A blonde sat delicately perched on a cliffside across from a cascading waterfall, her body leaning against a metal barrier as her feet dangled above the water below. She hummed softly, the tranquil melody contrasting with the weight of her thoughts. She knew her old friend would come—he always did, and they had much to discuss.

Only three years remained, and the prospect of leaving her daughter alone with her changed husband sent chills down Layla's spine. He had once been caring and attentive, a wonderful husband, but the allure of wealth had transformed him. Now distant, distracted, and often angry, he tried to shape Layla and their daughter into a mold of respectability, forgetting their humble origins. His demands to sever ties with friends and his outbursts of anger revealed a man she no longer recognized.

Layla couldn't bear the thought of her daughter falling prey to the greed-driven men who sought to exploit her for their gain. This was why she was here—a promise, unbreakable and sacred, to protect Lucy at any cost. The agreement she sought with her friend would bind Lucy's safety in the years to come, safeguarding her from a fate Layla couldn't accept.

The pressure around her swelled, time seeming to halt. Silence enveloped the cliffside, the roar of the waterfall silenced in anticipation of his arrival.

"Old friend, you shouldn't sit like that; you might fall," his voice was soft yet carried authority.

Layla looked up, grinning mischievously. "Chill out, Stach-face, it's perfectly safe. Besides, time is running short, and I do enjoy living on the edge."

He stared at her pointedly, and Layla stood, brushing off dirt as she faced him.

"I didn't call you here for a lecture. I..." She paused, weighing her words carefully. "I need your help."

"What kind of help do you require? You know I can't intervene with the magic drain," he responded.

Layla waved off his concerns. "It's not that." She took a deep breath before continuing, "I wish to forge a celestial bonding contract for my daughter."

His eyes widened, revealing his understanding of the gravity of her request.

"That is not a request to be made lightly, Layla," he cautioned.

Layla's gaze dropped momentarily before she raised it with determination. "I understand the importance, but I have no other choice. Lucy needs protection, and I can't leave her to the whims of that man," anger tinged her voice, her body shaking with emotion.

"Very well, with whom do you wish to form the contract?"

"The strongest member of the Zodiac. I trust no one other than Leo the Lion. No one would dare break their bond under the risk of forfeiting their life," Layla declared boldly.

"Layla, you understand the magnitude of what you're asking. Should the bond fail, both their lives could be forfeit. This is powerful magic, and more harm than good could come of it," he warned.

Layla's eyes hardened, her resolve unyielding. She rolled up her sleeve, revealing a swirling gold tattoo around her wrist.

"Or have you forgotten our own bonding contract?" Layla's voice softened, the gold tattoo pulsing under his gaze.

He looked away, his eyes filled with regret.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make light of our situation, but it is because of our circumstances that I must ensure this is done right. Layla Heartfilia, do you pledge your daughter Lucy Heartfilia to the bond?" he asked.

"Yes," Layla responded without hesitation.

"Do you accept Leo the Lion as her faithful protector, and in turn promise her hand to Regulus when she comes of age in her eighteenth year?" he continued.

"Yes," Layla affirmed.

"Then as it is spoken, it shall be written. Lucy Heartfillia belongs to the stars under the protection of the constellation Leo, Leader of the Zodiac. May she live a happy, fulfilled life in starlight." Magic surged around them as starlight bloomed across the space before fading.

"It is done. I hope you know what you're doing, Layla. Don't let our fate become hers," he cautioned before vanishing, leaving the world to resume its motion.

Layla sagged against the fence, drained by the weight of her choices, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry, Seirio," she whispered, feeling a fleeting touch on her back before it vanished.

With a sense of urgency, Layla stood and hurried home. Her daughter needed her now more than ever.