The morning light filtered through the curtains of Arden’s room, casting soft patterns on the wooden floor. He sat cross-legged, meditating, as the events of the Sinulog Festival replayed in his mind—the chaos, the revelations, and the lingering sense that their journey was only beginning. The bracelet Dominic had given him rested on his wrist, its intricate beads shimmering faintly in the soft glow of dawn. He adjusted the bracelet as he finished his meditation, his fingers briefly brushing the star-shaped charm. The charm felt unusually warm, as though it were pulsing with life, but Arden dismissed the thought as his focus shifted to the day ahead.

A knock at the door interrupted his musings. Rising to his feet, Arden opened the door to find the butler waiting with a polite bow. “The General has summoned you to the library, sir.”

Arden nodded. “Thank you. I’ll head there now.”

As he made his way through the mansion’s quiet corridors, Arden’s thoughts drifted back to the bracelet. It felt heavier today, as though it carried an unseen purpose. Passing by the Sunlit Terrace, a conservatory bathed in cascading sunlight and filled with lush greenery, he felt an inexplicable warmth against his wrist. Stopping mid-step, he glanced down to see the star-shaped charm glowing faintly. His senses heightened as curiosity overtook him.

Turning toward the terrace, Arden’s eyes quickly scanned the room, landing on Leigh. She was seated at a small table, a steaming cup of tea in hand and her phone resting on the table. Her laughter echoed softly, her gaze occasionally drifting to the vibrant blooms outside the glass windows.

“What’s got you smiling so early?” Arden asked, stepping into the terrace.

Leigh looked up, momentarily startled before her grin widened. “Good morning to you too, mountain boy. Just some funny clips. What’s your excuse for wandering around?”

Arden hesitated, glancing at the still-glowing charm. “The General’s called for me in the library,” he replied, his tone thoughtful. “But this bracelet… it started glowing when I got close to you.”

Leigh’s playful demeanor shifted, her brow furrowing. “That’s not weird at all,” she said sarcastically, setting her cup down. “Mind if I tag along? Maybe Grandpa knows what’s going on.”

Arden nodded. “Sure. Let’s go.”

The library doors creaked softly as they entered. The General sat in a high-backed chair near an expansive desk, a weathered book open in his hands. He glanced up at the sound of their footsteps, his sharp eyes softening momentarily.

“You’re here,” the General said, closing the book with deliberate care. His gaze shifted to Leigh. “I wasn’t expecting you too, my dear.”

Leigh approached him with her usual brightness. “Morning, Grandpa! What’re you reading?” She plucked the book from his hands before he could respond, her expression quickly turning amused. “Tarot Cards? Really? Does anyone still believe in this stuff?”

Her laughter was short-lived. Arden’s bracelet began to glow wildly, casting shifting patterns of light across the library walls. Leigh’s hand instinctively flew to her chest as her breathing quickened. Her teasing smile vanished, replaced by wide-eyed shock.

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“Leigh?” the General said sharply, rising from his chair. She swayed unsteadily, and before anyone could react, she collapsed into his arms.

“What happened?” the General demanded; his voice edged with worry.

Arden knelt beside them, gently taking Leigh from the General’s grasp. “Let me look,” he said calmly, though his eyes betrayed his concern.

As Arden held her, the bracelet released a blinding burst of light. A single Tarot card materialized in the air, spinning slowly before settling upright. The image on the card was unmistakable: a radiant figure holding two vessels, one pouring water into the other beneath a canopy of stars. The title read: The Star – Guardian of Hope.

The light enveloped Leigh, and her unconscious form began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, glowing faintly with the same ethereal light. She gasped, sitting upright as the energy around her radiated warmth and serenity. Both Arden and the General watched in stunned silence as the glow faded, leaving Leigh bathed in an otherworldly aura.

“What… just happened?” Leigh whispered, her voice tinged with awe and confusion.

The General placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, his expression a mixture of pride and unease. “You… you’re The Star,” he said, his voice reverent.

Leigh’s brows furrowed. “The Star? What does that even mean?”

Arden answered, his voice soft but firm. “It means you’re part of this, Leigh. Dominic must have known. You’re connected to the Arcana now.”

The General’s expression darkened. “This is both a blessing and a burden. If you truly are The Star, then your role in what’s to come will be critical. But it also means danger.”

Leigh straightened, her usual confidence resurfacing. “Then I’ll face it,” she said, her voice steady. “I’m not afraid, Grandpa.”

Arden placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “I’ll protect her, sir. No matter what it takes.”

The General studied Arden for a long moment before nodding. “Good. Because what’s coming will test us all. We’ll begin training immediately—the three of us. Leigh will need to master her abilities, and we’ll need to prepare for whatever lies ahead.”

Arden nodded. “I’ll guide you both. Let’s get started.”

The sun hung higher in the sky as the mansion’s expansive training grounds came to life. Rows of sparring mats and weapon racks were neatly arranged, their polished surfaces gleaming in the light. Arden and Leigh stood side by side, the morning’s events still fresh in their minds. Leigh’s lavender training outfit, accented with subtle floral embroidery, reflected her determined yet graceful personality. Her hair, tied back in a neat ponytail, framed her focused expression.

Arden addressed them with quiet authority. “Now that we know the truth about Leigh, there’s no room for hesitation. If you’re going to fulfill your roles, you must be prepared.”

Leigh nodded resolutely; her gaze steady. “I’m ready.”

The General crossed his arms, observing with a mixture of pride and caution. “Let’s see what you’ve got, young lady.”

Arden led them through rigorous drills, starting with physical conditioning. Leigh’s natural agility quickly became apparent as she navigated the obstacle course with grace and precision. The General watched closely, his expression softening with pride as she completed each task with determination.

“Impressive,” Arden remarked as Leigh landed a flawless roll beneath a swinging beam. “But there’s more to learn. Let’s move on to sparring.”

Leigh stepped onto the mat, her competitive spirit shining in her eyes. “Don’t hold back,” she warned, smirking. “I’m a General’s granddaughter, after all.”

Arden chuckled. “Alright. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

As they circled each other, testing the distance, Arden threw a few light feints. Leigh dodged with growing confidence, countering with swift, calculated strikes. Her instincts were sharper than he had anticipated, and her resolve was unwavering.

The General stepped forward, his presence commanding. “My turn,” he announced with a grin. “Let’s see what you’re made of, Arden.”

Arden laughed, adjusting his stance. “Wouldn’t dream of going easy on you, sir.”

As the three prepared for the next round, the air buzzed with anticipation. The journey ahead was uncertain, but together, they would face whatever challenges lay in their path.