“Yumi?”
She was setting down on the balcony of the room she and her father were staying in at Kalayapaan when she turned toward the voice that called her.
“Why, Father?” she asked, noticing the small satchel slung over his shoulder—the one he always carried when heading out or going on a mission. She frowned at the sight. Rising from her seat, she set down the book Liwayway had bought for her.
“Where are you going, Father?”
“There’s been an emergency at the Sanctum of Celestial Restoration. A very important artifact was stolen just yesterday,” her father explained, her brow furrowed as she looked at him. It was the first time she’d heard anything about a theft at the Sanctum.
She knew that the Sanctum of Celestial Restoration was one of the most secure places in the Sanctuary of the Radiant Dawn. If something was stolen from there, it could only mean serious trouble.
“Do I need to prepare to go back too, Father?”
Her father shook his head.
“I called you to say goodbye. I’ll be joining the other sentinels to investigate. Starting today, we’ll be split into two groups—one to escort the buyers gathering supplies for our return, and one to investigate the theft. Liwayway’s father will be part of the escort group. You’ll go with them. Just stay at the house, okay?”
He ruffled her hair.
She looked up at him.
“Take care, Father. Come back soon.” She smiled, though she knew the worry in her eyes was visible. Her father smiled back and hugged her.
“I promise. I’ll be careful. Wait for me at home. Don’t give Liwayway’s father a hard time, okay? I’ve entrusted you to him.” She nodded.
“I’m not difficult, you know.”
“Oh really? Last time I left, you ended up in the Forbidden Forest… Promise me you’ll be careful while I’m gone.”
Her father was clearly serious. She nodded again. Then he turned toward the door and left. She followed him out and saw the sentinels gathered in the hotel lobby. One by one, they disappeared outside, her father among them.
She decided to return to their room and continue reading.
A knock interrupted her focused reading. She frowned and peeked through the small peephole to see who it was. It was Liwayway.
She opened the door. Liwayway walked in like she owned the place and sat on the couch. Her face was lit with excitement. As Yumi approached, Liwayway grabbed her wrist.
“Yumi!”
Yumi frowned, sensing a strange nervousness behind her friend’s excitement.
“I’m getting nervous just looking at your face, Liwayway. Whatever you’re about to say—don’t.”
She turned away and went back into the room. She could feel Liwayway following her.
“You haven’t even heard what I’m going to say.”
“I can already tell it’s something dangerous from the look on your face.” She turned to face her.
“Come on… just listen to me.”
“I don’t want to. Go back to your room. I’m going to keep reading. That’s better.” She sat on the bed and picked up the book she had set aside.
“Yumi. Do you know what artifact was stolen from the Sanctum of Celestial Restoration? None other than the Heart of Aetheria. Have you heard of it?”
That caught Yumi’s attention. She shook her head and set the book down.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of it.” Her friend smiled, knowing she’d piqued Yumi’s interest.
“Me too. But I overheard my father talking to yours last night. The Heart of Aetheria—it’s an artifact capable of healing any curse, even those tied to soul fragmentation, divine seals, and corrupted magic. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could be dangerous. It could trigger chaos. If activated by a corrupted soul, it will release every sealed curse, unleashing disease, war, and destruction. And they suspect that someone from the Celestine Healers helped an outsider steal it. A spy—still unidentified. There’s even talk that the artifact is here in Kalayapaan.”
Yumi felt a chill at the revelation and thought of her father. If the artifact was that important, then his mission was truly dangerous.
“That’s why they split us into two groups. I also heard that Serendipy Haven sent additional sentinels. In fact, someone came to our room earlier and summoned my father. My father entrusted us to Kaning’s father and to my older brother, who are with the escort group.”
Her friend hadn’t said it yet, but Yumi could already guess what was coming.
“We’re going to follow them, Yumi.”
Just as she expected.
“Are you serious?” She shook her head at the idea, though deep down, part of her was tempted.
“Come on! Our fathers are out there. We’ll just take a peek, and if things get messy, we’ll leave right away. We’ll hide so they won’t notice us.”
“You really think they won’t see us? Are you thinking clearly? They’re warriors—sentinels. They’ll spot us instantly.”
“So you’re not coming with me?”
She frowned at that.
“What do you mean? You’re going alone?”
“Yes. I’ve always wanted to join my father’s missions, but he never lets me because I’m a girl and still young. Hello? I’m practically a young woman now. And I can take care of myself. I’m good at enchantment spells and healing.”
Liwayway had a point. She was skilled in healing—second best in her class—and third in enchantment spells.
“If you won’t come, then fine. I’ll go alone.” She turned and headed for the door.
Yumi jumped off the bed faster than lightning and chased after her friend. She could see how serious Liwayway was, and she couldn’t let her go alone.
“Wait, Liwayway. I’m coming with you.”
Liwayway stopped at the door and slowly turned to her with a smile.
“Oh? Then hurry and get ready. I’ll grab my things—we need to leave soon, before my father departs.” She vanished through the door.
Yumi scratched her head.
“Pa… I’m sorry!”