Orion and Lyra had left Aurelion behind, venturing into the vast landscapes of Aeternum.
Each step they took was more than a simple journey—it was the quiet, profound weaving of a bond that had begun in the impulsive heat of a tavern and now bloomed like a secret garden, nurtured by trust, admiration, and growing intimacy.
One of the first trails they walked together was called the Path of Stars.
Nestled between mountains and fields of luminescent flowers, the trail transformed at nightfall. The petals glowed like living constellations, harmonizing with the sky above.
That night, under the shimmering silence, Lyra let herself get lost in the infinite.
Orion stood beside her, his eyes reflecting the same cosmos.
"I always thought stars were just distant lights," she said, her voice carried by the melody of the gentle breeze. "But now I see... they're like us. Shining, even when no one's watching."
Orion squeezed her hand lightly, smiling. "And we've only just begun to shine."
Days later, they arrived in the city of Arkanis, famed for its spectacular magic competitions. The atmosphere was electric, thrumming with arcane energy and anticipation.
Lyra hesitated before the grand stage and the roaring crowd.
But Orion, sensing her trepidation, stepped close, cupping her face tenderly. "You're stronger than you think. And I'll be right here, even if it all feels too big."
Bolstered by his words, Lyra stepped onto the stage.
She fought with skill—and, above all, courage.
She emerged victorious, claiming second place, losing only to a renowned young master.
When she descended from the stage, her eyes shone brighter than any spell cast that day.
"I did it!" she exclaimed, almost disbelieving.
Orion pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I never doubted you."
Nights passed in quiet comfort, draped in starlight and unspoken promises.
On silent balconies or beside whispering campfires, the two shared fragments of their souls.
One such night, Orion broke the silence.
"Have you ever thought about living forever?"
"It's not about how long you live... but how you live," she replied, serenity in her gaze.
In the Whispering Forest, where trees murmured ancient memories, they found a portal veiled in thick vines.
Crossing it, they entered a realm where time seemed suspended, and colors, emotions, and fragrances took on an ethereal intensity.
Under that enchanted spell, they danced among flowers as tall as trees, wrapped in sweet scents and newly made memories.
Lyra paused, her eyes locked with Orion's. "It's like we're floating..."
"Because we are," he replied before kissing her softly.
There, in that plane where the world felt absent, the love between them manifested in its purest form.
In an ancient cavern, while searching for a magical artifact, they faced a formidable guardian—a colossal serpent with shimmering scales.
Its voice echoed like a threat.
"Why do you disturb my domain?"
Orion stepped forward, serene.
"We come not as invaders. We seek only to learn, to discover... together."
The serpent tested them in a fierce battle.
Lyra fought bravely, unaware that Orion had been holding back all along.
He refused to shatter the journey's magic. This wasn't just about power—it was about memories. And he wouldn't let the weight of his strength overshadow the lightness he now felt beside Lyra.
When the serpent finally yielded, exhausted and respectful, the path ahead opened.
By a mirrored lake on a serene night, Lyra leaned against him.
"You've changed my life, Orion. With you, I feel like I can face anything."
"And you've given me purpose, Lyra. I'm excited to see where this road takes us."
In Elysium, an eternal city where crystal towers floated like islands of light and hanging gardens swayed with the wind, the two walked side by side, exploring every wonder.
At a stall of enchanted jewelry, Lyra was like a child before the impossible. Her eyes sparkled at a necklace that held the reflection of constellations.
"This is the Necklace of Hope," the vendor said. "On the darkest nights, it will show you the brightest stars."
"It's beautiful," Orion admitted, then added, "But I have something more precious to offer you. A promise: to never leave you alone."
Lyra looked at him with silent tenderness.
"Even surrounded by magical jewels, what I want most... is this. You."
Near the end of their visit, they found a delicate ring whose gem pulsed in hues that shifted with emotion.
"This is the Ring of Destinies," the vendor explained. "It responds to the bonds of love between souls."
Orion stepped closer, sensing the object held something deeper.
"If you'd like... we can take it. It can represent what we're building."
"You wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not. Because it's not just a ring. It's a living memory of who we are—and who we'll become."
She smiled and slipped it onto her finger. A gentle warmth passed through them both—as if the universe, for a moment, had held its breath and whispered: "Yes."
Then, they arrived at the Elysium Auction House.
A monumental structure of gold and shadows. The towering gates guarded more than riches—they guarded stories.
Lyra gazed in wonder. "It's like stepping into a fairy tale!"
Approaching the entrance, Orion felt the magical energy radiating from within. With a subtle motion, a diamond-encrusted SSSVIP card materialized in his palm, pulsing with an aura of exclusivity and wealth.
"Ready?" he asked Lyra, who bounced eagerly beside him.
"Always!" she replied, gripping his hand.
Orion pushed open the doors, which swung inward with a soft creak, revealing the dazzling interior.
The space was even more luxurious than expected—crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, and elegantly arranged tables displayed rare, precious items.
At the center of the room, a young master in fine robes stood surrounded by admirers, looking down his nose at the offerings with unmistakable arrogance.
He was a textbook webnovel antagonist—sharp features, a smug smile, and an air of indifference toward anyone beneath him.
Orion felt a spark of amusement.
As he and Lyra approached, the young master noticed them, his eyes narrowing in disdain.
"And who's this? Some wandering nobody thinking he belongs here?" he sneered, voice dripping with contempt.
Orion remained unshaken. With a slight motion, he raised the SSSVIP card, casting a glow that momentarily silenced the room. Even the opulent lights seemed dim in comparison.
"Would you care to reconsider your words, Young Master?" Orion asked, his tone calm but laced with authority—and quiet delight.
The young master faltered, his disdain flickering into shock.
"That... that can't be real. There's no way you have an SSSVIP pass!"
"It seems you've underestimated what true power looks like in this auction," Orion replied, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
Lyra watched, enthralled by his effortless confidence. Her heart raced as he turned to her, eyes alight.
"Come, Lyra," he said. "Let's see what else this night has in store."
They strode past the stunned crowd, the young master and his followers left speechless in their wake.
Murmurs and awed glances followed them as they moved gracefully through the guests, who instinctively made way.
The auction hall was adorned with the same grandeur—priceless artifacts, treasures, and relics on display.
Orion and Lyra took their seats in a reserved VIP section, with a perfect view of the central stage where the bidding would begin.
"Look at all this, Orion! It's like a dream!" Lyra whispered, giddy.
"Just the beginning" he replied, his gaze steady as the lights dimmed and the first lot was presented.