Flame Dance was a popular tradition among farmers not only in the Moonrise Kingdom but across the entire Human Domain.

It was one of the most famous and time-honored celebrations, something Aegon had read about many times but this would be his first time witnessing it live.

By the time they reached the bonfire site, all preparations were already completed. In just a few minutes, the flames would be lit, and the rituals would begin.

Almost a hundred people had already gathered around the large pile of wood stacked in the center. The air was filled with laughter, chatter, and the strong scent of alcohol.

A few stalls nearby sold different brews, and while some townsfolk had brought their own bottles, there wasn't a single adult without a drink in hand.

Everyone, except for the children, carried a cup of alcohol, slowly circling the unlit bonfire while humming old songs under their breath.

Aegon and Xavier exchanged a quick look before joining the crowd, their eyes landing on a woven bed where a group of elderly men sat enjoying themselves. Several wooden drums were placed beside them, ready for the celebration.

"Evening, Elders," Xavier greeted politely with a smile. "Mind if we join you?"

"Of course, of course!" one of the old men said with a warm grin, patting the space beside him. "The young folk don't like drinking with us old bones anyway. It's good to see someone with spirit."

"It's their loss," Xavier said as he sat down, still smiling.

Glasses filled with golden cider were arranged neatly on a wooden tray. Without hesitation, Xavier picked one up and took a sip, his expression brightening instantly. "Hmm, this is wonderful."

"Isn't it?" another elder said, slapping his thigh proudly. "This springfruit cider came from my grandfather's cellar. I've been saving it for years, waiting for a day like this. It's finally here."

Aegon, hearing that, grew curious. He reached for a glass, but before he could touch it, a pale hand gripped his wrist tightly.

"Xav, let it go," Aegon said, his eyes narrowing.

"Can't do that, buddy," Xavier replied, shaking his head firmly. "You're still a minor."

"I'm almost sixteen! Just one more year!" Aegon protested, trying to reach for another glass, but Xavier pushed it out of his reach again.

Then Xavier put a hand on his shoulder and said with mock seriousness, "Believe me, my dear brother, I don't care about you at all. In fact, I secretly hope you die early so I can inherit your money."

Aegon's lips twitched. He wanted to punch that smug grin off his face.

"But," Xavier continued, his tone still light, "your aunt is a dangerous person. She would kill me if she ever found out I let you drink alcohol. And that's not even an joke.."

"She doesn't have to know…" Aegon muttered under his breath, though even he didn't sound confident.

Xavier patted his shoulder again and said, "Listen to yourself. If you want to die so badly, go jump in the bonfire. But I like being alive, so no, you're not drinking."

"Haha! You two sure make an amusing pair!"

The laughter of the old men around them reminded Aegon of their surroundings. He lowered his head, rubbing his forehead in embarrassment, while Xavier shamelessly stood up and bowed.

"I hope you liked our performance," Xavier said proudly.

"It was great!" one of the old men laughed. "But is he really fifteen years old?"

"Yup," Xavier said with a perfectly straight face. "Someone stretched him when he was a kid, so now he's this tall."

That was the last straw. Aegon kicked Xavier hard, sending him rolling off the woven bed and landing face-first in the dirt.

Xavier got up, brushing off his clothes with a pout. "You could've just said something. Why do you always go straight for violence?"

"Runs in the bloodline," Aegon replied with a shrug.

Xavier had no comeback for that. He just turned toward the bonfire as the priest finally stepped forward. His eyes lit up in anticipation. "It's starting!"

Everyone's attention immediately shifted to the front.

The priest stood before the prepared bonfire. His attire was simple, a white cloth draped around his lower body while his upper torso remained bare, his skin tanned a lot. A crown made of woven grass rested atop his shaved head.

He bowed deeply before the bonfire, and the crowd mirrored his gesture in perfect unison.

Then, he began the ritual, sprinkling a small handful of grains and seeds at the base of the stacked wood, a symbolic offering of the farmers' harvest.

After that, he took a gourd of alcohol and circled the bonfire, sprinkling droplets around it while chanting softly in an old tongue.

Once the ritual was complete, he lit the torch and touched it to the wooden planks. The dry logs caught instantly, and within seconds, the entire bonfire roared to life, its crimson-yellow flames licking the sky.

"LUNAIE! LUNAIE!"

The chant echoed as the townsfolk shouted alongside the priest. Drums began to thunder, their deep rhythm pulsing through the air like a heartbeat.

The music was unlike anything Aegon was familiar with, rough, passionate, yet strangely invigorating.

Soon, the people began to dance. There was no order, no synchronized steps, the dance was meant to be an expression of one's true self. It was said that the flames responded to sincerity, not perfection.

'It's so awkward… and so fun,' Aegon thought, laughing to himself as he began to move without any rhythm. His arms swung wildly, his steps had no pattern, but he didn't care. The joy of the moment took over everything else.

"Enjoying yourself?" Xavier asked, spinning near him.

"What do you think?" Aegon grinned widely.

"Haha! I thought so! It's great!" Xavier laughed back, joining in the chaos.

As the drums grew louder and the rhythm intensified, people began splashing alcohol into the flames. The fire reacted wildly, blazing brighter, almost as if it were dancing with them.

It was a breathtaking sight, one that would remain etched in Aegon's memory even without his perfect recall.

'This celebration is probably because of the terrace farming,' Aegon guessed, feeling warmth spread in his chest.

Knowing that he was indirectly the reason for their joy filled him with pride and genuine happiness. To know that people's lives were improving because of him, that was something worth remembering.

Everyone was lost in the rhythm, the laughter, and the drinking. Nobody was paying attention to anything else.

But Aegon, out of habit, kept scanning his surroundings and Xavier did the same. It was this cautiousness that made them notice it at the same time.

A small gap in the town's wall.

At first, it didn't seem important, just a flaw in the structure. But then they saw a small figure crawling through it, the same boy they'd met earlier.

Aegon's eyes widened. Before he could even call out, the boy had already slipped out of sight.

'Outside the wall… it's too dark.'

'Darkness.'

That single thought sent a chill down his spine.

Without a moment's hesitation, Aegon bolted toward the wall, his mind blanking out everything else, the fire, the music, the people.

The Flame Dance continued behind him, but Aegon was already running toward the darkness.

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