Chapter 1

As evening approached, slanting rays of sunlight fell upon the Sun Temple of Lunatia. Within the grand council chamber, officials were delivering reports on state affairs, and seated at the very center was the Sun Wolf God, Solya.

 

Only a week ago, the Sun Temple had held a grand and solemn coronation for the 25-year-old Solya. Having taken back full authority from High Priestess Dreven—who was soon to step down after her long regency—Solya had officially become the ruler of Lunatia.

 

Now fully grown, Solya's golden hair glowed with a warm light, flowing down to her waist. The wolf-ear-like tufts of hair atop her head appeared even longer and more elegant than when she was a child.

She wore a dignified white-and-gold divine robe, with a deep crimson mantle that trailed onto the floor like a burning solar corona.

Solya was like a brilliant white-gold sun in the heavens—so radiant that one could not help but hold their breath in her presence.

 

Having only recently begun her reign, Solya had yet to adjust to the high-pressure life of bearing the heavy responsibilities of a nation.

With every report, all eyes would turn to her, waiting for her decision.

These were not matters she could simply nod through; each choice had the power to change the lives of countless people.

 

Under this mounting pressure, her gaze began to lose focus, and her attention started to slip.

The officials' voices seemed to drift away, her mind unable to process any more information for the moment.

 

Suddenly, someone quietly extended a handkerchief to her from the side.

 

It was Vela, the Captain of the Guard responsible for the wolf god's personal safety.

Her long, curly blue-violet hair was tied into a high ponytail, revealing the clean lines of her neck. Her dark guard uniform was neat and crisp, without a single extra wrinkle, like a line of defense that could not be easily shaken.

Vela's sharp eyes caught a subtle change in Solya, and she immediately took action.

 

It was a silk handkerchief soaked in a small jar of mint, carrying a cool and refreshing scent that Vela had prepared especially for Solya. It allowed Solya to gently wipe her hands and face when weary, drawing back her drifting thoughts.

 

That touch of fresh scent finally pulled Solya's attention back. She turned her head toward Vela, offering a warm smile, and silently mouthed the words, "Thank you."

 

Solya took a deep breath, straightened her posture once again, and returned to the presence befitting the Sun God.

 

Nearly the entire day was taken up by an endless stream of political affairs.

Documents, reports, and requests arrived one after another, making even a brief break feel like a luxury.

 

By the time Solya finished her long and tiring day, the moon hung high within the deep blue night sky.

Beneath the moonlight, the Sun Temple lost its daytime brightness and was covered in silver-blue colors, appearing pure and serene.

 

Solya walked through the long corridors of the temple, on her way to her private chambers to rest, while Vela continued to lead a small group of personal guards behind her, ensuring that the wolf god's safety was never for a single moment left to chance.

The divine robes draped over her still stood solemn and upright, yet the body beneath was weighed down by the day's heavy burdens.

Not a hint of a smile could be seen on Solya's face, only her hollow gaze remained, fixed toward the direction of her chambers.

She moved forward step by step, her stride driven almost entirely by habit, as if her body acted before her mind to complete a path that was all too familiar.

 

The guards followed Solya into her private chambers. She turned her head slightly toward Vela, as if signaling something.

 

"You have all done well today. I will take it from here. You may go," Vela turned to her subordinates and said.

 

"Yes, Captain."

The guards bowed to Vela and departed, leaving only Solya and Vela alone together.

 

Vela approached Solya and gently removed the heavy mantle from her shoulders, then with practiced ease, she folded it and placed it inside the cabinet.

As the Captain of the Guard, she knew precisely what was best for a wolf god who was weary in both body and soul.

 

Solya finally breathed a sigh of relief, casually rolling her shoulders to ease the tension.

 

"Thank you, Vela~ This mantle was just so heavy~!"

Solya turned back, her voice soft and light, its trailing notes carrying the airy lift of one finally relaxed—a total contrast to the steady, unwavering tone she held while managing state affairs during the day.

 

"I only did what I was supposed to, My Lord."

Vela kept her head slightly bowed, responding to Solya with quiet respect.

 

Solya looked at Vela with a helpless smile, knowing all too well of Vela's stiff and formal nature. Even though they were childhood friends who had grown up together, Vela still addressed her with such deep respect, always calling her "My Lord."

 

Solya tilted her head back, leaning in close to Vela—who stood half a head taller than her—until they could nearly feel the warmth of each other's breath.

"Come on, there is no one else here. Stop being so stiff!"

 

From this close, Solya noticed how Vela's high ponytail had become somewhat messy after a long day of working by her side.

"You are going to wear yourself out like this!" Solya reached out a hand to smooth Vela's long hair, her words of concern carrying a touch of playful mischief.

 

"Yes..."

Forced to lean back slightly by Solya's closeness, Vela looked down at the Sun God before her—who stood a good deal shorter than herself—her response carrying a hint of hesitation.

 

She took a step back and drew a deep breath, struggling to get back her serious composure that Solya had so easily disrupted.

"Then, My Lord, please rest well. I'll be going now."

 

"Are you leaving just like that?"

Solya furrowed her brows as if in protest.

 

"Hm? If there is anything else you need, please just let me know," Vela said, looking at her with some confusion.

 

Solya gave no answer, simply staring at Vela in silence for a few seconds.

Mischievous by nature, she was always unpredictable, her mind seemingly planning something else.

 

"Captain Vela Dreven, you're off duty now, aren't you?" Solya folded one arm across her waist, propping her other elbow upon it while tapping her chin with a fingertip, her smile carrying a hint of mischief.

 

"Eh?" Vela was stunned for an instant.

 

"Just come for a walk outside with me for a bit," Solya said, looking at her with a gentle smile.

"I'd be bored all by myself in my chambers, anyway. Would you, Vela~?"

 

"Mhm, of course, no problem," Vela smiled softly, agreeing without any hesitation.

Walking side by side was long since familiar to them; for Vela, it had always been a rare moment of quiet peace.

 

Hearing Vela's answer, Solya gently wagged her tail in delight.

She looked less like a solemn wolf god and more like a clingy puppy.

 

Vela walked slowly by Solya's side through the temple, a pace that had remained unchanged since they were children.

Until Solya came to a halt in a quiet corner where almost no one ever went.

 

Vela looked up, her gaze resting on a small rooftop above an old wall; the sight felt strangely familiar.

 

"Shall we go up?" Solya asked, smiling at Vela.

 

"Up there? I'm not sure that would be proper..."

 

"Didn't we come here often as kids?" Solya looked at Vela with her head tilted, her tone completely at ease.

 

Before Vela could even answer, Solya was already climbing up the wall. She turned back and reached out a hand toward Vela, a smile playing on her lips.

"It's okay to revisit the past sometimes. No one is here anyway!"

 

Vela furrowed her brows slightly, looking deeply hesitant.

She knew she should refuse such an idea, yet as her mouth opened, no words came out.

Vela let out a soft sigh. She knew all too well that she didn't actually want to stop Solya.

 

The two of them climbed onto the small rooftop above the old wall, one following the other.

Compared to their memories as children, the space that once didn't feel crowded now seemed so narrow.

 

Standing up there, they could only remain shoulder to shoulder; another step and they would fall.

Solya shifted her feet ever so slightly, yet it was enough to send a small pebble—one she had only lightly brushed against—tumbling down.

 

"My Lord, be careful," Vela warned, her voice filled with concern.

Subconsciously, she placed her hand behind Solya's back, fearing she might fall.

 

Feeling Vela's palm resting against her back, Solya was slightly taken aback.

 

Strangely, that touch made Solya wish, for just a moment, that time would slow down.

But she only gave a soft smile and thought no more of it.

 

The two sat side by side on the small rooftop, looking down at the temple, which glowed with dots of orange-yellow and was dyed silver-blue by the moonlight.

The cool night breeze brushed against them; Solya took a deep breath, and the tightness that had weighed upon her chest gradually dissipated with the wind.

 

"It is only at times like this that I can truly feel at ease," Solya smiled softly, her gaze resting on the night scene below.

 

"That is why I did not stop you from doing something so improper."

Vela smiled with a hint of helplessness.

 

"Hehe... as I thought, Vela knows me best."

 

Solya's smile faded a little.

"It is really quite hard... to find someone to just talk to," she said softly, without looking at Vela.

 

"And no one is truly willing to listen to me. Everyone instinctively steps back when they see me, as if I am something to be feared."

 

She paused for a moment.

 

"There are so many things in my heart that I do not even have the right to say."

 

Vela did not respond immediately.

She knew very well that Solya was not exaggerating.

 

Solya was still looking out at the distant night scene.

The breeze was light, but her breathing gradually became unsteady.

 

She said nothing, only sitting there in silence.

 

After a moment, a single tear slid down silently.

 

"Eh?" Solya was stunned for a moment, as if she hadn't even expected this herself.

 

She instinctively raised her hand to wipe it away, but a second tear quickly fell as well.

 

Solya's brows furrowed tightly, as if she were trying to hold it back.

But the surge of emotion did not stop. She lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly.

 

Vela did not speak; she only watched.

The lively and cheerful Solya had been placed in a position since childhood where no one was allowed to touch her.

Vela had always seen this side of Solya, all along.

 

She gently moved a little closer to Solya, as if confirming she would not be rejected.

Solya did not pull away, only lowering her head and sobbing quietly.

 

At that moment, Vela pulled Solya into her arms.

Her chin rested lightly on Solya's head as she held her securely, enveloping her completely.

 

In that instant, Solya's eyes widened, and her breath hitched for a moment.

 

But she did not look up; her long-suppressed emotions finally broke loose. Within Vela's arms, Solya broke into loud, unrestrained sobs.

 

Vela did not speak. Closing her eyes, she simply held Solya in silence, finally letting her stop holding everything together.

 

After some time, Solya's emotions gradually settled within Vela's arms.

She slowly raised her head, her eyes and the tip of her nose still a bit red.

 

Solya had always known that she could relax in front of Vela.

But losing control like this—this was a first.

 

"Do you feel any better?" Vela looked down at her, her voice very soft.

 

Solya did not speak, only nodding her head gently.

Her gaze fell back toward the night landscape she had been watching, yet her shoulders and arms still pressed tightly against Vela.

This sense of security made her a little reluctant to pull away.

 

After a moment, she finally seemed to have collected herself and spoke softly.

 

"...By the way, Vela."

"The selection for the new High Priest will be held soon. You will be taking part, won't you?"

 

"Mhm, of course." Vela answered without the slightest hesitation.

 

"Right, that has been your goal since you were small."

"If you really were to become my partner, I would be so happy." Solya looked out at the distant view, her voice full of anticipation.

 

Vela listened and let out a soft sigh.

 

"Very few people can reach that position. I have always felt that I might not have what it takes," she said quietly, a slight, forced smile on her lips.

 

"But I will still try. After all, it is for the nation..."

Vela's voice trailed off.

The words that should have followed seemed to catch in her throat.

 

Her gaze fell upon Solya, only to be pulled back quickly, as if reined in.

 

"...And the god."

 

Solya paused.

She turned toward Vela for a moment, then slowly looked away again.

 

In that instant, the expression on her face faded, and her gaze dropped.

 

"...Mhm."

Solya gave only a soft, quiet response.

 

She seemed to push some inner thought back into her heart, waiting for a beat before looking up once more.

 

"...Time is getting on, Vela."

"You'll be exhausted tomorrow if we stay any longer."

 

"Mhm, I will see you back to your chambers." Vela stood up and reached out a hand to pull Solya up.

 

Vela climbed down the wall first, looking up after she landed.

"My Lord, there is some moss on the wall. Be careful where you step as you come down."

 

"Don't worry, I'm watching~!"

Solya watched her every footing, moving down nimbly as she clung to the vines.

Just one step before she reached the ground, she stepped on a patch of slippery moss that was barely visible.

 

"Eh?"

Her footing gave way, and losing her balance, she fell backward.

 

"My Lord!"

Seeing this, Vela stepped forward almost instinctively, opening her arms to catch her.

An instant later, Solya fell straight into Vela's arms, and the two of them landed in a clumsy heap, half-lying and half-sitting on the grass.

 

"Ouch..." Solya sat slumped in front of Vela, whimpering softly.

 

"My Lord, are you alright?!"

Ignoring her own state, Vela quickly propped herself up on her arms, instinctively looking down to check on Solya.

 

"...Vela, I am sorry!" Solya was stunned for a moment and immediately turned back to look at her.

 

In that instant, their eyes met, and neither of them moved.

 

They were so close that they seemed to even catch each other's scent.

 

A breeze blew past, their long hair swaying gently.

 

Solya stared into Vela's eyes, her gaze drawn in as if by a force she could not escape. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were quietly savoring this excessive closeness.

 

Vela gazed straight back at her, looking completely stunned. Her eyes widened slightly, as if she had not yet processed their proximity. Her lips parted slightly, yet no sound came out.

 

Time seemed to stretch for a heartbeat.

"I... My Lord..."

Finally, Vela spoke slowly, her reaction several beats slower than usual.

 

"...Ah, sorry."

Solya hurriedly rose from before Vela, and Vela stood up as well, retreating to Solya's side.

 

Solya's gaze drifted to the side, at a loss for where to look.

She absentmindedly rubbed the back of her neck with one hand, as if she hadn't yet fully come to her senses from the closeness they had just shared.

 

"Uh... well... shall we head back, Vela?"

Unsure of what to say, she pointed vaguely in a direction that wasn't even toward the chambers.

 

"Yes, My Lord."

Vela bowed her head slightly, but her eyes, which should have been lowered, couldn't help but linger on Solya's face. Then, as if suddenly becoming aware, she looked away, visibly flustered.

 

Neither said another word.

 

Night silently enveloped the temple, and the breeze blew as it always had—yet it could not scatter the thoughts that had already begun to shift so quietly within them both.

 

After seeing Solya safely back to her chambers, Vela walked through the temple gardens alone, making her way toward her own quarters.

 

The selection for the nation's new High Priest was approaching, and the temple was filled with decorations only half-finished, set out for the occasion.

As she gazed at these incomplete arrangements, the weight of responsibility and pressure settled once more upon her heart.

 

She looked up at the massive symbol of the Primordial carved upon the white walls of the Great Hall, her gaze pausing for just a breath.

Yet in the end, her eyes drifted back toward Solya's chambers, lingering there for a long while.

 

"Solya..."

 

Vela cast her eyes down, softly whispering her name.

 

Even she couldn't say why.