DUKE EDRIC I stand in His Majesty's office, a place I've been in countless times before, but today feels different. The air is heavier with unspoken truths. Roland sits across from me, his usual confidence now tempered by something deeper—perhaps the weight of what we've come to discuss.

"It's finally done, Edric. With Duke Cedric and his conspirators in prison, I can finally breathe," Roland says, rubbing his temples. The weight of the day seems to be pressing down on him, and I can't help but feel a sense of relief too. After everything, the dust is finally settling.

"Should I retire too?" I joke, a wry smile curling on my lips, though a part of me wonders if it's time to step back. My responsibilities have always been heavy, but now, it feels like there's an opportunity for peace.

Roland chuckles softly, the sound more weary than amused. "What, do you mean to make Aveline your heir?"

"She already is," I say simply, my words carrying a weight I'm not sure I'm ready to fully express.

Roland raises an eyebrow, studying me closely. "You've been cryptic about her, Edric. But I know there's something more. Something you've yet to tell her—or even me."

The time has come. I straighten, shifting my gaze to the door. "Let's call her in. She deserves to know the truth."

Roland is silent for a moment, before nodding in agreement. "You've been keeping secrets for far too long."

Aveline enters moments later, her presence a welcome calm amid the storm of emotions in the room. Her eyes scan the space, taking in the atmosphere. She's always so perceptive, but today, even she can sense that something is different.

"You called for me, Father?" she asks, her voice steady, though I can tell by the way she glances between Roland and me that she's wondering what this meeting is about.

"Sit, Aveline," I say, gesturing to the seat beside me.

She hesitates for a fraction of a second, then walks to the chair, settling down with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "What's going on? You both look serious," she remarks, her sharp gaze flicking from me to Roland.

I exchange a glance with Roland, and he nods, urging me on. I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. The truth—my truth—has been buried for far too long.

"Aveline," I begin, my voice softer than usual, "There's something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time. Something about your mother, Luna, and your true heritage. Something that involves me."

She tilts her head, confusion flitting across her face. "What do you mean?"

I look at Roland, who offers a reassuring nod. "It's time she knew, Edric."

I sigh and meet Aveline's gaze. "You were not just born from Luna's blood, Aveline. You are my daughter."

The words hang in the air, and I watch as her face shifts from confusion to complete disbelief. Her eyes search mine, almost as if trying to find some sign of truth in my words.

"What?" she whispers. "What are you talking about? My father... My real father is—"

"I am your father," I interject gently but firmly. "Luna was my love, Aveline. We were together, but the circumstances of your birth—of her life—were complicated."

Aveline's eyes widen, and she leans forward, her voice tinged with surprise but not anger. "You—You're my father?"

I nod slowly, allowing the weight of my confession to settle. "Yes. Luna and I were in love. We were close, very close, from the time we were children. Roland, too. The three of us grew up together, as friends, as allies. But as we grew older, my feelings for her became more, and hers for me. We wanted to be together."

Roland, who had been quiet until now, speaks up, his voice full of regret. "The former emperor, my father, was a paranoid man. He saw the union of the Lytheryss and Skyefyre families as a threat—too much power in one place. He forced Luna into an arranged marriage with Harry Thorne. And he took her away from Edric."

Aveline listens intently, her face unreadable as she processes the information.

I continue, my tone heavy. "The emperor feared that if Luna and I were married, our families would rise in power and challenge his throne. He used Luna's family as leverage, forcing her to marry someone else. I had no choice but to step back, to keep her safe."

I can see the wheels turning in Aveline's mind as she tries to piece together what this means for her. The truth is a hard one to swallow, but I can see something in her eyes shift—a softening, a realization.

"So... I'm your daughter?" she asks again, her voice quieter now, more accepting, but still unsure.

"Yes," I confirm. "You're my flesh and blood. I have always known this, but the time wasn't right to tell you. I wanted to protect you, Aveline. I couldn't risk the same fate befalling you as it did your mother."

Aveline's expression doesn't harden. Instead, she seems to absorb the revelation with an almost quiet joy. "I've always wondered why I felt so... out of place. So different from the others. I've always known I wasn't fully like everyone else." Her lips curl into a small smile. "So, this is why. Because I'm a Skyefyre and a Lytheryss."

I nod, a lump in my throat. "Yes, you're a Skyefyre and a Lytheryss. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Aveline looks at me with a mix of disbelief and gratitude, and then, to my surprise, she stands and steps toward me. "You should have told me sooner," she says, her voice soft but steady.

"I know. I'm sorry, Aveline. I only did it to protect you."

"I understand." She smiles then, a true smile, one that lights up her whole face. "I'm glad. I'm glad to know the truth. It feels like something important has finally clicked into place."

Aveline's words surprise me. She is not angry, not resentful as I feared she might be. Instead, there is only acceptance—and something like relief. Relief, not just for her, but for me too.

"And mother?" Aveline asks quietly, her tone gentle, as if she's testing the waters. "What happened to mother?"

I glance at Roland, who gives me a solemn nod, encouraging me to continue. "Luna died shortly after your birth. She never had a chance to hold you, Aveline."

Aveline's eyes glisten for a moment, her emotions threatening to spill over. "I... I wish I could have known her," she whispers. "But I'm grateful for you, Father. Thank you for being there for me."

I place a hand on her shoulder, my voice thick with emotion. "I wish I could have given you more. But I'll always be here for you, Aveline. I will always be your father."

Aveline nods, her smile softening into something more knowing. "I'm glad. I'm so glad."

As the weight of the moment settles, I find myself breathing easier. The truth is out now, and though the past is filled with its own set of regrets, there's a sense of peace in knowing that Aveline is not only my daughter by blood, but by bond. She has always been mine, and now, we will walk forward together—stronger than ever.

Roland smiles at the both of us, a rare warmth in his eyes. "Well, this certainly changes things, doesn't it?"

Aveline looks at both of us, her gaze full of affection. "It does. But we're family now. That's all that matters."

***

AVELINE I finally have some time to rest in my room. The weight of everything that's happened lately is starting to settle, but the realization still feels surreal. So much has changed. I've learned the truth—my bloodline, my legacy. I'm not just the daughter of Duke Edric in name; I'm his daughter by blood. A Lytheryss by blood.

I sit on the edge of my bed, my fingers brushing lightly over the soft sheets, the silence of the room a contrast to the chaotic events of the past few weeks. How could I have not known? How could I have lived with so many questions for so long, never imagining that the answers were right in front of me?

I look out the window, the soft moonlight casting its glow on the world outside, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I allow myself to breathe deeply. The storm of emotions, of battles, and secrets, is quieting now. For the first time in a long while, I can rest.