Arcane Bonds

The sun hung low in the sky over the Emberheart estate, casting a golden hue across the wide expanse of rolling hills and the towering stone walls. Inside the mansion, everything was calm, but the tension of an upcoming reunion simmered beneath the surface. Lady Mira Emberheart stood in the front courtyard, her back straight, eyes focused on the horizon. Her figure, muscular yet elegantly feminine, spoke of both power and grace. Her features were strikingly beautiful—an almost divine balance between delicacy and strength. Her well-toned physique hinted at the martial mastery she possessed, while her gentle smile and soft gaze always brought comfort to her daughters.

The return of Eden Emberheart, her eldest daughter, was not only a personal joy but a moment of pride for the whole family. Eden had spent the last four years at the prestigious Arcadium Academy, honing her talents among the elite of the kingdom. Eden’s brilliance, combined with her natural beauty, had earned her a place in the academy's highest circles. However, Mira’s thoughts were mixed—while she knew Eden would be thrilled to meet her youngest sister, Joy, for the first time, there were matters far graver than family introductions that required discussion.

As Mira awaited her daughter’s arrival, Joy, her three-year-old, clung to her back with innocent fascination. The toddler’s small hands were busy exploring the toned muscles of her mother’s shoulders with wide-eyed curiosity. Mira couldn’t help but smile at the sensation.

“Your muscles are so hard, Mommy,” Joy remarked, her childish voice filled with awe.

Just then, the sound of carriage wheels on gravel drew Mira’s attention. A sleek, dark carriage pulled up to the front of the estate, and the door opened to reveal Eden, stepping out with the poise of a noblewoman. She was tall, elegant, and stunningly beautiful—long silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering in the sunlight. Her eyes, a deep and piercing shade of blue, were filled with intelligence and calm confidence. Dressed in the Academy’s ceremonial uniform of white and gold, her presence was magnetic, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.

Eden’s beauty wasn’t just in her features but in the way she carried herself. Despite her delicate frame, there was a strength in her posture, a noble air that spoke of discipline and an inherent mastery over her surroundings. Joy, still perched on her mother’s back, looked at her older sister with wide eyes, mesmerized by her ethereal appearance.

“So beautiful…” Joy whispered, her small voice filled with admiration.

Eden’s sharp eyes softened when she saw the small child peeking over their mother’s shoulder. “Is this little one… Joy?”

Joy’s curiosity shifted into excitement. She scrambled down from her mother’s back and ran up to Eden, her chubby cheeks flushed with energy. “You’re my big sister! The one from all the letters!” she squealed, tugging at Eden’s robes in excitement. “I have so many questions! What’s the Arcadium Academy like? Are the teachers nice? What’s a wand? Can you do magic right now? Can I see it? Please?!”

Eden blinked, taken aback by the flood of questions from such a tiny person. She knelt down to Joy’s level, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Well, aren’t you a little bundle of curiosity? You remind me of… someone,” Eden said, glancing knowingly at Eve, who was watching from a distance with her usual intense gaze.

“I’ve been told you’re smart,” Eden continued, her smile growing. “But I didn’t think you’d be this talkative. I couldn’t even speak fluently when I was your age.”

Joy beamed at the compliment, her tiny body nearly vibrating with excitement. “I love to learn!” she declared proudly. “I even know how to read a little!”

Eden’s heart warmed as she reached into the folds of her robe. “In that case, I have something for you. A little gift to celebrate our first meeting.”

From within the folds of her robes, Eden drew out a slender wand, white as snow, and smooth to the touch. The intricate runes carved into its length glowed faintly as she held it up for Joy to see. At the tip of the wand, a small flower bloomed—an ice flower, delicate and pristine. But upon closer inspection, a soft blue fire swirled inside the petals, casting an otherworldly light.

Joy’s eyes widened as she stared, utterly spellbound. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her small hands reaching out to touch the cool surface of the wand.

Eden smiled warmly, placing the wand into her sister’s tiny hands. “This flower is special,” she explained. “It’s an Icefire Blossom—a rare creation that symbolizes balance. Inside the ice, there’s a flame that never burns out. Just like you, little one—calm on the outside, but there’s something powerful within.”

Joy clutched the wand to her chest, her chubby face alight with joy. “Thank you, big sister! I’ll take care of it forever!”

Eden stood and gave her sister a gentle pat on the head before turning her attention to her mother, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. “Mother,” she said, her voice lowering, “I think we should talk.”

Mira, sensing the gravity in her daughter’s tone, nodded. She called for a maid to escort Joy to her room, leaving the child still enchanted by her new gift. As Joy toddled away, Mira led Eden into the estate’s private study.

In the quiet study, with the doors closed behind them, Eden took a seat while Mira leaned against a bookshelf, her arms crossed.

“I heard rumors at the Academy about unusual behavior in the magical beasts, " Eden began, her tone measured. “There’s been a rise in activity, not just near the kingdom, but across several regions. Ecosystems are changing. The balance we’ve always maintained is faltering.”

Mira’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve always been observant, Eden,” she said, her voice filled with pride. “I’ve been monitoring it as well. It’s the work of a King Beast—one powerful enough to shift the natural order as it expands its territory. Two mighty beasts may be on the verge of clashing.”

Eden nodded thoughtfully. “The Academy has assigned me to investigate the matter further. It’s a mission, officially. But I had hoped you might have insight into what’s really going on.”

Mira smiled, impressed by her daughter’s intuition. She turned and pulled a thick tome from the shelf, throwing it in Eden’s direction. Eden raised her hand, and with a faint shimmer of mana, the book slowed midair, hovering before her before opening itself to a marked page.

“Well done,” Mira said, pride evident in her voice. “Your control has improved.”

Eden smiled, then glanced down at the book, flipping through the pages. “I take it this has to do with the King Beast?”

“Yes. If these two beasts collide, the aftermath could affect not only the surrounding regions but the Kingdom of Drakhelm itself,” Mira explained, her voice serious. “The Hunter’s Association and the Academy need to handle this carefully. But this isn’t just about recognition and merit, is it?”

Eden looked up at her mother, a knowing smile on her lips. “You know me too well. I’m not as ambitious as Eve, but I won’t shy away from a chance to prove myself.”

Mira stepped forward, placing a hand on Eden’s shoulder. “And you’ve done just that. You’ve grown stronger in ways I never expected. I’m proud of you.”

As the conversation wound down, Eden’s expression softened. “What about Joy? And Eve?”

Mira’s gaze turned distant for a moment before she answered, “There’s much to tell. But for now, focus on your mission. When you return, we’ll speak of your sisters.”

Eden nodded, but her thoughts lingered on the family she had left behind, curious about the changes she had yet to fully understand.