Ellyn rested her chin against the windowsill, her eyes gazing far into the clear blue sky stretching endlessly above the Beastkin Kingdom. The breeze fluttered gently through the curtains, brushing against her cheek like a soft memory.
"It's just…" she murmured, voice quiet, "I miss him."
Her ears drooped slightly, and a soft smile tugged at her lips—bittersweet and full of longing.
"I wonder…" she whispered, her fingers gently tracing the edge of the pinky promise ring, "if he misses me too."
Faria stood silently nearby, watching the young princess as the wind carried her words into the open air.
In that moment, Ellyn wasn't the royal heir of the Beastkin Kingdom. She was just a girl, staring at the sky, hoping someone far away was thinking of her too.
Meanwhile…
Hazuki finally reached a proper road, lined with footprints, wooden wheels, and signs of civilization. A few carts rolled past, merchants chattered, and beastkin villagers strolled under the morning sun.
