[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/WQjDp9F.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240501/f05a736427987502b04e7512136c14ae.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Royal Residence[/sub][/cell][/row][/table]Flynn hesitated by the door after stepping out, lingering in the dimly lit hallway. Doubt gnawed at him—was he making the right decision by leaving them alone? He wanted to stay—wanted to make sure Amaya was all right, to keep Elara in check. But his sisters had always just needed time. Surely, Amaya and Elara would be the same. Given space, they’d work it out between themselves. They’d come around.  

Exhaling softly, he nodded to the guard stationed outside the door before descending the stairs, his boots heavy against the wooden steps. Reaching the front door, he pulled it open, the cold air biting at his face and stealing away the last traces of warmth Amaya had left there.

Outside, an Aurelian guard stood in gleaming silver and gold armor, turning at Flynn’s arrival. The man inclined his head in a respectful bow.  

[color=FA8072]“Your Highness,”[/color] he greeted.  

Flynn returned the gesture with a nod. [color=337d71]“Any updates?”[/color]

The guard’s expression remained hidden behind an expertly crafted helmet, [color=FA8072]“Nothing yet, but the entire force is combing the area. Lunarians included.”[/color] He gestured toward the outskirts of the forest, where torches flickered between the trees, casting long shadows as the soldiers scoured the terrain.  

Flynn’s lips pressed into a fine line. The news was disappointing, but he tempered his frustration. His gaze drifted down the pathway leading into town, where darkness swallowed the road.  

[color=FA8072]“There is one other matter,”[/color] the guard continued. [color=FA8072]“A prisoner has been taken in—thought you should know.”[/color]

Flynn’s attention returned to the guard, brows lifted slightly, waiting.  

[color=FA8072]“A man was arrested for treasonous words against the crown,”[/color] the guard elaborated. [color=FA8072]“One of the champions of Aelios detained him.”[/color]

That caught Flynn’s attention.  

The guard hesitated for a beat before adding, [color=FA8072]“I hear it was a…. puppeteer? Apparently he held a show at the Eye earlier?”[/color]

Flynn sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Of course. The man had been brave enough to insinuate treasonous words right to Flynn’s face—of course he’d be even bolder in front of others. Flynn would have to deal with this at some point, but not now. 

He gave a small nod of acknowledgment. [color=337d71]“Thank you.”[/color] 

Stepping back inside, he paused before fully closing the door. [color=337d71]“When the Priestess and Lady Hightower arrive,”[/color] he instructed firmly, [color=337d71]“send them up immediately.”[/color]

The guard bowed his head in acknowledgment then resumed his watchful stance, scanning the dimly lit streets. Flynn closed the door behind him and exhaled, steadying himself.  

For a moment, he lingered in the entryway, his mind racing. What if they never found the creature who attacked the princess? His heart clenched at the thought. Surely the guards could track the creature… couldn’t they? 

Suppressing the building anxiety, he moved toward the living room, where the fire crackled in the hearth. The warmth was welcome, but it did little to ease him. He grabbed a nearby log and tossed it into the flames, watching as embers curled upward. He took his time, letting the minutes stretch to give Amaya and Elara more space upstairs, but his thoughts spiraled. 

How could he better protect the town? How could he protect Amaya? What was one man to do against beings they barely understood—beings infinitely more powerful than them?

His hand raked through his tousled blonde hair as he stared into the fire, lost in thought. He needed to speak with Orion. 

Minutes passed before he finally turned to leave, but as he reached the living room entry, nearby footsteps echoed down the stairs. He paused, glancing toward the staircase just as Elara appeared, stone-faced and formal as ever. She descended quickly, her posture rigid, and without a word, she swept past him and out the front door.  

Flynn frowned as his gaze followed her. He hadn’t expected her to leave. Elara had rarely left Amaya’s side in the months they’d been here. What had shifted? 

His gaze lingered on the closed door for a moment before he finally turned, ascending the stairs. The guard still stood outside Amaya’s door, standing at attention as Flynn approached.  

Reaching for the doorknob, he froze at the sound of the front door opening again.  

Flynn exchanged a glance with the guard before stepping toward the banister, peering down to see who had just entered.

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[Sub][b]Mentions:[/b] Elara/Orion [@Qia], Amaya [@c3p-0h], Gadez [@Dezuel][/sub]