"Now, Zenith, if you would please follow me," Elara said gently, her tone shifting into that of a proper guide. "I'll take you to where Aurora rests. Lily, please behave yourself while we're gone."
"Aye aye, General Elara!" Lily replied with a mischievous salute, her voice light and teasing as she sprawled further across the throne.
Lilith rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. She reached out and gently took Zenith's hand. "Come on," she said softly, giving her a light tug to follow behind Elara.
As they walked deeper into the castle, the temperature dropped slightly and the air became still. Zenith's eyes widened with awe as she looked around—the entire structure was a stunning blend of architecture and nature. The walls weren't just stone or wood—they were living, woven from massive roots of the World Tree itself, pulsing faintly with life and ancient magic. Vines carried soft glowing blooms, and the ceilings reached high, arched like forest canopies.
"It's like the castle was grown instead of built," Zenith whispered, marveling at how the roots and branches twisted together to form halls, windows, and stairs.
"In a way, it was," Lilith responded quietly. "This place is alive. The World Tree allowed it to form around its heart, and it keeps growing, shifting… adapting."
Elara led them through winding corridors and eventually down a narrow, spiraling staircase lit by floating orbs of soft light. At the bottom was a serene chamber, small and quiet—its air heavy with ancient energy. In the center, on a raised pedestal wrapped in old vines and lined with etched stone, lay a shabby-looking necklace. Despite its worn appearance, it pulsed faintly with mana, the soft rhythm like the beating of a dormant heart.
Zenith stepped closer, curiosity tugging at her. The mana felt warm and familiar—like the sun through leaves or the whisper of wind through forest branches.
Lilith stopped beside her and let out a small sigh. "She's still sleeping..." she murmured, her voice a mix of fondness and regret. "It's been years… I suppose even spirits need rest."
Elara crossed her arms and leaned against the doorway. "Lilith, just go ahead and wake her up," she said with a small smile. "She'll be happy to hear from you again. Especially with a new dragon to meet."
Lilith hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward toward the pedestal, her hand hovering over the necklace as she prepared to stir the ancient spirit sleeping within. Zenith stood quietly, watching with wide eyes as the mana in the room began to respond—drawn to Lilith like the tide to the moon.
The awakening was about to begin.
Lilith stepped forward and gently lifted the necklace from the pedestal. Her fingers caressed the worn, vine-wrapped chain with reverence, as though holding a precious memory rather than an object.
Zenith watched in quiet awe. She could feel it—the love, the deep, almost sacred bond Lilith shared with whatever spirit lay within the necklace. It wasn't just affection; it was trust, history, and connection across time.
Lilith leaned down and whispered softly, almost like a prayer."Aurora of the Northern Light… please wake up. It's me, Lilith. I've returned, and I brought a friend with me. I know you'll want to meet her."
At first, there was silence. Then, slowly, the mana within the necklace began to stir. The pulse quickened, each beat growing brighter and stronger until a brilliant light burst forth. Mana shimmered in the air like stardust, gathering, swirling, forming a radiant shape.
Before them, a figure emerged—a dragon composed of light and magic, roughly two meters tall. The glow softened as the form solidified, revealing sleek, ethereal scales that glistened like ice kissed by moonlight. Her wings, folded gently at her sides, were translucent veils of magic, and her eyes shimmered with ancient wisdom and warmth.
With a soft rumble, Aurora reached out with one of her claws and drew Lilith into a close, enveloping hug.
"Oh, child… I've missed you so much," Aurora said, her voice echoing like a song carried on the wind. She pulled back slightly and looked Lilith up and down, a fond smile curving her lips. "Let me look at you. My, how you've grown. Soon, I think you'll even be stronger than your maid."
Lilith blinked and coughed awkwardly."Stronger than my maid? I mean—hold on! I'm the strongest person on all of Eldoria!" she protested with mock indignation.
Aurora laughed, a melodic sound that filled the room with joy."Yes, child. You are the strongest among those born on this world. But strength alone doesn't make you the strongest. Remember—Elara was summoned here from another world. She's not bound by the same rules as you or me."
She leaned in slightly and added with a teasing glint in her eye,"Or would you like me to remind you of Jakinn?"
Lilith scowled and crossed her arms."Please don't. I really don't like that guy," she muttered, clearly irritated.
Zenith giggled quietly beside them, watching the warm exchange between ancient spirit and demon lord. For the first time since leaving her mother, she didn't feel out of place.
She felt... welcomed.
"Zenith!" Lilith called out sharply, snapping Zenith out of her thoughts. "Come over here and meet Aurora. She's like a grandmother to me—and I've learned more from her than I can ever repay. Her guidance shaped me."
Zenith blinked, then smiled softly. She stepped forward with quiet grace, the light from Aurora's ethereal form casting soft shadows across her face. She gave a small curtsy, hands at her sides, and bowed her head respectfully.
"Greetings, great Dragon Spirit of Eldoria. My name is Zenith. I was sent by my mother to seek you out… and to learn from your wisdom."
Aurora tilted her head as she observed the young dragon in human form. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and pride. Then, with a hearty, almost booming laugh, she exclaimed, "Oh, child! Don't be so stiff!"
Her wings rustled gently as she leaned closer, a wide grin forming on her muzzle.
"Loosen up! You're acting like a human noble, not a dragon. Be proud of who and what you are. Stand tall, look others in the eye. Only bow or curtsy to those who have earned your respect."
Aurora's voice took on a more serious tone, her eyes glowing faintly with wisdom older than the stars.
"Even when meeting other dragons—never show deference unless it's deserved. Bowing too easily can make others think you're weak. And weakness in the wrong company… can be dangerous."
Zenith stood a little straighter, her expression turning thoughtful. She glanced at Lilith, who nodded in quiet encouragement.
"I… understand," Zenith said. "I'll do my best to remember."
Aurora's smile softened again, and she reached out with the tip of her claw to gently tap Zenith on the forehead.
"Good. You've already taken the first step—by coming here. The rest will come with time."
"Lilith," Aurora spoke gently, her glowing eyes shifting to the young dragon beside her. "This child… she is like you. I can sense it. She carries the same spark—that same untethered, ancient magic."
Lilith looked up at Aurora, already sensing what was coming.
"I know we're close," Aurora continued, her voice warm and reassuring. "And I would never truly leave you. But while Zenith is here, I'd like to stay with her—around her neck, just as I once stayed with you. So… would you place the necklace on her? Let me guide her as I once guided you."
Lilith's eyes softened. She stepped forward and gently cupped the shimmering necklace in her hands, the mana pulsing calmly with Aurora's presence. With a nod and a small smile, she replied, "Of course. It's only natural that you guide her now."
Turning to Zenith, Lilith's tone shifted—gentle but firm, her words laced with a hint of caution.
"But listen, Zenith. Once this necklace is around your neck, you won't be able to leave the castle grounds. Aurora's necklace is bound to the World Tree and this sanctuary. If you ever need to leave, you'll have to return here and place the necklace back on the pedestal."
Zenith nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of the responsibility.
"I understand," she said quietly.
Lilith hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer and carefully fastened the necklace around Zenith's neck. As it clicked into place, a warm light shimmered from the gem at its center. Aurora's spirit flickered briefly and then faded—her presence now felt more subtly, as though watching through the necklace itself.
Lilith let out a slow breath. "While you're with Aurora, I'll be leaving again."
Zenith blinked in surprise. "Leaving?"
"Yes," Lilith replied, her voice tinged with bittersweet affection. "This is where you need to be right now—this part of your journey is yours to walk. But for me, I need to return to Xandoria… to the academy. I never got a chance to there. I was waiting till the Academy would take in new students. And that will be soon."
She turned her gaze to the castle walls, her thoughts already stretching across worlds.
"And I'll be taking Elara with me. So while we're gone, it'll just be you and Lily here."
Zenith nodded again, more confident this time.
"If anything happens," Lilith added, her expression turning serious, "reach out to Lily. She's linked to me through the World Tree's mana. If you need me, she'll know—and I'll come."
Zenith placed her hand over the necklace, feeling Aurora's presence there—calm, ancient, and wise.
"Thank you," she said softly. "I won't let you down."
Lilith smiled. "You never could."