The Quiet Knight and the Light Storm

✧ Chapter 11 ✧

The Quiet Knight and the Lightstorm

from Have You Someone to Protect?

By ©Amer

When Shadows of the Past Meet the Storm of the PresentAt that very moment, while the ball carried on in glittering splendor, the garden told a different story. A figure slipped between the shadows—a man in dark formalwear, his cloak barely brushing the dew-kissed grass. It was Caelum, and he was not among the dancers. His sharp senses had caught something heavy in the air, an unfamiliar presence that did not belong to the joy of the evening. He wouldn't allow this night—their night—to collapse into catastrophe. Not for the people. And certainly not for Lhady.

Pausing near the garden's edge, Caelum spoke into the stillness, his voice low, almost coaxing."You've been silent for so long," he said to the unseen, to the presence he knew was listening. "Why now?"A breeze stirred the leaves, and with it came an answer—not in the form of a figure, but a whisper that slithered into his ears. The voice was neither man nor woman, young nor old. It spoke in riddles."The blood awakens. The vows tremble. The flower you guard will soon bloom—and be plucked."Caelum narrowed his eyes, his posture unyielding."You threaten what you dare not touch," he said coldly.A low, mocking laugh drifted through the mist."We do not pluck. We only warn. Time crumbles the strongest walls, knight."And then—as quickly as it had come—the presence dissolved into the night.

A different sound reached him—a hurried, human one."Caelum!"Turning, he saw a girl rushing across the lawn, no longer a small child. Alen, now a young lady of thirteen, almost a woman. Her dress swished about her ankles, and she looked a little sheepish, holding her formal shoes in her hand."What are you doing out here?" Caelum asked, arching a brow with mild suspicion.Alen pouted."I sneaked out. These heels are murder. I needed real shoes for the rest of the night."Caelum chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing a little."Then allow me to escort the lady back," he said, offering his arm. "Besides, it would be a crime to let the star of the night wander unprotected."As they walked, he added warmly:"You look beautiful tonight, Alen. Congratulations on your coming-of-age."Alen blushed, giggling shyly. Then she leaned in with a playful wink and whispered:"You know... if fate allows it, I might even end up your wife someday!"She laughed childishly, clearly teasing.

Together, they slipped into a side hallway, blending into the river of guests unnoticed. Near the raised seating for honored guests, a man already occupied Alen's partner's chair, waiting with casual elegance.Alen beamed and pulled Caelum forward."Commander Silas," she said brightly. "May I introduce Caelum Virelian, protector of our dear Lhady, and a distinguished guest of our town."The two men faced each other. No smiles. No words at first. Caelum's sharp eyes caught the subtle bow of Silas's head—one soldier to another, a silent acknowledgment. With equal formality, Caelum stepped aside, offering a respectful nod.As he moved off, Silas turned to Alen and asked under his breath:"Who exactly is he to Lhady?"Alen, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, whispered:"Well... it's me who pushed for them to be partners tonight. I even teased that he'd make a fine husband someday… if he can wait for me too."(She laughed.)"But he's simply a beloved guest... for now."For a heartbeat, something fragile and stubborn flickered inside Silas—hope. Quiet, tentative hope.He leaned toward Corren, who stood nearby like a shadow."Arrange it," Silas said quietly, his voice lowered with care, "so that my presence won't be hidden for long."

—

Meanwhile, back at the friends' table, Lhady and the girls were finishing a light dinner, their chatter lively as they eagerly awaited Alen's grand appearance."I bet she's dazzling," Mira said, popping a grape into her mouth."She better be," Sian chimed in, grinning. "We spent two hours choosing that dress!""I just hope she doesn't trip on the hem," another teased, and they all giggled together.Their playful banter filled the space around them, their excitement bubbling over like sparkling wine.

The ball's next phase was announced:"Gentlemen, you are now free to request a dance from any lady on the floor!"Unlike earlier, when Lhady had been left standing uncertainly among strangers, tonight was different. Before the music had even fully settled into its sweet rhythm, a familiar hand reached out to her."May I?"Caelum's deep voice murmured, his expression unreadable behind his dark mask.Lhady's heart skipped. Smiling shyly, she took his hand—and the moment she did, a ripple of delighted sighs and teasing jealousy swept through her friends.

They moved into the center of the ballroom, becoming the first pair under the warm glow of the chandeliers. For several heartbeats, they danced alone, graceful and mesmerizing, the very picture of harmony.Whispers flitted at the edges of the room."They suit each other so well.""Look how he holds her—so careful, so sure."From one side of the hall, Silas watched too, his gaze never straying from them. As the dance continued, more couples slowly joined, but it was clear—all eyes remained on them.

Between twirls and gentle steps, laughter and soft words passed between Lhady and Caelum."You're very good at this," she teased breathlessly. "And you look... astonishing tonight. Like you stepped out of a storybook."Caelum's lips curved into a rare, dazzling smile. He leaned closer, and as he did, he whispered—the warmth of his breath brushing just near her temple, sending a sharp, electrifying shiver down her spine."If I look so," he murmured, "it's only because you are the mirror I see myself in."Lhady laughed softly, a sweet, disbelieving sound."You flatter me too much."He shook his head gently, leading her into a slow spin before drawing her back with effortless grace."No. I could spend a lifetime searching, and still, I'd find no sight sweeter than you tonight."Heat crept up Lhady's neck, a blush she couldn't hope to hide."You say dangerous things, Caelum," she murmured, unable to meet his eyes."And yet," he whispered near her ear, "I'd dare say more, if it means I get to see you smile like that again."

She noticed, fleetingly, that Caelum's mask—the one he wore now—had a violet gem at the center. Strange. Earlier, when they had danced... hadn't it gleamed golden-yellow? She shook off the thought, blaming the flickering candlelight.The dance grew slower, more intimate. A gentle spin, a soft pull, and suddenly, she found herself with her back to his chest, their hands linked, their bodies moving as one. Turning slightly, their faces were so close—too close."You're always beautiful," Caelum murmured, his voice feather-soft near her ear, "but tonight... you're radiant beyond words."She dared to look up at him, heart pounding, her lips parting slightly in surprise and wonder. The violet gem at the center of Caelum's mask caught the candlelight just so, gleaming like a star between them."Stay close," Caelum whispered, his forehead brushing lightly against hers as they moved."Just for a little longer.""I will," she whispered back, barely able to hear herself over the rush of her own heartbeat.The world seemed to narrow to just this—just him, just her—until—

The music drew to a graceful close, and a hush fell over the ballroom, like the drawing of breath before a great announcement.At the top of the grand staircase, the master of ceremonies stepped forward, his voice ringing clear and proud:"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests... Tonight, we not only celebrate a cherished tradition, but a family whose roots run deep into the heart of Solara itself."The chandeliers seemed to gleam brighter as all eyes turned upward."May I present to you—the esteemed family of Elowen. Guardians of our town's spirit, keepers of its legacy."

A soft, reverent murmur spread through the crowd as members of the Elowen family appeared, regal in their formal attire, descending the steps with measured grace."And at their heart," the herald continued, his tone lifting warmly, "we celebrate the blossoming of a new star—the young lady whose light we honor tonight—Miss Alen Elowen, on the occasion of her coming-of-age."

A wave of affectionate applause rose. Alen appeared, radiant in a flowing gown, her cheeks flushed with excitement and pride. She curtsied sweetly at the base of the stairs, glowing under the admiring gazes. Yet the herald was not finished."And now..." he said, pausing, letting the moment stretch, "...it is my honor to announce the return of one dearly missed—an ember carried far from home, who returns to us forged stronger than ever."

Whispers rippled through the ballroom—wild guesses, caught breaths, pounding hearts."Commander Silas," the herald proclaimed, "Elowen's very own Lightstorm!"The doors to the ballroom swung open with a grand sweep. A tall, broad-shouldered figure entered—a striking vision in ceremonial black and silver, the town's sigil embroidered proudly at his chest. At his side, like a promise fulfilled, Alen reached for him, and the two descended together—the celebrant and her chosen escort, symbols of Elowen's pride and future.

The applause surged into thunderous welcome.Lhady stood frozen in place, the sound of her heartbeat roaring louder than the crowd.Caelum's hand tightened around hers ever so gently, anchoring her even as the world seemed to tilt.Silas had returned.

A sudden tremor ran through Lhady. Caelum felt it at once—the way her fingers clutched tighter against his. Her gaze shifted, instinctively drawn to the stage, where a familiar, haunting figure stepped into the light. Silas. He is here.And in that single, breathless moment—the dance, the laughter, the safety she'd clung to—everything changed.