— Januz's Point of View —
The night air was crisp as I stepped out of the library building. The soft thud of my shoes on stone echoed along the nearly empty walkway. The lights from Austen University dimmed in the distance, casting elongated shadows over the garden path. I kept my hands in the pockets of my coat, my fingers curled tightly into fists—not from the cold, but from the whirlwind spinning in my chest.
The project with Zac had ended just moments ago, but the effect lingered like stardust clinging to my skin.
He told me a legend tonight. Orpheus and Eurydice.
He didn't realize what he did when he told it—how his voice cracked subtly, how his eyes lost focus, like he'd lived that heartbreak. It was haunting. It was beautiful.
And for a brief moment, I forgot who I was pretending to be.
I wasn't Januz, the exchange student.
I was Velyn Januz of Mirevia, second in line to the throne, walking among a world that had no idea who I truly was.
But Zac… he made me wish I could be just Januz.
Just a boy sharing stories under the stars with someone who made the universe feel less cold.
I stopped walking near the courtyard fountain, my reflection shimmering on the rippling water. The moon hung low, its silver light catching the gold trim on my sleeve. For a moment, I just stood there. Breathing. Watching.
Trying not to fall apart.
Brrzt… Brrzt…
My phone buzzed in my coat pocket. I pulled it out slowly, already dreading what I'd see.
The name flashed on the screen.
Elios - 7th Wing
My breath hitched.
One of my most trusted guards.
I pressed the phone to my ear and turned slightly away, though I couldn't shake the feeling that someone might be watching me from the shadows.
"Izthera sa'doth, Elios?"
("Are you safe, Elios?")
"Ma'rek nadar, Velyn. The northern seal has been broken."
("No, my Prince. The northern seal has been broken.")
I stiffened. The words struck like a blade.
"Teyra sel? Talar dova tel miran?"
("How? Through whose passage?")
"Through your mother's route. The Queen is safe, but she sends urgent word. They are moving faster than we predicted."
I closed my eyes tightly, the weight of responsibility crashing over me again like a tidal wave.
"Have they found me?"
"Not yet. But if you stay, they will. You need to prepare. Be cautious."
"And the boy?"
("Zac.")
There was hesitation.
"He is not involved. Keep it that way."
"I'll try. But he… he saw something in me tonight, Elios. I don't know how much longer I can lie."
"Then lie well, Velyn."
Click.
The call ended.
I stood frozen, my hand still clutching the phone tightly at my side.
Everything was falling apart back home.
The peace we'd worked so hard to protect, shattered.
The path I was supposed to follow—throne, duty, legacy—now crumbling beneath me.
And yet… here I was.
Thinking about a boy who spoke about constellations like they were poetry.
Thinking about his quiet smile and that single dimple that appeared only when he was genuinely amused.
Thinking about how I almost let myself believe I could be ordinary.
But I wasn't.
I could never be ordinary.
I turned from the fountain and began to walk again, faster this time. My heart raced in my chest—not just from the threat looming over me, but from the fear of dragging Zac into it.
He doesn't know who I am.
He doesn't know what danger my presence could bring.
He doesn't know how badly I want to tell him the truth.
But I won't. I can't.
Because the closer he gets, the more he'll be pulled into my world.
And I don't want him to burn with me.
When I reached the dorm building, I slipped inside quietly and climbed the stairs to my room. The hallway lights flickered softly, and I moved like a shadow, barely making a sound.
Inside my room, I locked the door and leaned against it.
Everything felt heavy.
My shoulders ached with the pressure of secrets.
My throat tightened with words I'd never say.
My fingers trembled with the memory of his eyes watching me during the meeting… warm, curious, and kind.
Zac.
I whispered his name into the silence.
He didn't know I was unraveling.
He didn't know how badly I wanted to stay.
He didn't know that I wasn't supposed to care.
But I do.
Gods help me, I do.
I crossed the room and stood by the window, drawing the curtain aside just enough to peer into the courtyard. The fountain still shimmered beneath the moonlight.
And for a second…
I swore I saw movement.
A figure, still and quiet.
Watching.
Had he followed me?
I couldn't tell.
But the possibility alone made my heart pound louder.
A part of me hoped it was him.
Another part… feared what that meant.
Because if Zac ever discovered the truth…
There'd be no turning back.
Not for either of us.