CASPIAN'S POV:
Caspian held the Soulstone Absorber in his hands, his gaze intense.
'Look at this,' he said firmly, his voice calm like a still pond, but with a touch of worry.
'It's not just some regular trinket. It's a special kind of magic that needs careful thinking.'
He stared at the Soulstone Absorber closely, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Decisions about this couldn't be rushed.
'I should go to the Veridian Council of Mystics,' he declared to himself, his tone strong.
'They're the ones who know a lot about old things and protect the magical world.'
The leaves above him rustled gently, and his cloak moved in the breeze, making him look even more important.
Even though things were uncertain, he stood tall.
'Who's behind this dark magic?' he wondered aloud, his grip on the Soulstone Absorber tightening.
'Why does it need the Umbrathrax's energy?'
Caspian's attention snapped back to reality as the young lady's voice rang out, her words brimming with confidence and genuine care.
"Goodbye, Mr. Umbrie! I hope you won't get trapped again!" she shouted, waving her hands up high.
When the Umbrathrax flew away, Caspian felt so much better.
It didn't seem dangerous anymore because the strange thing on its leg was gone.
He agreed with the young lady. "Yes, it looks like the danger is gone now," he said.
Caspian looked back at the young lady, getting more curious about her.
He saw how she stood and moved, all tall and strong but also graceful.
The sun made her look even more lively and bright.
'There's something special about her,' he thought. 'Strong yet kind, not something you see every day.'
Caspian walked up to the young lady and gave her a thankful nod. He looked at her with appreciation for her bravery.
"Thank you for your help, milady," he said, his voice sounding calm and composed. "You showed real courage."
The young lady smiled warmly, her determination shining in her eyes.
"I just wanted to do what's right," she said confidently. "Everyone should get a chance to be free."
Caspian thought for a moment, his eyes gazing into the distance.
"Freedom," he said quietly, "it's a treasure that some desire, while for others, it is a temptation beyond their reach."
Being both a demigod and the king of Veridia, he knew all about the heaviness of having power and the limits it put on him.
His duties as a ruler controlled everything he did, leaving little space for his own wishes.
The young lady surprised Caspian with her answer. She sounded wise, as if she knew a lot.
"Freedom is when you can choose what you want," she said, sounding sure of herself.
"It doesn't matter if it makes you happy or others, the important thing is you get to decide."
While she talked, Caspian kept looking at her.
He didn't totally agree with her because he often had to do things because he was the king.
But what she said made him think, seeing freedom in a new way.
"I get what you mean," Caspian said, thinking hard.
"Freedom can mean different things," he said calmly. "For some, it's making their own choices.
For others, it's being okay with the choices they get."
Caspian noticed her face change a little. And he wondered why.
She seemed like she was thinking hard after his last statement.
He remembered how she acted without thinking earlier. But it wasn't because she was silly, it was because she cared a lot.
He liked how brave she was to follow what she wanted.
She was different from others in a special way. Her spirit and smarts were things you didn't usually see in someone her age.
Caspian felt interested in her because of how unique she was.
He wanted to know more about her, to see what was behind her tough outer shell.
"What's your name?" Caspian asked softly, his voice showing he really wanted to know. "I'd like to know who the brave and smart lady I met is."
The young lady paused, thinking about whether she should tell him her name or not.
"Is it okay if I share my name so easily, milord? You haven't told me much about yourself either," she said, sounding sure of herself but also protective.
Her answer showed she was being careful, and Caspian thought that was smart.
He understood it was important to keep some things secret, even though he really wanted to know more about her.
"All right," Caspian said, sounding calm and polite. "How about a little hint? Something that can help me remember you."
Even though he stayed focused on his kingdom, this brave girl had left a strong mark on him.
Feelings he usually pushed away were now stirring inside him.
Thinking about having a woman in his life was something new.
His duties as king and his special abilities took up most of his time. Relationships weren't a big part of his plans.
But there was something special about her that made him curious.
'She's different, and I want to learn more about her,' Caspian thought, defending his decision to keep asking about her.
'I won't let my feelings make me lose focus. Her strong will might clash with my responsibilities as king.'
"I guess it's like a shimmering light in the shadows," the young lady said, smiling.
Caspian was fascinated by her cheerful energy. Her words made a pretty picture, and he got lost for a moment in her shiny eyes.
"Lady Sparkle…" he thought out loud, making the young lady burst out in laughter.
"Lady Sparkle. I like that," she replied, her eyes dancing.
However, her question brought him back to now. And he got his serious look back.
"And what about you, milord?" she asked, sounding confident. "Can you tell me your name as well? Or would you like me to call you Lord Shadow, too?"
She laughed again. And her voice was like melodious music in his ears.