The wind whispered across the fields as Aylania and Sabian returned from the Temple. The path home felt heavier than before. The forest behind them still held quiet dangers, and the memory of Thalen's warning echoed in their minds.
When they reached the castle gates, King Theros and Queen Elira were waiting.
"You're safe," Queen Elira said, wrapping her arms around both of them. "Thank the stars."
"You both did well," she added, pulling them into a warm embrace. "But now it's time you learned the truth."
King Theros placed a hand on Sabian's shoulder. "We've waited for the right time to tell you more. After what you've seen… the time is now."
They walked through quiet hallways to the royal library - a room filled with thick carpets, high windows, and shelves that smelled of old parchment and magic.
The King took a golden key from around his neck and opened a wooden chest carved with the crest of Turandia. Inside was a rolled painting, a sealed scroll, and a thick, worn book.
He unrolled the painting first. It showed a tall man with black-streaked hair, dark robes, and sharp eyes. His smile looked kind at first, but the longer they stared, the colder it felt.
"This is Seradyn," King Theros said. "My half-brother. Your uncle."
Sabian blinked. "Uncle? I've never heard of him."
"You weren't meant to," the Queen said gently. "We tried to keep you safe."
The King nodded. "Seradyn was gifted. Brilliant, even. But he used his magic to control the minds of others - animals, people, anyone who stood in his way."
"Why would he do that?" Aylania whispered.
"Because he wanted to rule," the Queen said. "Not just as a king, but as a master of all thoughts, all choices. He believed no one should act unless he allowed it."
Sabian's jaw tightened. "What did you do?"
"I banished him," the King said, voice firm but heavy. "I used the last of my strongest spells to bind him to the rainforest. He can't leave - but his magic still stretches beyond it."
"And during the Red Full Moon," the Queen added, "his power grows wild again. It reaches farther. Stronger. That's how he's been causing the strange attacks and the dreams to the villager lately."
Aylania's voice was small. "And you lost your magic… trying to stop him?"
King Theros looked at her, eyes filled with both pride and sorrow. "Yes. I gave everything I had to protect this kingdom. But in the end, I couldn't defeat him alone."
Sabian looked from the painting to his parents. "Is that why we're training? To fight him?"
There was a long pause.
The Queen knelt down, holding both their hands. "Listen to me - this is not your burden alone."
"You are brave," the King said. "But you are still young. It is not fair to place the fate of the kingdom on your shoulders."
"We will all stand together," the Queen continued. "The people, the knights, the elders - your father and I. We will fight, defend, and prepare. That is our promise."
"But," she added softly, brushing Aylania's hair back, "you carry something Seradyn never had."
Sabian tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
The Queen's eyes glistened. "Seradyn was powerful, but he was alone. He trusted no one. Loved no one. You - both of you - have something far greater than magic. You have each other. You have hearts that feel and listen. You care. That's the kind of power that cannot be stolen."
A hush settled in the room.
Aylania held her brother's hand. "Even if we're not ready now," she said quietly, "we'll grow stronger. We'll help. Together."
Sabian gave a small nod. "We're not alone. And we'll never give up."
The King placed the scroll into Sabian's hand. "Then it's time you began learning everything we know."
Outside, the moon was rising - pale and watchful.
In one year, it would glow red again.
And Seradyn would rise with it.