Chapter 7:

Where Legend Begins

Ethicos:Fate Of Universe


Nyx and his group huddled quickly together as chaos continued around them. The ground trembled under the giant's movements, and its roar echoed across the city, spreading fear among the remaining citizens.                                                                     

"Big Sister, Mom, we need to bind its legs!"Nyx commanded, urgency in his tone.  

Without hesitation, Naomi and Sana combined their elemental magic. Vines erupted from the ground, reinforced by ice and lightning, wrapping lightly around the giant's legs, holding it in place.                    

Eliza, Avelina, Now!" Nyx shouted.            

 With a nod, Eliza and Avelina charged at the giant, their weapons gleaming. In a swift, coordinated attack, they slashed at its hand, freeing the elf from its grip just in time. Astra quickly cast a barrier around the giant to prevent it from escaping.

"Eris, cover me!" Nyx said, his voice steady.   

Eris unleashed a barrage of magic to distract the giant while Nyx dashed low and leaped into the air. He aimed directly for the giant's heart. His sword pierced through its chest. For a moment, everything seemed still.

The group watched in anticipation, breath held.                                                                       

Did we do it?" Avelina asked, hope flickering in her eyes.

Suddenly, a loud crack echoed as Nyx's sword shattered upon contact with the heart stone. Pieces of light and the sword burst vanished before anyone could react. The giant's hand regenerated, and it broke free from the elemental binding and Astra's barrier with a forceful swing.

"Impossible!" Eliza gasped, gripping her sword tightly. "We hit its heart, but it's still alive!"

The giant roared again, resuming its rampage across Atalas City. Buildings crumbled under its massive feet, and the people screamed in terror.

"Nyx, what now?" Eris asked, her voice laced with both frustration and fear.

Nyx clenched his fists, deep in thought. "That heart stone. it's not something a normal weapon can destroy," he said, looking at the shattered remnants of his sword in disbelief. "We need something stronger, something that can counter its cursed energy."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. They had put everything into that attack, yet the giant still stood.The weight of the situation pressed heavily on them as they realized they needed a new strategy fast.

"Think, everyone!"Astra urged. "There has to be a way to defeat it. We can't stop it soon; there won't be a city left!"

Amid the tension, Nyx's mind raced. "We'll figure it out!" he said, determination shining in his eyes. "We have to!".                                  

Nyx paused, hearing a mysterious voice urging him to use "Heaven's Strike" on the giant. Without hesitation, he released a powerful attack that obliterated the giant and its heart, leaving everyone stunned.

Nyx extended his hand towards the giant, surrounded by a radiant golden aura as celestial symbols rotated beneath his feet. The sky darkened, and beams of white and gold energy spiraled down, converging with his hand, which began to glow with pure white flames and golden lightning. Ethereal wings briefly appeared behind him as he made a swift, sweeping gesture towards the giant, unleashing a colossal beam of radiant light surrounded by blue and gold crackling streaks of energy. Striking the giant, the beam triggered a massive explosion, releasing powerful shockwaves and summoning towering pillars of golden light that engulfed the foe. The battlefield was momentarily bathed in divine brilliance, leaving behind glowing embers and a faint celestial melody as the light faded.

Avelina and the others were astonished. "How did you do that?" she asked, while the elf stared at Nyx, impressed.

Nyx, slightly confused, explained, "I just heard a voice inside me... telling me to do it. I don't know what it was."

The elf, blushing, expressed her gratitude. "You saved us, saved the city."

Nyx nodded, acknowledging his companions' role in the victory, but his thoughts lingered on the mysterious power within him.

"I have these abilities... I don't fully understand them," he confessed, looking at Eris and Astra.

Eliza speculated, "Could it be tied to the Seal Powers of Astra and Eris?"

As the group celebrated, a knight from the Supreme Order observed them from a distance, shocked by what had just happened, and hurried off to report to his superiors.

As the city calmed, people gathered around Nyx and his companions, expressing their gratitude for saving them. Amidst the praises, the elf who had been saved earlier approached Nyx, a shy smile on her face.

"You saved us twice now. We've met before, but I never told you my name," she said, blushing slightly. "I am Latifa."

Nyx gave a nod of acknowledgment. "It's nice to officially meet you, Latifa."

Latifa, hesitating for a moment, then said, "As a token of gratitude, I'd like to invite you all to my village. We rarely allow outsiders, but you're different. Please, come with me."

Everyone was surprised by the invitation, exchanging curious glances. Eris and Astra seemed hesitant, but Nyx considered it carefully before speaking.

"It's the best option," Nyx explained to his companions. "We're on a journey, and the village might hold useful information – or allies. Besides, it would be rude to refuse such a gesture."

Eris and Astra nodded in agreement while Eris added, "If Nyx thinks it's wise, we should go."

Latifa smiled brightly, relieved by their acceptance. "Thank you. We'll leave at dawn."

The group, now feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity, prepared for the next leg of their journey, wondering what awaited them in the mysterious elf village.                    

Meanwhile, the knight rushed back to report everything to his superiors. They showed a mix of frustration and excitement.

"So, this Nyx managed to defeat Michel and the giant... How interesting," one superior remarked, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Another superior sneered, "Michel was useless after all. We wasted resources on him. Pathetic."

Despite their anger at the failure, a glimmer of intrigue sparked among them."This Nyx... He's stronger than expected. Perhaps, for the first time, we have a worthy opponent."

The head superior leaned forward, a cold smile forming. "Keep an eye on him whether he becomes a threat or an asset. We can't let someone of his caliber roam unchecked."

With that, they began plotting their next move, eager to learn more about Nyx and his group.

As Nyx and his companions prepared to leave Atalas City, they took a final walk through the streets, meeting everyone who had come to know and respect them during their stay. The people gathered, expressing their heartfelt gratitude for saving the city.    

An elder approached, holding a small pouch. "Please accept this as a token of our gratitude," he said warmly. Inside the pouch were 1 diamond, 25 gold coins, 45 silver coins, and 65 bronze coins, meant to help them on their journey ahed.

Avelina smiled, taking the pouch. "Thank you. We'll make good use of this!"

As they reached the city gates, the city elder stood watching, his hands clasped in thought. He whispered quietly to himself, "Thank you, Nyx... The legends must be true. A young hero will rise to bring light when darkness consumes the world, and with him, a new era will begin."

With final goodbyes and blessings, Nyx and his companions set out, ready to continue their journey towards greater challenges and adventures.

As Nyx and his companions left Atalas City, they ventured deep into a dense jungle. Towering trees stretched towards the sky, their thick canopy casting shadows over the winding path. The air was filled with the scent of fresh leaves and damp earth, while the occasional rustle of bushes hinted at wildlife lurking nearby.

Naomi glanced around warily. "This place feels... alive, almost like it's watching us," she said, her fingers crackling faintly with thunder magic in readiness.

Eliza, walking beside her, smirked. "Relax. If anything dangerous comes, we'll handle it. Besides, I've been through worse jungles than this."

Avelina, always sharp, added, "We should stay alert, though. This path could lead us into an ambush if we're not careful!"

Meanwhile, Latifa, the elf who had joined them, walked ahead with ease, her steps light and graceful. She glanced back at Nyx. "We'll reach my village soon. The forest will be less dense after a few miles."

Nyx nodded thoughtfully, scanning the surroundings. "Stay focused. We don't know what lies ahead, and this isn't just any jungle – it feels... unnatural."

As they continued deeper, the companions noticed strange markings on the tree trunks and an eerie silence settling over the forest. Eris whispered to Astra, "Do you feel that? There's something dark nearby."

Astra nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Let's be ready. Trouble might be closer than we think."

As they neared the elf village, a sudden arrow shot towards them from a distance. Everyone immediately tensed, ready for battle, but Avelina swiftly deflected the arrow with her sword. They scanned the surroundings, wary of the unseen archer.

Emerging gracefully from the dense foliage was a striking figure – a young elf Princess with radiant yellow hair Emerging gracefully from the dense foliage was a striking figure – a young elf Princess with radiant yellow hair adorned with large pink petals and green sepals, which added to her natural beauty. Her eyes, a vivid shade of green representing nature, glimmered with a cautious yet regal intensity. She wore an alluring outfit – a royal green and white skirt with intricate golden and brown designs, accentuated by a flowing royal blue cloth draped behind her. Her hands were covered in elegant white gloves, and her legs were clad in sexy, form-fitting attire with white as the primary color, complemented by green and gold accents. The finely crafted bow she held was a stunning blend of white, black, gold, and blue. Her graceful and well-proportioned figure, combined with her youthful beauty, made her presence captivating. She appeared around 17 or 18 years old, her voice carrying a gentle yet authoritative tone, with a faint fragrance of the forest lingering around her.

"Who are you, and why have you come here?" she asked, her voice steady yet curious, holding her bow at the ready.

Nyx raised a hand to signal his companions to remain calm. "We mean no harm. We were invited by Latifa."

The elf's eyes narrowed slightly as she assessed them. "I am Lyra, Princess of this village," she said, lowering her bow slightly. "Our people do not trust outsiders easily, especially during times of danger. I had to be sure you weren't a threat."

Nyx nodded respectfully. "We understand, Princess Lyra. Our only intention is to meet your people peacefully."

Lyra glanced over the group once more, her gaze lingering on Avelina, Astra, and Naomi, recognizing their noble bearing. After a moment, she gave a slight nod. "Very well. You may enter, but remain cautious. Trust is earned, not given freely here."

She turned gracefully, her royal blue cloak flowing behind her as she led them towards the village. Her poise and demeanor were regal, and even as she walked, the faint fragrance of forest lingered in the air, adding to her enchanting presence.

As Nyx and his companions approached the elf village, his Eagle Eye ability activated, granting him a heightened view of the surroundings beyond the immediate forest.   The village itself was enveloped in lush greenery – tall ancient trees, flowing rivers, and sparkling ponds and lakes. But what caught Nyx's attention was the vast diversity of landscapes in the distance.                           

In one direction, he spotted a desert area, its golden sands stretching endlessly under the blazing sun. Further beyond, he noticed a volcano, its peak emitting faint plumes of smoke, hinting at its dormant but dangerous nature. On the other side lay an ocean, its waves crashing against the coastline, dotted with rocky cliffs and pristine beaches. Near the coastline were nine distinct islands, each surrounded by crystal-clear waters, hinting at hidden potential. To the north, a glacier gleamed under the sunlight, with frozen rivers snaking down its icy surface, while to the east, the familiar vast expanses of forests and rivers continued, rich with life.

As Nyx absorbed all these details, a thought struck him. This land is unique... it has everything: minerals, water, fertile land, and strategic locations. A perfect foundation for an empire. He clenched his fist subtly, contemplating the possibilities. With such geographical advantages and abundant resources, this could be the ideal place to build a stronghold against the dark and corrupt forces. Yet something puzzled him. Despite the richness of the land, the population seemed unusually sparse. Why is such a resource-rich area so underpopulated? There must reason....          

Returning his focus to the present, Nyx noticed the elf children playing and the adults talking, a stark contrast to the vast, desolate landscapes he had seen. His mind was already calculating potential moves and strategies, but for now, he knew he had to focus on the immediate task: earning the trust of the elves.

As they walked towards the town hall, Lyra glanced at him, noticing his serious expression. "Is something troubling you?" she asked softly.                                                  

Nyx gave her a calm look. "Just thinking about the future... this place has great potential."He didn't elaborate further, but Lyra could sense that he was already planning something grand.

Avelina, noticing his focused gaze, asked quietly, "You saw something, didn't you?"

Nyx nodded slightly, keeping his thoughts to himself. "Yes, but we'll talk about it later. For now, let's meet the elders."

With that, they reached the entrance of the town hall, where the elders and the village supreme awaited them, ready to hear the purpose of their unexpected visit.

As Nyx and his companions approached the town hall, built atop a towering ancient tree, his Eagle Eye ability gave him a wide view of the lush village below. Surrounded by dense greenery, in the distance, he spotted various landscapes – deserts, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, and oceans, with nine islands hinting at future importance. He noted the region's abundant natural resources, realizing it would be a strategic location for building an empire. Yet, he wondered why the population here was so low.

Reaching the hall atop the tree, they entered a beautifully crafted chamber. Seated on a throne-like chair made from the living tree was Lyra's mother, the Supreme Elder. Her graceful presence and wise demeanor impressed everyone.

"Welcome, travelers," she greeted warmly. "We have been expecting you." After Lyra introduced them, the elder acknowledged Nyx's deeds. "You have done much for this world. We have much to discuss."

Nyx bowed slightly. "Thank you. It's an honor to be here," he replied, and they prepared for the conversation.

As everyone took their seats in the town hall, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The Supreme Elder, seated on an intricate rally crafted throne made of tree branches and vines, greeted them with a gentle nod. Beside her stood Lyra, the elven Princess, looking regal and radiant. Her appearance caught everyone's attention as the floral ornaments in her yellow hair shimmered in the light.

With a graceful bow, Lyra began the introductions. "This is our Village Elder, Fana, who is Lyra's mother, and beside her is Supreme Elder John, the leader of our people." Fana nodded gently, while John remained quiet, observing the visitors with keen eyes.                                                             

"We have heard of your brave deeds in Atalas City," Fana said, her voice kind yet dignified. "You saved Latifa and fought against the dark army. You have our gratitude."

Nyx gave a respectful nod. "We only did what was necessary. The dark forces are a threat to everyone, and it's our duty to fight them."

John's eyes narrowed slightly. "Have the dark army caused you any trouble on your journey here?"

Nyx replied, "Not yet. But I'm concerned. This region is rich in resources, yet sparsely populated. It's strategically valuable, yet the dark army seems uninterested in it. Why?"

Lyra exchanged a glance with Fana before responding, "That's because this region is home to species who are naturally resistant to darkness. Beings who maintain their purity of heart and mind. Unfortunately, such species are rare, making up only 5% of the world's population, while the other 95% have fallen to darkness."

Astra, her sharp eyes gleaming, leaned forward. "So, that's why most of this land is empty, despite its richness."

Fana nodded. "Yes. Though this 25% of the world's land belongs to the Positive Species, their numbers are so small that vast areas remain uninhabited."

Naomi frowned, deep in thought. "But if the dark army thrives on corruption, why haven't they invaded this region to control the resources?"

John answered in a calm tone, "The dark army doesn't seek resources or land. They spread through influence and corruption. Without a large population to corrupt, they have little interest in these lands."

(NYX Think)                                                        

 They don't See Value in empty lands. But this also means that if we unit the Scattered Positive Species, we Could build a stronghold here - a Sanctury and maybe even an empire."

Nyx leaned back thoughtfully. "I see. So, despite its richness, this land has remained untouched because it holds no value to them without a large population to corrupt."

Lyra smiled faintly. "Exactly. But that doesn't mean we are safe. Should they ever grow desperate or seek total domination, they might turn their attention here."

Nyx gave a slight nod, his mind racing with thoughts he didn't voice. He couldn't help but wonder if this land could one day become a stronghold against the encroaching darkness.

As Nyx stood atop the stairs, his Eagle Eyes swept over the village. Beyond the vibrant greenery and lively homes, his gaze locked onto something extraordinary – a massive, glowing mythical tree standing tall and radiant in the heart of the village. Its branches sparkled with ethereal light, and its aura radiated immense magical energy. Nyx's curiosity piqued, and he turned towards John and Fana.

"Elder John, Elder Fana, that tree... it's unlike anything I've seen before. What is it?" Nyx asked, his voice calm but filled with intrigue.

John and Fana exchanged a glance, and Fana chuckled lightly. "Interesting," she said, folding her hands.

Nyx raised an eyebrow. "Interesting? Why do you say that?"

John smiled knowingly. "Because you noticed the tree. Only those with Eagle Eyes can perceive its true nature at first sight. That means you, Nyx, are no ordinary man."

Nyx smirked faintly, leaning back. "Two can play that game. You also figured out my ability so quickly."

Fana nodded. "Your observation confirms what we suspected about you. That tree is indeed special. It's the Mythical Tree of Blessing, a relic of ancient times."

Nyx and his companions leaned in as curiosity filled the air. "Can you tell us more?" Nyx asked.                                               

Fana gestured toward the tree. "Long ago, when the world was plunged into eternal darkness, the balance of the world nearly collapsed. In that dire moment, a group of gods descended upon the earth to restore harmony. They used their powers to create sacred fragments. These fragments were planted in the land, and over time, trees like this one grew. Their presence helped diminish the darkness, allowing the world to heal and begin anew."

John continued, his tone somber. "This tree is one of those fragments. While it symbolizes light, hope, and renewal, it also brings challenges – especially for us."               

Naomi frowned. "Challenges? What do you mean?"

John sighed. "The tree's immense power creates an imbalance among our kind. We elves are divided into light elves and dark elves. In truth, we are all one species, but overtime, the tree's influence has caused some of us to see ourselves as separate.        

"Lyra's expression darkened as she added, "The light elves believe themselves to be the rightful protectors of the tree, while the dark elves are often seen as outsiders Or rivals. This difference has led to centuries of conflict, turning us against each other. The tree, which was once a blessing, has become the root of our division.                    

Nyx crossed his arms, his mind deep in thought. "So, this division is the result of lingering pride and misunderstanding. Have you tried to resolve this conflict?"

Fana's voice grew weary. "For centuries, we've sought a solution, but none has lasted. The dark elves feel they are unfairly excluded, and the light elves fear losing their claim to the tree. The wounds run deep, and we have yet to find true unity.

"Nyx exhaled, glancing back toward the glowing tree in the distance. "A blessing turned curse..." he muttered under his breath. "If this tree is so powerful, it might play a key role in the future of this world—but only if its purpose is restored."

His companions exchanged glances, sensing the weight of his words. Though Nyx didn't say it aloud, a determination flickered in his eyes.

That evening, under the glow of a full moon, the elves hosted a grand dinner.

The villagers and Nyx's group sat around a massive campfire, the aroma of exotic dishes and drinks filling the air. Plates of vibrant fruits, roasted meals, and fragrant stews were passed around, alongside goblets of sparkling golden liquid.

Nyx raised his cup and took a sip, his brow lifting in surprise. "This drink... it's incredible. What is it?".                                       

John smiled warmly. "That's our moon nectar, a drink made from rare fruits of the forest. It's unique to our village."

Fana added, "It's served only on special occasions, to honor guests like yourselves."

Lyra stood, addressing the gathering with pride. "Everyone, please meet our honored guests—saviors of Atlas City and protectors of our own, Latifa."

The villagers cheered, clapping in gratitude. Latifa stepped closer to Nyx, her eyes sparkling."Nyx, thank you again for saving me," she said softly, her tone flirtatious.

Before Nyx could respond, Eris smacked him lightly on the back of his head. "Don't get too comfortable," she muttered.

Nyx winced, rubbing the spot. "What did I even do?".                                                                     

Astra and Naomi exchanged amused glances, their expressions tinged with jealousy. Naomi folded her arms and teased, "You should know better, Nyx."

Astra smirked, a faint blush creeping onto her face. "You're married now,remember?".            

Lyra's green eyes widened in surprise."Married? Bride? "Who's your bride?

Sana leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Not bride—brides!"

The villagers gasped, murmurs rippling through the crowd. "Brides?" Lyra exclaimed, her gaze darting between the women and Nyx.                                                  

Avelina, her cheeks flushed with irritation, pointed toward Astra and Eris. "It's them—Astra and Eris."

Eris blushed deeply, her composure faltering. "Yes, we're his wives," she admitted.                                                               

Astra nodded, her cheeks turning pink.

Lyra tilted her head, her curiosity growing. "And what about the rest of you? You seem just as close."

Eris and Astra exchanged glances before Eris spoke up. "We're all family. Sana is Nyx's mother, Naomi is his elder sister, and Avelina is his twin sister."

The villagers gasped in surprise, looking at Sana, Naomi, and Avelina with wide eyes. One of them murmured, "It's no wonder, though. Their hair color is the same as Nyx's."

Astra smiled gently. "And Eliza? She's a close friend of all of us."

Eliza, who had been sitting quietly, huffed and crossed her arms."Hmph! Close friend? More like the one keeping you all grounded." She shot a teasing glare at Nyx. "Honestly, I don't know how you keep getting into these situations."

Nyx shot her a dry look. "Thanks, Eliza. Great support, as always."

The villagers laughed, one elder shaking his head with amusement. "Nyx, you're truly blessed to have such a strong and close family."

Lyra, who had been observing the exchange, finally spoke, her tone soft and somber. "You're all so fortunate to have each other. To be family...".                                 

Her voice faltered as her expression darkened. "For us... the light elves and dark elves... we've forgotten what it means to be one people. All we do is fight over that tree."

The festive mood dimmed, a heaviness in the air. Nyx glanced at Lyra, seeing the sadness in her eyes. As the moonlight bathed the gathering, he thought to himself, "I'll help them. If I am to build a future, their unity is the first step.".                                        

In the quiet of the night after the festivities, Nyx sent word to Sana, Naomi, Avelina, Eris, Astra, and Eliza, asking them to meet him privately in his quarters.

When they received the message, everyone exchanged confused glances. Avelina's face flushed, and she whispered to Naomi, "Why is he calling us this late? Do you think it's...?"                                                                     

Naomi smirked, folding her arms. "Maybe he has something in mind. Knowing Nyx, it could be anything."

Eris Shook her head trying to hide her blush."Don't Jump to Conclusion I'm Sure it's important."

Astra, however, looked nervous. "Still... it's unusual."

When they arrived at Nyx's room, the mood was a mix of embarrassment and anticipation. They stepped inside, only to find Nyx sitting at a table with a serious expression.

Nyx gestured for them to take seats. "Thank you for coming," he began.                                

Avelina raised an eyebrow. "You better not have called us here for something trivial."

Naomi leaned against the wall, smirking. "Or something... inappropriate."

Nyx blinked, confused for a moment, before realizing their misunderstanding. "What? No, this isn't about that! This is a serious matter."

Astra cleared her throat, her face flushed. "Then... what's this about?"

Nyx gestured to the door. "First, Astra and Eris, create a barrier. This discussion needs to remain completely secret."

Eris nodded, regaining her composure. "Understood." She raised her hand, and a shimmering golden barrier surrounded the room.

Astra followed, adding a layer of blue energy to strengthen the protection. "Done. No one outside will hear us."

Nyx took a deep breath, his tone resolute. "I called you all here to discuss the future—our future. Specifically, the creation of an empire to stand against the dark army.          

There was a stunned silence as the words sank in.

Eliza was the first to speak. "An empire? That's... ambitious."

Naomi leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Why now? Why here?"

Nyx nodded. "It's true that it's a massive step, but it's necessary. The dark army grows stronger by the day, and if we don't establish a base of power, we'll always be on the defensive. This village—and this side of the world—is the perfect starting point."

Sana looked thoughtful. "Why this side of the world, Nyx? The population here is low."

Nyx explained, "Exactly. The low population means fewer dark influences. The people here are mostly untouched by corruption. The land is geographically rich—forests, rivers, minerals, and other resources. If we gain the trust of the villagers and unite the good forces here, we'll have a strong foundation to fight back against the dark army."

Astra leaned back, crossing her arms. 

"Gaining their trust won't be easy. These people have been isolated for so long.

Eris nodded. "And creating an empire isn't just about power. It requires leadership, resources, and loyalty."

Nyx met their gazes, his determination unwavering. "I know it won't be easy, but this is the only way forward. If we don't act, we risk losing everything to darkness.             

"Avelina sighed, running a hand through her hair. "And you want us to be part of this empire?"

Nyx nodded. "Not just part of it—you're my family. I need your support. I can't make this happen alone."

Sana smiled gently. "Of course, we'll support you, Nyx. You've always had a clear vision."

Naomi smirked. "It's a crazy plan, but it's not the first time you've surprised us."

Eliza crossed her arms, her tone skeptical but playful. "You better have a solid strategy, Nyx. I'm not following you blindly.

Nyx chuckled"I'd expect nothing less from you, Eliza."

Astra finally spoke, her voice calm. "If this is what you believe is right, then I trust you. But you'll need to prove yourself to these people."

Eris nodded in agreement. "We'll stand by you, Nyx. Together, we can make this work.

Nyx smiled, gratitude evident in his eyes."Thank you. With all of you by my side, I know we can do this."

As the meeting concluded, the group shared a renewed sense of purpose, their bond stronger than ever.Nyx's determination to create an empire had set a new course for their journey—and the fate of the world.                                                           

After the meeting, Nyx stretched. "Alright, everyone, let's get some rest. Your bedrooms."

Astra raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You expect us to just leave you alone after all that talk of building an empire?"

Nyx hesitated. "I mean... yes? There's no need for all of us to stay here."

Eris chimed in with a teasing smile, "For safety, of course, we should stay."

Naomi chuckled. "He really thinks he can convince us to leave."

Sana smiled gently. "Nyx, let us take care of you for once. You've been shouldering so much."

Avelina blushed slightly. "It's not like it's a big deal. We're family, after all."

Eliza teased, "This is purely practical. You'd be lost without us anyway."

Astra crossed her arms, her voice soft but firm. "Nyx, don't act like you're invincible. You might be leading us, but even you need comfort sometimes."

Nyx sighed, defeated. "Fine, but no teasing or fighting."

As he climbed into bed, the others joined him, their faces a mix of excitement and embarrassment.

Eris muttered, "Don't overthink it. Just sleep."

Naomi laughed softly. "Stubborn as ever."

Avelina adjusted her pillow, trying not to blush. "This is just practical."

Sana tucked the blanket around Nyx. "Goodnight, Nyx. You deserve peace.".            

Astra smiled warmly. "You're the reason we're all here. Don't forget that."

Under the moon's soft glow, the group fell asleep together, their bond stronger than ever. 
                                             

                                            To Be Continued... 

Himanahu Pawar
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