Aether is it?

The evening air outside the Lumire estate was cool but still held a faint warmth from the day's sun, the sprawling grounds bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Noctis Vale Lumire stood near the large bay window of his family's drawing room, arms crossed loosely as he stared out at the manicured gardens, his expression unreadable. In his hand, he held an ornate cream envelope embossed with the seal of Duke Ferran—a rare and formal invitation, heavy with expectation.

His mother, Lady Lumire, was nearby, arranging flowers on a side table. She glanced at him with a sharp, appraising look. "The Winter Solstice ball, Noctis. A rare honor to be invited by a duke himself. You cannot refuse."

Noctis sighed quietly, then rolled his shoulders. "I know, Mother. But it's always such… a spectacle. I don't see what good it does."

Lady Lumire's eyes flicked with a trace of impatience. "It is not just about spectacle. It is about alliances, appearances. You are a Lumire—and the family's future. Your presence is expected."

He said nothing further, slipping the invitation into his jacket pocket as the household bustled softly around him. Inside, his thoughts churned. Balls and formalities were a part of this world he had never fully embraced. He had never asked for these roles, these obligations.

Meanwhile, across town in the Albert estate, Ava Albert was practically glowing as she held a similar invitation in her hands. The large room where she sat was adorned with rich tapestries and soft candlelight. Her silver hair caught the warm glow, and her deep blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she twirled the envelope between her fingers.

"I can't believe it!" she exclaimed to her mother, Lady Albert, who was seated nearby, knitting calmly. "A ball! The Winter Solstice! It's the perfect chance to wear my new gown—and maybe dance even!"

Lady Albert smiled knowingly but didn't share the same enthusiasm. "Yes, it is a grand event. And it seems the duke who invited you also invited Noctis Lumire."

Ava paused, the spark in her eyes dimming slightly. "Noctis? That boy? I'm not sure he's the type to enjoy such things."

Lady Albert's gaze sharpened. "He will be there. And I think you should go with him."

Ava's eyebrows shot up. "With him? Why?"

Her mother's smile turned faintly mischievous. "Because, my dear, you are promised to each other. The engagement was arranged long ago."

Ava blinked, stunned. "Engaged? But… that was six years ago. I barely remember. And why me? Why Noctis?"

Lady Albert's eyes locked with hers in a look that spoke volumes—one of knowing, of unspoken history. "Because he is your match. Because it was arranged for the good of both families. And… because you like him, whether you admit it or not."

Ava's cheeks flushed bright red, and she quickly looked away, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve. "I—I don't know what you mean."

Lady Albert chuckled softly. "And just now, you called him Noctis. Is that a nickname?"

Ava shook her head, glancing toward the window as if the sky might swallow her up. "It's just what I've always called him. But everyone else calls him Vale Lumire."

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. I've never heard anyone call him Noctis before."

Ava bit her lip, feeling suddenly embarrassed at her own familiarity. "It's just… between us."

Lady Albert shook her head with a knowing smile. "Well, whatever you call him, remember: this ball isn't just a dance. It's a statement. And you must show everyone you are worthy of your name… and your future."

Back at the Lumire estate, Noctis's older sister, Lady Elise, was seated nearby with a glass of wine, watching him quietly.

"You don't seem thrilled," she teased.

Noctis shrugged. "It's a lot of pomp and ceremony. I don't expect to enjoy myself much."

Elise smirked. "Maybe you just haven't met the right partner yet."

Noctis snorted softly, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

The two young nobles prepared for the event in vastly different moods. Ava imagined the grand halls, the glittering chandeliers, the sweeping gowns and polite dances. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of nervous excitement and secret hope. Meanwhile, Noctis felt the weight of expectation pressing down on him—a burden he could neither refuse nor fully accept.

Neither knew that all eyes, even those of the Crown Prince who was rumored to be attending, would soon be on them—two players caught between duty and desire, caught in a world that blurred the lines between game and reality.

Suddenly, both of their personal status windows flickered—an almost imperceptible glitch, a ripple in their private views. A new quest appeared, shimmering with a faint blue light:

Winter Solstice Ball

Attend the Winter Solstice Ball.

Reward: Unlock True Potential.

The message blinked twice, then faded in and out before settling.

Ava stared at her screen and then quickly composed a letter on her status window's messaging feature. Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed:

Vale, will you be my partner for the ball?

She hesitated, then hit send.

Moments later, her message was marked "Delivered," but no reply came yet.

Noctis, alone in his room, felt his own status window flicker. The quest caught his attention, and as he glanced down at the message from Lyra, he paused. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips—he hadn't expected the invitation to come quite like this.

He tapped the screen, typing back:

I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Winter Solstice was coming. And with it, the beginning of something neither of them could yet understand.