The sky over Flame Dominion was painted in gold and crimson as dusk settled. High upon the rugged peaks, where no soldier dared to tread and only the wild winds roamed, Valieon slept. His cloak was draped over his shoulders, his back pressed against the rock, the stars above twinkling like scattered diamonds.
It was rare—moments like these. Silence, solitude, no wars, no blades. Only the slow rhythm of his breath and the distant howl of the wind. He let his muscles rest, but his soul… it was wide awake.
By morning, the peace faded. The wind shifted.
And Valieon descended the mountain.
At the ridge below, someone waited—arms folded, pacing, an odd expression on his face. Veridian. But not the usual confident, battle-hardened general. No, there was something… odd about him.
Valieon smirked. "You pacing or warming up for a dance?"
Veridian turned, cheeks red like he had swallowed a firefruit whole. "Don't mock me right now. I'm— I've seen something I can't unsee."
Valieon blinked. "What? A ghost?"
"No," Veridian exhaled, "an angel."
Valieon raised a brow. "Do I even want to know?"
Veridian leaned against a boulder, his expression both dreamy and embarrassed. "I accompanied the Flame Tyrant himself to a high council—one where the Prime God and other Celestials gathered. And… there I saw her."
Valieon tilted his head. "Her?"
Veridian nodded. "The Prime God's daughter… Veronica. She's like… she's like light given form. Hair like warm dusk, eyes like starlight, her voice—"
Valieon interrupted, laughing. "You've turned into a poet."
"It's love at first sight," Veridian confessed.
Valieon chuckled. "So Flame Dominion's Elite General has a weakness after all."
Veridian grinned. "Laugh all you want. But listen—she's visiting Flame Dominion today. A diplomatic tour. And I've been assigned to escort her."
Valieon nodded. "That's your chance. Impress her."
Veridian hesitated. "Actually… I want you to come too."
Valieon frowned slightly. "Why me?"
Veridian looked him in the eye. "Because you're my friend. And… I want her to meet you."
Valieon sighed, unsure. "Is it even allowed?"
"She's agreed," Veridian said. "Come on. Just be yourself."
They made their way to a golden carriage stationed near the base of the mountain. Its curtains were drawn, gently swaying with the wind. Just for a moment, a breeze lifted them—and Valieon saw her.
And time slowed.
Veronica.
Her skin was like porcelain kissed by firelight. Her hair tumbled in soft waves of brown silk. Her cheeks were delicately flushed, her lips like blooming petals. And those eyes… deep, round, shimmering with wonder and wisdom.
For the first time in his life, Valieon forgot how to breathe.
Veridian bowed slightly. "Ma'am, shall we begin your tour?"
She slid the curtain aside. Her gaze fell upon Valieon—and like fate itself whispered through the wind, her breath caught too.
Neither spoke.
They just… stared.
Two souls, meeting in the unlikeliest of moments.
Veridian, trying to break the silence, cleared his throat. "Valieon, ride the carriage for us. I'll sit with Lady Veronica and guide her through the landmarks."
Valieon wordlessly nodded and stepped into the rider's seat. As he gripped the reins, his voice trembled slightly when he asked, "Where would you like to go, ma'am?"
Veronica leaned out slightly, cheeks glowing. "Don't call me ma'am. Just… Veronica. We're the same age."
Valieon nodded again, his usual sharp wit nowhere to be found. For the first time in his life, he felt nervous about how he looked. He even adjusted his hair without realizing it.
Veridian raised an eyebrow. "You never told me to call you Veronica."
She smiled sweetly. "I've been trying to tell you. The same applies to you too."
A small silence followed.
"Take me somewhere beautiful," Veronica said softly.
Valieon looked at Veridian.
Veridian grinned. "Take us to Ember Falls."
And so, the carriage rolled onward—through crimson meadows and lava-lit roads—toward a place where fire and beauty danced together in harmony.
And in the back seat of that carriage, two hearts raced.
But one… was already falling.