The night at Stargate unfolded in a quiet that had lingered for months. Starfall remained confined below, while Starslayer spent most of his time alone with trays of food and inherited tomes, studying the legacy he was meant to carry and the responsibilities tied to the cloning program.

  Starlax had already returned to her room at her mother’s request. Only three adults remained in the family chamber, reading in silence while sipping sweet drinks.

  "I see you have been so busy that you have not yet invited Leroy to dine with us," Lady Star said.

  "He is handling many matters at once. We agreed to speak here once his thoughts have settled," Starmist replied.

  "You did tell him that dinners with us are informal?" Lady Star asked, turning a page.

  "I have told him many times. You know how he is," Starmist said with a soft smile.

  "As long as you do not feel neglected, Starmist, it is fine," Lady Star said, glancing toward her husband, who was writing beside her. "Do you remember how your brother was just as busy, even on the day of the council transition?"

  "Fortunately, you remained by my side then," Lord Star said to his wife.

  Lady Star looked back at Starmist. "Our race bonds with only one partner for life. We are glad you chose Leroy."

  "I am sure Starlax will be happy as well," she added.

  "Yes, I believe she will," Starmist answered.

  "I intend to meet Leroy in a few days while inspecting the Cogworks facility prepared for cloning," Lord Star said.

  "When will he be there?"

  "In three days, he said. For now, he is meeting with D’Hertz or Axel. Shall I arrange an appointment?" Starmist asked.

  Lord Star set down his pen. "No need. I will arrive quietly."

  "If he knows, he may avoid me," he laughed, drawing laughter from the room.

  "Brother, I have one request," Starmist said, and the room fell silent.

  "For my wedding, I want our entire family present. Including Starfall."

  Lord Star rose and turned toward the window. Lady Star sighed.

  "I have tried to speak with him for months, he refuses to respond politely," she said. "I no longer know how to reach that boy."

  "But Starmist, he speaks with you. Your visits have never been rejected," Lord Star added.

  Starmist nodded. "I will speak with him."

  "If his parents cannot reach him, perhaps his aunt can carry our feelings to him," Lady Star said.

  Lord Star turned to face them both. "Tell him to eat properly, maintain his hygiene, and behave well. If he does, he will attend your wedding."

  "Whatever he has done, he still my son."

  Starmist nodded again. The three of them continued discussing wedding plans and family matters for a while longer, their voices gentle against the quiet night of Stargate.

  Starmist quietly opened Starlax’s door. Several lamps still burned bright inside. The girl was awake, reading beneath their glow.

  Starlax startled when she saw her aunt. "Do not tell Mother."

  Starmist closed the door softly and sat beside her, wrapping her in a gentle embrace.

  "Why are you smiling?" the girl asked.

  Starmist did not answer. Her eyes fell to the page in Starlax’s hands. "What are you reading, Starlax?"

  "My speech practice. They say it is still not good enough," she replied.

  Starmist studied the paper, circling parts that could be improved for tomorrow.

  "I have good news for you," Starmist said.

  "What is it?" Starlax asked, watching her aunt’s bright smile.

  "You may be seeing Leroy more often from now on."

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  "Really? Is he no longer busy with the council?" Starlax asked, her own smile growing.

  "He has decided to step down from the council. Do not worry, I will remain there," Starmist replied.

  "Did he argue with someone?" Starlax asked, confused again.

  Starmist stood and paced slowly. "No. Your aunt and he will be married soon. He chose to step aside so House Star may continue its representation there."

  Starlax fell silent. The words came too quickly for her to grasp, yet a wide smile slowly formed as Starmist embraced her once more.

  "So I can call him anytime now," the girl said.

  "Yes, but not too often. He still leads the Bank," Starmist answered.

  "You have always been close. Why did you only decide to marry now?" Starlax asked, touching the engagement ring on her aunt’s hand.

  "When you are older, you will understand," Starmist said gently.

  "Leroy also insisted I remain in the council so I can ease tensions among its members," Starmist added with a light laugh.

  "But if he is not there, who will defend you?" Starlax asked.

  "If Leroy stayed, he would have to remain neutral and fair to everyone. Now he may stand beside me," Starmist said, her cheeks faintly turning blue.

  "That is kind of him, stepping down for our family," Starlax murmured.

  "He is our family now as well," Starmist replied.

  They continued speaking in hushed voices, careful not to reveal that Starlax was still awake. Starmist kept telling gentle stories until the girl drifted into sleep. Only then did she turn off the lamps and quietly leave the room.

  Lord and Lady Star had already fallen asleep. Many lamps along the corridor were extinguished, leaving only dim pockets of light. Starmist walked alone through the quiet passage, descending toward the basement.

  Two guards were playing cards outside the door. They stood at once when she approached.

  "Lady Starmist, what brings you here at this hour?" one asked.

  "Take me to my nephew," Starmist said.

  The guard hesitated. "Young lord Starfall may already be asleep, Lady Starmist. Lord Star also instructed that he may be visited only—"

  "It is fine. I have spoken with my brother," Starmist replied.

  One guard picked up a lantern and guided her down the spiraling stone staircase. The air remained cold several meters beneath the earth.

  They passed the relic storage chamber, the family sanctuary, then turned into the farthest corridor. What had once been a wine cellar now served as a prison.

  The guard searched for the key and unlocked the door.

  "Leave us alone. I will return upstairs myself," Starmist said.

  "Yes, Lady Starmist." The guard bowed and departed.

  Starmist pushed the door open. Starfall sat asleep with chains hanging from above, binding his wrists, while shackles secured his ankles. A single small lantern illuminated the chamber. The room was modest yet comfortable, far less lavish than his former chamber. Plates of unfinished meals and sweet drinks lay scattered nearby.

  "Starfall."

  "How are you?"

  Starfall lifted his head. He had not been asleep, only sitting with his eyes closed.

  "Is it night above?" he asked.

  "When will you consider apologizing? Think of how your family feels," Starmist said.

  "I am comfortable here until the next year," Starfall replied.

  "Even my father, wise Lord Star, ensures his son does not starve or freeze," he added.

  "They still love you. They only wish to hear an apology from their child," Starmist said.

  "Enough, beloved aunt. Do not lecture me. I do not wish to ignore you as I ignore the rest of them," Starfall answered, resting his head against the wall.

  Starmist sighed and sat beside him. "I have finally found someone with whom I wish to share my life."

  "Leroy," Starfall replied instantly.

  "You already knew? How?" Starmist asked, surprised.

  "You are predictable."

  "I often wander the house at night. You think after years I would not notice how often you spoke with him after midnight, discussing council matters? Who else speaks of work at such hours?" Starfall explained.

  Starmist fell silent for a moment, her fingers brushing the engagement ring.

  "Starfall, I want you to attend my wedding," she said softly.

  "I do not care about your wedding or anything else concerning this family. Thank you for the invitation. I am sure you both will be happy," Starfall replied, turning his face away.

  "Please. I do not want you to harden your heart and spend your life in here," Starmist said, resting a hand on his shoulder.

  "I will be out in a few months," he answered curtly.

  "Apologize to your father, your mother, and your sister. There may be a way for you to leave sooner," Starmist urged.

  Starfall turned his body away, curling into himself.

  "Has the council already appointed a new Vanguard to replace me?" he asked.

  Starmist sighed again, pressing a hand against her chest.

  "I heard that whenever your mother visits, you ask only about that title."

  "Of all the things you should care about in this family, you ask about your title," she said, shaking him slightly as her voice rose, her breathing uneven. "Starlax nearly died because of your actions. We were fortunate her power awakened. You have not even asked about her."

  "Are you finished dramatizing? So is the answer yes or no?" Starfall asked coldly.

  "If you continue like this, I cannot help you," Starmist replied.

  "I do not need help. You are no different from them. Help, help, help. No one asked for it," Starfall snapped, his voice rising as well.

  Starmist grew quiet. She looked around the empty chamber. After several minutes, she spoke again.

  "Please reconsider, Starfall. I want our family united at my wedding."

  "Have I ever asked too much from you?" she asked.

  Starfall hesitated. "No."

  "You have always been kind to me," he added.

  Starmist nodded, then stood and walked toward the door.

  "I promise to shorten your sentence. Behave well, Starfall. You remain part of my family."

  Starfall chuckled softly and settled back into his seat.

  Before leaving, Starmist turned once more and told him that D’Hertz, his fellow Regal Vanguard, would likely become the council representative for Weapon Master and was currently in training.

  Unexpectedly, Starfall burst into loud, genuine laughter. Months of restraint dissolved at once. It was not mockery nor bitterness, only release.

  "That lame guitarist. He will live a life he never wanted, just like me," Starfall said, laughing as he kicked his feet lightly.

  Starmist watched in confusion before realizing that the Vanguard still gave her nephew a reason to live. She laughed with him.

  "You miss them, do you?" she asked.

  "The colosseum, battles. Everything," she added.

  Starfall’s laughter faded. He fell quiet again.

  "Can I still fight in the colosseum?" he asked.

  Starmist nodded with a gentle smile. "I will try to make it possible."

  "Then I will cooperate," Starfall replied, smiling back, his teeth catching the lantern light.

  Starmist closed the door. Behind it, Starfall’s laughter continued, a sound of fragile happiness unheard for months.