LYRIAN
Mia's room was alive with laughter, perfume, and petals. The air shimmered faintly with magic as Diamond, Princess of Pyros, adjusted the final layer of Mia's gown.
As a fashion expert, Diamond had insisted it needed a little of her light touch.
Her golden energy flitted through the air like sunlight on glass, wrapping the bride in an ethereal glow.
"There," Diamond said proudly, stepping back with a flourish. "Perfection."
Mia turned to the mirror, her reflection stealing even her own breath. The gown flowed like liquid fire and light — a perfect blend of royalty and warmth. But her hands trembled as she reached for her veil.
Lyrian, standing nearby with the rest of Resonance, caught it instantly.
Mia's smile was brave, but her eyes betrayed her.
"Still nervous?" Lyrian asked softly, tucking a strand of her dark hair behind her ear.
Before Mia could answer, she tripped slightly over her train.
Her sister Seren, the maid of honor, caught her with a laugh. "Careful! You're not supposed to fall before the 'I do.'"
Everyone giggled, but Mia sighed, voice tight. "I know. I just—what if something goes wrong?"
"Nothing will," Seren assured, smoothing her veil. "You've got two kingdoms protecting this castle. Everything's perfect, Mia. You just have to breathe."
Mia nodded, forcing a smile. "Right. Breathe."
Lyrian, seeing through it, leaned close and whispered, "If it's about Damon... you know Rhys is safe. Reone and the guards have this place locked tight.The Legion guys are also here to back them up. No one's getting near."
At that, Mia's shoulders loosened. She turned, squeezed Lyrian's hand tightly. "Thank you, Lyrian. I really needed to hear that."
A knock came at the door.
"Sweetheart?" Eldric's familiar voice warmed the air.
Mia's fathers entered — Eldric and King Cael, both dressed regally, both looking equally stunned at their daughter.
"You look…" Eldric began, but Cael finished the sentence: "…beyond beautiful."
"Rhys is one lucky man," Cael added, smiling through the tears he was hiding.
Mia blushed.
Queen Selene chuckled, gently nudging her husband. "Don't you dare start crying now."
That made them all laugh — the perfect sound to ease Mia's nerves. Then, from beyond the door, came the faint notes of the wedding march.
"It's time," Eldric said, holding out his arm. Cael mirrored him.
Mia drew in a deep, trembling breath. "Let's do this."
The Resonance took that as their cue to leave, fluttering into the golden corridor where the Legion waited in formation.
The hall shimmered with light and crystal flowers — every color refracting across the marble floor.
Reone stood among the groomsmen, looking uncharacteristically composed in a dark tailored suit. When Resonance appeared, his violet eyes flicked instantly to Lyrian.
For a heartbeat, the world stilled.
She was radiant — a soft indigo gown that hugged her frame and sparkled faintly under the chandeliers. Her hair was pulled back with a streak of glittering blue — elegant yet effortless.
Reone quickly masked his reaction with a smirk and, ever so casually, said, "You all look great."
But his gaze stayed fixed on Lyrian.
"Of course we do," Diamond said, hands on her hips. "I helped pick everything!"
"And you guys don't look so bad yourselves," she added, tossing Sire a flirty glance.
Sire bowed dramatically. "Why thank you, Princess. May I?"
She giggled and slipped her hand into his. "You may."
Around them, the others paired off — Nova with Mickey, Diamond with Sire— until only Lyrian and Seren's husband remained.
As best man, Reone would walk with Seren, so Lyrian found herself next to Seren's wizard husband--the tall and charming Dane. She smiled politely but couldn't help the flicker of jealousy in her chest that Reone was pairing with another woman. Ridiculous — and yet, there it was.
The music swelled, signaling the procession.
They walked in pairs down the aisle, magic light glinting across the hall as the crowd rose.
At the far end, Rhys stood waiting, regal in Echian gold and white.
When Mia finally appeared — flanked by both her fathers — every eye turned.
Lyrian caught Rhys's expression as he saw his bride: pure awe.
"Wow," he mouthed visibly.
Mia giggled. Just like that, her nervousness melted away.
The ceremony unfolded like a dream. The vows, soft and heartfelt, echoed through the hall. Selene dabbed at her eyes; Diamond sniffled audibly; and even Reone, standing behind Rhys, looked almost peaceful.
When the officiant finally said, "You may now kiss the bride," the hall erupted in cheers as their lips met. Magic rippled outward in a wave of light, blessing the new King and Queen of Echian.
Lyrian clapped with everyone else, smiling through a sting of emotion. She was truly happy for Mia... but a quiet ache settled in her chest. Would she ever have something like that?
Instinctively, she looked at Reone — who was scanning the crowd suspiciously.
But then he turned, and their eyes met.
She looked away instantly, cheeks warm, embarrassed to be caught staring.
*****
Hours later, laughter and music filled the grand ballroom. The celebration was alive — fairy lights floating like stars, a string quartet giving way to upbeat tunes, and tables overflowing with food.
Everyone seemed relaxed… except Reone.
He stood with the Legion near the back, but he watched the royal couple like a hawk. His instincts prickled — something about the stillness between songs, the occasional flicker of shadow near the walls, didn't sit right.
Still, the wedding continued without issue. Maybe it was just his imagination.
He also kept watching Lyrian. Not that he was worried about her, exactly — it just happened. And it was annoying. And distracting.
"Try smiling for once, Reone," Mickey teased. "It's a wedding, not a battlefield."
"I am smiling," Reone said with a stoic look.
Sire chuckled. "Good to see you again, Reone — and in a suit instead of armor for once."
"Yeah,"Mickey added, eyes twinkling. "Though, there's a ninety-seven percent chance he's concealing at least two weapons."
The guys looked at him for confirmation.
"Boys," Reone said dryly, "evil forces are always a threat. So I always have to remain one too."
Sire shook his head. "You can take the guy out of the armor, but you can't take the armor out of the guy."
They laughed — even Reone cracked a grin.
Just then, Seren appeared, slightly flustered. "Hey, have any of you seen Lyrian? She's supposed to perform in fifteen minutes."
Reone immediately pointed. "She's over there."
His voice was a little too quick — which earned him a knowing smirk from Sire.
"Keeping tabs on her, huh?" Sire murmured.
Reone rolled his eyes.
"Can you get her for me?" Seren asked. "I have to handle something."
Sire elbowed Reone. "Go on, man. Go get your lady."
"You're exhausting," Reone muttered, but he was already moving.
Lyrian turned just before he reached her, as if sensing him.
"Reone? Is something wrong?"
"No," he said simply. "You're up on stage soon. Seren asked me to get you."
Lyrian's heart dipped — that was all he came for? She couldnt help feeling disappointed buf she masked it with a small smile.
"Right." She handed her glass to a waiter and fell into step beside him. The air between them hummed with unspoken energy.
Before they got far, someone called their names.
They turned to see Headmistress Meridith of Arcannum Academy.
Lyrian's face lit up as they embraced. Meridith warmly greeted Reone too, exclaiming how much she'd missed them and all of Resonance.They hadnt seen each other since a year after graduation — since the day they defeated the dark Sylphs, a memory both sweet and painful.
After a few minutes of catching up, Meridith excused herself with a smile, saying how proud she was of them — and how happy she was to see them still together.
Lyrian flushed, about to protest, but Meridth was already gone.
Reone only shrugged, and Lyrian managed an awkward smile.
They continued toward the backstage hall.
Reone noticed her shallow breathing. "Nervous?"
"A little," she admitted. "I've never performed for an entire kingdom before. And there are so many important people."
"You'll be fine," he said, voice softer than he meant. "You're so talented,Lyrian. Just get up there and they'll love you."
Her lips curved into a shy smile. "Thanks."
At the dressing room door, he hesitated, glancing back. "Break a leg," he said awkwardly.
She laughed. "He can be so cute," she murmured once he left — then caught her reflection, sobering.
"Get it together," she whispered. "Dont start falling for him again."
She glared at herself in the mirror.
Moments later, someone came to call Lyrian to the stage.
"I'll be right there,"she answered,not taking her eyes off her relfection.
Closing her eyes,Lyrian,banished all thoughts from her mind until she made it that there was only her and the music.
It was showtime, she told herself. Taking one last deep breath,Lyrian made her way out the door,ready to shine.
******
When the lights dimmed, a hush fell.
Then Lyrian's voice rose — clear, melodic, magnetic — wrapping around every soul in the hall.
Even Reone, posted near the back, forgot all about Damon and focused only on her voice.
She was dazzling — radiant under the lights, her voice filling the space.
But toward the end of the song, her voice faltered.
Her eyes widened — she was in horror as a cloaked figure slipped through the crowd, dagger glinting, moving toward Rhys.
"Rhys, look out!" she shouted mid-song, pointing.
Time froze.
Rhys turned just as a shadow lunged but not quick enough — and it might have been all over if Varek hadn't stepped in front of the blow.
The blade pierced his chest.
"No!" Reone shouted, rushing forward. He dropped beside Varek, but the old warrior's eyes had already gone glassy.
Across the room, Damon lowered his hood, fury burning in his dark eyes.
"What have you done, Damon?" Rhys demanded.
"What you forced me to do," Damon hissed. "When you stole my rightful throne!"
With a snarl, he raised his hand, dark magic exploding outward. Spectral beasts — all teeth and shadows — burst through the ballroom.
Screams erupted. Guests fled as chaos consumed the hall.
Resonance reacted instantly.
"Resonance! Transform!" Mia shouted.
Light and sound flared as the Sylphs ascended, unleashing waves of power against the monsters.
The Legion drew weapons, forming a protective ring around the royals.
Reone stood, rage and grief twisting in his chest. Varek's body lay still behind him.
He didn't think — he just charged.
Steel clashed with dark energy. Rhys joined him, their movements fierce and fluid.
They landed blow after blow, driving Damon back as his summoned beasts dissolved under the girl's combined power.
"It's over, Damon!" Rhys shouted. "Surrender!"
Damon's eyes flicked toward Mia.
"Not yet."
He thrust his hand forward — a jagged bolt of darkness aimed straight at her.
Mia, busy fighting another creature, didn't see it.
"Mia!" Rhys leapt instinctively — the blast hit him instead.
"Rhys!" Reone yelled.
The hall went silent.
Mia dropped to her knees beside him. "Rhys? Rhys, open your eyes!"
He didn't move.
"Rhys!" she cried again.
With everyone focused on the fallen prince, Damon conjured a dark portal.
Lyrian's eyes snapped to the movement.So did Reone's
"He's escaping!" Lyrian shouted.
Without hesitation, she shot into the air and followed.
"Lyrian, wait—!" Reone called, but it was too late. She vanished into the darkness.
For a heartbeat, he froze — torn between staying with Rhys and chasing Lyrian.And Damon.
He thought quickly.
Mia was there. She and the others would protect Rhys.
But he couldnt let Lyrian face Damon.
And he couldn't let Damon get away. Not after this.
With grim resolve, Reone sprinted forward and dove into the portal just before it closed.