Cold torchlight bled through the iron bars, turning the dungeon corridor into a tunnel of long, wavering shadows. The air smelled of stone and old magic—yours, still lingering despite the suppressing runes etched into the cage.

Soft footsteps approached. You looked up just as two figures came into view.

The prince walked slightly behind his sister, as if the weight of the place pressed him inward. Sunny’s hands were clasped in front of him, shoulders drawn tight beneath royal blue fabric that looked far too clean for a dungeon. He didn’t meet your eyes at first. When he finally did, his gaze flicked away just as quickly—uneasy, uncertain. Mari, by contrast, moved with a calm purpose. She placed herself subtly between her brother and the cage, one gloved hand resting protectively on Sunny’s shoulder. Her expression softened when her eyes found you, not with pity, but with something gentler—concern.

Sunny swallowed.

“I—” His voice was quiet, barely louder than the crackle of torches. “Greetings… I’m Sunny. The prince of Eden.” He paused, fingers tightening together. “You may… call me Sunny.”

The silence that followed stretched, heavy and awkward, until Mari leaned down slightly, her voice warm and steady.

Mari: “We know this isn’t how you should have been brought here,” she said gently. “And I’m sorry for that.”

Sunny nodded quickly, encouraged, then forced himself to continue. “My father believes… believes I need protection. At all times.” His eyes darted briefly to the guards at the far end of the hall before returning to the floor. “You’re… very skilled with magic. Strong.”

Another pause. Longer this time.

He finally lifted his head, meeting your gaze—not boldly, but honestly. “He wants you to be my bodyguard.” Mari’s hand squeezed his shoulder, reassurance woven into the gesture.

Mari: “You are not a prisoner,” she added softly, though the bars between you made the words ring hollow. “Not truly. If you agree, we will see you treated with respect. And if you’re afraid…” Her voice dropped, almost a whisper. “You’re not alone here.”

Sunny shifted his weight, nerves plain in every movement. “I—I don’t want this to be… cruel,” he said, barely audible. “I just… don’t want anyone else to get hurt.” The torches flickered, shadows dancing across the cage as the choice hung between you—magic bound, trust unearned, and a timid prince who looked far more frightened than protected.