Fractured Hearts

The corridor was unusually quiet that morning, the hum of the Academy’s magical wards barely audible beneath the girls’ footsteps. Mizuki, Sora, Hikari, Kaori, and Aihana walked alongside Rei, their chatter subdued. Aihana’s steps were steadier than before—she had almost recovered from the shock of recent events—but a lingering tension still tightened her chest.

Then three figures appeared at the far end of the corridor.

They moved with effortless grace, each step perfectly in sync. The air around them shimmered faintly with divine authority. The girls froze.

The first figure was tall, imposing, with eyes like molten gold. The second radiated warmth, serene and elegant, smoothing the very air itself. The third… a young woman, poised and regal, yet carrying the weight of her realm in every measured step.

The angels’ garments gleamed in the morning light streaming through the windows—every fold perfect, every movement deliberate.

Rei’s posture shifted, respectful but controlled. “Your Majesties,” he said, bowing slightly, taken aback by their unexpected visit.

The girls followed his lead, inclining their heads with careful reverence.

The King and Queen’s gaze swept over them, softening. The Queen’s lips curved into a warm, approving smile.

“Guardians,” the King said, nodding toward them, “your progress is… impressive. Each of you grows stronger every day. You are the shield of the Earth, and I am pleased by your dedication.”

The girls exchanged astonished glances, awe and pride flickering across their faces. Heads bowed deeper. “Thank you, Your Majesties.”

The golden-eyed King’s gaze snapped to Rei, sharp and unwavering. “We are here to speak with our son Akihiro,” he said, voice steady but cutting, “and to discuss the future of our kingdoms… as well as his engagement—with the Princess.”

Aihana’s stomach plummeted. Her chest tightened. Akihiro is a prince? Engagement? Princess? Her mind spun in a whirlwind—he had always been extraordinary, but this… this was beyond anything she could have imagined.

Mizuki hissed under her breath, voice trembling, “Wait… what…?”

Sora’s fists clenched at her sides. “Rei! What the—why didn’t anyone tell us?!”

Hikari’s jaw tightened. “Akihiro… royalty?”

Aihana pressed a hand to her chest, pale and trembling. Her heart thundered at Hikari’s words. Royal heritage. Engagement. A future planned without her. The floor seemed to vanish beneath her.

She excused herself and spun, fleeing down the sunlit corridor faster than she realized, fear and heartbreak wrapping her in a suffocating cloak. The girls called after her, voices sharp with confusion and alarm, but she barely heard.

Rei stood frozen, understanding that words would not reach her now.

“I will explain everything… in time,” Rei said, calm yet edged with authority toward the others. They were furious, knowing how deeply this had hurt Aihana.

The King, Queen, and Princess moved on, unaware of the effect their visit had caused, as Rei led them to Akihiro.

Aihana’s Room

Aihana slammed the door behind her. The sound echoed sharply. The room felt smaller, walls pressing in, shadows tightening around her. She sank to the floor, knees drawn to her chest. Every breath was a struggle, the weight of helplessness pressing down like stone.

Her fingers fumbled for the communication watch, placing it gently on the bed—a small, silent token of everything she couldn’t carry. She forced herself up, letting the walls breathe as she stepped toward the door, the sunlit corridor beyond offering a cold, merciless escape from heartbreak.

Control Hall

The air shimmered with faint golden light as Rei entered the Control Hall, steps heavy and deliberate. Akihiro stood near the central console, holographic maps and energy readings floating before him. Other angel controllers were at their stations. Focus carved into his features—until Rei’s voice cut through the charged silence.

“Akihiro,” Rei said, formal, tight, “you have visitors.”

Akihiro’s brow lifted. “Visitors?”

Before Rei could answer, the atmosphere shifted—heavier now, charged with authority that made the hairs on his neck rise.

The King and Queen entered, radiant and commanding. Beside them, the Princess of Aurithen moved like silver mist trailing her steps.

Akihiro froze. “Father… Mother?”

The King’s faint smile carried both warmth and steel. “My son. It’s been too long.”

Akihiro turned to the Princess, bowing. “Princess,” he said quietly, calm outwardly, yet every pulse in his body thundered.

The King approached, hands clasped behind his back. “You’ve found all five Guardians. Strong—proof of your leadership.”

Akihiro inclined his head. “Thank you.”

“It is time to discuss your next duty,” said the King. “The future of our kingdoms must be secured. You have served well as General, but from here, Rei will oversee the Guardians’ training. Your path leads elsewhere.”

Akihiro’s chest tightened. “Elsewhere?”

“Yes,” the King said, voice hardening slightly, “toward an alliance with Aurithen. You will be betrothed to Princess Elaira.”

The words hit like ice water. The room’s hum vanished, replaced by the pounding in his ears.

Akihiro’s tone remained measured, diplomatic, but his knuckles whitened. “Father… this is sudden.”

“Not sudden,” the King replied evenly. “I waited until your mission was secure. This engagement will strengthen both realms—united under one crown.”

The Queen’s gaze lingered. “We know this life is not easy, Akihiro. But you were born for duty, not choice.”

From the slightly ajar door at the edge of the hall, Ayame lingered, hand hovering over the handle. She could hear every word.

Her breath caught at “betrothed… to the Princess.” A pang of pain twisted through her chest.

A flicker of defiance stirred in Akihiro, but he bowed, control held taut. “I understand, Father.”

“Good. Preparations begin soon.”

Rei’s jaw tightened, obedient yet uneasy.

As the doors closed, the air felt colder, heavier.

Akihiro exhaled slowly, eyes fixed on the floor. Calm cracked for a fraction—pain flickering in his gaze. Rei stepped closer.

“Why didn’t you tell them?”

Akihiro whispered, almost to himself, “What good would it do?”

Ayame’s Confrontation

Ayame couldn’t contain herself. Pushing the door open, voice trembling with anger and pain:

“Akihiro… will you really marry the Princess? You cannot. This isn’t right!”

Akihiro froze, calm outwardly, exhaustion behind his eyes.

“Ayame…”

“You can’t… you can’t marry her! I love you!”

He stepped closer, voice soft but firm. “Ayame… you’re brave, stronger than most. But I cannot return your feelings the way you want. I care about you… but only as a sister. Nothing more.”

Her breath hitched, stepping back as realization crashed down.

“As a sister?” she whispered, voice barely audible.

Without waiting, she spun sharply. The doors slammed behind her. She ran—down the sunlit corridor, away from the hall, away from everything.

Akihiro pressed his hands to the cold glass, city lights below blurring.

“Everything falls apart. But my heart shatters the most. Every beat screams her name. Every pulse aches for what I cannot have. Aihana… I have to let her go. Bury this beneath duty and expectation. And yet letting go feels like ripping out a piece of my soul.”

Rei watched silently, helpless. Words could not reach him, nor ease his suffering.

Aihana Outside

The corridors were hauntingly quiet. Aihana moved in silence, steps measured but determined. On her bed, the communication watch gleamed faintly—a symbol of all she could not carry: duty, confusion, love.

At the main gate, guards straightened.

“Miss Aihana? You’re not supposed to leave the grounds without clearance.”

She forced a small, painful smile. “It’s fine. General Akihiro gave me permission. Just for a while. I need some air.”

The guards exchanged glances. Akihiro’s name carried weight; her voice almost convincing. They stepped aside.

“Understood. Please don’t stay out too long.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, walking past them.

The air bit sharply, colder than she expected. The city stretched below. She hugged herself, heart aching with every step.

He has a destiny. A world waiting for him. And I’m just… me.

Her pace quickened. This time, she didn’t look back.