Neil tilted his head, puzzled. “Why is she crying?”

Leila waved it off, still giggling. “Nothing serious. Don’t worry.”

“The dresses are super cute, though,” Aurianna said, admiring them again.

“I’m quite surprised,” Leila added. “I wonder where they got them from?”

“Kleizorn, probably,” Aurianna replied thoughtfully. “His threads are strong and beautiful.”

“He’s got some serious skill,” Leila remarked, nodding.

Neil chipped in. “The fabric can withstand sword attacks, as well as flame attacks.”

“That’s so cool!” both girls exclaimed, their faces lighting up.

“Heh, I’ll wear them soon,” Aurianna said with a satisfied smile.

Just then, Vivian’s scoffed. “Hmm, now that wishes are over, don’t you want to continue training?”

“Of course we do!” Aurianna replied.

“Umm, when did she get here?” Leila blinked, clearly not noticing her earlier.

“I was always here!” Vivian smirked, clearly enjoying their surprise.

“Well then, Carol will come for you girls soon,” Vivian announced, “And we'll both train you.”

“Alright then,” Aurianna said. “But before that… time for food with Neil!!!” She declared, eyeing the dining table filled with food.

_________

“Aurianna, you're back!” Kiana greeted, rushing over as Aurianna stepped aboard.

“Yeah, but my back is killing me,” Aurianna groaned, stretching out her arms. “At least I leveled up a bit, though.”

“Can I let the ship start moving now?” Jugi asked, already inserting his hand into the ship walls.

“Yes, of course. But after another twelve hours, you’ll have to stop it again,” Aurianna reminded him.

“Such a pain,” Jugi muttered under his breath.

Stolen story; please report.

“What did you say?” Aurianna’s voice was cold as she shot him a glare.

“Oh, nothing,” Jugi quickly straightened up, pretending to focus on his task.

“Her eyes are scary...” Jugi mumbled, trying to avoid her gaze.

---

After weeks of sailing on the open seas, Aurianna found herself sitting in a cozy living room area of the ship, her expression bored as she stared at her phone. Before her, Zorian appeared on a communication screen, his brown eyes staring at her as he sat on his bed.

“Should I inform your family that you're alive?” Zorian asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“No, they don’t need to know for now,” Aurianna replied coolly. “But have you found the person who orchestrated my kidnapping?”

“Yes,” Zorian said gravely. “It was Prince Dwayne’s father—the King of Shinia.”

“Oh, that old crook?” Aurianna’s lips curled into a wry smile. “Figures.”

“I heard he did it as revenge for Dwayne,” Zorian continued, his voice calm. “But now that Dwayne’s dead, he’s furious. Knowing his favorite child is gone, he’s been thirsting for blood, however your father has been able to keep any thoughts of war off the table. I’m sure he’ll be after your head if I come back,”

“Good. I need to kill that jackass for what he put me through.” Aurianna chuckled confidently.

Zorian raised an eyebrow, impressed by her. “You sure are confident.”

“Well, I have the power to back it up,” Aurianna said with a smirk, leaning back in her seat.

“You trust me so much, huh?” Zorian asked, a subtle challenge in his tone.

“Of course, Zorian. You're my friend after all,” Aurianna replied sincerely.

“I doubt that’s the only reason,” Zorian said, his voice amused. “You probably have people spying on me.”

Aurianna chuckled. “I highly doubt that. I actually trust you. I’ll just say my gut tells me you're trustworthy.”

Zorian smiled, his eyes softening a bit. “I’m glad you feel that way. And also, about your personal maid—”

“Which one?” Aurianna asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yui,” Zorian said.

“Oh, that girl,” Aurianna groaned, rubbing her temples. “What about her?”

“She’s been crying non-stop ever since you disappeared,” Zorian explained. “She’s been defending your mansion from your sisters, too.”

“Defending?” Aurianna blinked in surprise.

“Yeah,” Zorian confirmed. “Venassa wanted to claim your mansion as her second home, but Yui and Shialor—another one of your maids—managed to convince your parents to leave it alone for a few years.”

Aurianna leaned forward, processing the information. “I didn’t think Yui and Shialor would do that,” she muttered. "But good that they did. Venassa can’t just claim my mansion! I have a lot of important stuff there!”

“Seems like you’ve got some loyal people back here,” Zorian said, his voice thoughtful.

“They know what’s at stake and that's their salary,” Aurianna said, her eyes narrowing.

"I doubt that. And they truly have faith that you're alive," Zorian said.

Aurianna sighed. "There’s no need for them to go to all that trouble. And why would everyone think I’m dead? Did they not send a search party?”

“They did,” Zorian nodded. “But after a few months, the search was called off, and you were declared dead. The whole of Sandeph even held a grand funeral for you.”

“Wow. They’re really trying to bury me way too early, huh?” Aurianna scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Probably so,” Zorian said with a slight chuckle. “But when will you be back? And do you think those slave traders who kidnapped you will come after you again?”

Aurianna’s lips curled into a wicked grin. “Of course they won’t. Most are dead, after all—chi, chi, chi. Just left with a few, but I’m sure I can handle them.”

Zorian chuckled. “You’re full of surprises.”

“You’re cool but so boring, Zorian. Is there really nothing interesting happening in Sandeph? Or with you?” Aurianna leaned closer, resting her chin on her hand.

“Unfortunately not,” Zorian sighed shaking his head. “Sandeph just expanded and has been relatively peaceful.”

“Tch,” Aurianna clicked her tongue, clearly disappointed.

“I live in Sandeph, you know,” Zorian pointed out. “So why the gloomy face?”

“Just leave,” Aurianna replied flatly.

“Eh? Why? Is something bad going to happen?” Zorian asked.

“Not yet. So you’ll be safe,” Aurianna assured him.

“Well, that’s good. I was a bit scared for my safety there,” Zorian said, laughing nervously.

Aurianna’s thoughts drifted for a moment. 'I don’t know if Vatium will lead the demons against Sandeph this year...'

“Aurianna,” Zorian’s voice brought her back to reality.

“Yes, Zorian?” she responded.

“I got accepted into the Mystical Academy. So I’ll be leaving in three months,” Zorian announced, a hint of pride in his voice.

“Wow, really? That’s amazing!!” Aurianna’s face lit up with excitement.

“Thanks,” Zorian smiled. “I was hoping to see you before I go, but it seems that won’t be possible.”

“Yeah, I mean, I’m literally in the middle of the Dark Seas,” Aurianna said, gesturing vaguely to her surroundings. “But don’t fret! I shall still come and see you!!”

Zorian chuckled softly. “The Mystical Academy doesn’t allow students to interact with the outside world. No phones or letters allowed.”

“I don’t care! I’ll still come!!!” Aurianna declared, huffing.

Zorian laughed heartily. “Ahahaha, you never change.”