Shadow in the Light

The cobbled streets of Eldoria shimmered under the afternoon sun, the chatter of merchants and laughter of children echoing through the alleys. Iris adjusted the satchel over her shoulder and turned to look behind her.

Lyra walked calmly beside Velis, who kept close like a shadow tethered to her side. The girl's silver eyes flicked across the street, soaking in every detail—but there was no fear. Just curiosity. And perhaps, caution.

Iris offered a warm smile. "First time out in the capital, Velis?"

The girl blinked, then nodded once.

"She's still getting used to all the noise," Lyra said softly.

Iris gave a small laugh. "That's fine. The city can be overwhelming. But todays on me. We're gonna have fun—and maybe some sweets."

Velis tilted her head. "Why?"

Iris didn't hesitate. "Because I want to apologize."

Velis gave her a strange look, not understanding.

"For how we acted back in Solmaria," Iris explained. "We almost drew weapons on you without knowing anything. I know Lyra said it's okay, but... I want to show you myself. That I mean it."

Velis looked up at Lyra as if seeking permission, but Lyra only smiled and nudged her gently forward. "It's okay."

Iris led the way through Eldoria, first stopping at a popular bakery near the town square. The scent of honey and warm bread filled the air, and she bought a basket of fruit-filled pastries. She handed one to each of them, noting the tiny flicker of surprise on Velis's face as she took it.

"You've never had one of these, huh?" Iris asked.

Velis sniffed it cautiously before taking a small bite.

The delight that bloomed across her face made Iris laugh again.

They moved on—strolling through Eldoria's central market, visiting a music shop where Velis plucked at string instruments with intense fascination, and eventually sitting by the central fountain, their legs dangling off the edge while the water sparkled in the sunlight.

Velis was quiet for most of it, but she stayed close. When she did speak, it was in short, soft sentences—answering questions, asking a few of her own.

But it was progress.

Iris had always been the heart of the Crimson Vow. She knew it was her role to keep them together, to bring warmth where coldness lingered. And though Velis scared her at first—there was something deeply unsettling about her presence—she also saw the way Lyra looked at her.

Protective. Affectionate.

If Lyra saw someone worth caring for in Velis, Iris would try, too.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Iris handed Velis a small charm from one of the stalls—a silver feather, shaped like a falling wing.

"It's for luck," she said, clipping it to Velis's small belt. "And a reminder that you're one of us now. If you want to be."

Velis stared at the charm, then whispered, "Thank you."

Iris smiled, warmth spreading through her chest.

Maybe today wasn't just about making up for a mistake.

Maybe it was the beginning of something new.

 * * * * *

The golden light of day had faded, and the quiet hum of Eldoria's night life drifted through the air like a lullaby. The city was still alive, but to Velis, it all felt muffled. Like she was behind glass.

She sat on the rooftop of their temporary lodging, legs swinging over the edge, her silver eyes reflecting the distant lights like tiny mirrors. In her hands was the small charm Iris had gifted her earlier that day. It sparkled faintly in the moonlight—pretty, delicate, pointless.

She didn't know why she hadn't thrown it away.

The day had been strange. She had walked beside Lyra and Iris, eaten sweets she didn't need, tried on silly clothes, and been dragged from stall to stall like she was… someone who mattered.

Iris smiled at her the whole time.

Even after everything in Solmaria, even after The Crimson Vow nearly tore her to pieces—she still smiled. Still reached out.

And Velis didn't understand it.

"I don't get it," she muttered.

"You never do," Lyra said gently, stepping onto the roof behind her.

Velis didn't turn around. She knew that voice better than anyone. It grounded her.

Kept her still.

"Why do people feel?" Velis asked again, eyes fixed on the charm. "What's the point?"

Lyra walked over and sat beside her, close enough for their shoulders to touch. "Most would say it's what makes us human."

"But I'm not human," Velis said softly. "I'm not even me. I'm just… something that shouldn't exist. A shadow that took shape because she started having fun for the first time in her life. That's why I am the way I am, isn't it?"

Lyra said nothing, but the silence said everything.

Velis continued. "I don't mind that. I like fun. I like when people scream, when they cry, when they beg and call for help and no one comes. It feels… exciting. Real."

Her voice softened, more thoughtful than cruel.

"But I also like when you call me your little sister. When you look at me like I'm something more than a shadow. And when the Demon Lord smiles, even for a second. She doesn't do that often.… that's the only time I ever feel warm inside."

She turned toward Lyra then, her eyes unreadable. "So tell me, why do feelings exist? If they only make things more complicated… what's the point of them?"

Lyra didn't speak right away.

She reached over, brushing a strand of obsidian hair behind Velis's ear like a real sister would.

"They're not meant to make sense. Not always," she said. "But sometimes they're all we have to remind us we're not alone. Even the broken ones."

Velis looked down at her charm again. "I don't like guilt. I hate not understanding. I don't care about most people. As long as I have you… and her… and no one gets in the way of my fun, I'm fine."

"I know," Lyra said with a faint smile. "But even you can't outrun what's growing inside you. You feel something, Velis. Even if you don't want to."

Velis clenched the charm in her hand. "I don't like it."

"You don't have to," Lyra said. "But maybe one day, you'll choose to keep feeling it anyway."

Velis was quiet for a long time, letting the silence wrap around them.

Then she leaned into Lyra's side, resting her head on her shoulder with the kind of ease she showed no one else.

Then she asked, almost hesitantly, "Do you want to meet the demon lord?"

Lyra froze.

"What?" she whispered, her voice suddenly tight.

Velis turned to her with a curious expression. "Do you want to meet her? She said I can bring you. You're my big sister now, so you'd be my guest. She won't kill you. I promise."

Lyra's thoughts raced. She had almost forgotten—Velis was part of the demon lord's court. She had been so gentle, so attached, that it was easy to see her only as the quiet girl who clung to her side.

"Why now?" Lyra asked. "Why would she allow that?"

Velis looked back at the stars. "Because of the deal I made with the king. Two years of peace in exchange for... something else."

Lyra narrowed her eyes. "You made a deal with King Edric?"

Velis nodded. "He asked why we weren't attacking. I told him we would stop for two years. Let the hero grow. Let him prepare. She agreed. It makes things more fun."

"So that's how the king knew," Lyra muttered, realization dawning on her. "You're the reason for the ceasefire."

Velis shrugged. "The demon lord said it was fine. She wants to see how far Leon will go. And I wanted to make sure you'd be safe. If we keep this up, no one will bother you."

Lyra stared at her, heart pounding.

"Do you really think she'll let me go back alive?"

"Yes," Velis said without hesitation. "Because you matter to me. And she listens when I ask nicely."

Lyra swallowed. She didn't trust the demon lord—not one bit. But if Velis had a connection like that…

And if she really could meet her. See her. Learn about her...

That could be valuable. Dangerous, but valuable.

After a long silence, Lyra answered.

"All right. I'll go."

Velis smiled—a strange, almost childish smile that looked foreign on her usually blank face.

"She'll be happy to meet you."

Lyra, on the other hand, wasn't so sure.

But she would be ready.

And if nothing else—she would learn something that might help in the coming war.