Arianna Rosviel, A kind heart lost in this magical world.
We find her at the Temple of Hirako in the capital city of Kar-Ah, within the Yokai Theocracy. The grand temple, a towering structure adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, bustled with activity. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting colourful patterns on the polished marble floors. A small crowd of priestesses hurriedly moved back and forth, carrying items into a room where Ari and three high-ranking priestesses were gathered.
"How does it look?" Ari asked, standing on a small dais in the centre of the room. The eldest priestess, who was like a grandmother to her, held her chin thoughtfully, shaking her head from side to side.
"Another one. Another one. In this one, it looks like your breasts might pop out at any moment. Bring me another."
Countless wedding dresses had been tried on today. The walls were lined with mirrors, reflecting the sea of discarded gowns that lay strewn about. Soaked with tears and sweat, her shoulders exhausted, she stood with her arms outstretched to present yet another gown to the grandmotherly priestess. It took four priestesses to wrestle each new dress onto her, as Ari began resisting their intrusive hands, and many gowns did not fit her properly.
"Another one."
"Another one."
"Another one."
"Try this sky-blue one," one of the assistants suggested. The grandmotherly priestess looked at her as if she were a fool. "Are you serious? Another one."
It was too much for Ari. "If I hear 'Another one' one more time, I swear I'll tear everything in sight!" With fierce determination and madness in her eyes, she grabbed the collar of her dress. Tears started streaming down her cheeks. The assistants stripped the dress from her, and then Ari collapsed to her knees. Sobbing into her hands, her cries echoed through the entire temple and beyond. Her friend, Rias, started crying too, hugging Ari sympathetically. The grandmotherly priestess felt awkward; she hadn't intended to push Ari so hard, but she had expectations to meet.
"That will be all for today. I'm sorry, dear. We will return to this later. Rest now." The elderly priestess patted Ari's head and left. The room gradually emptied, leaving Ari and Rias alone amidst the chaos of fabric.
The once-bustling room now felt eerily quiet. Ari looked around at the dishevelled gowns and sighed deeply, the weight of the day pressing down on her. The ornate chandeliers above cast a warm, golden glow, but it did little to lift her spirits. Rias gently took Ari's hand, helping her to her feet.
"Do you want me to walk you home?" Rias asked, looking at the bride's red eyes.
"I'll stay here for today. I don't want to do anything except lie down." Ari grabbed Rias's hand and stood up. Wiping her eyes with her index fingers, she walked out of the changing room to the great hall. The large, echoing hall was dominated by a towering statue of the goddess Hirako, a majestic nine-tailed kitsune with a serene face offering silent comfort. Ari looked up at the statue, holding her hands together in prayer, then continued to her room in the dormitory, her footsteps echoing softly in the vast, sacred space.
It was already dark, almost midnight. The dim light of the moon seeped through the curtains, casting eerie shadows across the room. Ari lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind swirling with thoughts of what lay ahead. Another wave of tears streamed down her face, glistening in the pale light.
"What did I do wrong, Mom, that you sold me to him?" Ari sobbed, her voice a whisper in the silent room. "What did my father promise?" She threw her pillow across the room in a fit of rage. "Why don't you care about my feelings?" She kicked the duvet off the bed, her frustration mounting. "Please, Hirako, please, save me, save this poor soul. Even if it means death…"
Suddenly, a loud cry echoed from the great hall. Ari ignored it at first, but then she heard another cry and the frantic sound of people running.
"What's happening?" she wondered aloud, her voice trembling with fear.
"Run! Run! Save yourself—they are killers!" The panicked shout sent a jolt of terror through her. Ari turned into a frozen statue, her head feeling light, and a thousand thoughts raced through her mind in an instant, leaving her unable to even grasp the door handle.
"Check the rooms! Check the rooms!" a masculine voice commanded, snapping Ari back to her senses. "What should I do?" Panic surged as she heard doors being opened or crashed open one after another, each sound pushing her stress to the limit.
Before Ari could react, before her hand reached the door handle, a commanding "Shushhh'' filled the air, plunging everything into pitch blackness. A mysterious figure forced Ari into submission with ease, his large hand effortlessly bringing her down to the floor. As she lay beneath him, Ari lifted her head, only for him to press his mouth to her ear, whispering a quiet "Shhh," as if urging her to remain silent and still. Despite his recent actions, Ari somehow felt a glimmer of trust in his intentions.
Ari and the mysterious figure turned their attention to the door, where someone stood on the other side. With little effort and a series of intricate hand movements, the unknown figure conjured rock pillars that barricaded the door. The room filled with the sound of stone grinding against stone as the pillars formed a solid barrier, protecting them from the intruders.
The air was thick with tension, the only sound being Ari's rapid breathing and the muffled voices outside. The mysterious saviour held her close, his presence a paradox of calm amidst the chaos. The room, now a sanctuary in the midst of danger, seemed to shrink around them, the walls closing in as the reality of the situation sank in.
Ari's heart pounded in her chest, the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She glanced up at the figure, trying to see his face, but the darkness obscured his features. Who was he? Why was he helping her? These questions swirled in her mind, but for now, she was just grateful to be safe. She clung to that feeling, hoping it would be enough to carry her through whatever came next.
"This one won't open. What now?" one of the thugs asked, frustration evident in his voice.
"You don't know how to open a door?" scoffed another, just before the barricade was shattered with a single kick and two slashes, reducing the door to toothpicks.
"There are two more!" The thugs forced their way through the rock pillars, their heavy boots crunching on the debris. The Savior moved with predatory grace, grabbing Ari by the waist and hurling her into a corner of the room. He then turned, cloak billowing, facing the intruders with a cold, deadly precision in his eyes.
The first thug lunged with a wild thrust. The Savior sidestepped, his movements a blur, and retaliated with a swift punch that left the thug staggering, blood spraying from a deep cut on his face. The second thug swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for the Savior's neck. With lightning reflexes, the Savior ducked and delivered a powerful kick to the thug's knee, a sickening crack echoing through the room as the man crumpled to the ground.
The fight became a deadly dance, the Savior moving between the two remaining thugs with a lethal elegance. His black cloak flowed like a shadow around him, his fists striking out with pinpoint accuracy. He parried a thrust, spinning around to disarm one thug before kicking him into the rock pillars. The other thug charged, but the Savior anticipated his move, sidestepping and delivering a devastating elbow strike to the man's face, sending him crashing to the floor.
Amid the chaos, Ari found herself grabbed once more, hoisted onto the Savior's shoulder. She clung to him, her heart pounding as he fought off the attackers with her in tow. The room was a whirlwind of slashing swords and kicked shins, the Savior's movements so swift that the thugs seemed to be moving in slow motion. The clang of metal against metal, the grunts of pain, and the shouts of the attackers filled the air, creating a symphony of battle.
One thug managed to get close enough to swing at Ari. She raised her head just in time to see the blade descending. With a heavy palm, the Savior forced her back down, narrowly avoiding the sword that sliced through some of her hair. His focus never wavered, his eyes locked on the enemies around them.
Once again lifted by the waist, the Savior carried her on his shoulder, striking, dodging, and leaping with an almost supernatural agility. For Ari, it felt like a twisted amusement park ride that blended terror with deadly seriousness. She watched in awe and fear as the Savior fought, his every move calculated and precise. In a moment of slowed time, Ari's eyes fixated on a scene: two brutes standing with swords drawn before her, and beyond them, an open window.
With a powerful thrust, the Savior propelled Ari with all his might. She sailed between the two thugs and out through the window. It wasn't a great height; the fight had unfolded on the second floor. Opening her eyes, Ari saw the grass and bushes that grew behind the temple. She didn't cry out, merely closing her eyes and instinctively attempting to cushion her fall with her arms and hands.
As she braced for impact, she felt yet again a strong male arm wrap around her waist, catching her and preventing her from hitting the ground. The action was both oddly comforting and unsettling, especially considering it was the same arm that had thrown her into danger in the first place.
The Savior set her down gently in the bushes, his face still concealed by his hood. He performed another series of intricate hand movements, causing rock pillars to cover and seal the window through which they had escaped the immediate danger. His mastery over the elements was awe-inspiring, a reminder of the ancient and powerful magic he wielded.
Ari struggled to catch her breath, her mouth filled with saliva, and the taste of vomit rising in her throat. Clenching her fists, she attempted to speak, but the unknown figure departed, disappearing into the darkness with the same silent grace with which he had arrived.
"There's someone!" a voice called out, filling Ari with relief. A member of the city guard approached, lifting her out of the bushes. The moonlight illuminated his concerned face as he gently checked her for injuries.
"Are you alright, miss?" the guard asked, his voice steady and reassuring.
Ari nodded weakly, still trying to process everything that had just happened. She looked back at the temple, now a distant silhouette against the night sky, its once serene and holy grounds now marred by violence and chaos.
"Captain, she's here! Your sister!" the guard called out.
The Scarlet Captain of the capital guard emerged from the temple, her eyes brimming with tears as she rushed to embrace her sister, holding Ari as if she hadn't seen her in a thousand years. The sisters were finally reunited, and Ari felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"It's okay, dear. Are you hurt? Did they do something to you?" the Captain asked, her voice trembling as she held Ari tightly.
"They tossed me around. I have some scratches, but I'm okay," Ari replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The Captain hugged her even tighter. "I was so worried that you were gone too. I couldn't bear to lose you. Promise me you'll always stay with me!" She wept, her tears mingling with Ari's.
"Gone?" Shock washed over Ari as she realised the magnitude of the attack. "Oh, Granny, Rias, Aiko, Gabriel... everyone is gone?"
"I won't let you go inside. You can't see that. I'll send someone with you to walk you home. Frost, Samuel, come here!" the Captain called out.
One of the guards approached. "They're inside, sir."
"Then go get them!" the Captain ordered. "Yes, sir!" the guard responded, hurrying off.
Shortly after, two young guards emerged from the building—one taller with crimson-brown hair, the other shorter with sky-blue hair, both clad in leather guard cuirasses.
"You called?" the taller one asked.
"Escort Ari home. When you meet the High Priestess, inform her of what happened here and tell her I'll provide a full report tomorrow morning," the Captain instructed.
"Aye, Captain," they replied in unison.
As they walked, Ari grew increasingly tired, her grief overwhelming her as she wept for her lost friends. She swayed back and forth between Samuel and Frost, who supported her as she stumbled. At one point, she nearly fell, but Frost caught her just in time. From then on, she clung tightly to his arm as they made their way to her mansion.
Ari's mansion was situated in the highest tier of the capital city of Kar-Ah. Among the eight buildings that comprised this tier—including the cathedral and the six cardinal's mansions—Ari's home stood out, mostly constructed of intricately carved wood, with lush gardens surrounding it.
As they approached the door, Samuel knocked while Frost supported Ari to prevent her from collapsing. After a moment, the door swung open, revealing a maid with a look of concern.
"Who's there?" the maid inquired, but upon seeing Ari, she immediately swept her into her arms. "You scoundrels! Do you know what will happen to those who get her into trouble?"
"No, no, no!" Frost protested, waving his hands. "We would never do such a thing."
"Why are you here at this hour?" The matriarch of the household appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed in a light nightgown and draped in a crimson cloak. Samuel blushed upon seeing her in such attire, his cheeks burning.
The matriarch descended the stairs gracefully, causing Samuel's imagination to run wild. Overwhelmed by his feelings, he excused himself to Frost, who remained composed.
Meanwhile, Ari, upon seeing her mother, left the maid's embrace and approached her. "What happened?" Matriarch asked, looking at Frost with her cold gaze.
Frost hesitated slightly before answering. "The temple was under attack. Lady Ari is the only survivor. The city guards are on-site, investigating the incident. The Captain will provide a full report to the High Priestess tomorrow morning."
"I see," the matriarch said, embracing her daughter tightly. "Is that all?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Dismissed," the High Priestess commanded, and the maid closed the door in Frost's face.
Frost sighed as he turned to leave.
"Man, what was that! Did you see them?" Samuel flopped onto Frost's shoulder as they walked away.
"Yeah, I saw Ari and Ma'am Fiora, what about it?" Frost replied, Samuel raised an eyebrow.
"No, you did not. You need some serious help, man. Go to a brothel or find some other way to relieve your urges. I'm not going anywhere with you anymore."
Samuel laughed and tried to catch Frost, who started running back toward the temple. "I'll report to the Captain that you're drooling over her mom!" he called after him, their banter echoing through the quiet, moonlit streets of Kar-Ah.
Before we return to the Captain, let's ensure Ari gets some rest. She needs it.
After the guards left, the hallway grew quiet, the only sound being the soft, muffled sobs of Ari. The maid, Mia, watched mother and daughter embrace tenderly. While hugging Ari wasn't a problem—they had always treated each other like friends—Fiora was different. A maid hugging its employer felt too intimate, crossing an invisible line of decorum.
Mia approached them cautiously, her steps light on the polished wooden floor. "Would Miss like some tea or should I prepare a bath?" she asked softly, not wanting to intrude but eager to provide comfort.
Ari shook her head, sniffling. "No, I just want to go to bed."
Mia nodded, understanding. Fiora took Ari by the hand, leading her down the corridor towards her bedroom. Maid followed quietly, her presence a silent offer of support. The house felt sombre, the shadows longer and the air heavier with the weight of the night's events.
In Ari's bedroom, Fiora helped her daughter undress, folding the clothes neatly on a chair. She tucked Ari into bed, pulling the duvet up to her chin. Leaning down, Fiora kissed her forehead and said goodnight. "Goodnight, my dear. You're safe now," she whispered.
As she turned to leave, Ari's voice, small and fragile, broke the silence. "Mom, will everything be alright?"
Fiora paused at the doorway, looking back at her daughter with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "Yes, everything will be alright. I promise," she said, hoping to infuse her words with the strength Ari needed. Fiora gently closed Ari's bedroom door behind her, her composed demeanour faltering for a moment as she met Mia's concerned gaze in the dimly lit hallway.She walked to her and clapped her on the shoulder.
"Go get some rest too."
Mia bowed deeply and left for her room.
Later that night, an unsettling feeling kept Fiora awake, so she went to get a drink of water and visit the bathroom. Her motherly instinct led her to check on Ari. She opened the door quietly. Ari was sitting on the bed, covered in the duvet.
"Did you rest a little?"
"No," Ari sighed. "It's too much for me. I'm so scared." A tear rolled down her cheek.
Again, her mother hugged her tightly. "I know it's hard, but try not to think about it too much."
"I was brutalised, thrown from side to side. I was paralyzed and totally helpless."
"I'm sure Astra will find those brutes. We'll bring them to justice. You are safe here, and I'm here."
"There was another one. He gave me these scratches... but he saved me."
Ari buried her head in her mother's chest, seeking comfort and safety. The room was dimly lit by the moonlight filtering through the window, casting a soft glow over the wooden furniture and the small Hirako's statue. The scent of lavender from the sachets tucked under Ari's pillow filled the air, providing a semblance of calm amidst the chaos.
Fiora gently rocked Ari, whispering soothing words. "You are strong, Ari. Stronger than you know. And we will get through this together."
Ari clung to her mother, her sobs gradually quieting as exhaustion took over. "Thank you, Mother. I don't know what I would do without you."
Fiora kissed the top of her daughter's head. "You'll never have to find out. Now, try to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will face it together."
Ari nodded, finally lying back down. Fiora tucked the duvet around her, ensuring she was warm and secure. "Goodnight, my brave girl."
"Goodnight, Mom." Ari murmured, already drifting into a restless sleep.
Fiora quietly left the room, closing the door softly behind her. In Fiora's hand, the violet magic rune shattered into enigmatic fragments, leaving a faint, lingering glow. As she walked back to her own room, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered. The night was still, the only sounds the soft rustling of leaves outside and the distant murmur of the city. She knew there were challenges ahead, but for now, she took solace in the fact that Ari was safe under her roof.
Returning to Astra:
The guards had shrouded the fallen priestesses in cloth and transported them to a carriage for burial the next day. The temple hall was dimly lit by flickering torches, casting long, mournful shadows over the sacred statues and ornate tapestries. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and the quiet murmur of prayers for the departed.
"Mike, what do we know right now?" Astra asked, her voice a mix of exhaustion and determination.
Mike adjusted his glasses and looked at his notes. "Every priestess was killed. We have two with their top clothes ripped, but it seems rape and molestation weren't their main goals. Most doors were either opened or destroyed when we arrived."
Astra walked around the hall, bowing to Hirako's statue. The serene expression of the goddess seemed almost accusatory in the flickering light. "They were in a hurry. Were they looking for something?"
"We can't say for sure," Mike replied. "The priestesses' possessions were left intact. We checked, and some still had their coin sacks untouched."
Frost returned, still catching his breath. His face was pale, and sweat glistened on his forehead.
"Ari is alright?" Astra asked, her concern evident in her voice.
"We escorted her back. Fio—High Priestess was there, and I informed her about the report and so on." Astra kept eye contact with Frost, sensing he might be withholding something.
"Samuel is aroused by your mom," Frost blurted out, unable to contain himself.
Astra sighed in frustration, rubbing her temples. "I will pretend I didn't hear that."
Mike scratched his forehead, glancing around the devastated temple. "This temple, is there something with high value that someone or some organisation would raid it for?"
"There is no one we can ask and I don't remember anything significant. Maybe Ari knows something, but I will question her later. I don't expect anything more valuable than statues or books."
"Maybe some magic books," Mike suggested, his mind clearly racing with possibilities.
"Let's just search for clues," Astra said.
She looked again at Hirako's statue, then at a guard who approached her. "Captain, there is something!"
Astra moved to the second floor in the dormitory sector, where she encountered an unexpected sight: rock pillars and spikes blocking a doorway. The moonlight streaming through a hall's window highlighted the strange formations, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"Interesting. Really interesting," Mike muttered, breaking off a piece of the pillar to examine it.
"Isn't it just a rock?" Astra asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Indeed it is, but what's fascinating is how it was formed into this shape," Mike replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Astra peered inside but didn't want to crawl through the pillars and spikes, so she sent the guard who had found the room.
With some difficulty, he squeezed through. "Open the curtains," Astra suggested.
"There is no window here," the guard said, pointing at a single beam of light coming through a wall. "Only this."
The guard unintentionally touched the wall, which crumbled to reveal the window that the Saviour had barricaded after escaping with Ari. With the room now lit by the full moon, the guard began searching for clues. He examined the blood on the floor, the duvet, bed, wardrobe, and chest. The only significant finding was a bag that Astra took immediately.
"It's Ari's. So this is the room she was in when she fought those thugs," Astra concluded, looking at Mike, who was still fascinated by the rock pillars.
"This is a rare finding. Do you know what it means?" Mike asked with enthusiasm, his eyes wide.
"I'm all ears," Astra said, crossing her arms, ready for a long explanation.
"This wasn't created with mere rune magic. It must be True Magic or some long-forgotten elemental art." Mike explained, his tone hushed and reverent.
"And what's the significance of that?" Astra asked, her impatience creeping through.
"If we understand what ability or magic created this, we can identify those who did it. Worldwide, only a few could form pillars and spikes like this. One of them is the one you're looking for."
Astra didn't respond. She was deep in thought, her mind racing with possibilities. Mike followed her as the guard struggled to get out of the room.
As they walked back down the hallway, the shadows seemed to grow longer, and the silence of the temple was almost deafening. Astra felt the weight of her responsibility pressing down on her. She knew that the answers they sought were within reach, but the path to uncovering them was fraught with uncertainty.
Astra's authoritative voice echoed through the hall as she summoned all the guards, instructing them to prepare for a thorough search of the basement.
Astra stood at the top of the basement stairs, her eyes scanning the darkness below. "Everyone, draw your weapons and stay alert. We don't know if any of those thugs are still hiding down there," she commanded, her voice firm.
The guards, their expressions resolute, drew their weapons and formed a tight formation around Astra. Mike, always prepared, stepped forward with a confident nod. "I'll provide some light," he said. A magical light green rune with ancient symbols appeared around his wrist. "CANDLELIGHT!" he incanted, and Astra's sword glowed with a bright, white light, illuminating the staircase. Mike repeated the spell for several other guards, their weapons lighting up like torches.
"Do you have to say that to make the spell work?" Astra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, but it adds style for us mages," Mike replied with a wry smile.
"Oh," Astra sighed, shaking her head slightly.
They began their descent into the basement, the stone steps echoing under their boots. The air grew colder and more oppressive as they ventured deeper, the scent of damp stone and old, forgotten things growing stronger. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by the flickering light of their enchanted weapons.
As they reached the bottom, the basement opened up into a vast, cavernous space. Rows of old wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with dusty tomes, ancient scrolls, and relics from another age. The floor was cluttered with discarded crates and broken furniture, evidence of a hurried search or a desperate struggle.
"Keep your eyes open," Astra instructed.
The guards spread out, carefully checking under every piece of furniture and behind every stack of crates. Astra moved methodically, her eyes scanning the room for anything out of the ordinary. The light from her sword cast long shadows, making the space seem even more ominous.
"Captain, over here!" one of the guards called out, his voice echoing through the basement.
Astra hurried over to where the guard was standing. He pointed to a series of strange markings on the stone floor, partially obscured by dust and debris. "These look like the remnants of a spell circle," he said, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Mike joined them, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Indeed, these are the remnants of a powerful spell. The destabilised magic particles in the air suggest a large spell was cast here recently."
Astra knelt down, brushing away the dust to reveal more of the intricate markings. "What kind of spell are we talking about?" she asked, her tone serious.
"Most likely a teleportation spell," Mike replied. "Given the amount of magical residue, it must have been used to transport multiple people or objects. There are three circles so they had at least three navigators."
Astra stood up, her mind racing. "So they escaped through magic."
"Captain, there's something here!" another guard called out from across the room.
They rushed over to find a guard standing by an old wooden chest, partially hidden behind a collapsed bookshelf. The chest was open, its contents scattered on the floor. Astra picked up a piece of parchment, her eyes narrowing as she read the ancient script.
"These are old ritual instructions," she said, passing the parchment to Mike.
He examined it closely. "These rituals are related to summoning and binding. On the market it would cost a fortune, not stealing it suggests that they were searching only for something specific."
Astra's gaze swept the room, her frustration growing. "There must be more. Keep searching."
The guards continued their methodical search, the basement filled with the sounds of shifting debris and murmured conversations. Suddenly, a cry echoed through the room.
"Captain, I found someone!" a guard yelled.
Astra and Frost rushed to the source of the call, finding a guard comforting a blood-covered, trembling priestess hidden behind a stack of old crates.
"She told me to hide here, so I did. I covered myself with cassocks." the priestess said, tears streaming down her face.
"Don't think about it now," Frost said gently, supporting her. "You're safe."
The priestess looked at Astra with wide, fearful eyes. "Is she safe?"
"Yes," Astra answered with a reassuring nod.
The priestess smiled weakly before losing consciousness. Frost carefully carried her to a room in the dormitory, his expression grim.
"We have a witness. Maybe she'll know why they came here," Samuel said, his tone hopeful.
"Maybe." Astra said and the search continued for another hour.
Finally without more success Astra called everyone."That's all for now. Everyone, get some rest. Dismissed."
"Aye, Captain," the guards responded in unison.
Mike lingered for a moment, his eyes still scanning the room. "It seems they attacked from within the city and escaped using teleportation magic."
Astra nodded, her mind still working through the details. "An organised criminal group with significant resources. There must be something of high value here, but what?"
Mike shrugged. "I don't know, but they took it."
Astra sighed, feeling the weight of her responsibilities. She glanced around the basement one last time before leading her team back upstairs, the mystery of the attack still unresolved in her mind.
The night air in Kar-Ah was crisp and cool as Astra made her way back home. The streets were quiet, the only sound being the distant murmur of the city that never truly slept. Her thoughts were heavy with the events of the night, the questions and the mysteries that still needed answers.
As she approached her home, the familiar sight of the wooden mansion brought a small sense of relief. The mansion stood tall and comforting, a beacon of stability amidst the chaos of her thoughts. The moonlight cast long shadows across the carefully tended garden, highlighting the intricate carvings on the wooden facade.
Astra opened the front door quietly, stepping into the dimly lit hallway. The warm glow of candlelight flickered from sconces on the walls, casting a gentle light over the polished wooden floors. She was greeted by Mia, the household maid, standing in the hall with only a nightgown on who was still up despite the late hour. Mia's face showed concern as she saw the fatigue etched into Astra's features.
"Miss Astra, do you need some tea or a bath?" Mia asked softly, her voice filled with empathy.
Astra managed a tired smile. "Mia, it's past midnight. Don't trouble yourself. You should get some rest."
Mia nodded but lingered for a moment, clearly hesitant to leave Astra alone. "If you need anything, please let me know," she said before quietly making her way to her room.
Astra stood for a moment in the quiet hallway, the events of the night swirling in her mind. She took a deep breath and made her way to Ari's room. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open gently, peering inside.
Ari was sleeping, curled up under a thick duvet. Her breathing was steady, but her face still bore the traces of recent tears. Astra's heart ached at the sight of her younger sister, so vulnerable yet so strong. She stepped inside, careful not to wake her.
She placed Ari's bag, which they had found at the temple, on the small table by the bed. The bag was a simple leather satchel, worn from use but filled with items that held sentimental value for Ari. Astra hoped it would bring her some comfort when she woke up.
Astra leaned down and kissed Ari's forehead gently. "Sleep well, little sister." she whispered.
She stood there for a moment, watching Ari's peaceful form. The room was cosy and warm, filled with the soft glow of a bedside lamp. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books and small trinkets Ari had collected over the years. A large window allowed the moonlight to spill into the room, casting a silvery light over everything.
Satisfied that Ari was alright, Astra quietly exited the room, closing the door softly behind her. She made her way to her own room, the fatigue of the day beginning to catch up with her. Her room was simple but comfortable, a place where she could find a moment of peace amidst the turmoil of her duties.
She sat on the edge of her bed, removing her boots and setting her sword within easy reach. Her mind still raced with the unanswered questions from the night, but she forced herself to take a few deep breaths, trying to calm her thoughts.
As she lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, the weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her. The attack on the temple, the mysterious motives of the assailants, and the safety of her sister all swirled in her mind. But for now, she allowed herself to close her eyes, letting the exhaustion take over.
"Why?" she wondered one last time before sleep claimed her. "Why attack Hirako's priestesses with such force? What were they after?"
With that final thought, Astra drifted into a restless sleep, her dreams filled with shadows and unanswered questions.