After hearing the news, Lyra and Kai were overwhelmed with joy. Tears welled up in Lyra's eyes as she gazed at the tiny newborn cradled in her arms. Kai, barely able to contain his excitement, leaned in closer to get a better look at his little brother.
Cyrus, standing beside them, felt unfamiliar warmth in his chest. He gently kissed the baby's forehead, his lips brushing against the child's soft skin. He then pulled both Lyra and Kai into a tight embrace, holding his family close in a moment of pure happiness.
But that happiness was accompanied by a bittersweet feeling. Taking a deep breath, Cyrus finally stepped back, his expression turning serious. He reached for the large travel bag that had been resting in the corner of the room. With a heavy heart, he looked at Lyra and Kai.
"I have to go," he said softly, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "I don't know how long this journey will take, but I need you both to take care of Imperial... and take care of yourselves, too."
Lyra's smile faltered, her grip on the baby tightening instinctively. "Cyrus... Do you really have to leave now?"
Cyrus nodded. "I made a promise, Lyra. And I intend to keep it. But I swear, no matter how long I'm gone... I will return."
Kai clenched his fists, trying to be strong. "Father... Just promise me you'll come back safe."
Cyrus placed a hand on his son's head, ruffling his hair with a soft chuckle. "Of course, Kai. You'll take care of your mother and your little brother while I'm gone, won't you?"
Kai nodded determinedly, though his heart ached at the thought of his father leaving. With one last glance at his wife and newborn son, Cyrus stepped back. Then, in a flash, he vanished, leaving behind only the lingering warmth of his presence.
Years later, as the moon cast a silver glow over the royal estate, Lyra sat with Ari, reminiscing about the past. The air was filled with the soft sounds of the night, crickets chirping in the distance as a cool breeze rustled through the trees.
"So Imperial doesn't know anything about his father's past?" Ari asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Lyra sighed and shook her head. "No. Only Kai and I know the truth. I've kept it from him all these years."
Ari hesitated before asking, "Then... why are you telling me? Shouldn't Imperial be the one to hear this first?"
A gentle smile touched Lyra's lips. "It's not about that. I know Imperial will learn the truth one day. But for some reason, I feel no hesitation in telling you. Perhaps... it's because you remind me of someone I once knew."
Ari stiffened slightly at those words, a flicker of unease crossing her face. She instinctively adjusted her hair, ensuring it covered one side of her face.
Lyra noticed the movement and tilted her head. "Your hair... it always falls over one eye. Is that a fashion choice?"
Ari hesitated before replying, "I just like it this way, Lady Lyra. Maybe you could call it fashion."
Lyra chuckled. "Don't be so formal, dear. Call me Aunt Lyra. After all, you're Imperial's friend."
Ari felt a strange warmth in her chest at those words but quickly pushed the feeling aside. Before she could say anything, Lyra glanced out the window.
"My, it's gotten quite late. It's already dark outside." She turned to Ari. "I should call Imperial so he can escort you home."
Ari shook her head. "There's no need, really."
But Lyra wasn't convinced. "Imperial! Hey, Imperial!" she called, waiting for a response. When none came, she frowned. "Where is that boy? Is he still bathing?"
Curious, she walked to Imperial's room and found him already fast asleep. With a soft sigh, she glanced at the clock and turned back to Ari. "It's already past eight. I'm sorry for keeping you here so late." She hesitated before adding, "It's dangerous to cross the forest at night. If you'd like, you can stay here for the night."
Ari quickly shook her head. "I'll be fine. I don't want to be a bother."
Lyra studied her for a moment before suggesting, "If you're worried about getting home safely, I can arrange for a royal carriage to escort you."
Ari looked down, her voice quiet. "There's no one waiting for me."
Lyra's heart ached at the confession. "Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry."
Ari forced a small smile. "It's fine, really."
Lyra hesitated, then asked, "Do you have anyone? A guardian? An uncle? A brother?"
Ari shook her head.
That was all Lyra needed to hear. With a firm nod, she said, "Then it's decided. Tonight you will stay here."
Ari's eyes widened in shock. "What?! Stay here?"
Inside, her mind raced. Was this truly happening?
Yes, you heard that right.
"You can sleep in my room or in the guest room—it's totally your choice, dear. But first, let's have dinner."
As they sat at the dining table, Ari hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I've been living in a hotel in the commoner region for the past five to five years... alone."
Lyra's eyes widened in surprise. "Alone?" She placed her spoon down, her curiosity piqued. "Living in a hotel for that long is possible, but... how have you been managing the expenses? Even for a royal, maintaining that kind of stay for years would require a significant amount of wealth."
Ari took a deep breath before answering. "The owner of the hotel was helped by my parents a long time ago. In return, when my parents passed away, he let me stay there without charging me rent. My parents had actually given him the money needed to build that hotel in the first place..."
As she spoke, something dawned on her—she had revealed more than she intended. A fleeting expression of realization flashed across her face, but it was too late. Lyra had already caught on. The way she phrased it, the details she accidentally slipped—it all made Lyra even more suspicious of Ari's true identity. Was she lying about herself? Who was she, really?
After dinner, Ari decided to stay in the guest room for the night. As she lay in bed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. It had been a long time since she had felt this kind of hospitality.
The whole night, she just thought about how in one day she had found so many things—strange and good alike.
She considered it. Maybe… it was destiny. And maybe… there was a deeper connection to all this.