"Aaah..?" A sound escaped her trembling lips as soon as she saw a familiar spectacular display within the sea of stars. A countless amount of falling stars started to stream down from the heavens to bless the world with its majesty.

A rare occasion that only happens once every fifteen years.

Though she could no longer enjoy the view any longer, she was only holding onto her life to see this moment.

It is such a pity to unable to enjoy your favorite scenery, Mother. She thought before she felt her muscles trembled, and her sights become blurry. Her senses weakened the moment she felt a faint burn on her shoulder.

The poison has finally kicked in. With this, Father and Grandfather will be at ease... Ease, huh?

Ease..? I...- I am the first-born daughter, the one who's going to take over the head of the family. Other than me that is trained thoroughly to become the Family's head, my little brothers and sisters aren't capable! So w- Why would they be at ease..?

Was, was it because of my face..? Was it really because of my face!?

They hate me because of my face! They wanted me dead to get rid of me!

They ignored all of their losses just because of a petty reason!

Even so. Even so, I did not deserve this kind of treatment! I am their first-born daughter for god's sake! I was everyone's favorite and everyone's morning star that Mother groomed me up to be! I was the future of our family..!

To be thrown to the depths of Charvilia Forest, poisoned and tied up. I could not think of any more hideous torture!

So cruel. So cruel!!!! I could not believe you did this to me, Father!! You never hit Mother or me in all our entire life yet. You did this to me upon seeing my stature! Her eyes started to tear up as she thought of her Father. The things she has done, the sacrifices she made, she humiliation she suffered just to become the daughter that he always expects her to be.

And the very image of a caring Father was broken within this day.

She could not bear her resentment swelling up within her heart.

H, How could I possibly face Mother with this...- How could I meet her without accomplishing anything...

I promised her... Mother, I promised you to show you the world after I died...

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Mother.

Her consciousness started to drift away until her vision was devoid of light. It was the very moment the poison had reached her heart.

...

"Do you know what falling stars signify, Lalana?"

Lia looked towards her daughter's face and patted her head. Her face is full of uneasiness as if she is bothered by a mysterious calamity that none could fathom but the future.

Lia shook the thought as she neared her lips to Lalana's forehead. She mesmerized herself within her smell and presence as if she was enjoying the last peaceful days together with her daughter.

And only to be brought back to reality by Lalana's soft voice.

"Yes, mother." Lalana subconsciously buried within her mother's bosom. "They signify the death of a god from the land of Celestials..."

"Mmmm." Lia nodded in affirmation. "Although the fall of a god sounds more reasonable for the falling star's existence. It could also be a sign of a veeery bad omen."

"Bad... Omen?" Curious Lalana asked and tilted her head in hopes of achieving answers within. "I don't know..?"

Lia giggled upon this sight and couldn't help but to savor even more with her fragrance. "Mmm! It is too early for you to learn about these things but, these falling stars could also mean many things!"

"Like what mother?"

"Let's see here." Lia grasped both of Lalana's hands and clasped them together. "How about you make a wish tonight?"

"Wish? Alright." Lalana nodded in agreement before she closed her eyes and started praying.

Not long after, she opened her eyes and looked deeply into her mother's gentle eyes.

Lia noticed this and patted her softly. "What did you wish for, my little darling?"

"I want to become someone who could change the world, so nobody bullies Mother and Father again!"

Lia couldn't help but cover her mouth upon hearing her words, and her eyes started to swell up, she hugged Lalana even tighter and rocked her back and forth.

"Aaa~ Mother... I feel dizzy..." Lalana pled for help and even tried to push her to no avail, Lia heard her, but she couldn't separate from her warmth.

The feeling of uneasiness within my heart may not disappear, but I am sure that day won't come. Even in a million years! I'll do everything I could to protect you, my sweet daughter!

"I'll protect you, I swear it on the gods. I swear, I'll protect and love you forever." Lia's feelings couldn't be contained within her heart any longer and started to tear up. Lia did not resist after hearing her words and hugged her back.

"Yes, mother... Yes."

"By the way. What will you wish for the other hundred?" Lia stopped racking Lalana and looked into her eyes. She gave a wry smile upon seeing Lalana's swelled eyes.

It seems like she cried too, he he, I guess we're even. She thought as she wiped Lalana's tear marks off her dainty cheeks.

"Other hundreds..?" Lalana looked up to the sky and found the meteor stream that continued to rain even now. "Ah~! Yes, mother! I'll wish the power to protect you for every star!!"

"Silly." Lia couldn't help but pinch her petite nose and plunge deep into her golden hair.

By the time Lia rose her head up again, Lalana was in a deep sleep.

Wishing the same thing for each star might've been too much for her. Even so, she has the dedication to finish what she has said. Lia thought and called for her attendants to for help. Lia carried her from the couch and into her bed with the slightest movement possible as not to disturb her sleep, she covered her delicate body with a thick blanket and gave her a goodnight's kiss.

"I'm sure you'll grow up into a fine star, my dear Lalana."

I'm sure of it...