Five years ago…
"Heli, are you sure it's okay to serve Supernova at such an important event?" Alyce says nervously as they both danced in the middle of the ballroom, her voice quieter compared to the overwhelming music and chatter surrounding them.
The grand hall shimmered with gold and crystal, nobles laughing beneath enormous chandeliers while servants continued pouring glowing glasses of the famous Celestial Rays liquor from tray after tray.
Supernova.
The prized drink of Alyce's kingdom.
Sweet.
Expensive.
And most importantly, dangerously intoxicating.
Helios could already see the effects taking hold around the ballroom.
Nobles leaning closer to one another, cheeks flushed, guards laughing louder than usual, even some of the older aristocrats looking pleasantly dazed beneath the glittering lights.
And at the center of it all—
He and Alyce.
Helios could feel everyone staring at them.
Watching them dance like they were some divine pairing blessed by Aurethys himself.
