The Fatebound Monarch

The moon was embracing the continent of eternal night in its cool embrace as time continued to move.

Anna lay in her bed as she was held by the comforting embrace of sleep; a couple of hours had already passed since her combat training with others.

A few moments passed, and suddenly the sounds of flapping wings echoed within the room as a white pigeon entered the room from the open window. It sat at the head of the bed, staring at the sleeping woman who still hadn't woken up, even after the noise it had made.

The white pigeon tilted its head and jumped from the head of the bed, and walked towards Anna with its small feet. It soon loomed over Anna's head and began to softly peck at her.

Anna moved her hand and rubbed the place it had pecked at and turned over to continue her peaceful sleep.

The pigeon let out a coo, but that didn't do anything. Furious with waiting, it opened its beak wide and bit at her ear.

Anna let out a shriek as she suddenly stood up and grabbed her left ear with a pained expression on her face. She sharply turned around to see who dared to attack as she called out to her threads.

But upon seeing the white pigeon standing beside her, her face fell into a frown as she questioned with a puzzled look.

"D-did you do this?"

The white pigeon looked at her for a moment before turning its head away, and then came the voice of the saintess with a stifled chuckle.

"Hah- c-come to the tower, Anna."

As the saintess finished her words, the white pigeon looked at Anna before turning away sharply and flying away.

Anna stared at the departing pigeon with a dumbfounded look as she rubbed her ear.

"Why does it hurt so much?" she complained as she stood up from her bed and walked towards the bath… she had to get ready to leave for the tower.

After a few moments, she stood in front of a large full-body mirror as she checked herself in it. She wore a dark gown with golden embroidery adorning it as the stars adorned the dark sky of Azor. She wore the serpentine bracelet and the golden necklace with a purple gemstone, both of which were given to her by Damien.

Letting out a satisfied smile, she turned around to leave. The wooden floor cracked under the steps of her dark heels as she began to walk towards the mansion's exit.

As she walked into the hallway, she could not help but feel that the mansion appeared too empty… She did not know why Lavina did not have more servants or maids to take care of the mansion. Even if it was an average-looking mansion, that was when it was compared to Kinten Villa or Starborne Mansion.

'Maybe she is an introvert?' Anna dared to think that, but she suddenly remembered the devilish grin she had when she 'trained' them.

Anna shook her head and mumbled, "There is no way she is…'

She soon reached the hall, and looking around, she was sure that Neo and Hanna were still asleep, and Lavina was probably busy with her work; she was the mayor of Moonveil city after all.

She looked at the moonlit lake in front of the mansion before quickening her steps.

'I have to reach there fast…' she thought as she continued on her way towards the tower of night.

As Anna reached a couple of meters away from the mansion, black lightning cracked within the mayor's office as Lavina returned to the office. Just as she entered, a maid knelt there with lowered head.

"I greet the lady."

Lavina stepped towards the maid and questioned in a serious tone.

"Did you find out anything?"

The maid lifted her head and looked into Lavina's eyes. Suddenly, the area around them shifted into that of one of many islands that were part of the grouped islands of Aquadra.

Lavina looked at the maid and added in a pleased tone.

"Your illusions always fascinate me, Sarine."

"I am grateful for your praise, my lady," Sarine replied with a bow.

Lavina looked around, and suddenly her eyes turned fierce as her lips fell into a deep frown. She turned to question Sarine.

"What is the crimson moon doing in Aquadra?"

Sarine looked at her for a moment as her loops parted, but she didn't know how to say it.

"Tell me whatever you have found out, Sarine," Lavina added in a serious tone, her will pressed down on Sarine.

Sarine gritted her teeth as she answered in a low voice.

"They are looking for someone."

Lavina deminised her will and asked solemnly.

"Who are they looking for?"

Sarine turned her head away as she answered.

"I-i don't know if it's true, but… they seem to be looking for someone named Anieal Starborne."

Just as the word 'Starborne' left her lips. Lavina's aura changed as she questioned with a dark look on her face.

"What did you say?"

Sarine looked at her with a quivering body and forced herself to answer.

"A-anial Starborne."

As soon as the words slipped into Lavina's ears, the illusion cracked, and they were back in her office. Lavina took a deep breath and spoke.

"You may leave, Sarine."

Sarine gave her a bow before leaving the room.

Lavina walked towards her office chair and collapsed into it. Soon, she opened the table's drawer and took out a picture. She looked at it as she reminisced about the old days.

A sigh left her lips as she put down the picture and closed her eyes. She kept them closed for a few moments as a few words dripped out of her mouth.

"Anieal Starborne…"

"A Starborne, huh…"

She rubbed her face as she mumbled with a slight smile.

"I am happy that there's still a Starborne alive somewhere out there… I have to find her…"