She who held the world

chapter 2: The uninvited Guest

The day of the Grand Assembly finally arrived.

The entire Duchy of Esteria was buzzing with energy. Servants rushed back and forth, carrying expensive silk drapes and fresh bouquets of magical flowers. The main hall was transformed into a place of splendor, illuminated by floating crystals that emitted a warm, golden light.

Today was the day representatives from all over the continent gathered. It was a day of politics, alliances, and showing off power.

And for Celestia, it was just another day to be invisible.

She stood at the very back of the platform where the Vane family was lined up to greet the guests. She made sure to stand behind her older brother and sister, shrinking her presence as much as possible. She wore a plain white dress, simple and unadorned, completely contrasting with her family’s glittering robes.

"Stay there and don't move," her older sister, Elara, whispered sharply without even looking at her. "And don't you dare speak. If you embarrass us today, Father will lock you in your room for a month."

Celestia didn't answer. She just lowered her eyelids, looking like a quiet doll.

‘As if I want to talk to any of you,’ she thought boredly. ‘Just get this over with.’

She could feel it. The atmosphere in the room was changing. The air grew heavy, charged with immense pressure. One by one, the noble families entered, followed by the powerful mages and knights.

But then, the doors opened wide again.

The temperature in the hall suddenly dropped. The golden light of the crystals seemed to dim for a second.

The Three Kings had arrived.

First came Kaelen Irides. He walked with slow, indifferent steps. His long black hair flowed behind him, and his eyes were as cold as ice. Wherever he passed, the flowers on the tables seemed to frost over slightly. Everyone bowed their heads in fear, not daring to meet his gaze. He was the definition of absolute zero.

Next was Lucien Nightshade. He walked with a playful sway, hands behind his back, smiling charmingly. But his smile never reached his eyes. His presence was like a shadow that swallowed the light. People felt a chill run down their spines, not from cold, but from pure dread. He was beautiful, yet dangerous like a poisonous flower.

And finally, Cyrus Ignis entered. He didn't walk; he marched. His steps were heavy, resonating with authority. His golden armor gleamed, and his presence was like the sun itself—bright, overwhelming, and impossible to ignore.

The three of them took their seats on the high thrones prepared for them. They were the guests of honor, the rulers of this era.

Celestia peeked slightly from behind her sister’s shoulder.

‘So those are the famous three,’ she observed calmly. ‘As expected, their mana reserves are monstrous. But still... nothing compared to the abyss inside me.’

She quickly looked down again, resuming her empty expression. She didn't want to attract attention. She just wanted to go back to her room and read a book.

The greeting ceremony began. Families presented their children, showing off their magic talents.

"Next, the House of Vane!" announced the herald.

Her father stepped forward, followed by her mother, then her siblings. Elara and her brother stepped forward and placed their hands on the Mana Measurement Crystal. It glowed brightly—blue and red respectively. The crowd clapped in admiration.

"Wonderful! Such strong lineage!"

"As expected of the Vanes!"

Praise filled the room. Her father’s chest puffed up with pride. But then, everyone remembered something. There was one more.

Whispers started again. "Where is the other one?"

"The useless one?"

"Ah, right. They probably hid her."

Celestia felt her mother’s hand push her slightly forward. Not with love, but with force, as if pushing out trash.

"Come out, Celestia," her mother said, her voice strained. "Show yourself."

Reluctantly, Celestia walked into the center. She stood there alone, small and fragile under the hundreds of glaring eyes.

"Who is that?"

"She has white hair... strange."

"Is she sick?"

The murmurs were cruel. Celestia stood still, her hands clasped in front of her, face blank.

"Go ahead," her father said coldly. "Touch the crystal. Maybe this time, something will happen."

It was a mockery. Everyone knew nothing would happen.

Celestia walked towards the large, clear crystal. It was beautiful, pulsing with latent energy. She knew exactly what to do. She had to tighten the seal inside her heart, completely block the flow.

‘Don’t react. Don’t react,’ she commanded herself.

She extended her small hand and placed it on the cold surface.

For a second... nothing.

Then, suddenly—Buzz.