1 Day Later:
When morning came, Naraka entered the chamber—only to find the cradle empty.
"Guards!" she called, her voice sharp. "Where is the child?"
One of the guards stammered, "Your daughter Maria… she wished to show him the palace grounds, my Queen. We… we dared not refuse."
Naraka closed her eyes. A single breath later, she reappeared behind Maria.
Maria was strolling by the great lake, pushing Nujah in a small carriage. She leaned over with a smile:
"If you keep looking forward, little brother, you'll see endless water. But if you want true fun, look behind you—our brother Ren built an entire park back there—"
"Behind you, sister," Nujah interrupted calmly.
Maria froze. "…He's standing there, isn't he?"
A hand settled firmly on her shoulder. Naraka's voice was both stern and cold.
"My daughter, what are you doing?"
"Mother, I—" Maria began, flustered.
But Nujah cut in quickly, "It was me, my Queen. I begged her to take me out. I was restless in that room. She was only being kind."
Maria shook her head. "No, that's not true. I took him out because I thought he needed fresh air."
"You don't have to lie to protect me, sister," Nujah said softly. "Don't take the blame."
"But you are lying," Maria insisted, frowning.
At that, Naraka laughed suddenly. Both of them turned in surprise. When her laughter died down, she spoke evenly:
"Nujah, I admire your effort. But no one can lie to me—not when I can hear the shifts in your voice. That was only one of many signs. Still… your intent was noble. I'll say no more this time."
She leaned down to Nujah. "How do you feel? Any discomfort?"
"Other than this tiny body?" Nujah sighed. "Everything's fine. Maria has cared for me well since you left. To be honest, I don't even need sleep anymore."
Maria smiled. "As the eldest sister, it was my duty. That's what big sisters are for."
Nujah looked up at Naraka. "And you, my Queen—what will you do now?"
"Let's put an end to that title," Naraka replied gently. "You are family now, Nujah. My child. You are three months old—you have no duties yet. For now, enjoy time with your siblings."
"Don't you want to join us, Mother?" Nujah asked.
"I cannot. Someone must always rule the Realm of Light. That is my burden." And with that, Naraka vanished in a single flicker of radiance.
Maria chuckled, looking down at her brother. "Mother's time is precious. Shall we take the boat out instead? Just the two of us on the sea?"
"A boat?" Nujah blinked. "Why not a ship?"
"That would ruin the fun," Maria said with a grin. "The whole point is to move with our own hands."
"But in this body, I'm not much help," Nujah protested.
"You can speak, and your mind is intact. That's more than enough. I can teach you illusions on the open sea—no harm will come to you there."
Nujah smiled faintly. "You're overestimating me, but thank you. What I am wondering is… will there be giant sharks?"
Maria laughed. "Not where we're going. That place is clean. Trust me."
She snapped her fingers. The world shifted in an instant. They were no longer by the lake, but on a small island surrounded by an endless, silent ocean. The horizon was swallowed in mist.
Nujah shivered. "This silence… it's terrifying."
"Wait," Maria said, snapping her fingers again.
The sea came alive: fish darted in schools, dolphins leapt in arcs, and whales sang from the depths. Strange, gentle creatures Nujah could not name gathered around, filling the water with motion and light.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Maria whispered.
Nujah's eyes widened. "How did you do this? Where are we?"
"You're inside my illusion, little brother," Maria explained with quiet pride. "Among all our siblings, I am the best at shaping worlds. I can make this place into anything I choose."
Nujah laughed, a rare sound in his young voice. "This is… amazing!"
"Then let's take the boat out," Maria said, conjuring a small vessel upon the glowing waters. "I'll teach you your first steps in illusion—child's play, before you learn the greater arts."
Maria lifted Nujah into her arms and placed him gently on the boat before sitting beside him. At once, dozens of workers formed from golden light appeared—her illusionary shades, steering the vessel. One of them noticed Nujah, hurried over, and even gave him a coat and food while holding him close.
"Boss Maria, why is this baby here?" the shade asked.
Maria took Nujah back from his arms. "He's my little brother. Just mind your work."
As Nujah ate the crater-shaped food the shade had given, he asked curiously:
"Maria, who are they?"
"They're just shadows within my illusion," Maria explained with a smile. "Not real."
"What? Not real? How! And this tasty crater I'm eating—"
"Look carefully," Maria interrupted.
When Nujah looked at his hands again, there was nothing there. His eyes widened in shock.
Maria chuckled. "They are simply figures I create with my mind, shaped through my sha—my soul energy. That's why they seem so real and speak like living people."
Nujah grinned. "Have I ever told you you're my favorite sister, Maria?"
"Thank you for the sweet words, little brother," Maria replied warmly. "But don't decide too quickly. Each of your siblings shines in their own way. Meet them all first. They're all wonderful—just like me. Anyway, let's stop chatting. Shall we start practicing?"
"Are you sure, in this baby body?" Nujah asked hesitantly.
"For magic, you don't need a strong body," Maria said. "What matters is your inner spirit and the focus of your mind. You can already speak, and your body doesn't tire or need rest. That's enough for the basics."
Though doubtful, Nujah realized early training would help him grow stronger and agreed. "Alright… what should I do?"
Maria set him down in front of her. "Watch me. I'll show you a first-level illusion spell."
She closed her eyes, pressing her hands together in a meditative pose. "To gain full control, I calm my mind. I think of the things that bring me joy… then focus on the light. For example—see this carpet, woven of pure light, slowly lifting from beneath my feet."
Nujah stared in awe as it unfolded exactly as she described. Maria opened her eyes and smiled. "When you're more advanced, you'll be able to create these freely." She floated gracefully on the carpet, then descended.
"Now it's your turn, Nujah."
Nujah copied her movements perfectly—almost too perfectly. His illusionary carpet was flawless, save for faint black fragments hidden within the light. Maria noticed but said nothing.
As he rose higher into the air, Nujah laughed with excitement:
"I did it! I'M FLYING, SISTER MARIA! HAHAHA!"
"Calm yourself, Nujah! Don't lose control!" Maria warned.
But the carpet shook violently, swayed side to side, and then exploded midair. Nujah plummeted toward the ocean—until Maria snapped her fingers. The waters and shore transformed into a cushion of wool-like softness.
She rushed to his side, worried. "Are you hurt?"
But Nujah stood tall, completely unharmed, a grin on his face.
"Sister Maria, are you alright? I'm sorry—I lost control. But it was so much fun! Thank you. I hope we can do more together."
Maria's eyes welled up with tears. She picked him up, holding him tightly.
Nujah panicked. "Please don't cry, sister! I promise I'll do better next time. Don't cry!"
Maria shook her head with a trembling smile. "I'm not crying out of sadness, little cat… but out of happiness."
Moments later, she steadied herself. Then a telepathic message struck her mind:
"Understood. Bring him."
"Who is it?" Nujah asked.
Maria answered softly: "Our mother wants me to take you back to the palace. One of the Firstborn Spirits has come to meet you."