After the Archon and I brought twin dragon eggs into the world, I faked my death and fled with one of them. Three hundred years later, I had to venture out on business. I gave my fledgling, who had just recently mastered his human form, a final instruction. “My darling, you be good and wait for Mother. I’ll be right back.” He nodded obediently. The moment my back was turned, he secretly followed me into the mortal realm. When I found him, I had no choice but to bring him along. Until one day, I was leading him home by the hand. Just as we reached the entrance to our hidden vale, a figure hurtled towards us. “Mother! What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for a whole month!” I stared. My son was at home? Then who was this I was holding hands with? 1 Truth be told, I’d noticed something was off with Ash about two weeks ago. Normally, he was the unrivaled terror of Azurewood Vale. From the ancient sprites in the mountains to the smallest fish in the stream, nothing had escaped his brand of playful torment. But on this trip to the mortal realm, he was surprisingly well-behaved. He had even mastered the veiling charm I’d spent half a month trying to teach him, using it with flawless skill. “Oh, my sweet boy, if you’d told me you could hide your aura so well, I would have brought you out ages ago,” I said, overjoyed. I cupped his face in my hands, squishing his cheeks. Usually, he would squirm and protest, “Mother, don’t pinch my face!” But this time, he just let me have my way, his face flushing red as his eyes grew wide and bright. Strange. Very strange indeed. But I didn’t suspect a thing, assuming he’d finally taken my words to heart. And so, we spent a month in the mortal realm in a state of perfect, blissful harmony. 2 Until now. Staring at the two identical versions of “Ash” before me, I finally realized my mistake. “Mother! Who is he?!” my real son cried out, far less composed than I was. He stared at my hand, clasped around the other boy’s, a look of utter betrayal on his face. “When… when did you give me a little brother?!” “…” That over-the-top expression, that theatrical pose—it confirmed it in an instant. Yes. This one was mine. “What nonsense are you talking about? I was only gone a month! How could I possibly have a brother this big for you?” I cuffed him lightly on the head. Ash yelped in mock pain but didn't back down. “Then why does he look exactly like me?” That… I didn’t know. At first, I’d assumed some sprite had taken his form. But thinking back, very few creatures outside of our vale had ever seen my son’s true face. What kind of being possessed magic so powerful it could fool even me? I was baffled. But our month together had shown me that this boy meant no harm. So, I simply cleared my throat. “Young one, is there some reason you’ve taken on my son’s appearance to follow me?” The “fake” Ash, who I now called “young one,” was still reeling from the shock of seeing his double. Hearing my question, he looked at me blankly. “I didn't change my appearance. And that day… you were the one who called out to me first.” “…” I felt a dagger-like glare from my side. I gently pushed Ash’s face away, feeling a little embarrassed. 3 He was right. The day I left the vale, I’d just arrived in the mortal realm when I saw a child standing in front of a meat pie stall. He was the spitting image of Ash. My heart leaped into my throat. I rushed over and pulled him away. “You little rascal! Didn’t you promise Mother you’d stay in the vale? Why did you sneak out and follow me?” I was in the middle of a tirade, completely missing the look of confusion in his eyes. It was only after I’d finished scolding him that I heard his stomach rumble. “Hungry? Wait here.” I went back to the pie stall, bought two steaming pies, and pressed them into his hands. “Remember, don’t wander off,” I chattered on, taking his hand. “And keep your aura veiled. There are monsters here that snatch children.” The problem was, after he finished the pies, he never told me I had the wrong person. And he’d spent the entire month enjoying free food and lodging. At that thought, my sense of indignation returned. He, in turn, seemed to know he was in the wrong. He fidgeted with the hem of his tunic, his head bowed. “I’m sorry. I was wrong.” “Is being sorry enough? You even claimed the wrong mother! This is my mother. Where’s your own?!” Ash demanded, hands on his hips as he glared at the other boy. The boy’s voice was a whisper. “I don’t have a mother.” “…” Ash, who had been so full of righteous fury just a moment ago, faltered. His hands dropped to his sides. He shot me a look that screamed, Mother, I messed up, what do I do now? So, he was a poor, lost child. That explained things. I sighed, forgetting for a moment to question why this boy was a perfect copy of Ash. I chalked it up to the world's vastness—if nature could create similar landscapes, why not similar faces? “If you’re not Ash, what’s your name?” He looked up, his eyes shining. “Noel. My name is Noel!” Noel only told me his name. When I asked where he came from, he fell silent. I guessed he’d run away from home after a fight with his family. But what kind of parents wouldn't be frantically searching for their child after a whole month? With a heavy heart, I realized I had no choice but to take Noel in for the time being, while I made inquiries about a missing child. 4 A few days passed. In that short time, Noel and Ash had forged a deep friendship. Ash had always been a mischievous child, but I knew he was lonely. Otherwise, he wouldn’t spend his days tormenting the vale’s inhabitants. With Noel by his side, Ash now had a partner in crime. One day, the Whisperwings returned from their journey beyond the vale. I asked them, “Well? Did you hear anything about a missing child?” “No, but…” one of the birds hesitated. “But what?” “But there is news from the Celestial Realm. One of the Archon’s young princes has gone missing. They’re sending out search parties.” It had been so long since I’d heard any news from that place. A nervous twitch started in my brow. “Which Archon?” “Archon Caelus of Aethelgard.” “…” Damn it. I should have known. In all the realms, the only one who could look identical to Ash—apart from some cosmic coincidence—was the other dragon egg I’d left behind. 5 I thought I would never see him again. To think… I’d stumbled upon him by chance, my other child in this world. “Mother!” My thoughts were interrupted as Ash came running over, holding Noel’s hand. I saw his grubby face and frowned in mild disgust. “Have you been rolling in the mud again?” Despite my grumbling, I pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his face clean. As I did, another pair of bright, expectant eyes fixed on me. I looked down and saw it was Noel. “Mother, can you clean Noel’s face too?” Ash piped up. I would have done it even if he hadn’t asked. I beckoned Noel closer. As I wiped his face, I took the opportunity to study him properly. He and Ash weren’t exactly the same. Ash’s eyes and brow were the image of Caelus, but Noel’s were more like mine. That explained it. When Ash had first hatched, I’d been a little miffed. Why did the child I bore have to look so much like that heartless man? It turned out the one who looked like me was here all along. Still… I wondered how Caelus had raised him. He himself was as cold as an iceberg, and now he’d raised Noel to be so serious and mature for his age. I felt a surge of resentment. But then Noel spoke. “Thank you, Aunt Elara. I wish my mother were still here.” A wave of guilt washed over me. But before I could share in his sorrow, Ash clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t be sad. You don’t have a mother, but I don’t have a father. It’s perfect! From now on, we’re brothers.” “Okay!” Noel nodded emphatically. “…” I watched, speechless, as the two of them forged their own little pact. If I didn’t intervene, they might just start a blood-brother ceremony right in front of me. “Alright, that’s enough.” I quickly pulled Ash away. “Stop your nonsense, you little rascal. I have something to say.” Two pairs of identical, shining eyes stared at me. Looking at their similar faces, a wave of tenderness washed over me. But the Whisperwings’ message forced me to push down my maternal feelings and adopt a serious tone. “Noel, I’ve found your family.” Noel’s small face froze. He was likely wondering how I’d discovered his identity so quickly, but after living with me, he must have had some inkling of my power. Ash’s eyes widened. “What? Does that mean Noel has to leave?” “Yes.” “I don’t want him to! Mother, I can’t bear to part with Noel! I want to stay with him!” Before I could say more, Ash had grabbed Noel’s hand. The two of them stared at me with tear-filled eyes, looking utterly pitiful. My heart ached, but I had to face reality. If Caelus discovered I was hiding here with Ash, I might not get to keep either of them. “Ash, Noel’s family is looking for him. Imagine how worried they must be.” I spoke gently. Ash wasn’t unreasonable. But for a child who had finally found a true friend, the thought of sudden separation was overwhelming. My resolve softened. I gave them time to say their goodbyes. When we reached the edge of the vale, Ash was still reluctant. Noel, though slightly more composed, also had red-rimmed eyes. Ash said, “Will you come back and play with me again?” “Of course. I’ll come whenever I can.” The two children bid each other a tearful farewell. 6 Once we left Azurewood Vale, I led Noel towards Aethelgard. “Noel.” “Hm?” The little boy, still lost in his sorrow, looked up at me. Seeing his face, so much like Ash’s, my heart filled with a thousand emotions. I knew when I left all those years ago that I was being unfair to one of my children. But it was the only way I could think of to secure our safety. “When you get back to Aethelgard, don’t tell anyone you’ve seen me or Ash, okay?” “Why?” “We’re just simple spirits from the vale. If the great Archon Caelus found out about us, it might cause… trouble.” If I wasn't mistaken, Noel had also snuck out on his own. Caelus would surely question him upon his return. I couldn’t risk him discovering my existence, or Ash’s. I was just trying to avoid unnecessary complications. Noel understood. He nodded silently. Then, remembering his promise to Ash, he looked at me, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear. “Does that mean I can’t go play with Ash either?” It was as if my refusal would cause tears to spill from his eyes at any moment. I found I couldn’t bring myself to say the words, It’s for the best. 7 During my silence, we arrived at the borders of Aethelgard. I gazed at the celestial palace, wreathed in shimmering clouds and filled with the music of larks. So little has changed, I thought to myself. “Alright, this is as far as I can take you.” Noel hid the disappointment in his eyes. We had just landed and were about to say goodbye when a deep, cold voice echoed from behind us. “Noel!” “Father?” Surprise flickered across Noel’s face. He stood frozen, clearly not expecting to be caught by Caelus right at the gate. He wasn’t the only one. From what I remembered, Caelus was always either cultivating his power or in seclusion. He rarely set foot outside his palace, earning him the title of the “most reclusive Archon” in the Celestial Realm. He hadn't changed much, though. His presence was still formidable, his aura one of cold, majestic authority. And yet, he possessed a face of serene, almost otherworldly beauty that could tempt anyone to covet him, while simultaneously intimidating them from ever acting on it. I, in my foolishness, had been the first to dare pluck that high-mountain flower. The consequences, of course, were well known. 8 Noel stared blankly as Caelus approached. The Archon’s gaze fell upon his son. “Where have you been?” The question was soft, yet it carried a heavy, oppressive weight. Caelus explained that Noel was supposed to be in a lesson with the Arch-Sage. When the time came and he was nowhere to be found, Caelus sent someone to inquire, only to learn the prince was missing. A missing prince was no small matter. They had searched high and low, never imagining he would be so bold as to sneak into the mortal realm on his own. “You’ve grown bold, haven’t you? Who taught you to behave this way?” Noel hung his head, muttering incoherently. Seeing him scolded so harshly, a pang of sympathy shot through me. Was Caelus always this strict with Noel? It didn’t seem right. He was always fair and measured. Could it be… because Noel looked like me? Was he taking out the anger he felt towards me on our son? That bastard. I should have never left him with a single egg! As I fumed, a gentle, melodic female voice drifted towards us. “His Highness has returned.” Caelus’s voice had done nothing to me, but hearing Fiora’s, my eyes narrowed instantly. Three hundred years, and her status seemed to have risen considerably. The number of acolytes behind her had doubled from four to eight. She carried herself with the authority of Aethelgard’s steward. Fiora glided forward gracefully. She had always been perceptive, and she immediately sensed the tension between father and son. She bent down and spoke softly to Noel. “Your Highness, you worried the Archon greatly by sneaking out. He even skipped the Council of Sages today just to find you.” At this, Noel looked up at Caelus. “I’m sorry, Father. It was my fault.” Caelus let out a slow breath. “Your punishment is five hours of sword practice.” “…Yes, Father.” Noel was led away by an acolyte. Fiora turned back to Caelus, her voice soft once more. “My Lord, now that His Highness has returned, you need not worry.” Caelus remained silent, his lips pressed into a thin line, but I could see the tension in his face had eased. Since my task was done, it was time for me to leave. I tried to slip away unnoticed, but as I turned, a sharp, cold gaze fell upon me. “Wait.” I froze. 9 I had assumed his attention was entirely on Noel. I was wrong. My feet felt nailed to the ground. “Who are you?” Caelus’s voice was deep and commanding. Fiora’s gaze followed his. She seemed to notice me for the first time, her eyes filling with scrutiny. Fortunately, I had veiled my aura and true form before arriving. My cultivation over the past few centuries, while no match for these celestial beings, was enough to prevent me from being exposed immediately. I kept my head bowed and spoke in a rough, low voice. “I am but a humble, nameless spirit-herb from the lower realms, Your Grace.” Fiora questioned, “Was it you who brought the young prince back?” “Yes.” She stared at me with suspicion. She was naturally sharp, but I had prepared for this, rehearsing the story of how I had found Noel. Finding no flaws in my tale, Fiora’s expression softened into one of faint arrogance. “In that case, we thank you. Do you know that the child you found is the son of Archon Caelus?” She had the same condescending air as always. I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes, keeping a humble smile on my face. “I am overwhelmed, my lady.” “Mm. You may go.” That was what I was waiting for. I was about to retreat when the one who had remained silent all this time suddenly spoke. “You said you were from which mountain?” I couldn’t possibly give him the real name, so I invented one on the spot. After I answered, he said nothing more. A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. The intense gaze fixed on me did not waver. Fiora noticed it too. “My Lord, is something amiss?” “…No.” Caelus finally retracted his gaze. Perhaps it was my imagination, but as he lowered his eyes, I thought I saw a flicker of disappointment. “Thank you for your help today,” Caelus said coolly. “I owe you a favor. Should you ever need my assistance, you may come and find me.” The words sounded familiar. I remembered him saying something similar before. Back then, I didn’t realize it was just a polite formality and had foolishly taken him at his word. Looking back, I was truly naive. “You are too kind, My Lord,” I said, feigning awe. Caelus said nothing more and turned to leave. Fiora followed, but not before casting one last, lingering glance in my direction. 10 Back in Azurewood Vale, I went to check on Ash. I had expected him to be as miserable as Noel, but I found him humming a tune while plucking feathers from a Whisperwing’s wing. “Ash?” “Mother, you’re back! This is for you.” I looked at the shuttlecock he’d made from the feathers, surprised. “You’re not sad anymore?” “Nah, it’s no big deal. If we’re fated to meet, we’ll meet again.” “…” So philosophical? I was surprised by his change of heart. But then I remembered he’d spent all these years hidden away with me. To finally find a friend he clicked with, only to be separated so soon… he must have been heartbroken. He was probably just hiding it so I wouldn’t feel guilty. The thought made me feel guilty anyway. I stroked his head. “Ash, my darling, I’m sorry. How about I take you to the mortal realm to play next time?” Ash nodded, looking exceptionally well-behaved. My heart swelled with relief, and I went about my business. But I had clearly underestimated my son. Given his talent for causing chaos, how could he possibly sit still for long? Sure enough, a few days later, I emerged from my den to find him gone. “Ash? Ash!” I searched the entire vale but couldn't find him. Just as I was starting to panic, I saw words he had magically etched onto a leaf. “Mother, I’ve gone to play with Noel. Don’t worry.” I… Wha—?! That little rascal. So this was his plan all along. 11 I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. A wave of worry washed over me. Ash’s magic wasn’t as refined as mine. What if he ran into someone from the Celestial Realm? The thought spurred me into action. I couldn’t worry about arousing suspicion by returning to Aethelgard so soon. Perhaps it was luck, but as soon as I reached Aethelgard’s borders, I ran into Noel. Except, at first, I got it wrong. “Ash!” “Aunt Elara?” The moment he said my name, I knew. This wasn’t Ash. It was Noel. Noel’s face lit up when he saw me. “Aunt Elara, what are you doing here? Did you come to see me?” I hated to disappoint him. “Ash said he was coming to find you. Have you seen him?” Noel looked confused. He shook his head, saying he hadn’t seen Ash. “I was with my father at the Council of Sages. He had other matters to attend to, so he sent me back first.” I see. My worry must have been written all over my face, because Noel took my hand and said reassuringly, “Don’t worry, Aunt Elara. I’m sure Ash is fine. I’ll help you look for him.” A warmth spread through my chest. I was about to say something when an attendant approached. “Your Highness, why are you here? Didn’t the Archon just ask you to go to the study?” “When did Father ask me to go to the study?” “Just now, Your Highness. I saw the Archon with you myself.” “…” Noel’s confused chatter stopped abruptly. He blinked his wide, round eyes and looked at me. I understood his meaning instantly. He hadn’t seen Caelus since he returned. So the one Caelus had summoned to the study… could it be Ash?
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