Falling into the darkness

Kaelrith’s voice rolled like thunder through the metallic corridors of his ship.

“Bring miss Aiko a new outfit. Make it elegant, as if she were a princess herself.”

The servant bowed and vanished, only to return carrying a gown unlike anything Aiko had ever seen. Black silk shimmered like liquid midnight, embroidered with faint, silver threads that caught the artificial light. It was beautiful, regal… suffocating.

Kaelrith’s smile was sharp, almost cruel.

“Perfect. Have her wear it. When Akihiko lays eyes on her, he will falter. His heart will betray him before the battle even begins.”

The servant entered her chamber. Aiko’s breath caught when she saw the dress, her fingers trembling as she touched the fabric.

“…Why would he give me something like this?” she whispered.

The servant lowered his eyes.

“Prince Kaelrith wishes for you to wear it.”

“And if I refuse?” Aiko asked, voice quivering but laced with quiet defiance.

The servant hesitated.

“…I advise you not to. Prince Kaelrith is capable of… anything.”

The door slid shut, leaving her alone with the gown, her thoughts tangled between fear and anger.

The dress shimmered in her hands, heavy yet delicate, its silk like flowing night. Aiko sat on the edge of the cold bed, staring at it as if it were a snake coiled in her lap.

Her reflection in the glass of the small window caught her eye—disheveled hair, pale skin, fear tightening her features. She barely recognized herself.

Why… why would he give me this? It’s beautiful, yes… but it feels wrong. Like chains made of silk.

Her fingers trembled as she traced the silver embroidery. For a heartbeat, she imagined herself wearing it—standing in some grand hall, a false queen at Kaelrith’s side. The image made bile rise in her throat.

“No…” she whispered sharply, shaking her head. “That’s not me. I’m not his puppet. I’m not some trophy.”

Her nails dug into the fabric as if she could tear it apart. Tears pricked her eyes, but she swallowed them back, her chest heaving.

Akihiko… if you saw me like this, would you… would you even recognize me? Would you think I’ve betrayed you? I have already betrayed you, when i deactivated the shield."

The thought burned. She pressed the dress against her knees, clenching it tightly. Her body was exhausted, but her spirit… her spirit refused to break.

Still, Kaelrith’s words echoed in her mind— “Your face could spark a war.”

She lifted her chin toward the window, stars shining beyond the glass. Her voice was soft, trembling, but laced with quiet defiance:

“If I wear this… it won’t be for Kaelrith. It will be because I choose to survive long enough for Akihiko to find me. That’s all. I won’t let this dress be my chain. It’ll be my armor.”

With shaky hands, she rose to her feet. Piece by piece, she changed into the gown. The fabric clung to her like midnight water, its coldness biting into her skin.

But when she turned back to the window, her reflection looked different. Yes, she was dressed as Kaelrith’s “princess.” But in her eyes burned something he could never control—her will.

Aiko whispered to her reflection, voice steadier now:

“You can dress me however you like, Kaelrith. But you’ll never own me.”

She pressed her palm against the glass, feeling that faint warmth again—the invisible thread reaching for her.

“Akihiko… please… hurry.”

Far away, the Akarihoshi fleet carved through space like silver arrows.

In the flagship’s cockpit, Akihiko sat motionless, his face half-lit by the stars streaming through the glass. To the others, he looked composed. But inside—

“She’s out there. Alone. Trapped in that monster’s hands. Aiko…”

His hand curled into a fist on the armrest. I told myself I could stay calm, think like a prince, act like a soldier… But the truth is, I’m not calm. I’m terrified. Not for myself—never for myself. Only for you.

The communicator of the vessel flickered, snapping him from his thoughts. Naoru’s hologram materialized, his voice firm yet carrying a warmth only Akihiko could hear.

“Akihiko, we’re approaching Kaelrith’s ship. The fleet is ready. We all know how dangerous this will be. But no one is backing down.”

Mika’s image joined, her gaze steady though softer, touched with quiet concern.

“We’ll do everything we can to bring her back.”

Akihiko shut his eyes for a moment. Their words pressed against the storm in his chest, anchoring him. Still, in the hollow silence of his heart, a whisper rose:

"Aiko… do you know? You’ve changed everything. For years, my path was fixed—duty, discipline, the crown. I never thought there was space for anything else. But then… your dreamy gaze… your smile… your clumsy honesty, … Somehow, you became my strength. And now—"

He opened his eyes. His voice dropped to a near whisper.

“…Thank you.”

Naoru’s hologram leaned forward, cutting into the silence.

“The fleet awaits your command, Akihiko.”

Akihiko straightened, his voice no longer wavering but sharp and resolute:

“Elite fleet—approach Kaelrith’s ship. Maintain formation. Exercise caution.”

Outside, the ships moved like a single organism, wings of light cutting across the void.

In her cell, Aiko pressed her forehead to the tiny window, staring into the endless stars. Her breath fogged the glass. Akihiko…

Then she felt it—warmth, a pulse. As though someone far away had brushed against her very soul.

Her lips trembled.

“…Akihiko …”

At that same moment, Akihiko leaned back in his chair. His chest tightened as he felt it too—something faint, intangible, yet undeniable.

“Aiko…?”

The distance between them collapsed into a fragile thread. Neither spoke aloud, but their thoughts brushed, like whispers carried by the wind.

Aiko’s hands pressed to the glass, tears shimmering in her eyes.

“I’m scared…”

Akihiko’s breath hitched, his jaw tightening as he clenched the controls.

“We’re coming… hold on. Don’t give up now—we’ll be there soon.”

For a brief, stolen moment, their souls touched. She felt his strength. He felt her fear. And both refused to let go.

On Kaelrith’s bridge, silence shattered as an officer cried out:

“Prince, the Akarihoshi fleet is approaching!”

Kaelrith rose, eyes gleaming with anticipation. His cloak rippled as he strode forward, lips curling into a cruel smile.

“At last. Akihiko… come to me. Walk straight into the snare I have laid. There will be no escape.”