4. The Book

> Place : Hyden Castle

> Realm : Aracaneaum

> Ethan’s Status : 3 Zyk in Fairy age (5.5 yr in human age), 3’6’’ft, growing up.

> Time : Morning, 1048th Rev of Timestar.

> Population : 0.00000000000000001% (Only Ten fairies and Ethan)

Ethan's small legs carried him swiftly across the sunlit hallways of the Hyden castle, his mind racing with excitement. Today was the day he would dive back into his studies that Zara taught him, eager to see if he could make any new breakthroughs with Zara’s Prodge. The library greeted him with the scent of old parchment and the quiet rustling of invisible forces, but his eyes were laser-focused on the small table the fairies had custom-built for him. His neatly stacked papers were waiting, along with the Prodge.

He was just about to dash back when something unusual caught his eye—a faint glow from one of the highest shelves. An old, leather-bound book, ancient and covered in strange, unfamiliar markings, pulsed with a soft light. Ethan paused, his excitement turning into a flutter of unease. His heart raced. He had never seen anything like it before.

Unable to reach it and feeling a chill run down his spine, he took a step back, the glowing book reflecting in his wide eyes. Without thinking, he called out for help.

“Liraaa! Ariaa! Ariaaa!” His voice, though small, echoed through the library's vast space, breaking the calm.

In the Living hall, Aria perked up instantly, her playful expression melting into worry. "Ethan" she whispered, vanishing into a blur of speed before the other fairies could respond.

Before Ethan could call again, Aria knelt behind him, wrapping him in her strong but gentle arms. "Ethan...baby… You okay?" Her voice was soft, soothing, though her heart beat fast with concern.

Ethan turned in her embrace, looking up at her with wide, scared eyes. "Aria... that book…" he said in a small voice, pointing a trembling finger toward the glowing tome.

Aria’s protective instincts surged. She tightened her hold around him, pulling him closer to her chest, shielding him as she followed his gaze. Her eyes narrowed at the strange, pulsing glow.

Just then, the others arrived. Lira burst into the room, her powerful stride radiating concern, followed by Sylph, Luna, Tara, Elara and all. They all looked from Ethan’s frightened face to the glowing book, their curiosity mixed with caution.

Tara was the first to speak, her usually playful tone gone, replaced by worry. "What happened... is he hurt?"

“He’s okay,” Aria said softly, rocking Ethan slightly in her arms. “Just scared of that book.”

The fairies’ eyes now focused on the shelf. The glow intensified, casting an eerie light around the room.

Luna stepped forward, squinting at the markings. "Is that… trans-cons?" she asked, her voice filled with doubt.

Elara's brow furrowed. "But how? No one’s sent us a trans-cons in revs."

Sylph crossed her arms. "We’re the last fairies left in all ten realms... Who else could still be out there?"

Lira’s eyes darkened, her protective instincts flaring. "We don’t know," she said, her voice commanding authority. "But we’re going to find out. Aria, keep Ethan close." She turned her gaze to Tara. "Tara, pull it down. Let’s see what’s this."

Aria pressed a soft kiss on Ethan’s forehead, soothing him “ Don’t be scared baby, it’s nothing. Just stay with me, okay?”, her voice soft.

Tara nodded, her hands glowing with arcane energy. With a wave of her fingers, the book floated from the high shelf, hovering before them. As it opened, a bright, almost blinding light spilled out, causing the fairies to step back. Aria instinctively pulled Ethan even closer, he buried his face into her shoulder.

Suddenly, the light coalesced into a shape—a figure forming out of the brightness, becoming more and more real by the second. A fairy, tall, materialized before them—a projection, but more lifelike than anything they had ever seen.

“Is that… Atheria?” Elara gasped, recognizing the figure.

Aria’s grip on Ethan tightened as he whimpered, his small body trembling in her arms.

Lira's eyes widened with recognition, then narrowed again. "Tara, get back," she ordered, her voice steady but tense, her muscles coiled like a spring ready to launch. Tara obeyed, stepping away from the floating figure, her magic still crackling in the air.

The fairies all stared in stunned silence, their shock not at the book, but at the fairy who stood before them. It was as if the air had been knocked from their lungs, each of them frozen in place as they recognized the figure.

Tara, being the closest, was the first to speak, her voice barely more than a breath as her eyes widened with disbelief. “Atheria?”

Her words hung in the air like a spell, echoing through the silence.

Lira’s voice cut through the tense silence, commanding and unyielding. “Tara, get back. Now.”

The projection of Atheria turned towards Lira at the sound of her authoritative command. In a gesture of respect and allegiance, Atheria knelt on one knee, her fist close to her chest in a saluting manner.

“Aarthel Kanthia,” Atheria spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of respect and formality.

Lira’s eyes widened with surprise. Her long-lost fighter yalzet is now a projection. She quickly composed herself, her voice returning to its commanding tone. “Stay where you are, Yalzet… Tara, get back. Don’t make me order again.”

Tara, still stunned, took a slow step back, her face etched with disbelief. The sight of her old friend—one who had been nearly forgotten by all fairies—emerging as a projection from a book was almost too much to process.

Atheria, maintaining her kneeling posture, addressed Lira with firm clarity. “I know it’s been cycles, Aarthel.”

Lira stepped forward, her demeanor authoritative yet tinged with concern. “State your rank.”

Before Atheria could respond, Nia interjected, “Lira… She’s our…”

But Lira raised a hand, her command clear. “Don't Nia.”

Atheria’s response was precise and formal. “Cleps Guardian Atheria.”

Lira’s expression hardened as she sought to verify the projection’s authenticity. “What makes you report in this form, Yalzet?”

Atheria’s voice was steady, despite the gravity of her situation. “Dyfost is destroyed, Aarthel. I am unable to report in my real form.”

Lira’s eyes narrowed, her tone unwavering. “How do we know you are not one of neshis’ twisted Dihodos?”

Atheria maintained her stance, continuing to address Lira directly. “I am not, Aarthel. I served you in many battles. I can recall them all.”

Lira’s gaze softened slightly, though her voice remained authoritative. “State your last mission.”

Atheria’s response was immediate and clear. “My last mission was to get Ethan and Aibel to Noxima safely.”

Lira stood silent for a moment, the weight of Atheria’s words sinking in. She then stepped closer to the projection, her voice now gentler yet still commanding. “Welcome back, Guardian Atheria. At ease now.”

Meanwhile, Ethan, still cradled in Aria's arms, looked up with confusion. “**Aria, who is she? And why is she kneeling before Lira?”**

Mira, her eyes wide with shock, couldn’t hide her disbelief. “No way. I thought she...died.”

Sylph, equally stunned, turned to Mira, her voice tinged with disbelief. “She is alive...???”

Luna, her expression a mix of awe and confusion, joined the conversation. “How...?”

The three fairies, unable to fully comprehend the unfolding scene, remained rooted in place, their eyes locked on the projection of Atheria. The surreal moment left them grappling with questions and wonder, unsure of what would come next.

Lira felt it in her gut—Atheria's projection wasn’t some illusion or trick, but still awaits for confirmation. It was really her, the brave warrior who once fought by their side. Her stance softened as her commanding and protective instincts calmed.

“We are very happy to see you, Atheria,” Lira said, her voice warm with recognition.

“Thank you, Aarthel,” Atheria replied, dipping her head in respect. “May I ask a question?”

“Go on.”

Atheria’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “Are you still unbreakable..??”

Lira’s lips curled into a small smile. That question confirmed what she already knew—this was truly their Atheria. "Easy now, everyone. She’s our Atheria."

As if waiting for her signal, the rest of the fairies relaxed immediately, letting their defences fall. In an instant, they flocked around Atheria, eager to see their long-lost friend up close.

Sylph, her face lighting up with joy, rushed forward. “Atheria! You’re really here—” But as she tried to hug the projection, she passed straight through, her arms slicing through the air. She giggled awkwardly, clearly unused to the strange situation.

Tara, still in shock, stepped closer to Atheria. "Is it really you, Atheria?"

Mira grinned, shaking her head. “Oh come on, you again? Why don't you die in peace?”

Flora was no less astounded. "It’s impossible. How are you alive?"

Elara’s voice trembled with disbelief. "You were on the Ark the last time we saw you…"

Atheria, smiling warmly, gestured for them to calm down. “Easy, easy. I’m just as happy to see all of you. But first…” Her expression turned serious, her eyes scanning the group. “Where’s our Ethan? Is he alright?”

Atheria’s eyes locked onto Ethan, who was nestled tightly in Aria's arms, looking frightened and unsure. She got shocked "Ethan?”

But Ethan, having never seen Atheria before and now witnessing the strange spectacle of Sylph passing right through her, only burrowed deeper into Aria’s embrace. His small hands gripped tightly around her neck.

Atheria’s excitement turned into a shocked one. “What happened to him...??”

But Ethan buried his face deeper into Aria’s shoulder, too scared.

“Aria… she’s scaring me…” he whispered in a small, trembling voice, his arms wrapped securely around Aria as if he feared Atheria’s presence.

Aria, sensing his fear, took a step back, her voice soft and soothing. “Sweetie, don’t be afraid. She’s an old friend, one of us.”

Ethan, still clinging tightly to Aria, whimpered, “But I don’t know her… Let’s go away… please.”

Nia, always the calm and nurturing presence, stepped forward with a gentle smile. “It’s alright, Snow. Come here. Let’s go outside…come to your Nia.” Her voice was like a warm blanket, and Ethan immediately reached for her, transferring from Aria's arms into Nia’s embrace.

Nestled securely in Nia’s arms, Ethan found comfort. She kissed his forehead and wrapped him protectively, her soft whispers calming his racing heart. He snuggled into her, feeling safer.

Atheria stood silently at the centre of the gathering, her ethereal projection casting a soft glow in the room. Her gaze never left Ethan, as Nia took him out of the Library.

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"That's unbelievable....." Atheria’s voice was tinged with sorrow, her usual warmth replaced by a somber tone. "**That's .....""**

The room grew quiet as each fairy nodded solemnly. Atheria’s expression grew sadder, the weight of past tragedies filling the air.

Turning to Elara, Atheria’s eyes softened further. "Rynous…" she said with a sense of deep understanding. "You…really did that…He doesn’t remember anything??"

Elara met her gaze, a matching sadness in her eyes confirming what Atheria feared. It was unspoken, but the meaning was clear, “It’s the only option we had to save him.”

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the lingering echoes of their past struggles. Each fairy seemed lost in their own thoughts, remembering the hardships they had faced and the friends they had lost along the way.

After a few moments, Nia came back in Library with Ethan, who is now less scared.

Elara took Ethan from Nia and cradle him in her arms, looked down at him with a tender smile. She kissed his forehead softly before saying, "It's alright , Lovebug. She is like us..."

Ethan didn’t respond, still too afraid of the unfamiliar presence of Atheria. Instead, he buried himself even deeper into Elara’s embrace, seeking comfort and protection from the warmth of her arms.

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Elara kissed him again, her heart aching for the boy who had already been through so much. "You’re safe here," she whispered softly, trying to ease his fear.

Atheria watched the scene quietly, her own heart aching. Atheria's warm smile deepened as she looked at Ethan, who was still curled up in Elara's protective embrace. His small frame seemed to disappear into Elara’s comforting arms, his face barely visible. The tension in his body betrayed his fear.

"Elara... why is she staring at me...?" Ethan whispered, his voice trembling as he buried his face in her embrace again, trying to hide from Atheria.

Elara gently stroked his back, her voice soft and soothing. "She’s not staring, my little bug. She’s just happy to see you. I told you, didn’t I? She’s our old friend, and she loves you just like we do."

Atheria’s voice now more confused, "Name changed, I see?"

Luna’s tone was steady but heavy with the weight of their past decisions. "We did whatever we had to, Atheria. To keep him happy."

Nia’s voice cracked as she added, "He saved us from neshis... after that, Zytrax absorbed his light. He still managed to put annihilator on her, but the cost was…" Her voice trailed off as tears threatened to fall from her eyes.

Atheria nodded slowly, her expression turning solemn. "I understand. You had no other choice." Her eyes grew darker with concern. "And now... it’s worse than we thought, isn’t it?"

Aria’s voice was firm but filled with a deep-seated fear. "Yes. We can’t afford to lose him, Aeth. He’s our last hope against the Neshis."

Meanwhile, Ethan in curious yet fearful voice. "What are they talking about, Elara? Who's Neshis?"

Elara smiled down at him. "It’s nothing, sweetie. We’re just talking about our past. Now come on, be my lovely little bug and show your cute face to Atheria."

Ethan tightened his grip around Elara, shaking his head. "Nooo. She’s a ghost. I don’t wanna go there," he whispered, retreating further into her arms.

Sylph, sensing the need to change the mood, looked over at Atheria with a teasing grin. "So, Atheria, where are you now? "

Atheria’s playful demeanour returned, and with a cheerful smile, she declared, "Oh! I’m dead now." Her tone was light and playful, despite the gravity of her words.

Tara blinked in surprise. "Wait... what?"

Sylph rolled her eyes, playing along. "Nice joke, Aeth. Now seriously, where are you?"

Atheria chuckled softly, pretending to be offended. "Really, it’s true. This is my light, my final meeting with you all."

Mira, catching onto the joke, gasped dramatically. "Nooo, don’t say that! I always wanted to kill you....!"

Zara joined in, feigning despair. "We missed you, Atheria. Now we’re dying all over again just missing you! And we know this is just a trans-cons."

Lira, however, remained serious, her commanding tone cutting through the playful banter. "Atheria. Answer."

Atheria’s grin faded as she shifted her focus. "Sorry, Aarthel," she said, using Lira’s old title. "I’m with Vyrella at Yadgir. We saw some disturbance on Midfold."

The shock rippled through the room. The fairies exchanged alarmed glances.

"Are you sure?" Lira asked, her voice sharp.

Atheria nodded firmly. "Yes, Aarthel. I’m sure."

Zara, always the strategist, leaned forward. " Have you seen any movement there?"

Atheria shook her head. "Not yet, Erudite. But we're watching."

Lira’s eyes were steely as she addressed Atheria. “Keep watching. Let us know of any changes. And next time, try a different method. That’s an order.”

Atheria’s projection maintained its serene demeanor, though a hint of confusion showed in her expression. “Sorry, Aarthel. But it's the only option.”

Elara, still cradling Ethan, looked at Atheria with concern. “What do you mean, Atheria?”

Atheria’s tone grew somber. “Neshis’ Ark has been activated. We don’t know how, but he now he can see our every move. So, I used our traditional communication methods—less detectable.” She paused before adding, “And, I chose the book as attentioner, deliberately to catch your attention. But I wasn’t aware of the situation here. It’s been about... what….. three cycles since we last contacted………Seeing Ethan…”

Lira said softy to Flora. “Lorieyna, take Ethan away for a while.”

Flora nodded, rising with a calm authority. “Right.” She started towards Elara and Ethan.

Atheria, with a shock smirk, interrupted. “Wait. No ‘Yes, Aarthel’? No ‘Aarthel’? Where’s all the respect?”

Tara, ever playful, jumped in with a mischievous grin. “Oh! We’re all family now. No titles, no ranks. Ethan’s our cute little baby, and Lira—” she draped an arm around Lira’s shoulders playfully—“is our mum.”

Lira’s eyes narrowed, but there was a slight twitch in her lips as she spoke sternly. “Behave.” Her voice was firm, but the laughter that followed from the group was contagious.

Flora reached Elara and Ethan, her warmth radiating as she knelt beside them. With a loving voice, she called, “Ethan, my little flower.”

Ethan, still curled up in Elara’s embrace, slowly turned his face toward Flora, his eyes lighting up as soon as he saw her. The fear that had clouded his face just moments ago melted away. “Floraaaaa!”

Flora leaned in, her expression soft and tender. “Awww......” She pouted playfully. “How’s my flower doing?”

Ethan, now more at ease, answered in a quiet, almost sheepish voice. “Scared... that new fairy ghost is scaring me.”

Both Elara and Flora chuckled at his innocent fear, their laughter soft and loving. “That’s not a fairy ghost, sweetheart,” Flora explained gently. “She’s a fairy, just like us. And she’s our old friend. Now come here.” She extended her arms toward him.

Flora, standing up while holding him close, chuckled softly. "But first, show me your little cute smile."

Ethan grinned brightly, the mischievous light in his eyes melting Flora's heart.

“**There’s my blooming flower,”** Flora said sweetly before kissing his forehead. “Mwah.”

Before leaving, Flora and Elara exchanged glances, nodding in silent understanding. With that, Flora carried Ethan off while Elara returned to the group, ready to discuss the important matters at hand.

Atheria’s voice softened, her expression filled with regret. “I’m sorry, Aarthel.”

Lira’s serious tone softened as she spoke. “No, Guardian. You did the right thing.”

Mira chimed in gently, “But in the wrong way.”

Zara, deep in thought, added, “So, it’s a chain of consequences. First, Neshis’ Ark activate. Then, it will reach Midfold. And you said that he can see our every move now. Then maybe he will start sending his Dihodos again after us.”

Luna nodded “That could happen. We are no longer hidden now.”

“It’s too early. Lamia predicted that Midfold can hold Neshis for at least eleven cycles. But it’s been only four cycles now.”, Elara added.

Tara, who is leaning on wall, “ Something definitely happened on Midfold. Aeth, you need to keep looking now. Every moment.”

Atheria furrowed her brows, still processing. “Vyrella and I are observing every slight movement. But why so early?”

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The discussion kept going on for a while. And now it’s time for Atheria to return.

Sylph : "Atheria. Really. Thanks"

Atheria: "Oh, you can thank me by convincing Ethan to talk to me. Even just for a bit. Please, Aarthel. It’s my only request."

Lira: "I’ll be very disappointed in myself if I can’t fulfil this request. You've done great work bringing us this information. You deserve this." She glanced around at the others. "So, who’s going to convince our champ?"

Zara: "Well, this is something only Flora can do."

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Flora held a spoonful of desert up to Ethan’s mouth, her voice soft but firm. "No, Flower. No excuses. You have to finish this."

Ethan squirmed, trying his best to look pitiful. "But, Floraaa... I’m full now."

Flora raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Hmm... let me see then." She reached down to gently tickle his small tummy, causing him to burst into giggles.

"Flora, nooo..." Ethan laughed, wriggling in her arms.

Flora giggled too, her heart swelling as she cupped his small face in her hands, planting a flurry of kisses on his cheeks. "My little Flower, always melting my heart," she cooed.

Ethan, his face flushed from laughter, wrapped his tiny arms around her and snuggled into her embrace. "Flora!" he exclaimed, smiling brightly.

Flora smiled down at him, her voice soft and encouraging. "Mmmm…..Now, be my good Flower..." She gently pulled him back, holding his face close to hers, her gaze loving but persuasive. "And say hello to Atheria."

Ethan’s smile faded into a pout as soon as Atheria was mentioned. "But, Flora... she’s a ghost... and she even said she’s dead. She was smiling when she said it."

Flora laughed, finding his reply endearing. "Oh, Flower. She’s not a ghost. It’s just her projection. She can’t reach us, so she’s using her ..mmm...magic. And she’s very much alive, I promise."

Ethan wasn’t convinced, his brow furrowing. "But she still scares me," he mumbled.

Flora kissed his forehead again, her lips lingering to offer reassurance. "She loves you, just like we all do. And I bet, once you talk to her, you'll love her too."

Ethan peered up at Flora, his small arms tightening around her. "But... what if she scares me again? I’ll stay with you," he said, climbing up into her lap for extra safety.

Nestling him securely in her lap, Flora kissed him on the head, cradling him close. "You can always stay in my lap, forever if you want." She brushed a stray hair from his face and continued gently, "But be my good boy, and give Atheria a chance. Just be friendly with her, okay?"

Ethan looked up at Flora, his big eyes full of uncertainty. After a moment, he nodded slowly, his signature pout returning. "Okay... I’ll try. But only if I can stay in your arms."

Flora smiled softly, kissing his cheek again. "Deal, my little Flower. You’ll stay in my arms, safe and sound."

Flora carried Ethan in her arms, bringing him back to the group where Atheria was eagerly waiting. As soon as Atheria saw Ethan up close, her heart practically melted into a puddle. She gasped, clasping her hands together dramatically.

Atheria (with a huge grin): *"Ohhh... My Ethan! You are so cutie-cutie! Look at those cheeks, Lorie….Ummm….Flora! He’s like a little cloud of fluff!”

Ethan, feeling shy from all the attention, buried his face deeper into Flora's chest. Flora chuckled, kissing the top of his head. *“Don’t be afraid, Flower. She’s just excited to see you.”

Atheria leaned closer, her face lighting up with pure delight, and continued to gush over Ethan with a mixture of silliness and sincerity.

Atheria (wiggling her fingers playfully): "Oh, Ethan, do you have any idea how many fairies would line up just to pinch those adorable cheeks? I mean, look at them! They're like two little clouds sitting on your face! I could write a whole poem about them. Should I? Hmm…" she paused, pretending to ponder, "An Ode to Ethan's Fluffy Cheeks!"

Ethan, cheeks already turning pink, giggled and shook his head. "Nooo, no poems about my cheeks!"

Atheria gasped, feigning shock, her hand over her heart. "No poems? Oh no, then how about a song? It goes like this: Oh, Ethan’s cheeks, so squishy and neat, like two little pillows, oh so sweet!"

They all laughed. Flora softly giving Ethan’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. "See, Flower? Atheria just wants to be your friend."

Ethan, his face practically glowing with shyness and amusement, looked back at Atheria. "You’re really silly," he said, giggling again.

Atheria (nodding solemnly): "Silly? Me? Oh, Ethan, that’s just the tip of the fairy iceberg! I’ve got a whole collection of silly faces, funny dances, and ridiculous nicknames—just for you!" She wrinkled her nose and made a silly face, sticking her tongue out playfully.

Ethan burst into laughter, finally easing up. "What kind of nickname?" he asked, a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes.

Atheria (pretending to think hard): "Well, let’s see. Hmm... ‘Fluffy Starshine’? ‘Cuddle Puff’? Oh! Or maybe... ‘Ethan, the Mighty Munchkin of Marshmallow Cuteness’!"

Ethan laughed, his giggles echoing in the air. "That’s too long!"

Atheria (waving her hand dramatically): "Too long? Fine, fine. How about just... ‘Fluffy’?" She grinned, watching Ethan’s laughter blossom.

Ethan wrinkled his nose but smiled brightly. "Only if I get to give you a nickname too!"

Atheria clapped her hands with excitement. "Oh, yes! Please, dear Ethan, bestow upon me the cutest nickname you can think of! I’ll wear it proudly."

Ethan thought for a moment, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Hmm… Sparkly Giggles!"

Atheria (putting a hand to her heart, acting deeply touched): "Sparkly Giggles? Oh, Ethan, you have truly blessed me! From this day on, I am Sparkly Giggles, your faithful friend and admirer."

Flora chuckled, her eyes warm as she held Ethan close. "There, see? Now you and Atheria are the best of friends."

Atheria (grinning from ear to ear): "And you, my little Fluffy, are my hero! I’ll be telling everyone about the day Ethan, the Mighty Munchkin, gave me the best nickname ever. I’ll even carve it into a rock. It’ll be legendary!"

Ethan giggled again, covering his mouth. "You're so funny!"

Atheria (pretending to swoon): “And you, my dear Ethan, are the cutest, squishiest, most huggable little muffin! Ugh, I just want to squeeze you! But alas, I can’t, because... well, projection problems,” she said with a big, exaggerated pout.

Ethan, now fully comfortable, smiled. *“You’ll hug me one day, Atheria. I promise. And I’ll hug you back!”

Atheria gasped again, fanning herself with her hands. “Ethan, stop! You’re going to turn me into a puddle! A puddle of fairy goo! And once that happens, I’m afraid there’s no coming back,” she said, her voice full of mock seriousness.

Ethan laughed, his little giggles contagious. *“You’re so funny!”

Atheria threw her arms up theatrically. “Funny? Funny? My dear Ethan, I am a comedic genius! You see, I’ve been practicing for centuries—centuries, I tell you—just to make you laugh! And now, the day has come when I can hear those sweet giggles. I win, world! I win!” She pointed a victorious finger toward the sky.

Still giggling, Ethan asked, *“But how do you know me? I don’t remember seeing you before.”

At this, Atheria froze, her eyes growing wide. “Oh, well... uh... funny story...” She hesitated, clearly not wanting to go into the tragic past, but also not wanting to ruin the moment. Luckily, Zara jumped in, her voice filled with mock seriousness.

Zara (grinning): *“Well, Ethan, you see, last time she visited, you were snoring so loudly, even the stars had to cover their ears. She couldn’t wake you!”

Ethan giggled, his eyes sparkling. “Then next time, wake me up! Even if I’m snoring!” His innocence made everyone laugh.

Atheria (mock-gasping): “But no! How could I? Your cute snoring is like music to my ears! I’d have to bottle it and sell it as a magical sleep aid. ‘Snore Like Ethan’—guaranteed to make any fairy fall asleep instantly!” She winked, her voice now back to its usual playful tone, though the sadness still lingered faintly beneath the surface.

Unable to hold back the flood of emotions that had built up, Atheria spun around suddenly, pretending to dramatically wipe away invisible tears. *“Oh, my heart! Why is he so adorable? It's just too much for one fairy to handle!”

Ethan, now sensing that Atheria’s dramatics might be covering something real, leaned forward from Flora’s arms. *“Don’t cry, Atheria. Next time, I’ll come to your castle. I promise.”

Hearing his sweet words only made Atheria’s tears fall harder, though she tried to keep them hidden. “You don’t... you don’t deserve this, Ethan,” she choked out. “Not like this. You should’ve—" She caught herself mid-sentence, swallowing hard before she could reveal too much. “Promise me you’ll always stay with them,” she said, quickly changing her request. *“Stay with Flora, Lira, Sylph... all of them. Promise me.”

Ethan looked up at her, blinking, still unsure what to make of Atheria’s whirlwind of emotions. *“I promise, Atheria. But you have to promise me you won’t cry like this.”

Atheria turned to face him, her face still wet with tears but now wearing a smile. She looked deep into his eyes and whispered softly, *“It’s still you... the same.”

Flora, holding Ethan close, nodded gently, her voice filled with certainty. *“Right, Atheria. And we will bring it all back. We promise.”

Atheria wiped her eyes with a flourish, regaining her composure with a deep breath. She smiled brightly, her confidence returning in full force. “I know you will. And I, Atheria the Magnificent, will not leave crying! Nope! Not today!” She held her head high, crossing her arms in mock seriousness.

Lira (in her commanding voice): “Stay safe, Atheria. And please...” She leaned in, lowering her voice to a playful whisper, *"please don’t salute me in front of him. I’d rather not have to explain why you’re making a big deal about it.”

Atheria’s eyes widened in surprise, and she brought a hand to her chest. “No salutes? From me? For the great Aarthel Kanthia?” She gasped theatrically. “You wound me, Aarthel. Right in my heart!”. Lira raised an eyebrow, smirking. *“Don’t make me regret it.”

Atheria giggled, nodding. “See you soon, Aart….Lira!” She then turned her attention back to Ethan, her eyes sparkling with affection***. “And you, my little adorable cherub, you better visit me soon. I’ll be waiting!”**

Ethan, waving his little hand enthusiastically, grinned up at her. *“I will! Bye, Atheria!”

As Atheria’s projection began to fade, she clutched her chest dramatically. *“Oh, he waved! He waved! That’s it—I’m done. Too much cuteness. I’m retiring. Good luck, everyone!”

As Atheria disappeared, her over-the-top antics left everyone chuckling, and Flora hugged Ethan tighter, whispering, “*See, Flower? She’s not so scary after all.”

Ethan grinned up at Flora. *“She’s really funny!”

Flora kissed his forehead. *“That’s because she’s just like you—full of surprises.”