For all the reverence the Lord of Shadows commanded, his reputation paled before the luminous legacy of Changing Star, last scion of the Immortal Flame clan.
The contrast made perfect sense. Their very essences dictated their roles — one destined to lurk in darkness, the other to blaze like a beacon. More than that, while the Lord of Shadows remained an enigmatic newcomer, Nephis had long since become the beating heart of these people's hopes.
Their devotion ran deep, rooted in decades of admiring her illustrious family. They had witnessed her meteoric rise firsthand: her extraordinary achievement at the Forgotten Shore, her triumphant return as a Master after a solitary quest across the Dream Realm, and her unwavering protection through the tumultuous years following the Chain of Nightmares.
Where Sunny's connection to humanity remained tenuous, Nephis had forged bonds of steel.
Little wonder, then, that the Sword Army's entire camp hummed with anticipation at her return.
Yet more fascinating was her unexpected popularity among the Song Army's ranks.
At first glance, it seemed paradoxical — Changing Star stood as their declared enemy. But the same qualities that endeared her to the Sword Army resonated across battle lines. Moreover, word had spread — carefully orchestrated by Cassie, no doubt — that among all Valor's champions, only Nephis had raised her voice against the King's declaration of war.
Thus, while Song's warriors spat venom at the mention of other Sword Domain Saints, particularly the King himself, they spoke of the Immortal Flame's daughter with something closer to wistful regret.
«The Fire Keepers all made it...»
«Glory! Glory!»
Whispers about his alter ego filtered through as well.
These celebrations masked a bitter truth — the victory at Vanishing Lake had come at a devastating cost. Seven Saints lost, each death not only weakening humanity's defenses but guaranteeing more casualties in the battles to come.
Though some knew the truth — the bereaved clans had been informed, and word had spread — most preferred to focus on more palatable narratives: the triumph of Changing Star and the Lord of Shadows, the supposed defeat of Dark Dancer Revel and her sisters.
But such concerns could wait.
For now, after far too many days apart, Sunny had eyes only for Nephis.
His smile softened with genuine warmth.
«There you are.»