The sun rose slowly over Aeterna moria, casting a soft glow over the human capital, Aramor del solis. Morning bells rang from the watchtowers, echoing across the stone streets and wooden stalls. Merchants pushed open their shutters. Bakers pulled bread from ovens. Riders led horses out of the stables, preparing for another long day. The city never woke in a hurry. It stretched, breathed, and then moved, like a giant with no reason to rush.
Princess Isolde woke before the bells. She always did. Her old habit of early rising came from years of lessons, training, and expectations. She sat at the edge of her bed, pushed her brown hair behind her shoulder, and stared out the window at the garden yard. Birds hopped along the fence. Dew coated the grass like tiny pearls. The morning looked gentle, almost peaceful.
She dressed herself in a simple light-blue gown and tied her hair with a small ribbon. There were days for jewels and silk, but today was not one of them. Today was for peace. Or so she hoped.
She stepped into the hallway, and as usual, she met her knight waiting by her door.
Severin.
He stood straight, tall, and steady in his silver armor. His dark hair was tied back, his green eyes sharp and alert. He always looked as if he could sense danger long before it ever reached her room.
"My lady," he said with a small nod. "You are awake early."
"You say that every morning," Isolde replied with a faint smile. "You even say it when I wake at the same time."
"That is because I never sleep," he said. "I simply stand here like a statue waiting for dawn."
She laughed and walked past him. He followed a step behind. He always kept one step behind. That was the rule. But lately, he had been taking that step a little closer than usual.
They walked toward the garden. Isolde liked to start her days with fresh air. As they stepped outside, cool breeze brushed their faces. Flowers swayed. The fountain in the center of the yard made a soft, calming sound.
"You seem quieter today," Severin said. "Did something trouble your sleep?"
"Not really. I just… thought a lot last night."
"You think a lot every night."
"That is different. Last night, I thought about you."
He stopped walking for a moment. "Me?"
"Yes, you," she said, pretending to be casual but her cheeks warmed a little. "You always stand by my door, always guard me, always watch me. You do so much that I wonder if you even rest."
Severin smiled a bit. "I rest enough."
"That is not true. You work like you were carved for only duty."
"I was trained for duty," he corrected.
"And nothing else?"
He hesitated. "I never had reason for anything else."
They sat by the fountain. Isolde touched the surface of the water, watching the ripples spread out. For a moment, the world felt quiet, simple, soft. But her thoughts were loud. She wanted to ask him something bold. Something she had held inside for too long.
Before she could speak, footsteps echoed behind them. Queen Morganna approached with two guards at her side. Her dark purple gown flowed behind her, giving her the appearance of a storm cloud drifting across the yard. Her face looked calm, but her eyes never softened.
"There you are," Morganna said. "You rise early again, Isolde. I see your knight is glued to your side as always."
"Good morning, Mother," Isolde said politely.
Severin bowed his head. "Your Majesty."
Morganna studied them for a moment, her gaze sharp enough to cut stone. "Your morning lessons begin soon. Lady Thalassa will join you. Do not be late."
"We won't," Isolde replied.
The queen turned and walked away with her guards.
Severin let out a small sigh. Isolde looked at him. "She doesn't dislike you, you know."
"I am a knight, my lady. Queens are not meant to like or dislike me. I just do my job."
"You do more than your job," Isolde whispered.
He looked at her. "Is that a good thing?"
"Yes," she said softly. "Too good sometimes."
Thalassa arrived not long after. The fairy girl walked lightly across the garden, her steps barely touching the ground. Her brown wings were hidden for now, but her movements always had a floating grace. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back, and her soft green dress moved like water with each step.
"You two look like you were having a serious moment," Thalassa said with a grin.
Isolde instantly pulled her hand away from the fountain and tried to act normal. "We were talking. That's all."
Thalassa raised a brow. "Talking. Right."
Severin coughed and stepped back, pretending to watch the guards at the gate. Thalassa leaned close to Isolde and whispered, "Your knight looks at you like you are the sun. Are you finally going to tell him you like him back? Or will we all die before it happens?"
Isolde nudged her. "Thalassa, stop."
The fairy laughed. "Fine. But one day you will admit it."
Before Isolde could answer, a sudden sound cut through the air.
A horn.
One long blast from the north tower.
Severin straightened at once. His hand moved to his sword.
"What is that?" Isolde asked.
"A warning signal," Severin said. "Someone crossed the river border."
"Enemy?"
"Not sure."
Guards rushed past them. Morganna appeared again from the hallway, now surrounded by twice as many soldiers.
"Your Majesty!" one guard shouted. "A strange woman was found near the riverbank. She has no home tag, no travel pass, no escort. She claims she wandered in."
"Bring her to the front court," Morganna ordered. "I will see her."
Isolde exchanged a look with Thalassa. "A stranger?"
Thalassa nodded slowly. "This early? That is unusual."
Severin turned to Isolde. "My lady, stay close to me."
He led them toward the front court where soldiers stood in a half-circle. Isolde pushed through the crowd, and then she saw the girl standing in the middle.
A girl with long mint-colored hair. Her beauty was unreal, almost dangerous. Her eyes were bright teal, sharp like a blade hidden in silk. She wore simple clothes, but her posture held a strange confidence, like she knew she had nothing to fear.
She looked human, yet something about her felt… different.
Morganna stepped forward. "State your name."
The girl lifted her head slowly. "My name is Melusine."
Her voice flowed like water. Calm. Soft. But powerful.
The guards shifted nervously.
"Where are you from?" Morganna demanded.
Melusine smiled faintly. "Far from here."
"That is not an answer."
"It is the one I have."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Morganna narrowed her eyes. "How did you cross the river without being seen?"
Melusine tilted her head. "Maybe your guards need sharper eyes."
Severin frowned. "She is mocking the royal watch."
Morganna stepped closer. "I do not care who you are. You will explain yourself properly. No lies. No tricks."
Melusine's eyes flicked toward Isolde for a moment, then returned to the queen.
"I came here because I want to walk among humans," she said. "Nothing more."
Morganna scoffed. "No one simply walks into Asterfell. Are you a runaway? A thief? A spy?"
Melusine smiled slowly. "Would you believe me if I said none of those?"
A cold silence followed.
Isolde felt a strange shiver run through her not fear, but a feeling she couldn't explain.
Severin placed a hand on his sword. "Your Majesty, I advise caution. Something is not right with her."
Melusine looked at him and smiled again.
A soft, knowing smile.
Then she spoke.
"Why are you gripping your sword, knight? Did I scare you already?"
And that was when Severin stepped forward, blade half-drawn, and said
"Tell me the truth. What are you?"
Melusine's smile widened, slow and dangerous.
"I am something your steel cannot save you from."
And before anyone could react, she took one step toward Severin.
The crowd gasped.
Isolde grabbed Severin's arm. "Wait..."
Melusine looked straight into the princess's eyes and whispered
"Do you want me to show you?"