Chapter 4

After lunch, Lux sneaked out and bought some normal clothes for Martha and Mateo.

Night fell over the kingdom, and candles, matches, and torches were lit.

---

"Hey, Mateo," Lux whispered. "Wake up."

"Huh?" Mateo mumbled, still groggy.

"It's time to go. Martha is already awake," Lux said.

"Come on, Mateo, I want to go out," Martha chimed in.

"Alright, I'm coming," Mateo replied.

"Also, I got you this," Lux said, handing Mateo some clothes.

"This is adorable!" Mateo exclaimed.

"Martha has one too. Quick, let's go," Lux urged.

---

Lux pulled Mateo's hand after they changed. In Lux's room, the window was open. Lux climbed out, pulling Mateo along. They ran to the highest roof of the castle and sat there, watching the stars.

"We're still home though," Mateo mumbled.

Lux heard him and said, "Alright, I'll bring you somewhere else." He carried Martha, took Mateo's hand, and jumped down. They made their way out of the castle gate.

"Wow, Martha and I have never been out of the castle before," said Mateo, amazed.

"I've been sneaking out since I was 16. It's been five years, and I've memorized the whole kingdom," Lux explained.

Lux suddenly ran off, with Mateo following him to a beach. There, Lux lay down while lifting Martha into the air. "MARTHA, IT'S HERE!" Lux shouted, carrying her.

Mateo looked up to see twin falling stars against a beautiful night sky. For the first time, Mateo and Martha were astonished by the night sky. Lux smiled at their amazed faces.

---

Morning came to the kingdom. Flowers bloomed, birds sang, and monsters retreated to their caves.

---

'War is coming in four days. Maybe Mateo won't make it back. Maybe I won't make it back. And Martha is only six—maybe she'll only see one of us return, or maybe neither of us. I have to make sure they have the best four nights before everything is gone,' Lux thought.