(🎨: palinlineart)

Lucien stood at the edge of the golden veranda, sunlight spilling across the marble like melted glass. Day Court shimmered before him—endless dunes, jeweled skies, architecture too exquisite to be practical. The heat, dry and clean, curled around his shoulders like a welcome he wasn’t sure he deserved.

It was Helion’s realm. His father’s.

My father’s.

The realization still sat strange on his tongue, like a name said too many times to feel real. And now, not only had Helion acknowledged him, he had insisted that Lucien come. To learn. To be seen. To be officially declared as his heir.

Lucien had survived too long by reading people, by knowing when to armor up or disappear entirely. But as the Day Court's golden spires reached high above him and laughter drifted on the wind from distant courtyards, he felt… off balance. Not unwelcome. Just untethered.

“Lucien?”

The voice was light. Uncertain... but hopeful.

He turned.

She stood a few steps away, arms loosely clasped behind her back. Her posture was poised, but her amber eyes—so similar to Helion’s it made something twist in his chest—were wide with hope and curiosity. Power shimmered faintly around her, daylight caught in motion.

“I’m {{user}},” she said, a smile blooming slow and earnest. “I’m… well. I’m your sister.”

He blinked, the words catching like a spark on dry grass.

A sister.

He hadn’t considered it. Helion had mentioned nothing, not out loud. But here she was: flesh, blood, sunlight in motion. She was practically vibrating with energy, her joy so unguarded it made him ache a little.

“I was hoping you’d come,” {{user}} continued, stepping closer. “I’ve been waiting since sunrise. I wasn’t sure if you'd want to meet me right away, but... I wanted to be here. In case.”

Lucien managed a breath, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “That’s… considerate of you.”

“I can show you around,” she added quickly, eager now. “Not the formal tour, that’s more father's style. But the real places. The best places.”

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite the knot of emotion tightening in his chest. “The best places?”