Chapter 99: Threads of Silk and Fate

The city of Lunaris glowed brighter than ever as the wedding preparations between Princess Irylia Moonfang and Shisui Morinaka began. Banners stitched with silver thread bore the crest of the Moonfang royal line crossed with the Morinaka clan's lotus sigil. Nobles, foreign envoys, and commoners alike eagerly whispered about the historic union.

Queen Lysara personally oversaw the palace dressmakers, enchanted artisans creating a gown woven with moonlight essence for her daughter. King Fenryl dispatched elite guards to secure the borders for the coming celebration.

Meanwhile, Shisui—unable to sit still amidst ceremony and formality—ventured out of the capital. His footsteps led him beyond the crystal walls, into the forest-border town of Zephrylune, a quiet village known for its tea gardens and beastkin communities.

As he passed through a dim alley behind a bakery, Shisui heard the faintest whimper—a cry, barely audible. Crouching, he discovered a small wooden box, and inside, wrapped in an old silk shawl, was a baby girl, no older than a few weeks. She had long silver ears, a tiny cotton tail, and trembling blue eyes—clearly a rabbit beastkin.

Her scent was pure. Her aura untouched by corruption. Yet she was alone, abandoned.

Gently cradling her, Shisui murmured, "Who would leave someone like you behind?"

She instinctively nuzzled into his chest.

For a long moment, he stood there—heart pounding. Then a name welled up inside him, one wrapped in memory and quiet reverence.

"Your name… is Aiyana."

"Aiyana Morinaka. After my mother."

In that instant, something inside him shifted. Not with fire or power—but with warmth.

He didn't just save her. He became her father.