Night shrouded the castle walls as our carriage approached King Malakai's masquerade ball.Lyra adjusted my mask – her fingers brushing my skin."Nervous, my love?" she whispered.I caught her hand. "Only about sparing your father's life too soon."Lyra's smile was hidden behind her own mask.We exited into chaos – nobles laughing, music swirling.Edwin awaited inside, disguised as a servant."Ravenswood stands near the throne room entrance," he whispered.Lyra nodded. "Time for my distraction."She glided towards Prince Kael, striking up conversation – nearby guardsmen eyeing her suspiciously.I moved stealthily towards Ravenswood – his eyes locking onto mine with surprise.Then, his gaze dropped to my hand on the hilt of my sword."Eryndor Thorne… dead men don't attend parties," he sneered.My voice low and deadly."Dead men don't betray their own blood either, cousin."Suddenly, Lyra's laughter echoed – guards rushing towards her and Prince Kael's scuffle.Ravenswood seized chance – his hand extended for a duel pledge… poison ring glinting.
I pretended to grasp his hand – actually catching his wrist above the ring. Ravenswood's eyes widened slightly – suspicion mixed with surprise."Cowardly grip, Eryndor?" he sneered, trying to pull free.I held tight, voice low."Only cautious of your family gifts – poison and betrayal."Suddenly, I twisted his wrist – ring facing inward – and slammed his hand onto a nearby candelabra. The ring pierced his palm – Ravenswood's face contorted in agony.Guardsmen closed in – Lyra's distraction fading as she rushed towards me."It's done," I whispered to her. "Ravenswood's treason will be his death sentence."King Malakai emerged from throne room shadows – eyes blazing fury."Seize them!" he bellowed. But our disguised guardsmen moved first – surrounding king's guards, swords drawn. Prince Kael stumbled back, shocked. "Father, what magic is this?"Lyra stepped forward, voice clear."No magic, brother – justice. Father, Ravenswood's treason proves your rule corrupt."King Malakai snarled, drawing sword.
I drew my own sword, facing King Malakai."Your reign ends tonight," I declared, voice echoing off marble floors.King Malakai sneered. "Eryndor Thorne – my greatest mistake was sparing your life too long ago."Lyra stepped beside me, her dagger glinting."Tonight, Father, your greatest mistake is facing your daughter and her rightful king."Prince Kael looked on, torn – then slowly drew his sword… pointing it at his father."Enough, Father. Lyra speaks truth – Ravenswood's treason proves your corruption."King Malakai's eyes widened in rage – he charged Prince Kael first.I intercepted – swords clashing loudly. Lyra fought beside me, dagger flashing towards king's guards still loyal.Suddenly, King Malakai stumbled back – my sword tip at his throat."Yield," I growled.He spat at my feet. But before he could speak further, an arrow pierced his chest –Aurelia stood in shadows, bow still trembling."Justice served," she whispered. "My family debt paid."
Aurelia stepped forward, eyes locked intensely on mine."King Malakai's death fulfills my vow – now yours is clear:Lyra's heart belongs to you… but my heart belongs to no one – until perhaps… yours also claimed it."Lyra stood silent beside me, her hand slipping from mine.I faced Aurelia, voice firm."Your heart's offer comes too late. Lyra revived my own."Aurelia's smile hinted sadness."I knew that risk. Yet… I saved her for you. Proving my love – though unrequited."Suddenly, Prince Kael spoke up, "Aurelia – your actions tonight redeemed your family's name. What role will you claim in our new realm?"Aurelia's eyes never left mine before answering,"Advisor to the king… and observer of his heart – ensuring Lyra never again suffers for love."Lyra's gaze snapped to Aurelia – then me – before she whispered,"Eryndor, we must speak – alone."
I nodded curtly. "Now. Before kingdom affairs claim my attention."Lyra led me through deserted castle corridors – candles flickering like our uncertain future.We stopped at her childhood chambers – the door closing softly behind us. Lyra turned to face me, eyes searching."Aurelia saved me… twice. Her feelings for you – real. Do yours for her exist?"My heart paused before answering."Gratitude, respect… but love remains solely yours, Lyra. Always."Lyra's face glowed softly – tears of relief sparkling.Then her voice barely audible."But what if I told you… Aurelia's kiss awakened feelings in me too?"My world shattered."Feelings for her… alongside mine for you?" I whispered, stunned.Lyra nodded slowly.
My mind reeled like a maelstrom."Explain," I whispered urgently, grasping Lyra's hands.Lyra's voice trembled."Aurelia saved me twice… both times her touch lingered.I felt gratitude, then friendship… until her lips on mine revived life –and stirred emotions I'd only ever felt for you, Eryndor… yet somehow also for her."My eyes searched hers intensely."Do you love her as you love me?"Lyra hesitated, then whispered:"Differently… equally strong, yet distinct – like moonlight and sunlight, both illuminating my heart."Suddenly, castle doors creaked open – Aurelia stood in entrance.As if summoned by Lyra's words."I sensed your turmoil," Aurelia said softly. "May I join this conversation?"
I nodded slowly, voice barely above whisper."Join. Lyra has revealed… complicated heart truths."Aurelia's eyes locked onto Lyra's, then mine – understanding flashing."I sensed this possibility," Aurelia said softly."When my lips touched hers, Lyra's heart resonated with mine… yet still belonged to yours, Eryndor."Lyra stepped forward, hands extended – one to me, one to Aurelia."Both of you saved me. Both resonate within me.Is sharing my heart madness… or could you both accept this bond?"My gaze met Aurelia's – unexpected spark of consideration.Aurelia spoke first, "I would share Lyra's heart… if you would share yours with me too, Eryndor."My mind reeled – Lyra's eyes pleaded with mine.
I took a deep breath, heart racing like a battle drum."A bond between us three… unheard of. Yet Lyra's heart beats stronger with both of yours near."Lyra's face lit up – tears of joy sparkling.Aurelia's eyes locked intensely onto mine."Eryndor Thorne, would you seal this unconventional vow… with a kiss to both our lips?"My gaze drifted to Lyra – she nodded eagerly.Then back to Aurelia – her beauty mesmerizing.Slowly, I leaned in – lips brushing Lyra's softly first.Her eyes fluttered closed – smile radiant.Next, my lips met Aurelia's – spark of surprise, then gentle surrender.Aurelia's hands rose – fingers intertwining with Lyra's and mine."By moonlight and sunlight," Aurelia whispered, "our hearts are bound."Suddenly, castle windows burst open – Prince Kael stood in entrance."Eryndor Thorne – Lyra – Aurelia… your unusual union intrigues.Shall we discuss… making this trio rightful rulers of our realm?"