Sunlight filtered softly through the sheer curtains of the tall, arched windows. The castle had an unnatural stillness, like a secret waiting to be discovered.
Yumi stretched and blinked the sleep from her eyes. The luxurious bed beneath her felt too soft, too peaceful for a place so unknown. She sat up and glanced around the elegant guest room—carved stone walls, polished wooden floors, and a faint scent of roses lingering in the air.
A gentle knock came at the door.
"Yumi," Ryker's voice called through. Calm. Unhurried.
She opened the door to find him already dressed in a crisp black shirt and cloak given by the castle attendants. His hair was slightly messy, and his expression unreadable.
"You're late," he said.
"For what?" she asked, confused.
Ryker smirked faintly. "The princess said she's taking us on a tour of the kingdom."
"Oh…"
Yumi grabbed her cloak and followed him down the grand hallway. It was quiet, yet a quiet that felt watched.
As they reached the castle courtyard, Lunara stood waiting with two guards behind her. She smiled when she saw them.
"Good morning," she said warmly. "Are you ready to see what lies beyond these walls?"
Yumi nodded politely. Ryker simply watched the horizon.
Lunara's smile faded slightly. "But be warned… today, you may learn why this kingdom was hidden from your world."
Yumi's heart skipped.
Ryker's eyes narrowed.
And far off, deep in the mist beyond the castle gates… something stirred.
The castle gates creaked open slowly, revealing the kingdom beyond.
From the outside, it looked like a realm pulled from forgotten myths—stone bridges over glowing rivers, floating lanterns that never dimmed, and houses carved into trees taller than towers. Villagers bowed politely as Lunara passed, murmuring her name with reverence.
Yumi walked beside the princess, eyes wide with awe. "This place… it's beautiful."
Ryker, however, remained silent. His gaze moved constantly—calculating, watchful. Something about this place felt too perfect. Too controlled.
"Why does no one seem surprised to see outsiders?" he finally asked.
Lunara hesitated, then stopped before a tall monument carved with strange symbols. "Because this kingdom once had many visitors… long ago. From other worlds."
Ryker's expression darkened. "You mean… teleportation isn't rare here?"
"It was common," Lunara said quietly. "Until the portals were sealed by the Elders."
Yumi frowned. "Why?"
Before Lunara could answer, a loud crack echoed in the air.
A villager screamed.
Smoke rose from the market square.
A shadowy figure, wrapped in dark mist, stood in the distance—watching them. He raised his hand slowly… and the ground trembled.
Lunara's eyes widened in horror. "No… not again."
Ryker stepped forward, pulling a dagger from his belt. "Stay behind me."
Yumi's hands shook as she summoned her courage. "Who is that…?"
Lunara whispered, voice trembling, "He's from the other side. The one who was sealed away… He's not supposed to be free."
Ryker's grip tightened.
"So," he muttered, "this is the true face of your kingdom."
The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the castle, casting golden patterns across the marble floor. Yumi stretched her arms and turned toward Ryker, who stood by the door already dressed, hands in his pockets.
"Ryker, let's go outside," Yumi said, brushing her hair behind her ear.
Before he could reply, Lunara popped her head in, a mischievous smile on her lips. "Ooh? Are you two going out on a date?"
Yumi blinked. "What? N-No, we're just—"
"Yes," Ryker cut in casually, offering a smile so calm it made Yumi flinch.
Lunara's smile dropped just slightly. "I see… have fun then." Her voice was polite, but her eyes held something unreadable.
Outside the castle, the wind was fresh and cool as they walked through the quiet forest trail.
Ryker suddenly let out a long, dramatic "Yaaak…"
Yumi raised a brow. "You didn't sleep?"
"Yaa…" Ryker replied, yawning. "Too many thoughts."
Yumi gave him a side glance. "Well, maybe stop pretending to be my husband. That might help."
Ryker just smirked faintly, eyes half-lidded from sleep—or maybe from something else entirely.
But why did you tell Lunara we were going on a date?" Yumi asked as they stepped beyond the garden walls.
Ryker's expression was unreadable. "Because if I told her the truth, she wouldn't have let us leave."
Yumi frowned. "Truth?"
"I explored a bit last night," he admitted quietly. "The kingdom isn't as perfect as it looks. There's a side they keep hidden."
They followed an overgrown path, winding away from the elegant part of the castle. Eventually, the polished marble gave way to cracked stone and rusted gates. The air grew heavier.
"This side… it's called the Couple's District," Ryker muttered.
They walked further—until they heard strange sounds and saw shadows moving in a dimly lit hall.
Then… they looked inside.
Yumi gasped and turned away instantly, covering her mouth. Ryker's face darkened with disgust.
Inside, dozens of people—men and women—moved in unnatural ways. It was chaotic, disturbing. And among them were boys and girls no older than Ryker and Yumi, faces blank, eyes hollow.
It wasn't just a hidden place.
It was a secret no kingdom should carry.
Ryker grabbed Yumi's hand. "Let's go."
They ran.
Back through the forest. Back into the light.
Back to the castle—hearts pounding, minds spinning, and one question echoing between them:
What is this kingdom really hiding?
Back at the castle, the golden halls felt colder than before.
Ryker stormed through the corridor, his expression unreadable. Yumi followed behind him, silent but shaken. Her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped the edge of her sleeve.
They found Lunara in the garden, humming softly as she watered the flowers.
"Princess," Ryker called, voice sharp.
Lunara turned, surprised. "Oh? You're back early. How was your—"
"What's happening in this kingdom?" he interrupted.
Lunara blinked, her smile faltering. "What do you mean?"
"The underground district. The locked gate behind the western wall," Ryker said. "You know what I'm talking about."
Yumi stepped beside him, eyes wide and filled with fear. "Why were there… children? Why are people being kept like that?"
Lunara's face paled.
"I… I didn't know you'd go there," she said slowly. "That place is forbidden for a reason."
"You didn't answer the question," Ryker said, his tone colder than ever. "You said you were a princess. If that's true, then what are you hiding?"
Lunara looked away, her hands tightening around the silver watering can.
"There are things even I'm not allowed to speak of," she whispered. "But if you saw that… then you're already too close to the truth."
Ryker took a step forward. "Then start talking. Because if this is the kind of kingdom you serve… we're not staying here another night."
Lunara stood alone on the balcony of the castle's highest tower, the wind brushing through her mixed green-and-blue hair. The moonlight painted silver lines across her calm face, but her eyes held a storm.
Ryker stepped forward silently. "You summoned me?"
She nodded, not turning. "Three months ago… I walked through this kingdom. Hood over my head. Face hidden. No guards. No title."
Her voice trembled just slightly. "I wanted to feel what the people feel. But instead… I found secrets—dark ones."
Ryker narrowed his eyes. "What kind of secrets?"
Lunara finally turned to him. "The kind that twist behind smiling faces. The kind that don't belong in a kingdom meant to stand for justice."
She stepped closer, her gaze locked with his.
"I didn't call you here just because you're strong," she whispered. "I called you… because I need someone unafraid of the truth. Someone who can help me change everything."
Silence filled the air.
Ryker stared at her, unreadable. Then asked calmly, "And what do you want me to do?"
Her answer was simple.
"Help me destroy the lies this kingdom is built on."