiped the tears from her eyes, still trying to compose herself. “I think... I think the Far Darrigs have won this round,” she managed between giggles.

Elodie, still trying to catch her breath, added, “They’ve got your number, Vayne. You’re a flower princess now.”

Vayne groaned inwardly, resigned to his fate. "I will never live this down."

~

As the Far Darrigs, now exhausted from their endless games, finally flopped down in various corners of the throne room, the once energetic creatures were now a mass of sleepy, twitching limbs. Their tiny bodies lay in heaps, the soft glow of their skin dimming as they drifted into peaceful slumber. Even their infectious laughter had faded, leaving behind only the quiet hum of the throne room.

Manannan, looking both pleased and slightly indulgent, stood near the edge of his throne. His dark wings folded behind him as he surveyed the scene, his gaze sweeping across the room with an air of finality. With a satisfied smile, he gestured toward the group.

"Well, then," he began, his voice rich with authority, "it seems they’ve had their fun. And so have I." He glanced down at the snoozing Far Darrigs before continuing. "Now, let us turn to the matter at hand."

Astrea, still trying to recover from the absurdity of the past few moments, nodded eagerly. "Right. Vayne’s curse. We need to break it."

Manannan’s eyes glinted as he met her gaze, and for a brief moment, his expression softened, though his tone remained distant. "Indeed. You seek the truth to undo what has been wrought. To break the curse of the demon prince."

It is then Manannan reveals an opening in his throne room, a spiral staircase seeming to go down below them.

"This," Manannan said, "will lead you to the Pool of Truths. A place where one may uncover the answers they seek, if they have the courage to face them." His tone shifted, becoming more solemn. "But be warned—the truth you find within may not be what you expect. Sometimes, knowing the truth is more than one is ready to bear."

Vayne, who had been silent up until now, eyed the pool with suspicion. "So I have to get in there," he grumbled, his voice low. "Submerge myself and... what? Hope that something useful happens?"

Manannan’s gaze remained fixed on Vayne, his lips curling into the faintest of smiles. "The truth does not come easily, demon. You will face what lies beneath the surface of your own soul. Whether you are ready for it or not, the truth will reveal itself."

Vayne scowled, but the words hit too close to home. He had spent so long running from his past, from the very idea of facing the truth. But now, there was no avoiding it. "Fine. But if this... truth thing is anything like your Far Darrigs, I swear I’ll—"

Manannan raised a hand, silencing Vayne with a simple gesture. "Do not think I will make it easy for you," he said, his voice turning more serious. "You will emerge from the pool changed, one way or another. And you will remember what you learn."

Astrea stepped forward, her resolve firm as she turned toward Vayne. "We’ll be with you, Vayne. Whatever the truth is, we’ll face it together."

As Astrea, Elodie, and Vayne made their way down the staircase leading toward the shimmering Pool of Truths, Manannan remained perched upon his throne, his gaze following them with a quiet intensity. The Far Darrigs, still napping in scattered little bundles, gave no indication of the momentous event unfolding before them.

The soft echoes of their footsteps bounced off the cool stone walls of the throne room, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that loomed in the air. The pool at the bottom of the stairs glowed, its surface rippling with an eerie, almost magnetic pull, as if inviting them to step closer to whatever lay beneath.

Manannan’s lips parted in the faintest of smiles, though there was something inscrutable in his expression. His eyes narrowed as they watched the trio descend, particularly lingering on Vayne. His voice, barely more than a whisper, seemed to slip through the still air, carried by the unspoken weight of centuries.

“They think they understand what they seek,” he murmured to himself, his tone distant, filled with ancient wisdom and a touch of melancholy. “But some truths… once revealed, they can never be unseen. They will learn, and then... they will wish they had never asked."

~

“Remind me once again, why am I being thrown—”

 

“Not thrown!” Said Elodie, crooked teeth in full display in a big smile as she tightened the rope around his pot, “Dipped!”

 

“And we’ll do it gently too!” Said the priestess as she prepared her what she was going to chant.

 

“….Gently dipped into the Pool of Truths..” 

 

The heroines looked at each other as if Vayne had just asked the most asinine question in the world.

 

“ Remember what Lord Mannanan said earlier in the throne room, only after bathing in the Pool of Truths will you find the answers that will undo the curse.” As Astrea finished her explanation, she went towards Elodie to help if she needed assistance with the ropes.

 

The demon cactus sighed wondering what had he ever done to Hymerark to curse him with this fate. He looked towards the cliff that led to a deep, turquoise pool glimmering under the crystal’s shimmering light. Vayne was assured that the pool’s sacred waters wouldn’t harm him, but he knew better than to trust Manannan. His companions on the other hand, were confident that this place would be the answer to his problems and could be one step closer to undoing his curse once and for all. He didn’t know if he should feel grateful for all the effort his heroines have done to get him this far.

 

“This is a very interesting rope pattern, Ellie!” Astrea exclaimed as she observed the other heroine’s handiwork, “ Where did you learn this…?”

 

Elodie beamed at her friend’s praise and explained, “ Well when I was cleaning Lady Esras’s bookshelf, she had this interesting book… I believe this style of roping had a foreign like name hmm…” she paused to ponder the name for a second, then snapped her fingers, “ Shibari was the term!”

 

…Or maybe he should go back to questioning all of his life choices and all the fae, gods, fomors alike that he pissed off.

Vayne’s eyes narrowed, though his cactus form didn’t exactly convey the full range of his emotions. Still, if looks could kill, he’d have roasted both Astrea and Elodie on the spot with the intensity of his glare. But he held his tongue, knowing that even if they didn’t quite get the situation, they had at least managed to get him this far.

The rope situation, however, was rapidly spiraling into the absurd. Elodie was doing her best to tie him securely, but the way she was smiling so brightly while handling the ropes made him wonder if this was the kind of "help" he could do without.

Beep perched on a nearby rock, his tiny head tilted to the side as he watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He fluffed his feathers, letting out a soft, incredulous chirp that sounded suspiciously like a snicker.

Vayne, glaring up at the bird, hissed through clenched teeth, “I don’t suppose you’d like to help instead of laughing at my misery?”

Beep let out a trill that was unmistakably smug, hopping closer to observe the intricate web of ropes now encasing Vayne’s pot. His beady eyes sparkled with curiosity as Elodie adjusted a knot with the enthusiasm of a craftswoman perfecting her art.

Astrea, unable to contain her giggles, added, “Maybe Beep could take notes. I’m sure he’d love to learn such… creative binding techniques.”

Beep puffed up indignantly, hopping onto Vayne’s pot as if to inspect the work himself. With a quick peck at one of the knots, he tilted his head toward Astrea and chirped, clearly finding the entire situation utterly ridiculous but too entertained to intervene.

“I’m so glad everyone is enjoying this,” Vayne muttered, sarcasm dripping from every word. “Bound like a sacrifice, and my only audience is two giggling girls and a smug little bird.”

Elodie gave the final knot a satisfied tug, stepping back with a proud grin. “There! Secure, stylish, and completely curse-breaking-ready!”

Astrea patted Vayne’s pot with a reassuring smile. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

Astrea and Elodie positioned themselves carefully at the edge of the cliff, the turquoise pool below shimmering with an otherworldly glow. The soft hum of magic pulsed in the air, sending ripples across the surface of the water. Astrea took a deep breath, glancing at Elodie, who gave a confident nod as she tightened her grip on the rope.

“Alright, Vayne,” Astrea said gently, “we’re lowering you slowly. Just… trust us.”

“Trust you?” Vayne’s tone was incredulous, though laced with reluctant acceptance. “You’ve tied me up like a festival piñata and now expect me to calmly dip into some mystical pool conjured by a god who hates me?”

Astrea maintained her patient tone. “Yes!.”

Elodie giggled as she began to lower the rope, her arms tensing with effort. “Think of it as a relaxing bath. A cursed, truth-revealing bath.”

Vayne let out an exaggerated sigh, resigned to his fate. “Relaxing. Of course.”

As Astrea began to chant a prayer, she felt the tickle of dust or pollen in her nose, a telltale warning that came far too late. “Ah… ah… ACHOO!” The sneeze erupted, echoing through the cavern with an impressive volume.

Startled, Elodie’s hands slipped on the rope, and in the blink of an eye, it shot through her grasp. “Ah! No, no, no—” she yelped, scrambling to regain control.

Vayne’s exasperated shout followed immediately after. “Are you serious?!”

With a loud splash, his body hit the water hard, face down, sinking slowly until he was fully submerged. The impact sent a plume of glittering water into the air, the ripples glowing like molten silver as they spread across the pool.

Beep, perched nearby, let out a sharp chirp of disapproval, ruffling his feathers and giving the pair a pointed look.

Astrea wiped her nose, wide-eyed and horrified. “Oh no! Vayne, I’m so sorry!” She lunged forward, grabbing the rope and tugging frantically. Elodie joined in, both girls pulling with all their might, trying not to lose the rope entirely, but it was too late. The rope hissed through their hands one final time, vanishing into the shimmering pool as Vayne plunged into the abyss below. Astrea and Elodie froze, breathless and wide-eyed, the only sound the soft ripples echoing across the crystalline cavern.

~

As Vayne sank deeper into the pool, the weightlessness of the water was eerie. The light from above dimmed, swallowed by the abyss until only shadows remained. He drifted, half-conscious, his mind hazy from the impact. For a brief, blissful moment, there was only silence—no bickering with heroines, no smug sea gods or self righteous guardians, just the cool, enveloping stillness of the Pool of Truths.

But peace was fleeting.

As Vayne drifted deeper into the abyss, the stillness that had once been comforting began to shift. The silence morphed into a low hum, vibrating through his very being. Coldness crept into the depths of his soul, a reminder of the isolation he had come to know all too well.

Suddenly, the shadows around him began to twist and writhe, as if the darkness itself had come alive. Faces emerged from the depths, their expressions contorted in disdain.

“You always were too ambitious. Too much of a threat. And look at you now. Reduced to this,” the voices sneered, dripping with contempt. “A pitiful thing. Not even worthy of being called a demon.”

Vayne's chest tightened as the faces, one after another, blurred together, all voices shouting their condemnations. Humans. Gods. Demons. All of them had cast him aside, all of them had turned their backs on him, treating him as a thing to be feared, to be dismissed.

"You’re not worth saving,” they all seemed to say in unison, the words ringing in his ears like the tolling of a bell. “You’re nothing."

Vayne’s body trembled beneath the weight of the accusations. Each vision, each face, each voice felt like a dagger twisting in his heart. They didn’t just reject him—they had stripped him of his worth, his dignity. Every betrayal, every slight came rushing back with a force that felt suffocating.

And then, in the midst of the swirling darkness, a new face appeared—a face that was different from all the others.

Astrea.

Her eyes were warm, her smile kind. She was standing before him, just as she had on that first day, when she had found him in his cactus form. The memory was so vivid, so real, it felt like a touch on his very soul. Her presence was a balm to the rawness of his emotions, the storm that had raged within him for so long. There was no fear in her eyes, no hesitation. Just a steady, unshakable warmth. The same warmth she had shown him when they first met, when she had gazed upon his cursed form not with disgust, but with compassion.

"You’re not nothing, Vayne," her voice came, soft but steady. "You matter."

As the swirling darkness of the pool began to fade, Vayne’s mind was pulled into yet another vision, this time one much gentler, almost ethereal. He found himself standing in a field of tall, golden grass, the soft hum of the wind swirling around him, caressing his face like a familiar touch. The sun overhead cast a warm glow, and the air was filled with the scent of flowers—fresh and intoxicating.

Through the gentle sway of the grass, a figure approached him.

It was Elodie.

Her bright eyes sparkled with the same mischievous glint he had come to know, but there was something more in them now—something deeper. A purity that reached beyond her playful exterior. She walked toward him with that same radiant smile, her laughter echoing in the stillness, but it was different now. It was soft, like the sound of wind chimes, and the joy in it felt like something untainted, unburdened.

"You always take things so seriously, Vayne," Elodie said, her voice like a song that wrapped around his heart. "But you don’t have to be alone anymore."

Vayne's breath caught in his throat.

A glimmer pierced the darkness, flickering like a flame. It twisted and expanded, forming hazy, shimmering shapes around him. Faint echoes of laughter swirled through the void, familiar voices tugging at his frayed thoughts.

Astrea’s soft laughter—gentle, warm, full of hope.

Elodie’s bright giggles—mischievous, unshakable, and always laced with light.

“You don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone,” They whispered,  soft as a breeze. “We’re here.”

The connection between them, so pure and full of light, made something in Vayne’s chest tighten with longing. This was a feeling he had never truly experienced—not in the cold courts of demons, nor in the harsh light of gods and humans. The heroines’ souls, so unburdened, so genuine, was a beacon in his stormy world.

And then, as quickly as the vision had come, it was gone.

Vayne’s heart clenched.

“Why do you care?” a voice—his own—asked bitterly, though it sounded distant, hollow. “They’re human. You’re nothing but a cursed demon. You’ll leave when this is over. You always leave.”

Another glimmer took form before him, and suddenly, there they were—Astrea and Elodie—floating in the void. Not as they were, but as perfect memories etched into his mind. Astrea, with her quiet strength and radiant purity, always trying to be more than she felt she could be. Elodie, reckless and vibrant, a spark in the darkness, lighting paths where none existed.

They stood before him, but they weren’t truly there. And still, they made his chest ache.

He clenched his stub fists, his cactus spines trembling. "Why?" he growled into the void. "Why do I care? Why should it matter?"

A mirror-like surface rippled into view before him, reflecting not the cactus he had become, but the man he once was—proud, defiant, and alone. His reflection spoke, its voice cruel but unflinching.
"Because you were always afraid to be forgotten."

Vayne’s breath hitched. The words struck deeper than any curse. "No..." he whispered, voice cracking, the icy truth wrapping around him like chains.

“You care,” the reflection hissed, “because they see you. The real you. And you don’t know what’s more terrifying—being saved or being left behind.”

As the vision wavered, the shimmering void grew heavy, the weight of his hidden emotions crashing into him. Fear. Anger. Hope. Affection. He let out a ragged breath, and for the first time, allowed himself to feel it all.

“I... care,” he admitted, the words soft but undeniable.

And with that admission, the void shifted, the darkness peeling away to reveal a glimmering light ahead—a doorway to the truth that would set him free.

~

Vayne's eyes fluttered open, his surroundings blurry for a moment as he struggled to piece together what had just happened. He was still submerged in the Pool of Truths, but the weightless, surreal feeling had faded, replaced by the unmistakable sensation of movement around him. He could feel the cool water lapping against his skin, but something was... off.

Suddenly, from the depths of the pool, a figure emerged, swimming toward him with surprising grace. It was Astrea, her usual serene expression replaced by a look of determination as she cut through the water. But there was something else—something that caught his eye.

She was... wrapped in the exact same exotic rope pattern as him. For a moment, Vayne blinked in confusion, unsure whether he was still dreaming or if this was yet another absurd twist to the day's chaos.

"A—Astrea?" Vayne sputtered, still dazed. "What—why are you—?"

"Hold on, Vayne!" she called back with a grin, though her voice was tinged with an unmistakable edge of panic as she reached out to grab him. "I'm here to rescue you!"

Before he could respond, there was a sudden tug from above. Elodie’s voice echoed from the surface, her tone much more casual than the situation warranted.

"Gotcha!" she shouted, her hands gripping the rope as she pulled them both upward with surprising strength.

As they ascended, Vayne’s heart pounded, not from fear, but from the odd combination of absurdity and relief washing over him.

Up on the surface, Beep chirped anxiously, clearly eager to see the rescue mission conclude without any further hiccups. His tiny form fluttered nervously, watching the Elodie haul Vayne and Astrea from the pool.

Astrea, though still half-submerged, reached and grabbed the rope, her fingers slipping slightly from the wet surface, but she managed to steady it as she added her own strength to the effort.

Vayne couldn’t help but let out a frustrated grunt. "I swear, if I never see another rope or pool again—"

"Just hang on, Vayne!" Astrea urged, her tone encouraging despite the craziness of the situation. "We're almost there!"

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of pulling, slipping, and muttered complaints, they breached the surface. Vayne was hoisted onto solid ground, water dripping off him in a cascade. His pot gave a small, discontented clink as it settled back onto the rocky shore. Astrea tumbled alongside him, half-soaked and tangled in the rope, while Elodie stood with a smug grin, hands on her hips, looking more pleased with herself than anyone really should after a near-drowning.

Beep flew down from his perch, fluttering anxiously around them. The little bird's eyes darted between the trio, his wings moving in quick, uncertain beats, clearly relieved to see everyone safe but still visibly frazzled by the chaos. He perched on Astrea’s shoulder, offering a soft chirp of reassurance.

Vayne, dripping wet and looking like he had just narrowly avoided disaster, wiped his brow with a stub hand that was still soaked. "I… I’m starting to think you two are cursed in your own right. What was that?"

Astrea, with an exasperated but affectionate smile, shrugged. "That was what you call teamwork, Vayne. You know, we couldn't let you have all the fun."

Elodie, giggling despite herself, added, "And a little bit of rope play never hurt anyone!"

Vayne gave her a sidelong glance, still slightly annoyed but unable to keep the humor from creeping into his voice. “Right. The ropes... I’ve had enough of those for a lifetime.”

Astrea knelt beside him, carefully brushing off the remnants of water from his pot.“There we go,” she said, her tone light. “Good as new.”

Vayne gave her a flat look. “Good as new? I was just tossed into a magical abyss and dragged out like a sack of potatoes.”

Astrea’s lips twitched, trying to suppress a laugh. “Well, technically, you weren’t dragged—you were delicately retrieved.”

“Delicately retrieved?” Vayne echoed, incredulous. “You sneezed, I got dunked, and then you tied yourself up and jumped in after me. If that’s your idea of ‘delicate,’ I’m genuinely terrified to see what ‘clumsy’ looks like.”

Elodie, who had been rummaging through her bag nearby, snorted loudly. “Oh, come on, Vayne. Admit it—you enjoyed the ride.”

“I enjoyed nothing,” Vayne grumbled, though the corner of his mouth twitched as if betraying a smirk.

Astrea leaned in with a sweet smile, her fingers still working on wiping off the last few specks of water. “You sure? Because you look like you’re having a great time. You’ve got that whole brooding, handsome cactus thing going on.”

Vayne sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. “Astrea, you’re terrible at compliments.”

Elodie chimed in, holding up a shiny rock she had found. “Hey, maybe we should decorate him again, like the Far Darrigs did earlier. Add a little flair to his brooding aesthetic!”

Beep chirped in agreement, hopping onto Vayne’s pot and puffing up proudly as if volunteering to oversee the decoration project.

Vayne groaned. “I am not a Christmas tree.”

Astrea giggled, her earlier concern melting away in the lighthearted banter. “Don’t worry, Vayne. We’ll only use tasteful accessories.”

“Great,” Vayne muttered, resigned but unable to keep a small, reluctant smile from creeping onto his face. “Just don’t tie me up again, or so help me—”

Elodie waved her hand dismissively. “Relax, Vayne. We’ve retired the ropes… for now.” She shot him a playful wink.

Beep flapped his wings, giving a chirp that somehow sounded suspiciously like laughter, as Vayne sighed once more. This was his life now—an absurd, chaotic mix of antics and well-meaning but occasionally disastrous rescue attempts.

And, against all odds, he didn’t entirely hate it.

The playful atmosphere shattered as the ground beneath them rumbled violently, sending loose rocks skittering across the cavern floor. The crystalline pool rippled with an eerie glow, the water churning as if disturbed by an unseen force.

Astrea’s smile faltered, her hand instinctively gripping Vayne’s pot. “What’s happening?”

Vayne’s expression darkened, his amusement vanishing. “The cave’s collapsing. We need to get out. Now.”

Elodie, still clutching her shiny rock trophy, stumbled backward as a larger tremor shook the cavern. “Whoa—okay, this is less fun now!” she said, forcing a nervous laugh, though her eyes betrayed growing concern.

A deafening crack echoed through the chamber as part of the ceiling gave way, sending shards of crystal crashing down. Beep squawked in alarm, fluttering frantically to avoid the falling debris.

“Elodie!” Astrea cried, reaching out just as her friend darted to avoid another collapsing section. But her foot caught on an uneven patch of ground, and she fell hard, the rock in her hand clattering away.

Astrea rushed to her side. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine—just clumsy,” Elodie tried to joke, but as she lifted her head, Astrea froze.

A fine web of cracks spread across Elodie’s cheek, spidering out like fractures in porcelain. Her skin shimmered unnaturally under the cavern’s dim light, her usual rosy complexion now pale and translucent.

“Elodie… your face,” Astrea whispered, horrified.

Vayne’s eyes widened, his usual sardonic composure replaced by genuine alarm. “That’s not normal,” he muttered. “What’s wrong with her?”

Elodie touched her cheek, her fingers trembling as she traced the cracks. She let out a soft, shaky laugh, though it lacked her usual mirth. “Well, that’s new…”

Astrea’s voice trembled. “We have to get out of here. Vayne, can you sense any magic causing this?”

“No,” Vayne said grimly. “But whatever’s happening, it’s not good.”

Another tremor rocked the cave, and this time, a large chunk of crystal shattered near them, splintering into dangerous shards. Beep swooped down, chirping anxiously, nudging Astrea as if urging her to move.

Astrea wrapped her arms around Elodie, struggling to pull her to her feet. “We’re leaving. Now.”

Elodie swayed but nodded, though the cracks in her face deepened with every step. “Yeah… let’s make a dramatic exit before I fall apart—literally.”

~

The cool, crisp air of the forest rushed to greet them as they stumbled out of the collapsing cavern, gasping for breath. The ground beneath their feet was solid again, the tremors fading into distant echoes. Above, the sky was painted with streaks of gold and violet, the sun dipping toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing.

Astrea collapsed to her knees, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. “We made it…” she panted, glancing over at Elodie, who was leaning against a tree, her hand still pressed to her cracked cheek.

Vayne, back in his pot and thoroughly drenched, glared at the two girls with a mix of exasperation and relief. “Well, that was utterly traumatic. Thank you both for the ride through the abyss.”

Beep fluttered down to perch on Astrea’s shoulder, ruffling his feathers indignantly, clearly still rattled. He let out a sharp chirp, as if to say, I told you this was a bad idea.

Astrea reached up and gently patted Beep’s head, offering a small, tired smile. “We’re okay, Beep. That’s what matters.”

Elodie gave a weak laugh, though her usual sparkle was dimmed. “Barely,” she muttered, wincing as she touched the cracks again. “Well, at least we didn’t drown… or get crushed. So that’s a win, right?”

Vayne’s gaze softened, despite himself. “You’re cracking like a vase, and you’re still making jokes. What in Hymerark’s name are you made of?”

Elodie flashed a grin, though it was strained. “Optimism, obviously.”

Astrea frowned, moving closer to inspect the fractures. “This isn’t normal… we need to find a way to fix it. Maybe the Pool of Truths—”

Vayne cut her off, his tone serious for once. “No. We’re not going back in there. Not until we know more.”

The forest around them was calm, almost eerily so, as if the world had no idea what had just transpired. The only sounds were the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

Astrea knelt beside Elodie, her expression determined. “We’ll figure this out,” she promised, her voice steady despite the fear lingering in her eyes. “Together.”

Elodie gave a tired but genuine smile. “Together.”

The fire crackled softly, its warm light flickering over the tense faces of the group. They had set up camp in a small clearing, surrounded by towering trees whose branches wove together to form a protective canopy. The air was heavy with unspoken worries, each of them lost in their own thoughts as they sat in a loose circle.

The group settled around a small campfire, the orange glow casting flickering shadows across the clearing. The earlier humor had faded, replaced by a heavy tension that hung in the air like a fog. Astrea poked at the fire with a stick, her brow furrowed in thought. Elodie was nearby, laying on a small blanket with her back turned towards the others. Beep perched on a low branch, silent for once, watching them all with an uncharacteristic solemnity.

Vayne remained in his pot, close to the fire, the light accentuating the sharp lines of his face. His expression was unreadable, but there was a weariness in his eyes that Astrea hadn’t seen before. She hesitated for a moment, then glanced up at him, her voice soft but steady.

“Vayne… what did you see?” she asked. “In the Pool of Truths. Was there anything—anything at all—that could help us break your curse?”

For a long moment, Vayne didn’t answer. His gaze was fixed on the fire, the flames reflecting in his dark eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter than usual, stripped of its usual sarcasm.

“I saw…” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “I saw the faces of those who cursed me. Humans, gods, demons… all the ones I wronged, all the ones who cast me aside. Their hatred was like chains, dragging me down.”

Astrea’s grip tightened on her stick. “But there had to be something more,” she pressed gently. “Something we can use.”

Vayne’s jaw clenched, his tone bitter. “I saw my past. I relived my failures, my arrogance… But then…” His voice softened, almost reluctant. “I saw you. And Elodie. And I realized… the curse wasn’t just theirs.”

Astrea tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, the weight of the truth finally breaking through. “The curse feeds on more than hatred. It thrives on isolation, on rejection. The key… might not be in breaking it, but in undoing what allowed it to take hold in the first place.”

Elodie looked back, her expression unusually serious. “You’re saying… it’s tied to something emotional?”

Vayne nodded. “Trust. Forgiveness. Connection.” His gaze met Astrea’s, and for once, there was no mocking in his tone. “Things I’ve never truly embraced.”

The fire crackled in the silence that followed, each of them lost in thought. Finally, Astrea spoke, her voice resolute. “Then that’s where we’ll start. Together, we’ll find a way to undo this.”

Elodie smirked, her usual mischief returning. “Looks like you’re stuck with us, Cactus Prince.”

Vayne rolled his eyes, but the faintest smile tugged at his lips. “Wonderful.”

The campfire had dwindled to embers, casting a dim, warm glow across the clearing. The soft crackle of the remaining flames mixed with the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. Beep was nestled on a low branch, his feathers fluffed up as he dozed peacefully. Even Vayne, who usually watched with a sharp, skeptical eye, had drifted off, his handsome cactus face slack with an almost absurd serenity as he snored faintly in his pot.

Astrea, however, remained wide awake, sitting cross-legged near the fire. She hugged her knees to her chest, eyes darting around the quiet forest. The weight of the day’s events lingered on her shoulders. She couldn’t help but glance over at Elodie, who lay unnervingly still, her porcelain-like skin gleaming faintly in the firelight. It was as if she wasn’t breathing, her face too serene, too perfect—like a doll placed carefully on a shelf.

Astrea shivered, the eerie stillness making her uneasy. She bit her lip and whispered, “Elodie…?” She received no answer.

Gathering her courage, Astrea leaned over and gave Elodie’s shoulder a gentle nudge. “Hey, are you okay?”

Elodie’s head turned unnaturally slowly, her eyes fluttering open in a smooth, almost mechanical way. For a moment, she stared at Astrea without blinking, her face blank. Then, without warning, she grinned, far too wide for comfort.

Astrea froze. “Uh… Elodie?”

“Elodie’s asleep,” Elodie said, her voice sing-song but disturbingly hollow. “But I’m not.”

Astrea jerked back, heart pounding. “Wh-what do you mean?”

There was a long, tense pause before Elodie’s face cracked into a snort, and she doubled over in laughter. “Gotcha!” she wheezed, clutching her sides. “You should’ve seen your face!”

Astrea’s heart, which had been ready to leap out of her chest, settled into an annoyed thump. She glared. “That wasn’t funny!”

Elodie giggled harder, wiping tears from her eyes. “It was a little funny.”

From his pot, Vayne mumbled in his sleep, “Idiots…” before slipping back into his cactus slumber.

Astrea exhaled, shaking her head with a mixture of exasperation and relief. But as she lay back down, her eyes lingered on Elodie’s still figure once more. Despite the laughter, the eerie stillness still gnawed at her, and she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that the joke wasn’t entirely a joke.

~

Morning came quietly, the golden light of dawn filtering through the forest canopy. The fire had long since burned out, leaving behind a few cold embers. Beep was already fluttering about, chirping softly as he stretched his wings. Astrea groaned and stretched, rubbing sleep from her eyes, when something caught her attention.

Elodie’s sleeping spot was empty.

At first, Astrea blinked in confusion. She sat up and scanned the clearing. “Elodie?” she called out, her voice cracking with sleep. There was no response, only the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. Her heart immediately leapt into panic mode.

“She’s gone!” Astrea exclaimed, scrambling to her feet. “What if she was abducted? Or maybe she sleepwalked into a fae trap! Or—or—what if she was turned into a tree?”

Vayne, still nestled snugly in his pot, cracked one eye open. “A tree,” he repeated flatly.

“Yes!” Astrea began pacing, her hands flailing dramatically. “You know how fae magic works! They could’ve cursed her in her sleep! What if she’s rooted somewhere nearby, unable to speak? We have to start knocking on every tree trunk!”

Vayne sighed, his cactus face still half-asleep. “Astrea, she probably just wandered off. Maybe she went to find food or relieve herself. Let’s not jump straight to tree transformation.”

Astrea whirled on him, eyes wide. “That’s exactly what the fae would want you to think!”

Beep, fluttering nervously above, chirped in agreement with Astrea’s panic, clearly adding fuel to the fire.

“Great,” Vayne muttered. “Now the bird’s in on it.”

Astrea grabbed her staff, resolute. “We need to form a search party. Elodie could be in serious trouble. Or bark. Or leaves.”

Vayne shook his head, the very picture of cactus-level patience. “We’re not forming a search party for a girl who’s probably off picking berries.”

Just then, Elodie’s cheerful voice called out from the edge of the clearing. “Morning, everyone! I found some wildflowers! Vayne will look great decorated with them.”

Astrea froze mid-panic, turning slowly. There stood Elodie, bright-eyed and completely unharmed, holding a bundle of flowers in her arms.

Vayne smirked. “See? No trees involved.”

Astrea flushed crimson, clutching her staff. “I—I knew that.”

Elodie tilted her head, oblivious. “Why does Beep look like he’s about to faint?”

Vayne, Astrea, and Beep exchanged glances, the three of them metaphorically—and quite literally in Beep’s case—sweat-dropping as they watched Elodie hum to herself, blissfully oblivious.

Astrea cleared her throat, smoothing her robes as though that would erase the embarrassing spectacle from moments before. “Alright, now that we’re all accounted for,” she said pointedly, “let’s figure out our next move.”

Vayne crossed his arms—or rather, tried to. “From what I saw in the Pool of Truths, the key lies in confronting the source of my curse. And no, it’s not as simple as finding the one who cast it.”

Elodie plopped down beside him, her usual cheery grin plastered across her face. “Sounds cryptic! So what’s the source? A haunted sword? A cursed necklace? An evil twin?”

Astrea leaned forward, eager. “Or maybe a sacred site tied to the god who cursed you?”

Vayne hesitated, his face unusually thoughtful, his usual sarcasm replaced by a rare seriousness. “It’s tied to Hymerark, the god of judgment,” he said slowly, the name tasting bitter on his tongue. “He’s the one who placed the curse. To break it, I must confront him.”

Astrea and Elodie exchanged uneasy glances. Beep let out a worried chirp, fluttering closer to Astrea’s shoulder as if sensing the weight of Vayne’s words.

Astrea leaned forward, her brows furrowed in concern. “Confront Hymerark? The god who cursed you?” Her voice was soft, almost disbelieving. “But how? Gods don’t exactly have an address.”

Vayne’s gaze didn’t waver. “It’s not just about finding him,” he continued, his voice low. “I have to force him to see me. To judge me again. That’s what the Pool of Truths showed me.”

Astrea’s expression softened. “But why would Hymerark listen? He cursed you for a reason, didn’t he?”

Vayne’s mouth twisted into a grim smile. “Because gods crave one thing above all: proof. Proof that they were right… or wrong. If I can challenge the judgment that cursed me, maybe—just maybe—I can force him to lift it.”

It is decided then, the group form around in a circle as they brainstorm their next plan to get an eldritch god’s attention.

Astrea leaned forward, sketching rough lines into the dirt with a stick. “So… to get Hymerark’s attention, we need something big. Something daring.”

Elodie, who had been oddly serene, her lilac eyes distant, finally spoke up. “Why not have Vayne tame a volcano again?” Her voice was soft, but the impact was like lightning.

Silence fell over the group.

Vayne’s sharp features twisted into a mix of incredulity and disdain. “You want me, in this prickly, pint-sized form, to tame a volcano?” His sardonic tone dripped with disbelief. “Sure. Let me just stretch my  arms and get right on that.”

Astrea’s jaw dropped, torn between laughing and scolding. “Elodie, you can’t be serious.”

Elodie’s soft smile didn’t falter. “Why not?” she replied innocently. “You wanted something big.”

Astrea exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Vayne, the stick slipping from her fingers. “Wait… the riddle.” Her voice trembled with excitement. “It mentioned a volcano, didn’t it?”

Beep let out a shrill chirp, flapping his wings in a way that almost seemed like reluctant agreement. He perched on Astrea’s shoulder, glaring at Elodie with a mixture of irritation and surprise.

Vayne’s expression darkened, though his crimson eyes glimmered with reluctant intrigue. “Are you suggesting,” he said slowly, “that Elodie’s wild idea actually fits the riddle?”

Astrea nodded, her pulse quickening. “It might! But the real challenge is… finding a volcano nearby.” She frowned, glancing at the horizon. “There’s nothing like that anywhere close.”

Beep gave a dismissive chirp as if to say, Of course, there isn’t, but Astrea bit her lip thoughtfully. “Unless… there’s something hidden we’ve overlooked.”

Astrea’s fingers tapped nervously against her staff as her mind drifted back to Esras’s cottage. She could still see the three symbols etched into mist—each one humming with hidden meaning. The last symbol haunted her most: a moon-shaped tear, splitting as if the very essence of something fragile was being torn apart.

Her heart clenched. What if the volcano isn’t just a clue? What if it’s tied to something breaking… or something being mended?

She turned her gaze to Elodie, who sat serenely, still with that soft, knowing smile. “Elodie,” Astrea said hesitantly, “when you suggested the volcano… did you already know?”

Elodie tilted her head, the flowers in her hair trembling like tiny bells. “I had a feeling,” she replied quietly. “Sometimes the answers are loud, and sometimes they’re hidden in the quiet spaces between.”

~

As the group trudged along the winding path through the forest, their spirits were oddly light despite the weight of their situation. The air was crisp, and the sun filtered through the branches in soft golden beams. Despite the looming task of confronting Hymerark and the unknown challenges ahead, something about the day felt almost absurd.

The air was crisp, but despite the beauty of the day, there was an undeniable tension hanging in the air.

Elodie, normally quick and sprightly, had begun to lag behind. Her pale skin was marked with cracks—tiny fissures spreading from her face down her arms and legs. Every step she took seemed like a battle, and yet, despite the pain, there was a curious lack of concern in her demeanor.

"Elodie," Astrea called, turning back with a furrowed brow in concern, "are you okay?"

Elodie smiled faintly, though it looked strained. “Just peachy,” she said with a teasing wink. “I’m sure I’ll shake it off.” Her words came out in a slightly cracked tone, but the humor still lingered.

Astrea slowed her pace, her concern for Elodie growing as the cracks on her companion’s skin spread further with each step. She offered a soft smile, though her eyes betrayed the worry she was trying to hide. “If you need to rest, just say the word,” Astrea murmured, her voice gentle as she walked beside Elodie. “We’ll stop for as long as you need.”

Elodie, however, gave a small shrug, trying to brush off the discomfort. “I’m fine. Really.” Her smile returned, though it faltered slightly as she wiped at one of the larger cracks on her cheek. “I’ve had worse. Trust me.”

Meanwhile, Vayne, feeling the weight of the group's slowing pace, couldn't help but grow impatient. With a quick flick of his thorned body, he bounced ahead, determined to find a moongate. His cactus form was surprisingly agile, and despite his occasional sarcasm, he wasn't about to let this journey be derailed.

“There’s a moongate nearby,” he called back over his shoulder, his voice suddenly sharp with determination. “And we’re going to find it. No more distractions.”

Astrea’s eyes shifted to the horizon, trying to maintain a balance between her desire to help Elodie and her need to keep up with Vayne’s relentless search. “A moongate,” she repeated, her mind whirling. "That could take us to where we need to go... if we can just find it.”

Elodie took another slow step, the cracks on her skin deepening as her energy seemed to drain with every movement. Astrea lingered beside her, walking just a little slower now, her brow furrowed in concern. She glanced back toward Vayne, who was bounding ahead, his cactus form swaying with his exaggerated movements.

"Vayne!" Astrea called, trying to balance her attention between the two. "Wait up!"

Vayne paused, turning to look back, his crimson eyes glinting with determination. "If we stop now, we’ll never make it to the moongate," he called back, already taking another step forward, his pace unrelenting.

Astrea’s frown deepened. "We need to keep an eye on Elodie—she’s not doing well."

“I’ll be fine,” Elodie interrupted, her voice light despite the increasing cracks on her arms. “I just need a little more… time.” Her tone was playful, though it was clear she was struggling to hide the fatigue.

Vayne scowled but didn't hesitate, as though the pursuit of the moongate was too important to delay. "We need to find that moongate, Astrea. Without it, we’re stuck." He began moving again, his steps quickening as he pressed forward.

Astrea watched him for a moment, torn between her loyalty to Elodie and the urgency of their quest. “Stay close, Elodie,” she said softly, trying to steady her friend. “We’ll catch up to him.”

Elodie nodded, but as they moved, the cracks in her skin continued to spread, her face becoming more and more like a puzzle piecing itself together. Despite the pain, there was a glimmer of determination in her eyes—no matter how fractured, she wasn’t going to stop.

Astrea lifted her friend with surprising ease to carry on her back, her determination renewed. "Hold on tight," she said, glancing ahead at Vayne, who was already moving faster despite his small form. "We’re catching up!"

Elodie, with no strength left to argue, simply leaned her head against Astrea’s back. “Go forth…my brave steed..”

Vayne, ahead of them, heard the exchange and slowed slightly, his sharp gaze flicking over his shoulder. His eyes narrowed in concern as he saw Elodie on Astrea’s back, the cracks on her skin more pronounced now. Despite his impatience, he couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling in his chest.

"She's not doing well," Vayne muttered to himself. “Maybe I should—”

But the thought was quickly replaced by his usual sharp resolve. He shook his head, forcing his focus back on the task at hand. No. Hymerark waits for no one. I can't let this detour me.

The group at last arrived at a moongate hidden behind a wall of dense shrubbery, the ancient stone  almost indistinguishable from the wild growth surrounding it. The air hummed with an eerie stillness, the blue crystal shimmering faintly in the daylight, but it was clear it wouldn’t be usable until nightfall. The mood shifted, the urgency of their quest tempered by the need to rest.

Astrea carefully set Elodie down in the soft grass, her face furrowed with concern as she gently propped her up. The cracks on Elodie’s skin had grown larger, spreading like veins of stone beneath her skin. Elodie’s usually bright eyes were dulled, her gaze unfocused as she stared into the distance, her expression faraway and unresponsive.

Beep, ever the comforting presence, perched beside her. He held a few small shiny rocks in his beak, offering them to Elodie in the way he knew best—silent and calm. Despite his lack of speech, his gentle gestures seemed to speak volumes, trying to reach her in the only way he could.

Astrea moved to prepare something for Elodie to eat, quietly chopping vegetables and other ingredients, trying to put together a meal that would ease her weary body, though the worry never left her eyes.

Vayne lingered a few paces away, standing stiffly, his gaze flicking between the moongate and Elodie. His usual sharp resolve felt heavy, his thoughts clouded with doubt. He stood there, distant, as if grappling with a decision he couldn’t make.

She’s not doing well, he thought, his lips pressing together. I can’t ignore it.

He glanced back toward Astrea, who was focused on Elodie, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to feed her. His chest tightened, and for a moment, he almost stepped forward—almost said something—but the thought was quickly replaced by the reminder of their mission. Hymerark waits for no one.

Vayne exhaled sharply, shaking his head. No. I can’t let this detour me. We need to move forward. But the weight of his decision lingered, the nagging feeling in his chest growing heavier. He looked once more at Elodie, her face pale and cracked, and for a moment, just a moment, he wondered if this was the price of his curse.

~

The sky darkened gradually, the sun’s golden glow giving way to deep indigo hues. Stars began to prick the sky, their faint light casting a soft glow over the quiet clearing. The moongate shimmered faintly, the intricate runes carved into the stone beginning to pulse with a silvery light as the night deepened.

Astrea knelt by the small campfire she had built, the flames crackling softly as they licked at the cool night air. The scent of herbs and simmering broth filled the clearing, but the warmth of the fire did little to chase away the chill of her unease. She glanced over at Elodie, who lay still on the soft grass, her cracked skin glinting in the moonlight like fractured porcelain.

The low hum of the moongate deepened, the silvery light growing brighter as it prepared to activate. Vayne turned, his face sharp with purpose, though the tension in his jaw betrayed the conflict simmering beneath. “It’s time,” he announced, his voice firm. “We need to be ready. The moongate will take us to the nearest volcanic region.”

Astrea glanced up from where she knelt beside Elodie, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. “I don’t think she can move,” she said softly, her voice thick with worry. “She hasn’t responded for hours.”

Vayne’s gaze flickered toward Elodie, and for a moment, his expression softened. But he quickly hardened it again, straightening as if steeling himself. “We don’t have a choice,” he said, though the edge in his voice was less harsh than usual. “The gate won’t wait. If we miss this chance, we may never get another.”

Astrea bit her lip, torn. “She needs rest… more time.”

“We don’t have time,” Vayne snapped, though his eyes lingered on Elodie’s fragile form. He exhaled sharply, rubbing a stub hand over his face in frustration. “We move her carefully. I’ll help if I have to, but we can’t stay.”

Beep hopped closer to Elodie, giving a quiet chirp of protest, but Astrea gently brushed her fingers through his feathers, murmuring a soft reassurance. She looked up at Vayne, her eyes filled with uncertainty but also a spark of resolve. “Then we do it together. But if she falters… we stop.”

Vayne nodded, the tension between them heavy. “Agreed. But we can’t stop for long.”

Astrea adjusted Elodie’s limp form carefully on her back, tightening the makeshift straps she’d fashioned to keep her secure. Elodie’s head rested against Astrea’s shoulder, her breathing shallow but steady, the cracks on her skin glimmering faintly in the moongate’s glow. Beep perched on Astrea’s shoulder, his small wings tucked close, his usual energy subdued.

Vayne stood in front of the gate, the swirling silver light casting long shadows across his angular face. He glanced back once, eyes lingering on Elodie, before focusing on the task ahead. “Hold tight,” he said, his voice low but steady. “The moongate isn’t gentle.”

Astrea nodded, her grip tightening on Elodie. “I’m ready.”

The hum of the moongate crescendoed, the runes etched into the stone flaring to life with a brilliant light. In an instant, the clearing was bathed in blinding silver, and the world seemed to fall away. Gravity vanished, leaving them weightless, suspended in a swirling void of light and shadow. Threads of silver and gold wove around them, like streams of molten metal, pulling them forward through an endless expanse.

Astrea held her breath, the sensation both terrifying and exhilarating. The air crackled with raw energy, and for a brief moment, it felt as if they were floating between worlds, untethered from time.

Then, with a sudden lurch, the light snapped away, and they were thrust back into solid ground.

The group landed in a world of heat and ash. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur, and the sky above was a smoldering red, streaked with smoke. Jagged black rocks jutted from the ground, glowing veins of molten lava crisscrossing the barren landscape. A distant rumble echoed, the ominous growl of a volcano stirring.

Astrea staggered, clutching Elodie tightly as she regained her balance, the oppressive heat already clinging to her skin. Vayne straightened, his gaze sweeping the volcanic landscape with grim satisfaction. “We’re here,” he said, his voice hard. “Now… we find the way forward.”

The group trudged across the scorched landscape, the ground crunching beneath their feet as they approached the looming silhouette of a dormant volcano. The air grew heavier with every step, the oppressive heat making it difficult to breathe. Yet despite the suffocating atmosphere, the volcano itself was awe-inspiring—a towering colossus of obsidian and ash, its jagged edges shimmering faintly in the glow of molten rivers snaking across the land.

Astrea paused at the base, craning her neck to take it all in. “It’s… enormous,” she whispered, her voice a mix of awe and dread.

Beep let out a shrill chirp, hopping in place as if to say, Yes, enormous and terrible.

Vayne, perched awkwardly on a rock, let out a sardonic chuckle. “Magnificent, isn’t it? A sleeping giant, waiting to be stirred.” He tilted his head toward the peak. “And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Astrea shifted Elodie on her back, glancing warily at Vayne. “Wake it up? Like last time?” Her voice was hesitant. “How exactly did you do that?”

Vayne smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “By yelling at it until it listened.”

Astrea blinked, incredulous. “You yelled at a volcano?”

“Not just any yelling,” Vayne replied with mock seriousness. “There’s an art to it. You have to insult its pride.”

Elodie, though limp and barely responsive, murmured faintly against Astrea’s back, “Poor volcano… hurt feelings…”

Astrea snorted, unable to help the giggle that escaped. “You’re serious?”

Vayne shrugged, hopping down from the rock and pacing toward the volcano’s base. “Deadly serious. Last time, I called it a ‘lukewarm puddle of disappointment.’ Worked like a charm.”

Astrea giggled nervously , the absurdity cutting through the tension. “That’s… I have no words.”

Beep let out a series of chirps, which Astrea interpreted as exasperated disbelief.

Vayne turned, smirking. “Well, if it worked once, it’ll work again. Stand back.” He spread his stub arms dramatically. “Let’s see if I can hurt this one’s feelings too.”

As he faced the volcano, Astrea leaned toward Beep and whispered, “Do you think he’ll actually wake it?”

Beep fluffed his feathers, as if bracing for impact.

Vayne’s voice echoed across the landscape, loud and mocking. “You call yourself a volcano? I’ve seen campfires more threatening! You’re nothing but a glorified pile of rocks with a bad temper and no follow-through!”

Astrea tried to hold in her laughter as the ground rumbled faintly beneath them.

“Get ready,” Vayne added with a wicked grin. “It’s about to get interesting.”

The volcano’s rumble deepened, the ground trembling beneath their feet as faint wisps of smoke curled from its peak. The air thickened with anticipation, the heat intensifying. For a moment, it seemed Vayne’s taunts might actually provoke the sleeping giant into a full eruption.

But then, everything stilled.

A soft breeze whispered through the molten air, carrying with it an unexpected scent—fresh, like the dawn breaking over dewy fields, laced with the faintest hint of rain. The tension dissipated as an ethereal light bathed the area, illuminating the jagged rocks in a silvery glow.

From the heart of the stillness, a figure appeared.

Their presence was both serene and overwhelming. Black-and-white wings, vast and elegant, unfurled behind them, each feather glistening like polished onyx and pearl. Their emerald-green hair cascaded like flowing water, contrasting beautifully with their radiant golden eyes. Those eyes shimmered with an otherworldly kindness, yet held the weight of countless lifetimes.

Astrea froze, breath catching in her throat. She couldn’t look away, her heart racing as something ancient and profound settled over the clearing.

Vayne’s bravado faltered, his usual smirk replaced by wide-eyed disbelief. “Hymerark,” he breathed, awe creeping into his voice. “The God of Second Chances.”

Hymerark regarded them with a quiet, distant gaze, their expression unreadable. When they spoke, their voice was soft but carried an unshakable authority, like the whisper of the wind against ancient stone. “You seek to rouse the earth’s fury to summon me?” They tilted their head slightly, a faint smile playing at their lips. “There are gentler ways.”

Astrea stepped forward, carefully lowering Elodie to the ground. Her voice trembled, both in reverence and desperation. “Please… we need your help.”

Hymerark’s gaze shifted to Elodie, and for a moment, their golden eyes softened. “I see,” they murmured. “A soul on the edge of breaking, yet still clinging to hope.”

Vayne, recovering some of his composure, crossed his arms. “We didn’t come here to beg. I’m not looking for charity.”

Hymerark’s eyes sparkled with amusement as they eyed the prickly cactus . “No, you seek freedom—from the chains that bind you.” Their wings stretched slightly, creating an aura of calm. “And you, boy, will need to learn that even the proud can find salvation in asking.”

The volcano let out a low, defeated groan, smoke curling from its peak, as if acknowledging the futility of competing with such divine grace.

Hymerark folded their arms, their golden eyes narrowing as they fixed Vayne with a stern gaze. “Did you think taming a volcano again would resolve your troubles, as it did once before? Repeating the same act in hopes of a different outcome… Vayne, even mortals know better.”

Vayne’s jaw tightened, his usual smirk absent. “It worked before,” he muttered, refusing to meet the god’s gaze. “And it almost worked now.”

Hymerark let out a soft, almost wistful sigh. “You are like a child who, having touched the flame once, reaches for it again—foolish, stubborn.” They shook their head, the light around them softening. Their voice, calm yet unyielding, carried the weight of a teacher admonishing a wayward student. “You toy with forces beyond your understanding. Do you believe the volcano respects you? It tolerated your hubris once, but you’ve returned like a child seeking attention. Such arrogance.”

Astrea flinched at the rebuke, guilt flickering across her face. “It wasn’t just him,” she said softly. “I—”

Hymerark raised a hand, silencing her with a gentle shake of their head. “You acted out of faith, not arrogance. But faith misdirected can be as dangerous as pride.”

Vayne, who had remained quiet up until now, straightened. His usual defiance surged as he met Hymerark’s gaze, but something was different. The smirk he usually wore was gone, replaced by a raw honesty. His body stiffened, and for a long moment, he was silent. But then, something in him shifted. The sharpness in his eyes dulled, replaced by a weariness that he no longer tried to hide. “I wasn’t thinking about me,” he said quietly, his voice rough. “I didn’t care if it was the right way. I didn’t care if it worked.”

His usual defiance surged as he met Hymerark’s gaze, but something was different. The smirk he usually wore was gone, replaced by a raw honesty. “You’re right,” he said, his voice low but steady. “I was trying to repeat the past, thinking it would fix everything.”

Hymerark raised an eyebrow, surprised by the admission, but Vayne wasn’t finished.

“But I’ve realized something,” he continued, his tone sharpening. “I don’t care about the curse anymore. Whether I break it or not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is them.” He gestured toward Astrea and Elodie. “The girl is falling apart, and the priestess has been dragged into this mess because of me. They deserve better.”

He took a step forward, his gaze unwavering. “So save her,” he demanded, his voice cracking slightly. “Save Elodie. And if you can… make sure Astrea doesn’t have to pay for my mistakes.”

Hymerark’s expression softened, their wings folding neatly behind them. “You would sacrifice your own freedom for theirs?” They stepped closer, their golden eyes searching his. “Even after all you’ve endured?”

Vayne nodded, his jaw tight. “Yes. Without hesitation.”

A long silence followed, the weight of Vayne’s words settling over the group. Finally, Hymerark spoke, their voice quieter but filled with unmistakable respect. “It seems you’ve learned humility, Vayne. Perhaps there is hope for you yet.”

“So you will save her.” Vayne demanded.

Hymerark’s gaze lingered on Vayne, their golden eyes shimmering with something deeper than mere curiosity. The silence stretched, and when they finally spoke, their voice was both tender and grave. “You misunderstand, boy. It is not I who holds the power to save the girl.”

Astrea’s breath caught. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hymerark stepped forward, their wings folding tightly against their back, the soft rustle of feathers the only sound. “Her body fractures like brittle glass, yet she is not truly broken. Her essence, like the earth beneath us, longs to renew. And renewal requires fire.”

Vayne’s eyes narrowed, suspicion hardening his expression. “What are you saying?”

Hymerark inclined their head toward the glowing rivers of molten rock that flowed sluggishly nearby, their heat radiating into the night. “The lava,” they said softly, “the lifeblood of the earth. It does not merely destroy—it restores. It lays waste to the old so that new life may flourish. If she is to survive, she must be enveloped by the very force you sought to tame and use to cause destruction.”

Astrea’s eyes widened in horror. “Lava?” Her voice trembled. “You’re saying we have to—she’ll burn! She’s already so fragile, she can’t—”

“She can,” Hymerark interrupted gently, turning to Vayne. “And you, Vayne, are the only one who can control it.”

Vayne stiffened, disbelief flashing across his face. “I’m a cursed demon in a cactus body,” he scoffed, his voice cracking under the weight of emotion. “What power do I have to heal and restore others?”

Hymerark’s smile was both kind and knowing. “You have more power than you realize. You tamed a volcano, once. Not by force, but by will. That power still resides within you, buried beneath your bitterness and pride. It was never about bending the volcano to your will—it was about channeling the energy of the earth itself for great use.”

Astrea clutched Elodie closer, her voice pleading. “There has to be another way.”

“There is not,” Hymerark said with a finality that left no room for argument. “Her life is tied to the cycle of renewal. The lava will not harm her if it is guided with care.”

Vayne’s cactus body twitched. He felt the old frustration surge, the helplessness that had gnawed at him since his curse. But this time, there was something more: determination.

He looked at Elodie, her face pale, her cracked skin almost translucent, and then at Astrea, her eyes wide with hope and fear. He exhaled sharply. “If I mess this up…”

“You won’t,” Hymerark said simply, their voice steady. “Because you’ve chosen to care.”

For a long moment, Vayne was silent. Then, slowly, he nodded, the fear giving way to something steadier. He stepped toward the lava, his face set in grim resolve. “Fine,” he muttered, “but if this works, no one gets to call me ‘useless cactus’ again.”

Astrea managed a watery smile. “Deal.”

Vayne extended his stub hands toward the magma, feeling its heat prick at his senses. He closed his eyes, searching deep within himself for the power he thought he’d lost.

The ground trembled, and the magma began to move, twisting and swirling in response to Vayne’s command. Like a river obeying its master, it flowed toward Elodie, glowing brighter as it drew near. Astrea held her breath, tears streaking her face as the molten rock encircled her friend, covering Elodie in a cocoon of molten fire—yet it did not burn her.

Instead, the cracks in Elodie’s skin began to close, her body absorbing the magma’s warmth. The fractures smoothed over, and the soft glow of life returned to her cheeks. The magma cradled her gently, like an embrace.

Hymerark’s voice was soft, almost reverent. “Behold the power of renewal. Where destruction once ruled, life now blooms.”

Elodie's eyes fluttered open, her lilac irises glowing faintly in the magma’s light. She blinked slowly, her lips parting in a soft exhale. “Astrea…” she whispered, her voice weak but unmistakably alive. “It’s… warm.”

Astrea scrambled forward, tears streaming down her face. She reached out, her hand hovering just above Elodie’s now-smooth skin, afraid to disturb the delicate balance. “You’re okay,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You’re okay.”

Elodie gave a faint smile, the corners of her mouth curling upward. “Told you… I’d shake it off.”

Vayne staggered back, his body drooping with exhaustion. He slumped against a jagged rock, his breathing ragged, but a strange, unfamiliar warmth settled in his chest. Relief? Pride? He wasn’t sure. “She’s alive,” he muttered, almost disbelieving. “I didn’t… mess it up.”

Astrea turned to him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “You saved her, Vayne.”

Vayne shook his head, his voice rough with fatigue. “I just… didn’t want to lose anyone.”

Hymerark’s gaze softened as they looked at him. “In saving her, you have done more than be a being of destruction and chaos. You have embraced the essence of who you are meant to be. A protector.”

The volcano rumbled softly beneath them, its fury now quelled, as if in quiet acknowledgment of the transformation that had taken place—not in the earth, but in the heart of a once-proud demon turned reluctant savior.

~

The world shifted in a sudden, dizzying blur. One moment they stood in the shadow of the dormant volcano, the magma's warmth still radiating around them; the next, they were enveloped in cool air, the scent of ash and molten earth replaced by the crisp freshness of a quiet meadow under the night sky.

Astrea stumbled, still cradling Elodie, who lay peacefully against her, her breathing steady now. Beep fluttered beside them, his small wings flapping with relief as he perched on Astrea’s shoulder. Vayne landed roughly, his small cactus form rolling awkwardly before he righted himself, muttering curses under his breath.

“Gone,” Astrea murmured, glancing around. “Hymerark… they’re gone.”

Elodie stirred faintly, her voice soft but stronger than before. “Cryptic gods… always leaving when things get interesting.”

Astrea chuckled softly, relief finally loosening the knot in her chest. But her smile faded as she remembered Hymerark’s parting words, still ringing in her ears.

“True freedom is not the absence of chains, but the choice to break them.”

Vayne sat in stony silence, his expression unreadable. The moonlight cast long shadows across the meadow, illuminating his sharp features, still contorted in thought. He didn’t speak, but the tension in his posture was unmistakable. The words lingered over him like an unspoken challenge.

Astrea shifted Elodie to the soft grass, tucking a blanket around her before turning to Vayne. “What do you think it means?” she asked, her voice gentle.

He clenched his vines into fists, feeling the weight of those words settle deep in his chest. What did they mean? Was his curse truly something he could break on his own?

Beep fluttered down onto Vayne’s head, chirping once in what seemed like approval before hopping over to Elodie, pecking at the shiny rock he had offered earlier.

Astrea glanced at Vayne, her eyes soft with gratitude. “Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice full of sincerity. “For everything.”

Vayne shrugged, the usual sarcasm absent from his tone. “I didn’t do it for thanks,” he muttered. “I did it because… it was the right thing.”

Astrea’s smile deepened, her expression warm and understanding. “Even so, you still did it. And that matters.”

Vayne shifted uncomfortably, his sharp features softened by the glow of the moonlight. His gaze flicked to the stars, as if searching for something he couldn’t name. “I’m not a hero,” he said, almost to himself. “I’m just… tired of losing.”

Astrea nodded, her voice gentle. “Maybe being a hero isn’t about titles or glory. Maybe it’s just about choosing to care when it matters.”

He let out a soft, bitter laugh. “You’re too sentimental, priestess.”

“And you’re not as heartless as you pretend to be,” she shot back playfully, though her tone remained kind.

For a moment, silence settled between them, but it wasn’t the uneasy silence of before. It was calm, peaceful, filled with the quiet understanding of two people who had been through more than they ever expected—and had come out on the other side, just a little stronger.

Vayne’s voice broke the stillness, quieter than before. “You’re welcome,” he said, his usual sarcasm giving way to something almost genuine. “For everything.”

Astrea didn’t reply, but the look in her eyes said more than words ever could.

Astrea shifted slightly, her gaze lingering on Vayne’s thorny, yet oddly regal form. Without thinking, she leaned in and placed a soft, delicate kiss on the top of his head, right where the single, stubborn flower bloomed. The petals quivered slightly under the unexpected gesture.

For a moment, everything was still.

Vayne froze, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief. “W-What are you—?” he sputtered, his deep voice cracking in a way that would have been comical if he weren’t so utterly stunned. His thorny arms flailed slightly, a rare and uncharacteristic panic overtaking him. “Did you just—?!”

Astrea shot upright, her face turning a shade of crimson that rivaled the magma they’d left behind. “I-I wasn’t thinking!” she stammered, waving her hands as if to dispel the awkwardness. “It’s just—you’ve been through a lot and—and you saved Elodie—and I thought it’d be… nice?”

“Nice?!” Vayne repeated, his voice hitting a high-pitched, incredulous note. “You kissed a cactus! I don't even have a forehead!”

Astrea covered her face with both hands, wishing desperately to melt into the grass. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make it weird!”

From behind them, a soft giggle broke the tension. Astrea turned sharply, her flustered state only deepening as she saw Elodie sitting up, looking far more lively than she had any right to be. Her lilac eyes sparkled with amusement, and a sly grin tugged at her lips.

Elodie stretched, her lilac eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, I’ve been awake for a while. This whole exchange? Best thing I’ve seen all day.”

Vayne groaned, slumping back. “Great. The plant girl is alive and now has blackmail material.”

Elodie sat up straighter, the grin on her face widening. “Don’t worry,” she said, her tone almost sing-song, “I’m not the blackmailing type.”

Astrea sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing. “Thank goodness—”

“See?” Elodie chirped, reaching over with surprising agility and snatching Vayne’s pot off the ground. Before anyone could react, she leaned in and planted a quick, playful smooch right on Vayne’s lips. The smack echoed in the quiet meadow, leaving behind a bright, unmistakable pink lipstick mark.

The world seemed to stop.

Vayne was the first to react—or attempt to. “Wha—? You—! Why would—?!” His voice was caught somewhere between a strangled gasp and an indignant yelp.

Astrea’s jaw dropped, her eyes as wide as the full moon. “Elodie!”

Even Beep, who had been quietly perched on Astrea’s shoulder, fluffed up in shock, his tiny beak gaping open as if he couldn’t believe what he’d just witnessed.

Elodie set Vayne’s pot back down with a contented smile, completely oblivious to the chaos she had unleashed. “See? No blackmail,” she said cheerfully, wiping her hands together as if she had just completed a simple task. “Now we’re all even.”

Vayne gawked at her, utterly speechless, his thorns trembling. “Even?! Even?! You just—there’s a mark!”

Astrea buried her face in her hands again, groaning. “Elodie, why?”

Elodie blinked innocently. “Why not? It’s just a little smooch.”

Vayne spluttered, pointing at her with a shaking vine. “I—I—this is not how you repay someone for saving your life!”

Elodie tilted her head thoughtfully. “Well, it’s how I repay people.”

Astrea, trying desperately to stifle her laughter, peeked through her fingers. “Vayne… there’s still lipstick on you.”

Vayne let out a strangled sound, shaking in his pot furiously as if he could fling the mark off by sheer will. “Get it off! Get it off!”

Elodie leaned back, stretching with a satisfied sigh. “You’re welcome,” she said sweetly.

Astrea gave up trying to contain herself and dissolved into laughter, clutching her sides as the tension of the day melted away. Even Beep, though baffled, settled down, chirping softly in what could only be described as amused disbelief.

As Vayne continued to shake in his pot with increasing desperation, trying to get the lipstick mark off, something odd began to happen. The faintest glow started to emanate from his cactus body, starting at the edges of his thorns and pulsing softly like a heartbeat. His thorns tingled, and a soft, golden light began to seep from beneath the cracks of his cactus skin.

Astrea’s laughter faltered as she noticed the glow, her eyes wide. “Wait—Vayne? What’s happening?”

Vayne froze, his movements stilted as he felt the warmth building within him. “…” He glanced at his glowing cactus body with mounting panic. “This isn’t normal!”

Elodie, who had been leaning back contentedly, suddenly blinked, her carefree expression shifting to one of concern. “Uh-oh. Is that… is that bad?”

Before anyone could react, the light around Vayne intensified, his form beginning to shimmer. The glow was unmistakable, and the air around him felt charged, like the beginning of a storm.

Astrea’s eyes grew wide with alarm. “What do we do? What’s happening?”

Vayne’s voice shook with urgency, the panic in his tone rising. “I don’t know! I didn’t ask for this!” He waved his little cactus arms helplessly. “I’ve never glowed like this before!”

Astrea whipped her head toward Elodie, her eyes wild. “Did you do this?!”

“What?!” Elodie yelped, hands held up defensively. “I didn’t do anything! I just gave him a kiss— you kissed him too!”

Astrea’s face flushed crimson, her eyes wide with disbelief. “I—what?!” she stammered, her heart racing. “I didn’t—wait, I—oh no.”

Beep let out a flurry of frantic chirps, flying in circles above them as if he, too, was worried about the impending explosion. The bird flitted around, landing on Vayne’s pot, pecking at the surface in confusion.

The energy around Vayne surged, his body glowing brighter with every passing moment, until the air seemed to crackle like static. His small cactus form began to tremble and shift, the thorns retracting into his body as his shape grew taller, broader. The glow intensified, wrapping around his form like a cocoon before it burst apart in a flash of light.

Astrea and Elodie staggered back, their eyes wide with shock and fear. “Vayne?! What’s happening?!” Astrea’s voice was frantic as she stumbled over her words, her gaze darting between the shifting form and Elodie.

Meanwhile, Vayne’s transformation was accelerating. His once cactus body elongated, muscles beginning to define beneath the still-shimmering light. His face retained the same sharp features as it had in his cactus form, his strikingly handsome countenance now fully revealed. His skin was flawless, glowing with a strange, unnatural radiance. His long black hair cascaded down, flowing like a dark waterfall, and the flower—the flower—remained blooming atop his head, its vibrant petals like a crown.

And then, as the last of the glow faded, the truth became undeniable.

Vayne was no longer a cactus.

An even greater realization followed as the group saw something else entirely—Vayne was entirely naked.

Astrea blinked, the world seeming to slow around her as her face went from crimson to an almost painful shade of red. She immediately turned away, hands clutched to her face in utter mortification. “V-Vayne!?”

Elodie, who also covered her face but peeked between her fingers, staring in wide-eyed surprise, quickly broke into a fit of giggles, her voice full of mischief. “Well, that’s unexpected.”

Vayne, now fully transformed but still very much glowing, looked down at himself, a slow, dawning horror spreading across his face. “Oh, great.”

~

The atmosphere was thick with disbelief as Vayne stood before them, now fully clothed in an elaborate long gown that seemed to materialize out of nowhere. The regal attire was a rich blend of crimson, black, and gold, with intricate patterns that shimmered as if woven by the gods themselves. His long black hair cascaded around his shoulders, and his face—handsome as ever—seemed almost ethereal now, as if he were a being both entirely familiar and foreign at the same time.

Astrea’s hands were still covering her face, her cheeks a permanent shade of scarlet as she dared to peek through her fingers. "I-I still can't believe this..." she murmured, her voice muffled. "How did this even happen? One minute, you're a cactus... and now—this?"Astrea lowered her hands finally, though her face remained red. “I just don’t understand. How did this even happen...”

He hesitated, his gaze drifting over the two of them. His brow furrowed as if considering how much to reveal. After a long pause, he sighed, looking more resigned than anything else.

"Actually, there’s something I should tell you both. My name is not really... Vayne." He ran a hand through his hair again, a bit self-conscious. “I’m Balor Beimnech, king of the Fomors. Cursed to live as a cactus, stripped of my former power and title.”

Astrea blinked, still in shock. “Wait... you're... a king?”

Balor’s lips curved into a faint, rueful smile. “Yes. I was, once. Not that it matters much now. The curse had stripped everything from me. But—” He took a deep breath, glancing at both of them. “Thanks to the both of you... and your efforts, I managed to break free. I didn’t do this just for me.” He paused, the weight of his words sinking in as he realized the sincerity behind them.

Astrea, still processing the situation, asked quietly, “So... you’re free now?”

Balor nodded solemnly. “Yes. But in doing so... I’ve realized something else. You two helped me regain what I lost. You were there when I needed it most. And it seems... only right that I offer my gratitude in the form of a binding promise.”

Astrea and Elodie exchanged confused glances, unsure of where this was going. Before either of them could speak, Balor straightened his back, and with a confidence that belied the nervousness in his words, he continued, “In the tradition of my people... I offer you both a marriage proposal.”

There was a long, awkward silence. Astrea’s face went from crimson to almost purple, and Elodie blinked, trying to process what he had just said.

“I... what?” Astrea’s voice came out strangled, her mind still reeling. “Marriage? You’re proposing to both of us?”

The silence stretched on, thick and uncomfortable, as Astrea and Elodie tried to process Balor’s words. Astrea was still in shock, her hands hovering in midair as if she might collapse from sheer embarrassment. Elodie, on the other hand, blinked rapidly, her expression shifting from stunned to oddly intrigued.

Balor, now fully aware of how outlandish this must seem, let out a deep breath. His gaze softened slightly, the regal airs momentarily faltering as he tried to explain. “It’s... a custom of my people. Fomors mate for life, and when we bond with someone—” He paused, clearly uneasy with how this was going. “—we marry them. In this case, I’ve bonded with both of you.” He gestured toward Astrea and Elodie. “I... owe you both for helping me break my curse. And this is how we Fomors repay that kind of debt. It’s not just gratitude... it’s tradition.”

Astrea stood there, her face a mixture of surprise, confusion, and an odd hint of curiosity. Her heart raced as she processed what Balor had just proposed, the weight of his words settling over her. His explanation made sense, in a strange, foreign way, but the idea of being bound in such a permanent, otherworldly way made her head spin. She glanced at Elodie, whose expression was far more open to the possibility.

Elodie’s eyes twinkled with excitement, her lips curling into a happy smile. “Well, this is certainly a plot twist I didn’t see coming,” she said, a gleam of curiosity and playfulness dancing in her gaze. “But hey, if we’re stuck with you for life, I guess I could get used to it. Imagine all the shiny stuff I could have at my disposal!” She practically beamed at the thought. “And Astrea, think of all the adventures... and not to mention, we’d be together. I mean, I’d still get to have you by my side, right?”

Astrea’s breath hitched as she met Elodie’s eyes. There was something about Elodie’s enthusiasm, her open-mindedness, that made the situation feel less overwhelming, even if it still seemed completely absurd. Astrea couldn’t deny that a part of her, the part that had always believed in the power of bonds and connections, was touched by the idea. 

She glanced at Beep, who was perched on her shoulder, looking between her and Balor with a steady gaze. The bird’s silence felt like its own form of approval, as though it trusted Astrea to make the right choice. And though Beep hadn’t voiced it, Astrea could sense that the little bird was willing to go along with whatever decision she made.

Astrea took a deep breath, her mind racing with the weight of the decision before her. The path before her was uncertain, but in that moment, she realized that she wasn’t walking it alone. Whether it was her bond with Elodie, her unexpected connection to Balor, or the quiet understanding she shared with Beep, she knew she had the support she needed.

Looking back at Elodie, whose excitement was palpable, Astrea smiled softly. “Alright,” she said, her voice steady but full of emotion. “I don’t know what this all means yet, but... I trust you, both of you.” She turned to Balor, her gaze more resolute now. “If this is what you want, then I’ll walk this path with you.”

Elodie let out a joyful squeal, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “This is going to be amazing!” She immediately hugged Astrea, squeezing her tightly in a way that showed how much this moment meant to her.

Balor, for all his regal composure, softened in response, a smile tugging at his lips. “Thank you,” he said, his voice deep with sincerity. “You’ve both already changed my world more than I ever expected.” Vayne's eyes narrow with concern as he asks the following, “You two wouldn’t eventually turn on each other, competing over who wins my devoted affections?”

The two blinked at him as they processed his words and laughed. Astrea shook her head, “My grandma always taught me that no man is worth fighting over for!”

 

Elodie nodded in agreement and added, “ And I prefer eating men, not courting them.”

 

The other three froze at this and stared at the country bumpkin with deep concern and slight fear in their eyes. Elodie remained smiling without a care or deep thought inside her pretty little head.

 

~

As the group made their way back home, the journey was filled with a strange sense of finality, mixed with a tinge of excitement. They had all changed, and so had their path ahead. The day they returned to their village, the air seemed to hum with anticipation, as if the very world was aware of the extraordinary events that had unfolded.

The village buzzed with activity in preparation for the grand wedding, though Astrea could hardly contain her nerves. Balor, now fully integrated into their world as Vayne, the former demon cactus prince turned king, was nothing like the man they had first encountered in his plant form. He looked regal in his red, black, and gold attire, but still had that mischievous gleam in his eye—a gleam that only Elodie seemed to be able to keep in check.

Back at the cottage, Esras was, predictably, overjoyed to welcome her new "son-in-law," though her excitement was more focused on the potential experiments she could conduct now that she had a former king of the Fomors to study. Balor, who had learned to endure many things on his long journey, was starting to regret his impulsive acceptance of the marriage proposal. The looks Esras gave him—filled with a scientist’s curiosity—were not making him feel entirely at ease.

Astrea, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to introduce Balor to her grandmother. She had written to her about the entire adventure, her struggles with her faith, and her surprising decision to accept Balor’s proposal. She hoped to introduce them to each other soon and looked forward to being reunited with her grandmother again.

And then there was Connie, Astrea’s excitable imp friend, who practically squealed with delight when he saw Balor in person for the first time. His hands shook as he gushed, “Oh my gods, you’re him! The actual Fomor king! This is amazing. I’ve read about you in the scrolls, and your history is so fascinating!” His eyes were wide with admiration, and if Balor was uncomfortable with being idolized, he certainly didn’t show it. He was still getting used to the idea of being considered a figure of awe.

And so, the eccentric but marvelous trio united, their hearts full of love and their souls forever bound by the bonds of friendship. Their unlikely trio had proven that love, kindness, and redemption could overcome even the darkest of curses, and they lived happily ever after, knowing that they were part of a story that would be told for generations to come.

 

Fin