Chapter 20 – Thirteen Fates Entwined: The Day the Stars Met
The golden sky of Arcania shimmered with radiant mana threads, weaving an aurora tapestry as the Twin Suns circled above the vast courtyard of Obsidian Palace. The entire Dragon-Vampire capital was ablaze with festivity. Phoenix Bennith Nightshade, the heir to both the strongest and second-strongest thrones in the world, stood in the heart of the grand garden, surrounded by a forest of floating silk lanterns and smiling nobles.
But for the young prince, the moment was anything but ordinary.
He had just turned five—a boy in age, but already with the poise of a young emperor. Adorned in violet and crimson robes laced with ancient gold-thread runes, Phoenix stood beneath the mana-bloom tree, its leaves whispering prophecies in the tongue of the stars.
And as the golden petals floated down around him, thirteen presences, each unique, each extraordinary, entered his world.
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1. Valeria Nightshade – Vampire Princess
She approached first—tall, elegant, and bathed in the moonlight glow of her porcelain skin. Her crimson eyes were calm, like still blood in a goblet. Dressed in a black rose-themed gown stitched from shadow silk, Valeria, his oldest sister, offered a mischievous smile.
"Little brother," she whispered, bending to brush his cheek. "Even among all these princesses… you shine the brightest."
The nobles swooned, but Phoenix only blinked at her, cheeks flushed. "Sister Valeria… why do you look so… happy?"
"Because I'm watching fate tremble," she replied cryptically.
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2. Elowen Yasgdril – Elven Healer Princess
From the World Tree came the daughter of Empress Athena. Her gown was made of living petals, and her hair cascaded like silver rivers. Elowen's footsteps sprouted glowing flowers with every touch of the ground.
She bowed low before Phoenix. "Blessings from the Yggdrasil's heart, young prince."
"Wow… you smell like spring!" he said innocently, causing Elowen to giggle, a melody of bells.
She placed a healing charm in his palm, her touch gentle. "You're already the healthiest soul I've ever met… but keep this, in case your heart races when I'm near."
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3. Azelia Sinflame – Demon Princess of Wrath
She didn't walk—Azelia stormed in like a crimson comet, her spiked heels clicking with purpose. With horns like obsidian crowns and a crimson whip tied to her hip, the daughter of the Demon Queen of Wrath radiated heat.
"So you're the cute prince who makes kingdoms panic?" she snorted.
"I don't panic kingdoms!" Phoenix protested.
She stepped close, eyes burning. "Good. Because I only want to destroy the world with someone who can handle my fire."
She flicked his nose. "Tag, you're it."
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4. Melantha Morality – Witch Princess
Floating in on a broom made of starlight, the daughter of Empress Elsa wore a crooked hat and a spellbook chained to her waist. Her mismatched eyes sparkled—one violet, one silver. Melantha was every bit the prodigy sorceress.
"I came to study the anomaly that can make ancient runes rewrite themselves," she said, hovering inches above the ground.
"I'm not an anomaly!" Phoenix pouted.
"Sure you're not," she teased, poking his forehead. "You're a statistical impossibility wrapped in baby cheeks."
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5. Lunaria Stardust – Fairy Princess
She shimmered into existence on beams of moonlight, her wings translucent like glass petals. Dressed in a gown of dewdrops and starlight, Lunaria glided to him with music trailing her steps.
"I dreamt of you before I knew your name," she said softly, her voice echoing like wind chimes.
"Really?" Phoenix asked, captivated.
"Yes. In every dream, you caught me before I fell."
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6. Thalria Stoneforge – Dwarf Princess
Marching in with a hammer taller than herself, Thalria wore armor polished with volcanic obsidian. Her thick auburn braids were tied with golden beads.
"Lad," she bellowed, slapping his back so hard he stumbled forward. "You've got a fine forge of destiny ahead!"
"Thanks… I think…" he wheezed.
She smirked. "You'll need someone to temper that fire. I volunteer as tribute."
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7. Kaela Lionheart – Beastkin Princess
Bounding through the trees, Kaela landed with a roar beside him. Dressed in tribal silks and adorned with fang necklaces, her lion ears twitched.
"I sniffed out your cake from five miles away!" she grinned.
"Umm… there's still some left…" Phoenix said, inching behind Valeria.
"I'm not here for the cake, cub." Her tail swished. "I'm here to claim my mate early."
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8. Sylphie Skyfall – Birdkin Princess
Descending like a songbird, Sylphie's wings spread wide before she folded them with royal grace. Her voice was soft but echoed, as though spoken through clouds.
"I've watched you from the skies," she said, kneeling.
Phoenix tilted his head. "Aren't you cold up there?"
"Not with thoughts of you to keep me warm."
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9. Nerena Tidewhisper – Fishkin Princess
Rising from a fountain in a gown of coral threads and pearl strands, Nerena looked like a goddess of the tides. Her sea-blue eyes blinked slowly as she studied him.
"You're smaller than I imagined," she said thoughtfully.
"I'm five!" Phoenix declared.
She smiled. "And still managed to ripple through the ocean court like a tidal wave."
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10. Cecilia Argentheart – Human Princess
Flanked by royal knights, the proud Cecilia stepped forth. Her tiara shimmered with mana gems, and her white gown held the crest of the Argentheart Empire.
"I come representing all five human empires," she said, curtsying.
Phoenix blinked. "That's a lot of pressure."
She smiled coldly. "If I didn't come first, another would've snatched you. But now that I'm here, let's make a political alliance… sealed by love."
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11. Rin Blackveil – Rogue Princess
From the shadows near the cake stand, Rin emerged—silent, clad in leather and twilight. Her twin daggers were sheathed but ever-present.
"No one invited me," she said, nibbling a skewer of grilled shrimp.
"Then why'd you come?"
"To see if the boy they call the 'Universal Heartthrob' was worth the hype."
"And?"
She leaned in. "You're annoying. I like that."
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12. Amara Veylin – Central Continent Heiress
Arriving in a floating crystal chariot, Amara wore scrolls around her sleeves and enchanted ledgers as jewelry.
"I've already drafted our wedding contract," she said without preamble.
Phoenix gawked. "But I didn't sign anything!"
"You did. In your dream last week. Clause 17. Check the fine print."
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13. Ravyn Fennir – Werewolf Princess
Last to arrive, but not least, Ravyn strode in under the full moon's rise, her wolf ears perked and golden eyes scanning the crowd. She growled when someone got too close to Phoenix.
"Mine," she declared, baring fangs.
"S-Sister Ravyn?" he whispered.
Her voice softened. "Always."
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✨ End of Chapter 20 ✨
The stars had gathered. Thirteen radiant hearts had found their place in the prince's orbit. Destiny stirred in the heavens, and Arcania would never be the same.
And for Phoenix… it was only the beginning