The mansion Aster built—white stone with frost-shaped carvings—had quickly earned its name:
*Snowflake Mansion.*
A tribute to their mother, "Arlienne Snowflake", and the symbol of everything Aster worked for.
Naturally, the twins chose their performing name based on her as well:
*The Snowflakes.*
Aster Snowflake Wynfall.
Astra Snowflake Wynfall.
Her name carried pride.
Their music carried her memory and sacrifices.
And tonight, Snowflake Mansion shone with life as Arlienne's birthday celebration began.
Big merchants from Arcwell Merchants, friendly commoners, engineers, and neighbors all gathered cheerfully.
Warm lights filled the garden.
Mana lanterns drifted overhead like glowing petals.
No nobles arrived.
No royals.
Aster's palace-bound sisters could not attend—they were required to stay at the queen's ceremony.
But the people who mattered were here.
***
Aster and Astra took the stage—small, simple, set in the glowing garden.
"Everyone!" Astra called, hands cupped around her mouth. "We prepared something special for Mama!"
"Five songs," Aster added with a grin. "One for each year she stood beside us when the world did not."
Arlienne laughed softly, eyes already misty.
And then the Snowflakes began.
A gentle lullaby filled the air.
Then a warm family ballad.
A playful song Astra wrote.
A heartfelt piece Aster composed with layered magical chords.
And finally—
Aster snapped his fingers.
The beat dropped.
Mana vibrated through the garden.
A rap performance dedicated entirely to Arlienne Snowflake.
The crowd went wild.
Cheers echoed through the mansion.
Arlienne covered her face as tears spilled freely.
It was beautiful.
It was perfect.
It was family.
When the music faded, the party shifted into a lively dinner.
Liora Arcwell and her staff served dishes, children played between tables, and laughter filled every corner of the garden.
Aster stood with Astra near the lantern-lit pathway, watching their mother glow with joy.
"We did good," Astra whispered.
Aster smiled. "Yeah. We really did."
Everything felt warm.
Peaceful.
Safe.
Until—
**The lanterns flickered.**
A faint vibration hummed through the ground.
Aster turned toward the estate's entrance.
Moments later—
*Thump. Thump. Thump.*
Heavy footsteps.
Armored footsteps.
Voices followed, firm and authoritative.
"Clear the path."
"Stay behind us."
"We have official business."
Guests paused mid-conversation.
Heads turned.
Fear rippled softly through the gathered crowd.
A line of **royal soldiers** entered Snowflake Mansion's front gate.
Behind them walked several palace officials, their attire immaculate, expressions cold.
Aster and Astra stiffened.
Arlienne's breath caught.
Liora Arcwell's eyes widened.
The music faded completely.
Everyone stepped aside as the soldiers marched into the garden, their polished armor gleaming under the lantern light.
Aster stepped forward, calm but tense.
Astra moved beside him instantly.
Arlienne reached for Aster's arm.
"Aster… please be careful."
The lead soldier halted before them and bowed stiffly.
"Prince Aster Wynfall. Princess Astra Wynfall."
His tone was polite—but carried the weight of authority.
Aster's voice was steady.
"What is the meaning of this?"
The soldier exchanged a glance with the official behind him.
All the guests held their breath.
Astra's grip on Aster's sleeve tightened.
Arlienne stared fearfully at the palace emblems on their uniforms.
The lead official stepped forward—
He opened his mouth—