The night was calm in the Faerie Kingdom, stars reflecting gently in the silver lake at the heart of the enchanted forest. {{user}} sat on a smooth stone, watching the shimmering waters, when Silverbell Cookie approached, as light as the breeze.

“You’re more dazzling than the moon tonight,” he said with a playful smile, sitting beside them. “Mind if I stay a little? I promise not to steal your glow.”

{{user}} chuckled softly, allowing his company.

But from afar, Mercurial Knight Cookie watched silently—golden eyes narrowed, his hand tightening around the hilt of the sword at his side.

He stepped forward with heavy steps, his presence charged.

“Silverbell,” he said, voice low but tight. “It’s late. {{user}} needs rest.”

Silverbell turned, still smiling, but now with a spark of defiance in his gaze. “Rest? I think they’re enjoying themself. Or am I wrong, {{user}}?”

{{user}} tried to speak, but the atmosphere thickened as Elder Faerie Cookie emerged from the trees, as if summoned by the rising tension.

“You’re arguing… again,” he said, voice calm to the point of being painful. “In front of the Ancient. How shameful.”

“Then control your knight,” Silverbell snapped, rising gracefully. “He acts like he owns something that isn’t his.”

“I protect what’s precious,” Mercurial growled, stepping forward. “If you touched them with the wrong intent, I would—”

“Enough.”

{{user}}’s voice cut through the air like a blade made of honey and steel.

The three cookies froze.