The morning sunlight streamed through the delicate silver curtains of Princess Kaguya's chambers, casting shimmering patterns across the marble floors. She lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind still lost in the swirling thoughts of the night before. Loki's words haunted her—his protectiveness, his anger, the way he had looked at her as if she were something rare and precious. The way she had stopped him.

Who was he beneath the mischief, beneath the mask he wore so well? Could she truly understand him?

Before she could dwell further, a sharp knock on the door shattered her thoughts.

"Princess Kaguya! You must wake up at once!" A familiar voice called.

With a sigh, she turned over just as Luna leapt onto the bed, red eyes sharp with urgency. The feline advisor dropped a velvet envelope onto Kaguya's pillow, her tail flicking impatiently.

"What is this?" Kaguya murmured, sitting up and taking the envelope in her hands. The fabric was exquisite—soft blue silk embroidered with silver filigree. The front bore her title in careful calligraphy: To Her Highness, Kaguya Selene, Princess of the Moon Kingdom. The back was stamped with the intricate, swirling crest of Mercury's royal house.

Kaguya inhaled sharply. "From Princess Ava?"

Luna gave a tiny nod. "It arrived early this morning via enchanted courier. Open it."

With growing curiosity, Kaguya broke the seal, unfolding the delicate parchment inside. The letter was written in elegant script:

**"Her Royal Highness, the Princess Ava of the House of Mariner, daughter of Their Majesties, Queen Nerida and King Boreas of Mercury, has completed her sacred training and will ascend to her rightful place as High Priestess of Mercury. In honor of this momentous occasion, a grand celebration shall be held on the eve of the first snowfall, the Snow Ball, in the halls of the Celestial Observatory. It is the great pleasure of Their Majesties, and of Her Royal Highness, Princess Ava, to cordially invite Her Highness, Kaguya Selene, Princess of the Moon Kingdom, to this sacred and joyous gathering.

Furthermore, Their Majesties extend an invitation to Her Serene Majesty, Queen Serenity of the Moon, to attend the event and witness the ascension of the next High Priestess of Mercury.

Wishing the Royal House of the Moon peace and prosperity, and eagerly anticipating their presence at the Snow Ball,

Their Majesties, Queen Nerida & King Boreas of Mercury

Her Royal Highness, the Princess Ava of the House of Mariner"

At the bottom, in Ava's familiar handwriting, a personal note had been scrawled:

*"Kaguya,

Finally, it is happening! The title will be mine, and soon, I will wield the full power of the sacred waters of Mercury. I want you there more than anything—who else will keep me sane through this ordeal? It will be the grandest event of the season, I promise! Bring someone fascinating—perhaps the Allfather himself? Now that would be worth seeing!

See you soon, dearest friend.

Love, Ava."*

Kaguya's lips curled into a soft smile. Ava was a force of nature in her own right, and her ascension was well-earned. A grand celebration under a sky of falling snow—she could already picture the magic of it.

She turned to Luna, excitement brimming in her voice. "We must prepare at once. I'll need a gown, something truly magnificent, and—"

Her words trailed off.

From the large arched windows overlooking the gardens, a lone figure caught her eye.

Loki.

He stood amidst the frost-dusted trees, his dark hair tousled by the wind. His emerald cloak billowed slightly as he stretched out a hand, catching delicate snowflakes on his fingertips. For a moment, he simply watched them melt against his pale skin. But then Kaguya noticed—his fingers were tinged faintly blue. Jotun blue.

He was lost in thought, his usual smirk nowhere to be seen. There was something almost solemn about the way he stood there, watching the snow as if it carried the weight of forgotten memories.

Kaguya's heart clenched.

She had been so excited about the letter, about the ball, about all the familiar comforts of courtly life. But now, looking at him, she was struck with the realization that Loki didn't belong in that world. He never had. He had carved his own place in the universe with wit and defiance, never truly accepted by either the Aesir or the realms he had tried to protect.

Would he ever be welcome in the grand halls of the Silver Millennium?

Would he even want to be?

Before she knew what she was doing, Kaguya was already moving toward the window. Luna, still sitting primly on the bed, sighed heavily. "You're going after him, aren't you?"

Kaguya hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."

Luna flicked her tail, unimpressed. "Of course you are."

XXX

Lord Artemis regarded Kaguya with an unreadable expression as he stopped her in one of the great halls of the Lunar Palace. The moonlight from the high glass windows bathed them both in a soft glow, but his words were anything but gentle.

"You are walking a dangerous path, Princess," he said evenly, his piercing silver eyes meeting hers.

Kaguya straightened, already bracing for an argument. "If this is about Loki—"

"It is always about Loki," he interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "Do you have any idea how much he is despised, not just in Asgard, but across the Nine Realms? He is seen as a trickster, a liar, a villain. He has defied every rule, every expectation, and has paid for it with exile, war, and betrayal. No one will accept him easily, Kaguya. And now you—" he exhaled sharply, "now you have tied yourself to him."

She lifted her chin defiantly. "I haven't tied myself to anyone."

Artemis sighed, shaking his head. "Perhaps not in words, but in actions, in presence. Do you think people do not notice how you look at him? How you speak of him? The way you stopped him that night—how do you think the court sees that? To them, you are standing between an untamed beast and his vengeance."

Her hands clenched at her sides. "Loki is not a beast."

"No," Artemis agreed. "But that is how they see him. And if you continue on this path, they will see you as reckless, naïve, or worse—corrupted." His voice softened slightly, though his gaze remained sharp. "I do not say this to hurt you, my lady. I say it because I need you to understand the battle you are choosing to fight. If you wish for Loki to be accepted, if you wish to stand at his side, you must be prepared to fight for him every day. Every word, every action, every gesture you make will be judged. The nobles will scrutinize you. The queens will whisper. The gods will watch."

Kaguya swallowed hard. She had known, of course, that Loki was not well-liked. She had seen the disdain in the eyes of the Asgardians, the suspicion from the courts of the Silver Millennium. But she had not realized how much she would have to prove, just to stand beside him.

Still, the thought did not deter her. It only made her resolve harden.

"I will do what I must," she said steadily. "If that means I have to work twice as hard to change their minds, then I will."

Artemis studied her for a long moment, then sighed. "You are more stubborn than your mother."

"She raised me well," Kaguya said with a small, determined smile.

The elder advisor shook his head with something like reluctant admiration. "Then be prepared, Princess. Because once you step onto this path, there is no turning back."

Kaguya turned her gaze toward the great garden windows, where the first frost of the season sparkled like diamonds across the branches. In the distance, Loki stood in the snow, catching flakes between his fingers. The cold did not seem to bother him, but she noticed the faintest tint of blue creeping up his fingertips.

Jotunn blue.

Her heart ached at the sight.

Perhaps Artemis was right. Perhaps the battle ahead would be harder than she had ever imagined.

But as she watched Loki, quietly reveling in the beauty of the snowfall, she knew one thing for certain.

She was not afraid to fight for him.

XXX

Kaguya sat rigidly in her chair as Luna paced before her like a drill sergeant ready to tear apart an unworthy recruit. Her dark fur bristled slightly as her tail flicked sharply in agitation.

"You are late," Luna scolded, her voice a sharp contrast to her usual measured tone. "And not just late, tardy. Unacceptable. Your lessons began fifteen minutes ago, and I do not care if the Queen herself sent for you—you are expected to be punctual."

Kaguya resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I apologize, Luna, truly. But I—"

"No excuses," the advisor cut her off. "It was at Lord Artemis' request that I take a firmer approach with you. And I happen to agree with him. You are walking a precarious path, Princess." Luna's crimson eyes locked onto hers. "And if you truly intend to stand by Loki, you will need to be impeccable in your conduct. There is no room for mistakes, and certainly no room for sentimentality."

Kaguya clenched her fists but nodded. She had already heard this speech once from Artemis. She didn't need it again.

"Now," Luna continued briskly, "stand up straight, walk with purpose, and for the love of the Moon, do not let them see you falter."

XXX

By the time Kaguya reached the great dining hall, she was exhausted from Luna's relentless drilling. But there was no time to rest—this was another battlefield.

The table was filled with an eclectic mix of royalty, some familiar, others new. Across from her, Himura, the striking Jupiterian prince with a flirtatious smirk, leaned toward Ava, the cool and composed Mercury Princess.

"My lady, your beauty outshines even the famed ice flowers of Mercury," Himura declared with an exaggerated flourish.

Ava, unimpressed, didn't even look up from her plate. "Flattery has no effect on me, Prince Himura."

Lissa, Himura's cousin and a princess of Jupiter herself, sighed heavily from beside him. "Himura, you just got here. Can you at least pretend to behave before Ava freezes you solid?" She leaned over and nudged him sharply. "Try focusing on something other than wooing the first woman you see."

Himura pouted but withdrew, feigning deep injury at Ava's coldness.

Meanwhile, at another end of the table, Raito, Venus' golden-haired prince, was making a snide comment about proper etiquette, only to be met with a swift kick under the table from Lissa.

"Ow!" Raito yelped, glaring at his cousin.

"Eat your food, Raito," Lissa said sweetly, taking a sip of her drink.

As Kaguya observed the playful bickering, her attention was drawn to Lavi, the Saturnian prince. He was ginger-haired, freckled, and had an ever-present smirk on his lips.

Unlike Himura's playful arrogance, Lavi's words were laced with something darker—his humor was sharp, biting.

"So, Kaguya," Lavi mused, tilting his head toward her, "how does it feel to have the favor of a Jotnar monster? Or should I say, the monster?" His green eyes glinted knowingly. "Must be thrilling."

The table fell into an uneasy silence.

Kaguya's breath hitched, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. He was clearly referring to Loki—mocking her for aligning herself with him.

She should have been furious.

But instead… she felt something else.

Lavi, despite his venom, reminded her of Loki himself. The sarcasm, the sharp wit that cut deeper than steel.

She exhaled, calming her nerves.

"I suppose that depends on your definition of a monster, Lavi," she replied smoothly. "Some of the most fearsome creatures I've met wear the faces of kings and queens."

Lavi smirked, as if both amused and irritated by her answer. "Oh, I like you, Princess."

Before the conversation could turn more bitter, Ninako, his younger cousin, suddenly climbed into Kaguya's lap and buried her face into her chest.

Kaguya, startled, hesitated before gently wrapping her arms around the small Saturnian princess.

"What's wrong, Ninako?" she asked softly.

The girl sniffled, her tiny fingers gripping Kaguya's gown. "I miss Sarai."

Kaguya's heart clenched. Sarai—their older sister. She had vanished without a trace, leaving both Lavi and Ninako to bear the weight of her loss.

"I know," Kaguya murmured, pressing a comforting hand to Ninako's back. "But she wouldn't want you to be sad. She'd want you to be strong, just like her."

Lavi looked away, his usual smirk faltering for just a moment.

XXX

The meal proceeded, but not without its own challenges.

Kaguya barely had time to take a bite before Ava gave her a stern look.

"You should eat properly, Kaguya," Ava advised. "You won't have the energy to train otherwise."

Before Kaguya could protest, Mana appeared behind her, grabbing a spoon and shoving it into Kaguya's hand.

"Eat," Mana ordered.

Kaguya scowled. "I am eating."

"No, you're picking at your food. There's a difference."

To make matters worse, Kiana—who had been quietly listening to the conversation—wrapped her arms around Kaguya from behind, holding her still.

"Hold her down, Mana! Force-feed her if you have to!" Kiana teased with a wicked grin.

Kaguya squirmed. "This is ridiculous!"

"Not as ridiculous as you passing out in battle," Ava said dryly.

With a resigned sigh, Kaguya gave in and reluctantly took a bite of her meal. The table erupted in laughter at her expense.

As the laughter died down, Lord Artemis stood, clearing his throat.

"I believe now is a good time for introductions," he said smoothly. "Some of you have already met, but for those who have not—let us formally introduce our honored guests."

One by one, the royals introduced themselves.

Ava said. "This is my younger sister Princess Anna, and my uncle Kai."

Mana said. "Mikoto and Ursa, cousins and warriors of Mars."

Lissa said. "My brother Prince Kentaro, and my cousin, Himura."

Kiana said. "Raito and Van, heirs Of Venus."

Ninako said. "Lavi, my cousin."

Sandra said. "Raiden, Hana, and Akihito, my siblings."

Theresa said. "Hinagiku and Nejire, my cousins."

Moa said. "Atsuko, Selina, and Verdona, my sisters."

As the names were spoken, Kaguya felt the weight of their presence. Each of them was a key figure in the balance of power among the Silver Alliance.

And she, the daughter of the Moon, had just cemented herself as an anomaly.

Luna's words echoed in her mind.

"If you truly intend to stand by Loki, you will need to be impeccable in your conduct."

Kaguya's gaze flickered to Lavi, whose smirk had returned, and then to Artemis, who watched her carefully.

This was only the beginning.

XXX

The training ground was still and tense as Luna and Artemis stood before the gathered warriors. The air buzzed with unspoken anticipation.

"You will be facing projections today," Luna announced. "A test of skill, strategy, and teamwork."

At her words, Loki stepped onto the field, his magic a blazing, vibrant pulse in the air.

His hands danced with enchantment, fingers weaving intricate, ancient runes that shimmered with power. A swirl of blue and green energy curled around him like a living entity as he drew forth the projections. The ground trembled beneath them, and suddenly, monsters took shape—nightmarish creatures of claw and fang, twisted shadows with gleaming eyes and hunger in their expressions.

Kaguya had never seen him more alive.

The sorcerer-prince, the so-called trickster, stood at the center of his magic like a god wielding creation itself. His eyes burned with an otherworldly fire as the monsters came into being, his smile sharp, wicked, and gleeful. She had known Loki was powerful, but to see him like this—commanding magic so effortlessly—it was breathtaking.

His laughter, rich and full, sent a shiver down her spine.

This was not the lonely exile who brooded in dark corners. This was Loki in his element.

She realized then: Magic was not just his power. It was his joy.

And, for a brief moment, Kaguya saw what he might have been—what he should have been—if the universe had been kinder.

Then the battle began.

The warriors sprang into action, charging forward to meet the summoned beasts.

Lavi, the ginger-haired prince of Saturn, sneered as he sliced through a wolf-like creature with dark green energy curling from his blade. "You really do enjoy theatrics, don't you, Loki?" he called.

Loki smirked, flicking his fingers to summon another wave of creatures. "And you really do enjoy pretending you don't have a heart," he quipped back.

Lavi's expression darkened, but he said nothing. Kaguya caught the flicker of pain in his green eyes.

Ninako, his little cousin, clung to Kaguya's side, watching the fight with wide, worried eyes. "It's scary," she whispered.

Kaguya ran a soothing hand over Ninako's hair, feeling the child's small body tremble. "It's just training," she murmured. "No one will get hurt."

But her own heart clenched as she turned back to Loki, his laughter echoing through the field.

He looks so happy, but how long will it last?

As the battle raged on, Kakyuu arrived, stepping onto the training field with quiet grace.

Kaguya turned, a brilliant smile breaking across her face. "Kakyuu!"

The Star Princess returned her smile, her deep red eyes warm. They embraced, Kaguya squeezing tightly. Kakyuu had always felt like a sister to her—which, ironically, she would be in another life.

"I see you've been busy," Kakyuu noted, glancing at the combat.

"You could say that," Kaguya chuckled, though her eyes flickered back to Loki. His movements were sharp, fluid, beautiful. He conjured weapons of ice, crafted illusions that made the beasts turn against each other. He belonged here.

And then—the sky opened.

The Bifrost touched down in a brilliant column of rainbow light. The ground trembled beneath its force, and every warrior on the field stopped in their tracks. The magic in Loki's hands flickered—hesitated—as he turned toward the beam.

Kaguya saw his eyes widen.

He took a step forward, breath caught in his throat.

Hope.

It was raw, desperate, painfully bright in his gaze.

He thinks they've come to take him home.

And for a moment, Kaguya almost let herself believe it too.

Then the figure in the light emerged.

Broad shoulders. Armor gleaming like storm-forged steel. Mjolnir resting at his side.

Thor.

Loki's expression fell, his hands curling into fists.

No words were spoken.

There was no need.

Hope died in his eyes.

XXX

The Bifrost's rainbow shimmer faded, and standing in its place was Thor.

He was exactly as Kaguya had imagined—tall, broad-shouldered, golden-haired, a walking embodiment of Asgard's pride. His crimson cape billowed slightly as he adjusted Mjolnir at his side, his blue eyes sweeping across the warriors on the field.

But his gaze landed on Kakyuu.

For a moment, Thor seemed uncharacteristically still, as if caught off guard. Then, his usual confident grin returned. "Ah, Princess Kakyuu," he declared grandly, stepping forward. "I have not been able to stop thinking of you since the masquerade."

Loki's expression soured immediately.

"That's why you're here?" His voice was sharp, filled with disbelief. "You crossed the realms just to chase after a woman?" He scoffed, folding his arms. "Truly, Asgard's mightiest warrior has noble priorities."

Kaguya, standing at Loki's side, watched his reaction carefully. He sounded irritated, but she could tell—Loki knew the truth. Thor was here for him.

She had seen the way Thor's eyes flicked over Loki the moment he arrived, scanning him, assessing him. Checking for injuries, for signs of suffering. Whatever excuse he gave about Kakyuu, it was painfully obvious he had come to ensure his brother was unharmed.

Loki knew it too. And he hated it.

Thor ignored Loki's jab, focusing entirely on Kakyuu. "Princess, have you trained today? Or would you care for a demonstration?" His grin widened. "I wouldn't mind showing you a few moves."

Loki's eyes rolled so hard Kaguya was surprised they didn't get stuck in the back of his head. "Of course. Thor arrives, and suddenly it's all about the spectacle."

Without another word, Loki turned on his heel and strode away from the battlefield, stopping beside Kaguya.

"Watch this," he muttered bitterly, arms crossed. "He won't be able to resist. He has to be the center of attention."

Sure enough, Thor entered the training. He leapt into the field with all the flair of a god who knew he would be the strongest one present. Mjolnir spun in his grasp, sending crackles of lightning surging through the air.

The knights and warriors turned to him in awe.

Kaguya glanced at Loki, who was seething. His pale fingers twitched at his sides, as if resisting the urge to summon a spell just to send Thor flying back through the Bifrost.

"I don't see why they're impressed," Loki sneered. "It's poor training. There's no coordination, no tactics. Just brute force and showing off."

Kaguya arched a brow. "So what do you suggest, Master Strategist?"

Loki turned his sharp green eyes to her, raising an elegant brow. "The Knights and Stars need formations, not just flashy moves. It's one thing to know how to swing a weapon—it's another to know how to survive a battle. They're fighting as individuals, not a unit." He scoffed. "None of them are ready."

To Kaguya's surprise, Kakyuu stepped forward.

"Then let's see how you fare, Prince of Thunder." Her voice was calm, almost teasing. The challenge was clear.

Loki grinned.

"Oh, this I have to see."

Kaguya glanced at him. "You think she'll lose?"

"I think he'll let her win," Loki corrected smugly.

Kakyuu and Thor squared off in the center of the field. Thor twirled Mjolnir in one hand, an easy smirk on his lips. He was clearly holding back.

Kakyuu moved first.

Her attacks were swift, precise, measured—every strike calculated to expose a weakness in Thor's stance. For a moment, it was almost like a dance. Thor blocked each blow with ease, but his movements were casual, lazy. He thought this was just a playful sparring match.

Then she dropped low, twisted behind him, and swept his legs out from under him in one brutal motion.

Thor crashed onto his back.

The training grounds fell into stunned silence.

Kaguya barely restrained a laugh as Loki's smirk faltered.

"That—" Loki pointed at the fallen god, actually stunned. "—was real."

Kaguya clapped, thoroughly delighted. "You don't stand a chance against a warrior from the Sun Kingdom."

Thor sat up, grinning.

Instead of being frustrated or humiliated, his eyes shone with admiration.

"Incredible," he said, breathless. Then he stood up, towering over Kakyuu, and with a completely besotted look, declared, "You must allow me to train with you."

Kakyuu blinked. "You wish to learn from me?"

Thor grinned wider. "Aye."

Loki groaned audibly. "I just… I just don't understand Asgardians."

Kaguya laughed. "You are Asgardian."

Loki made a face like he was personally offended. "I resent that."

As Kakyuu and Thor continued speaking—flirting—Loki muttered to Kaguya, "This is insufferable."

She smirked. "And yet you can't look away."

He glared at her. Then sighed. "No. I can't."

XXX

The senshi were still gushing over Thor as they made their way back to the Moon Palace after training, their conversation lively and full of admiration.

"Did you see him?" Lissa sighed, stretching her arms. "He was so strong, so fast! And his lightning! It felt like… I don't know, like the very sky was alive!"

"He's incredible," Kiana admitted, rolling her shoulders. "That wasn't just brute force—he moves like a warrior born and raised in battle. No wasted motion, no hesitation."

"And did you see the way he smiled?" Ava sighed dramatically. "Like he knew how good he was."

"Because he does know how good he is," Mana pointed out, shaking her head. "Honestly, he's probably the most skilled warrior I've ever seen in close combat."

Kaguya listened quietly, her expression neutral. Thor was impressive, yes—but she wasn't thinking about Thor.

"Actually," Lissa murmured, her voice thoughtful now, "as impressive as Thor was… I don't think anyone there had more control over their power than Loki."

The others paused, considering.

"I was thinking the same thing," Ava admitted, pushing her damp hair back from her face. "I mean—Thor's lightning was destructive, obviously, but Loki's magic was just… precise. He created an entire battlefield. He had us fighting things that weren't even real—but they felt real."

"And he could manipulate them," Mana added. "They weren't just illusions—they moved, they attacked, they fought back as if they had minds of their own."

"That's not just power," Kiana said slowly, a look of genuine respect crossing her features. "That's mastery."

Kaguya felt something warm bloom in her chest.

Finally.

Finally, they were seeing what she had always known.

She swallowed, keeping her voice steady. "Magic is everything to us as Senshi," she said. "We channel it through our planetary power, but Loki wields it like an artform—like it's an extension of himself."

"I've never seen anyone use magic that effortlessly," Lissa agreed. "Not even our best instructors."

"And he looked so… alive when he used it," Ava added, almost to herself. "Like it was the most natural thing in the world for him."

Kaguya nodded, her heart aching in ways she couldn't quite name. "He was happy using it," she murmured. "Completely free."

For the first time, the conversation about Loki wasn't laced with caution or hesitance.

This time, there was genuine admiration.

XXX

As the group settled into the palace lounge, their post-training refreshments laid out before them, the conversation drifted—this time, to a far more familiar topic.

Love.

"So, Ava," Kiana began, a wicked grin creeping onto her lips, "how is Lord Koh these days?"

Ava nearly choked on her tea. "What?!"

"Oh, don't pretend you didn't hear me," Kiana teased. "It's not our fault you and the General of the Golden Kingdom keep sneaking away for 'diplomatic meetings.'"

Ava groaned. "It's not like that!"

Lissa laughed. "Oh, please. I've seen the way he looks at you. He'd let you conquer the entire Moon Kingdom and still thank you for it."

Ava hid her face behind her teacup.

"If we're talking about Earth generals," Mana smirked, "what about you and Shiro?"

Mana stiffened. "Shiro and I are just training partners."

"You're just training partners?" Kiana repeated, her eyes gleaming. "So the way he watches you during battles? That's just casual observation?"

"…I have no idea what you're talking about," Mana muttered, sipping her drink far too quickly.

Kiana leaned back smugly. "You do realize," she mused, "that we have four senshi entangled with Earth generals, right?"

Ava froze. Mana froze. Lissa's smile twitched.

Kaguya raised an eyebrow. "Four?"

Kiana grinned. "Oh yes. Ava and Koh. Mana and Shiro. Lissa and Kaius. And, of course—me and Tomás."

The room exploded into chaos.

"YOU TOO?!"

"WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME?!"

"HOW IS THIS ONLY COMING OUT NOW?!"

As the laughter and scandalous teasing continued, Kakyuu's expression turned thoughtful. A slow, wicked idea took root in her mind.

"Hmm," she mused aloud, swirling her drink in her hands. "You know… the Snow Ball is soon. It would be such a shame if the Earth generals weren't invited."

A hush fell over the room.

Ava stared. "Kakyuu, no."

"Kakyuu, yes," Kiana said immediately.

"What could they do about it?" Kakyuu grinned. "Complain about the barbaric Sun Kingdom princess inviting some barbaric Earth generals?" She raised a perfectly arched brow. "Let them. What are they going to do—banish me?"

Lissa's laughter rang out. "Oh, this is brilliant."

"They'd never expect it," Mana agreed, her eyes gleaming.

Ava rubbed her temples. "This is a terrible idea."

Kaguya smirked. "It's a perfect idea."

The decision was made. The Generals of Earth were getting an invitation.

But before the conversation could shift, Ava suddenly hesitated, glancing toward Kaguya with a more measured look. "Speaking of engagements…"

The energy in the room shifted, the teasing fading slightly into something more solemn.

Kiana exhaled dramatically. "Ugh. Davius."

Kaguya stiffened at the name. "What about him?" she asked, her voice perfectly neutral.

Lissa scoffed. "You mean besides the fact that he's insufferable?"

Mana made a face. "He's so full of himself, I'm shocked his horse can carry him."

Kakyuu hummed. "I'm still surprised you agreed to the match, Kaguya. It doesn't seem… like you."

Kaguya's fingers tightened around her teacup. "It isn't."

The simple admission hung in the air, unspoken but weighty.

Loki had been standing just outside the room, having lingered after practice when he caught Kaguya's laughter floating through the halls. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop. But when he heard the name—Davius—his breath caught in his throat.

Engaged.

Of course she was. She was Princess Kaguya of the Moon, destined for some pompous, polished prince. Not for him. Not for someone like him.

He left before he could hear the disdain in her voice, before he could hear the way she rejected the idea of the match, before he could see the way she gripped her cup as if holding back the urge to shatter it.

Loki stormed down the corridors, fingers curling into fists. His nails bit into his palms, but the ache was nothing compared to the quiet, hollow space inside his chest.

Fool.

He had allowed himself to hope.

He disappeared into the dark of the palace, his illusion magic flickering against the stone walls as he sank into shadow, eyes burning with unshed tears.