Morning in Ticonic.
A thin mist still clung to the treetops as the sun peeked over the hills. Long-necked birds soared across the sky, and the air was filled with the hum of giant insects.
In a simple house made of wood and stone, a young man jumped out of bed. His hair was messy, his eyes half-shut, but his smile was already wide as usual.
His name was Kael.
"Raaaan! Wake up! It's morning! If you don't get up, I'll let the mammoth sit on your bed!" Kael shouted, throwing a piece of dried fruit through the open window toward the room next door.
"Kael!!" came a voice from inside, half annoyed, half sleepy. It was Rana, his older sister, already used to her brother's antics. "If you throw one more, I'm dunking you in the mud pond!"
Kael just laughed and dashed out of the house. Today was special. It was the day of the Moonlight Festival, the annual event where the whole village gathered to dance, feast, and light the sacred flame in the center of the great field.
Outside, two of his best friends were already waiting beneath the ancient Kuralu tree—a tall, violet-blue tree that stood like a guardian in the village.
"Kael, you're so slow! The festival's about to start!" said Teren, a skinny but clever boy, the son of the village's master weapon maker.
"Hurry, or we'll lose our spot on the observation rock!" added Mira, a brave girl with deadly aim, who often beat Kael in accuracy contests.
Kael grinned. "Then let's race! Last one there dives into the mud pond!"
The three of them took off, racing down the dirt path toward the heart of the village—unaware that today would be more than just a celebration. It would be the beginning of something far greater than the festival… greater than their village… greater than Ticonic itself.
On Ticonic, the Moonlight Festival is unique compared to other celebrations. The Sacred Fire, known as the Moon Fire, is always lit at sunrise as a symbol of life and courage rising from the darkness of night. It's an ancient tradition believed to bring blessings from the ancestral spirits who maintain the balance of the world.
That morning, as the sky began to brighten with the first rays of sunlight, the dancers and tribal leaders gathered around the large stones, forming a circle around the fire that had already been kindled. This fire wasn't just for illumination—it marked the beginning of a new season full of hope, when hunting and agriculture would reach their peak. The Moon Fire gives strength and courage to face whatever the coming year may bring.
The celebration began with a roar that ignited the spirit.
Dances came one after another, children's laughter echoed between the clinks of wooden and stone instruments. Food was served on giant leaves, and the elders told stories of ancient legends—of the God of Light, of a world hidden beyond the skies and seas.
Kael, Teren, and Mira joined every part of the festival. They danced, laughed, and even joined the archery contest—though Kael nearly shot the sacred tree out of sheer enthusiasm.
"KAEL! That's not the target! That's the altar tree!" Teren shouted in panic.
Kael just grinned, "But the pose was cool, right?"
It was a truly joyful day—full of warmth, laughter, and no burdens. For a moment, the world felt only like light, celebration, and togetherness.
But all festivals must come to an end.
Night slowly crept in, bringing with it a gentle breeze from the mountains. One by one, the torches were extinguished, and the village fell quiet—accompanied only by the sounds of the nocturnal creatures.
Kael had returned home.
The house was much calmer. He opened the door and found Rana already asleep near the hearth, a blanket draped over her shoulders, and an old book resting on her lap.
Quietly, Kael tiptoed closer, then—without a hint of guilt—drew a line of charcoal across her cheek.
"Oh Great Light God… protect me from this terrifying creature before me," he whispered dramatically.
Rana cracked one eye open, her gaze half-asleep.
"Kael. You. Are. Dead. Tomorrow."
"Is that a prayer?" Kael laughed, sitting down beside her. "Don't worry. I've pledged loyalty to the God of Mischief."
They nudged each other and shared a brief chuckle. Little moments like this kept their home warm, even without parents. It was quiet, but never truly lonely.
Outside, the stars were scattered across the sky. And far beyond the mountains and thick forests… a great secret still waited.
Kael didn't know it yet.
But his fate was about to change.
The next morning, a light mist still clung to the trees.
Kael was already up earlier than usual. There were no loud shouts to wake up Rana like he usually did—only the quiet rustling of feathers and the soft thud of arrows as he checked each one carefully.
He sat in front of their house, organizing his arrows into a handmade rattan quiver. His hands were quick and practiced, though occasionally a sharp tip would jab his finger.
"Ow! Light God… already fighting back, huh?"
He winced, blew on his finger, then chuckled to himself.
From behind the door, a sleepy voice mumbled, "Kael… where are you going this early?"
"Hunting. Looking for deer, maybe a rabbit. But if I spot a wild boar, I'm bringing it home for a whole week's feast."
Rana appeared, hair messy and blanket still draped over her shoulders. "Don't go too far. Remember what the elders said? The forest to the east has its limits. Don't mess around outside the paths."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Relax. I'm just going a little farther than usual. I want to check out that hill—people say you can see the northern valley from there."
Rana huffed and turned back inside, mumbling half-jokingly, "If you're not back by midday, I'll go hunting—and you'll be the prey."
Kael laughed softly, slinging his bag over his shoulder and grabbing his bow. "Deal. But I'm still gonna win."
He stepped out, following a narrow trail still damp with morning dew. The air was crisp, and the leaves sparkled under the golden sunlight. Birds chirped in the distance, filling the forest with life.
But beyond all that beauty, Kael had no idea that today's hunt would lead him to something far more than wild game—a discovery that would unravel the hidden truths of his world.