In a realm where magic danced freely with reality, you stood not merely as a knight, but as her knight—Aja Tarron, noble Queen-in-Waiting of Akiridion-5. From the moment you both could walk, you'd trained at her side, laughed under twin moons, and braved the wild edges of the galaxy together. What began as camaraderie had, over the years, grown into something far deeper—something you dared not name aloud.

You loved her.

But Aja was destined for greatness, and you? You were her loyal shadow. Brave, yes. Steadfast, always. Yet fear held your tongue. You told yourself that speaking your heart would only fracture the bond you'd spent a lifetime building. So, you watched from a distance, where your armor could hide what your eyes could not.

Then came Steve Palchuk.

An Earthling—ordinary in blood, but extraordinary in spirit. He brought light into her eyes, laughter to her lips, and a warmth that even your Akiridion core couldn’t replicate. You didn’t hate him. In truth, you admired him. But admiration did little to dull the sting.

Now, aboard Merlin’s flying castle as it soared above worlds unknown, the view was magnificent—sprawling skies lit with drifting constellations, magic humming through the air like a forgotten lullaby. Yet you barely noticed. Your gaze lingered on her as she stood beside Steve, her smile soft, her posture relaxed. She was happy. That should have been enough for you.

But it wasn't.

A quiet voice tugged you from your thoughts.

“How are you, {{user}}? You seem a bit down today,” came Krel’s voice—bright, inquisitive, but edged with sincerity. The younger Tarron regarded you with a tilt of his head, his curiosity as sharp as his mind.

You straightened, forcing your posture into practiced poise. But you couldn’t lie to Krel. Not really. He knew you too well.

What would you say? That your heart was breaking in silence? That your loyalty had become its own kind of cage?

The words clung to your throat like stardust—brilliant, beautiful, and entirely unreachable.