The sun never truly set in Evermist. It hovered on the edge of dusk, caught in a perpetual embrace between day and night. Pale gold light painted the clouds like soft brushstrokes, and the sky shimmered with violet hues that stretched endlessly over the spired rooftops of Eldenmere. To most, this was a place of serenity and quiet enchantment. But for Koyi, it had become a cage with silk bars.
She stood at the edge of the Eastwatch cliffs, the wind tugging gently at her cloak, her dark curls whipping free from the pins she'd wrestled them into earlier that morning. Below, the River Arlen carved its path through the valley, the silver waters glinting like threads in a tapestry. Koyi's eyes scanned the horizon, searching for something she couldn't name. She often came here when her chest felt too tight, when the world whispered to her with voices she didn't understand.
Eighteen today. A milestone, the elders had said. A turning of fate. But she felt no different. There were no visions. No magical gift awakening in her blood. Only the same weight she'd carried since her mother vanished two years ago, leaving behind nothing but her locket, a broken promise, and a silence that screamed louder than grief.
A rustling behind her pulled her from thought. She turned, half-expecting it to be her guardian, Master Elric, come to summon her back to the village for her celebration. Instead, it was Lioren.
He smiled at her with the kind of warmth that could melt stone. His golden hair was tousled from running, and a strand stuck to his forehead. "Happy Nameday, Koyi," he said, out of breath but grinning.
She tried to smile back. "You always find me, don't you?"
"You're not that hard to find. You're drawn to this cliff like a moth to fire."
Koyi turned her gaze back to the horizon. "It's quiet here. I like the quiet."
Lioren moved beside her, hands in the pockets of his tunic. "You're allowed to enjoy your day, you know. The village's been setting up for hours. Even old Meren baked those honeycakes you love."
Koyi let out a small sigh. "I know. I just… needed a moment first."
"Still thinking about her?" he asked gently.
She didn't answer right away. The wind carried the scent of wild lavender and the distant smoke from hearth fires. Koyi clutched the locket at her chest. "It's not just that she left. It's that she said she wouldn't. She promised. And promises like that shouldn't break."
Lioren's voice dropped lower, steadier. "Maybe she had a reason. One you couldn't see then. Maybe you still can't."
"She wouldn't leave without telling me why. Not her."
Lioren didn't argue. He never did when she spoke about her mother. Instead, he stepped closer, his shoulder brushing hers. "Well, I believe one day you'll understand. Maybe not today. But someday."
Koyi looked at him then, really looked. The way his eyes caught the sunlight, pale blue and full of something she didn't have a name for. It wasn't just comfort. It wasn't pity. It was… hope.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
They walked back together toward Eldenmere, the wind at their backs. The village was nestled in a cradle of trees and stone, cobbled streets winding through ivy-covered homes and small market stalls. Lanterns floated above rooftops, casting a soft glow over the buildings. Ribbons fluttered from tall poles in the central square, and laughter echoed from the baker's stall.
Children ran past them with paper wings strapped to their arms, shrieking about dragons and skyships. Koyi smiled despite herself.
At the center of the square, Master Elric stood on a wooden platform, speaking with Lady Halwen, the village archivist. His robe shimmered with silver runes that shifted as he moved. He turned as Koyi approached, his stern expression softening.
"There you are, child," he said. "We were beginning to think the wind carried you away."
"I needed some air," Koyi replied.
"As long as the air didn't carry