Someone stood above him. A figure backlit by pale light that filtered through his closed eyelids, turning the world into gradients of red and shadow. His thoughts moved slowly, each one dragging through fog that shouldn’t exist. The Moon Goddess had stripped his need for sleep away. Had given him endless waking hours. So why did his consciousness feel like something he had to claw toward?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZv2zFY0GA
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The silhouette shifted. Resolved into features he couldn’t quite focus on. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZL13T3ZOX
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‘Selina..?’145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0IdBZiRN8
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His vision cleared.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57VqFTNeDw
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The weathered face of a man stared down at him with an expression somewhere between exasperation and resignation. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9ZdFHGUIH
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“Morning, you moron.” The words came flat. “Stand up before someone steps on you.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7S7H42rJH
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Cel blinked. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOdPO8XHEp
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‘Not Selina.’145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60jjK6Qpt9
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His eyes tracked across the space above the barkeeper’s head, finding wooden beams he recognized. The Golden Hart’s ceiling. Which meant—145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3cvvO7laB
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He pushed himself upright. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShYi1wO8gz
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His gaze swept across the tavern. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx1v0JJ6wE
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‘A proper goodbye, huh?’145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz17Yh95mL1
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Tankards lay scattered across every surface, some still upright but most tipped over. Tables had been shoved against walls, chairs sat overturned and people - regulars he recognized - sprawled in positions that looked deeply uncomfortable. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY5Wy5nnGj
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One man curled beneath a table with his head pillowed on someone else’s boot, a woman slumped against the hearth with her mouth open and her hair falling across her face, another patron just lying flat in the middle of the floor with his arms spread wide like he’d decided the ground was acceptable bedding.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF6oc8oje4
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Just how much had they drunk?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHccfDJab1
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Enough that even his divinely forged body had surrendered to it, apparently. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QcbofRK9L
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Cel stood slowly, testing his balance. His legs worked, though they felt less steady than they should. The barkeeper had already turned away, moving behind the counter with heavy steps, surveying his destroyed establishment with the resignation of a man who’d seen this before and would see it again.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5K3ptWvqe
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“How are you even standing?” Cel’s voice came out rough. Hoarse. Like he’d spent the night shouting.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUWj0HiHee
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Had he shouted? He couldn’t remember.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6YKVUGB2J
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The barkeeper glanced back, one eyebrow raised. “Because I stopped drinking three hours before you idiots did.” He picked up a tankard, examined it, set it down. “Someone had to make sure none of you died choking on your own vomit.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIk2uojLer
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Fair.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLYiyWNDii
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Cel picked his way across the floor, stepping over unconscious bodies and spilled drinks. His boots stuck slightly to the wood where alcohol had dried into tackiness. The air smelled like stale beer and unwashed bodies.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4AXokGT5S
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“I’m sorry about the mess,” he said when he reached the bar.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzEFesEixb
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The barkeeper waved a hand dismissively. “Mess cleans up. You should see this place after the Founding Festival.” He paused, then added, “Though you did contribute significantly to the chaos.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNuPhpxHHp
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Silence settled between them. Not uncomfortable exactly. Just the quiet of two people who’d shared space often enough that words weren’t always necessary.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4a9yn45do
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“You’re leaving soon,” the barkeeper said finally. Not a question.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfAFGN4zPq
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“In a week.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjgEPYlb0a
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“Long journey.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAHeFF7oEY
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“Two months there and back.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2NthkZCRM
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The barkeeper nodded slowly, his weathered face thoughtful. He reached beneath the counter, pulled out a cloth, began wiping down wood that probably wouldn’t get properly clean without serious effort.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RkSm6PW8z
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“You’ve been good company,” he said without looking up. “Don’t get many students who just sit and talk like normal people. Most of them are too busy trying to impress everyone or prove something.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4UUVTDfIM
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The words landed with unexpected weight. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWimVfOMgp
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“Thank you,” Cel said quietly. “For everything.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUKkiYKVoR
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The barkeeper’s hands stilled. He looked up, meeting Cel’s eyes with an expression that might have been understanding. “You take care of yourself out there. Life Clan territory got its dangers same as anywhere.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RMJqRLPcC
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“I will.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskLGBq5Nnz
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“And when you get back...” The barkeeper’s mouth quirked slightly. “Your usual stool will be waiting.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYLCCfwQCG
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Something warm settled in Cel’s chest. Strange and unfamiliar. The promise of return. Of someone expecting him back. Of a space that would remain his even in absence.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZqhVt1m6Z
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The corner of Cel's mouth lifted, almost against his will. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBWi0RhnYl
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"I'll see you then." 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eqcK9LPln
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He turned toward the door, picking his way back across the destroyed tavern. Behind him, the barkeeper had already resumed cleaning, the cloth moving in steady circles.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56pN7anrw9
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The morning air hit Cel like cold water when he stepped outside. Sharp and clean after the tavern’s close warmth. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKPIjVY8j5
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The walk back to the Academy passed in familiar rhythms. Streets gradually filling as Stella woke. Vendors setting up their stalls. Early morning workers moving with the grim determination of people who hadn’t chosen their hours.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCIlMilqXE
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Cel let the motion carry him, thoughts drifting nowhere in particular.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMZ2mbBgKi
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The week passed without much happening.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsVbKpb775
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Classes focused on Life Clan territory - lectures about Verdanthold’s structure, the ancient trees that formed the city’s foundation, the political dynamics between the five noble houses. Instructor Saren provided detailed maps, marking dangerous routes and known rift-creature activity. Instructor Calder demonstrated proper wilderness survival techniques that most students already knew but needed refreshing anyway.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pKJcw9wbG
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Each night Cel still found his way to the training grounds, and each night Hestia was already there waiting, her crimson blade drawn before he'd even crossed the threshold. Their sparring had settled into something almost ritualistic  - she came at him without warning, without mercy, and he'd learned not to ask for either. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJBWvelJBP
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He lost as consistently as he always had.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb602WNuKkz
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Nothing changed. Nothing improved.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8KWL7qzK8
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Lior talked constantly about seeing his parents, excitement building with each passing day. Other students made their own preparations, gathering supplies and checking equipment and discussing strategy for whatever challenges the examination would present.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfHBNIpiUx
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Cel kept his thoughts on something else.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBiKGwcs9L
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One more visit to the church. One last chance to see his sister before departing.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhECEBe3inr
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He’d come up with an excuse that felt plausible - a goodbye gift, something to mark their separation during the examination period. Not weird for two people who’d spent weeks talking about normal things. Not suspicious for someone calling themselves the Heir to the Moon to give a gift bearing a crescent moon.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUtkgapNMa
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The off-day arrived with clear skies and mild temperatures. Cel changed into his common clothes, tucked the wrapped necklace into his pocket, and left the Academy grounds before anyone could ask where he was going.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnHeniSEec
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The walk to the church had become familiar over months of weekly visits. His feet knew the route. Past the market district where vendors called their wares. Through residential streets where houses pressed close together. Around the corner where the Moon Goddess’s church sat like something forgotten - small and unimpressive compared to the grand structures dedicated to the gods.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HAf6JupCB
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Cel’s hand found the door. Pushed it open.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MLejcTUuj
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The interior waited in its usual dim quiet. Candles burned in their holders, casting shadows that moved across stone walls. The statue of the Moon Goddess’s Mark dominated the space.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdK2Vv4txy
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And kneeling before it, hands clasped in prayer, was Lyra.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLViogYZCGa
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His sister.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf5O4W4p81
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Her bluish-black hair fell loose around her shoulders. She wore a simple dress - nothing ornate, nothing that screamed wealth despite her noble birth. Her posture held the careful stillness of genuine devotion rather than performed piety.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDSbR25haC
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Cel stood in the doorway, watching. His chest tight with feelings he couldn’t name.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKbKQgW8p8
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Lyra’s head turned, awareness pulling her from prayer. Her eyes found him - icy blue-gray and matte, so similar to their mother’s that looking at them hurt sometimes. Recognition sparked immediately, followed by a smile that transformed her entire face.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W8nq8ucvl
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“You came,” she said, standing quickly. Smoothing her dress with nervous hands. “I was hoping you would.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOva5L2q6x
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“I always come.” Cel moved forward, settling into his usual seat on the bench near the front. “Why would today be different?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmCDcYlRQJ
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“I don’t know. I just...” She sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders nearly touched. “I’m glad you’re here.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLBM0LBXYU
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They fell into their familiar pattern, though something in Lyra seemed distracted today - her sentences trailing off, her hands restless in her lap. She kept glancing at the statue like it might answer a question she hadn't asked yet. Cel noticed but didn't press, letting the silence do what words couldn't. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5L6YgQ1AC
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The conversation flowed easily. Comfortable in the way only repeated practice could create.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9ywQRQK4D
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Then Lyra’s expression shifted. Something uncertain entering her features.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMspYR9q3nq
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“My birthday is next week,” she said quietly.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhutImMMPPI
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Cel’s heart clenched. He’d known, of course. Had counted down the days while pretending not to. “Is it?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpb3UP7Pu5
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“Yes.” She picked at her dress, fingers finding a loose thread. “I was wondering if...” She took a deep breath. “Would you like to come? To celebrate?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbqUMG2nb1
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The invitation emerged nervous and hopeful in equal measure.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR5oMyPBTY
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“It’s just a small gathering,” she continued quickly. “My mother and the servants. Nothing fancy. Just...” Another pause. “It would mean a lot to me. If you came.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCWIhdQ11H
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No friends, Cel realized with sudden, painful clarity. His sister had no friends. Just their mother and household staff who were paid to be kind to her. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu79sN9qGB
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The knowledge settled like a stone in his stomach.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3EZhFvsWQ
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“I can’t,” he said. The words came out rougher than intended. “I’m sorry.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwp2nFSURV
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Lyra’s face fell. The hope that had brightened her eyes moments before dimmed into something closer to resignation. Like she’d expected this answer but had let herself hope anyway.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgkY6zp8KN
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“Oh.” Her voice had gone small. Careful. “That’s alright. I understand.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpWDurlaiU
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“No, it’s—” Cel forced himself to continue. To explain rather than leaving her thinking he’d simply rejected the invitation. “The Academy’s final examination starts in a few days. We’re departing for Life Clan territory. The journey takes four months in total - there and back. I won’t be in Stella for your birthday.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPbduqdJqU
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Understanding crossed her features, but the disappointment remained. She nodded slowly, gaze dropping to her lap.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLzXeSL5uZ
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Cel watched her try to compose herself. Watched her force a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi84IEJNly
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He couldn’t stand it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonS0ZfUbXI
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“I brought you something,” he said quickly. Reached into his pocket and pulled out the cloth-wrapped shape. “This is... a goodbye gift. For while I’m away.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcPCEmDYjl
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Lyra’s eyes widened. She took the package carefully, like it might break if handled wrong. Her fingers found the cloth’s edge, unwrapping it slowly.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9psc1Mtu4
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The necklace caught candlelight as it emerged - silver chain with the crescent moon pendant hanging from its center. Simple but well-made. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8p0U8XkH9
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“I...” Lyra’s voice caught. “This is beautiful.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdZ7BP1Llz
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"I chose it because..." Cel paused, organizing thoughts into words. "Because when I had nothing left - no home, no family, no reason to keep breathing - she was there. Not loud. Not demanding. Just... present. Like moonlight finding you even in the deepest depths." He gestured toward the pendant. "She didn't stop the pain. She never has, not for me. But she gave me something to hold onto until I could stand again. That's all I want for you." 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xEdaqnXhx
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Lyra’s fingers closed around the necklace. She stared at it for a long moment, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19qg2OY5Pp
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“Thank you,” she whispered. “This means...” She looked up at him, and the gratitude in her expression made his chest ache. “This means a lot to me.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj1yJ0cv6x
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She fastened the necklace around her neck with careful movements. The crescent moon settled against her collarbone, right where the cloth of her dress met skin. She touched it lightly, testing its weight, her smile returning - genuine this time.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFBBtxontg
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Then her expression shifted again. Became more serious. Uncertain in a way that went deeper than birthday parties or goodbye gifts.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILAujmUHLk
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“Can I ask you something?” Her voice had dropped lower. Almost hesitant.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkYLVqcQ3R
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“Of course.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxhwstKeho
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“Do you think...” She took a breath. “Do you think the Moon Goddess will choose me? At my birthday?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9120UjwhZ
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The question landed with terrible weight.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjD7MTICIu
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This birthday wasn’t just about celebration. It marked her fifteenth year. The age when the Divine Calling occurred. When one of the seven gods would either mark her or pass her by entirely.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5j0pt4xCcM
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And Cel wouldn’t be there when it happened. Wouldn’t be there when his sister received a blessing or faced the crushing disappointment of being passed over. Wouldn’t be there to offer support or comfort or anything at all. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4fxdbd1DO
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The pain of it hollowed him out.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Hd145BcZn
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“No one can predict what the gods will do,” he said carefully. Honestly. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXupGxUe6D
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Lyra nodded slowly, though the answer clearly wasn’t what she’d hoped for.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHPVfRIREC
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Cel continued, unable to stop himself. “But in my eyes...” He met her gaze directly. “You’re more than worthy of becoming a Chosen. Every god should be fortunate to have you.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q0q6DuBES
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Tears spilled over then. Lyra wiped at them quickly, embarrassed by the display.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvtBzIfR6H
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“Thank you,” she said again. “For saying that. For—“ She gestured vaguely, encompassing the gift, the conversation and everything else. “For being my friend.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVBqORoGRu
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Friend. The word stabbed through him. Because he wasn’t her friend. He was her brother. Her actual brother, sitting beside her wearing a stranger’s face, pretending not to know her the way siblings should know each other.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZptqHv6oH
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And she had no idea.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzARPgxigXb
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They sat in silence for a while after that. The church waited around them with its familiar patience.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO8VO4spqP
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Eventually Lyra stood. Straightened her dress. Touched the necklace one more time like confirming it was real.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TfdLBPl5r
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“I should go now,” she said. “Before my mother starts worrying.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpYGb68kE0
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Cel rose too. They moved toward the church entrance together, footsteps echoing softly against stone.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EHkrj1e7m
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At the door, Lyra turned back. “Be safe, alright? During the examination.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz7CeFw47U
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“I will.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2JY4vYd48
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“And when you return...” She smiled - small but genuine. “Come visit. Tell me about the Life Clan territory. About the ancient trees, the villages and everything you see.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2eTl1WJiO
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“I promise.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1f4UI6CG9
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She left then. Slipped through the door and into the street beyond. Cel caught the smile before she went - small, unguarded, the kind she probably didn't know she was wearing - and then her dark hair disappeared into Stella's afternoon crowd. 145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kwrLFSiiu
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Cel remained standing in the doorway, watching her go - the only person who he still considered family.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDGJpJhE3Z
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“Happy birthday, little sister.” ​​​​​​​1234 copyright protection141ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tROEKsQjc 尼

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