The moon was full. It's dazzling silver sheen illuminated the castle grounds perfectly. From the high balcony of the grand west tower, Damian stood in silence, leaning over the wooden railing, arms folded, gazing at the capital city in the distance, immersing himself in the vibrant displays happening there.
Beside him, Lyra stood quietly, observing the alluring scenery before them as well.
"I used to think this place was beautiful..." Damian murmured as his hair danced freely in the wind.
"..But now, this place is just seriously cool! Like I can see the entire city from up here haha! So much really has changed in these past 4 years huh."
Lyra just smiled in response to his childish behavior while still remaining silent, prompting Damian to cast her a short glance, just in time to see the mesmerizing glow on her body from the vibrant moonlight.
"Cute" he whispered.
"What was that young master?" Lyra asked innocently, turning to face Damian.
"O-oh um it's nothing." He replied while quickly looking away with a red tint on his face.
He closed his eyes, letting the breeze tug at his hair, then a deep sigh escaped his lips. "Alot really has changed..."
"You're thinking about your siblings, aren't you?" Lyra said, watching him from the corner of her eye.
"Maybe." He chuckled. "I hear they've been getting pretty good results in their cities. At this rate, I might actually have to start trying hard." he joked lightly.
"I agree... I heard Prince Kai and Princess Kaia are doing pretty well in their cities." Lyra stated calmly.
"Yeah." He replied. "Who knew Mr. Hothead could do more than just swing his fists."
"Yes, but when compared to your other siblings, they're still miles apart."
He gave a slow nod. "They're definitely gonna be a problem huh."
"So what are you planning young master?"
"Is it really that obvious?"
"Maybe." Lyra teased
"I guess my poker face still needs work huh." He mused and stared back at the city. But after a few seconds something peculiar caught his eye, Something familiar."
'Hmm... Is that... No way...'
"Now that's a familiar sight..." he remarked quietly.
"As for my plans…" Damian pointed towards one of the city districts. "How about we head over... there?"
Lyra squinted, trying to follow his gesture. "I don't see anything..."
"Look closer," he insisted.
After a few seconds, her eyes caught a flickering pattern.
"Wait... light flashes? Is that some kind of signal? It looks like… Wait isn't that the—"
"Precisely..." He grinned heinously. "Now what do you say we go out for a date?"
Lyra's face flushed instantly. "B-but that's the red-light district!!"
"Hehe. Let's go."
• • •
"Do we really have to wear these... disguises?" Lyra grumbled, eyeing the tattered cloak on her body that reaked of fresh fish.
"Come on, it's not that bad," Damian said. "Besides, it's better than walking into that place in your usual attire. Trust me."
"Whatever." She pouted. "Let's just get this over with."
"Sure."
'Alright' thought Damian, 'Were really going into the den of prostitutes huh...' He shrugged and looked at their attires.
"God this thing stinks." Lyra complained again.
'Geez... we're just wearing old worn out hoods to hide our appearances. I dunno why she's complaining so much... I mean, those guys were kind enough to give us theirs for a few gold coins...'
"Alright, let's go."
The walk was anything but peaceful. Even in their disguises, their posture, grace, and subtle beauty drew more attention than they wanted. Whistles, lingering stares, and occasional flirtatious greetings followed them fro both men and women alike.
"Young master... How much longer?"
"Don't worry, we've already made it."
"Oh thank God, I don't think I can stand these... Wait why are we standing in front of a brothel?"
Damian grinned. "Now, this isn't just any brothel, this my dearest goddess, is Ishtar's Haven, rumored to be the best of the best In the entire red light district... cool huh."
"Wait, don't tell me..."
"Yup, were going in."
He casually pushed open the large double doors. The rich scent of perfume and aphrodisiac hung thick in the air.
Damian didn't bother saying anything as he just gave Lyra a smile and walked inside. After a little hesitation, she quickly trailed behind, making sure to stick awfully close to Damian.
"My, my, where did our dearest ice cold empress go to?"
"Sh-shut up!" she hissed.
"Okay... If I remember correctly, the flashes came from one of the windows on the second floor..."
Ishtar's Haven was one of the few five star brothels in the red light district with over five floors within.
"But young master, what are we even doing here?" she asked as they made their way up to the reception.
"Excuse me master" the lady behind the counter spoke up. "What can we help you with today?"
"Oh uh..." He glanced at Lyra behind him before replying. "We're here for a room."
"Y-young ma—mmph!" Lyra tried to speak, but Damian gently covered her mouth with his hand.
"Don't worry," he whispered. "I promise I won't do anything questionable... Just follow my lead okay?"
"Fine" she muttered as he released her.
"So master, would you like any preferences?" The receptionist as sweetly that seemed to cringe Lyra a bit.
"I'd like to pick the room myself if that's fine by you."
"Of course, for a custom selection, it'll be 20 gold coins." she smiled.
'Geez, well that's a lot...' Damian winced internally. 'Figured as much... I guess this service is reserved only for nobles ...'
"Here" Damian replied as he placed the gold coins on the counter.
""Thank you, master. Please remember — rooms with green knobs are available while red means they're occupied... Do have a pleasant night." stated the receptionist.
"Thanks" Damian replied as they made their way up the stairs to the second floor and approached the last door on the right."
To his relief, the knob was still green.
"Ready, Lyra?"
"Obviously not…"
"That's good enough."
He took a breath and slowly pushed the door open.
And then... silence, followed by a wave of nostalgia while a single name escaped his lips in a tone barely above a whisper.
"Emily?"