The cool night breeze curled gently around Celestia as she stood upon the grand balcony of the Valentine mansion, her golden hair cascading and fluttering like silk threads caught in a playful wind, each strand shimmering faintly beneath the pale crescent moon that hung above like a watchful eye in the dark vastness. Astra rested in her arms—warm, tiny, and infinitely curious—her bright red eyes reflecting the moonlight as she gazed skyward with the wonder only a young child, or rather, a young dragon, could possess.

The day's events lingered vividly in Celestia's mind—laughter echoing around the dining hall, the unexpected topic of names, and the way everyone's eyes softened the moment she was finally christened. She hadn't expected so many things to happen tonight, hadn't expected herself to stay… to enjoy a moment that felt absurdly domestic for someone like her.

Still… it was a good day, she admitted silently, a breath escaping her lips along with the thought, though warmth flickered only briefly before reality's weight pushed in. Yet she must not allow herself to drift so freely on whims any longer. There were too many shifting situations, too many threats closing in from directions she could not yet see, and here she was—floating aimlessly in a moment of peace as if she could afford such luxuries.

She tilted her head down, letting her gaze rest on Astra as her tiny claws lightly gripped the fabric of Celestia's dress. Her hand lifted, fingers gently weaving through the soft tufts of the baby dragon's golden hair—so similar to hers it felt almost like fate's attempt at a cruel tease.

"Astra," Celestia murmured, her voice soft yet steady.

Astra's head shot up immediately, eyes widening into sparkling rubies as joy bloomed across her tiny face.

"Mama!" she squeaked happily, and before Celestia could brace herself, she burrowed closer against her, her tail curling securely around Celestia's arm as though she feared even the breeze might steal her away.

A helpless curve tugged at Celestia's lips, and despite herself, warmth melted into her expression.

"Well," she whispered, lowering her chin to lightly tap against Astra's forehead, "at least your papa has a rather exceptional naming sense."

A little giggle bubbled out of Astra, fragile and bright, and she wriggled as though she wished to dance in delight right there in Celestia's arms. But the amusement faded on Celestia's end almost as soon as it arrived, replaced by a quiet exasperation that pinched between her brows.

"Your papa," she continued, her voice flattening into a deadpan tone that spoke of long-suffering frustration, "seriously needs to stop running headfirst into danger. Always injured, always collapsing, Mama had to come here just to make sure he is okay."

Astra straightened in Celestia's hold, puffing her cheeks and nodding fiercely—as if she too were ready to lecture him for his recklessness.

"Papa… hurt!!" she declared with a righteous little shout.

"Yes, exactly!" Celestia exclaimed with exhausted agreement, flicking a strand of hair behind her shoulder as though it were his fault too. "Honestly, we should tie him down somewhere—somewhere far from trouble—completely immobile, unable to move an inch unless we allow it."

They stared at each other for a long, solemn moment, sharing the exact same defeated expression.

Then, simultaneously, they both released a weary sigh, their shoulders sinking with mutual resignation.

"That rascal would still escape somehow…" Celestia muttered darkly.

"Papa escape!!" Astra echoed with a pout, stamping her tiny foot in the air before clinging to Celestia again.

A reluctant smile crept back onto Celestia's face, and she angled her chin upward, allowing her gaze to drift once more toward the moon's silver cradle in the sky. "Well… that's who he is. And knowing him, he will keep walking a path full of thorns no matter how many times he bleeds, because he believes that's what he must do. I just… hope he doesn't destroy himself in the process."

The moon offered no answers, only its quiet, gentle glow.

Finally, shifting Astra's weight slightly, Celestia turned and walked through the dimly lit corridor—their shadows swaying together upon polished floors that reflected the lanterns' soft gold. She said to Astra, "Let's take you to your papa!"

She knocked lightly once the door came into view—barely a sound, but enough to stir the air inside.

The hinges gave with a smooth whisper as she entered.

There he was.

Luca sat near the window, moonlight pouring over him like a delicate veil—illuminating his thoughtful eyes, his slightly furrowed brows, the faint downturn of his lips that said he carried the weight of worlds in his silent heart. His posture was relaxed in appearance yet tightened with unspoken resolve; fingers loosely interlocked, shoulders lifted with barely noticeable tension, his gaze locked onto the night sky as though searching for answers only the stars could give.

He hadn't even noticed her step in.

So, Celestia spoke—her voice gentle but unavoidably laced with concern she didn't bother hiding.

"What are you thinking about?"

Astra perked up in her arms, tail swishing excitedly, as if eager to run into his embrace the moment he acknowledged her.

Luca blinked in surprise when he heard her voice, his thoughts snapping back to the present. His head turned—and the quiet tension in his expression melted almost instantly when his eyes landed on Astra.

"Astra?" he breathed.

The little dragon didn't wait a heartbeat. She wriggled free from Celestia's arms and leapt straight onto him with a happy cry, her tail spinning like an excited ribbon. Luca caught her without a flinch, a tired yet fond smile rising to his face as he stroked her soft head.

"So you still remember your papa, huh?" he murmured, his voice carrying a warmth that rarely surfaced in front of anyone else.

Astra curled into him, already drifting into sleep again as if his presence alone was the safest place in the world.

Celestia took the seat beside him, lowering herself with composed, graceful movements. Her posture remained straight, yet her gaze—when it fell on Luca—softened in a way she never acknowledged aloud.

"So," she prompted quietly.

Luca let out a long breath, shoulders sagging under the weight he always carried. "I was just thinking about how to learn the next step of Moon Slayer. I… need to get stronger."

Celestia's fingertips brushed a loose lock of hair back over her shoulder as she studied him. "I could have helped you," she said slowly. "But the path you forged… is no longer the one I walk. You shaped Moonslayer around your own elements and instincts. Advice from me could lead you astray rather than forward."

Luca nodded, accepting that truth. His lips tightened with resolve.

"But," Celestia continued, eyes drifting out toward the night beyond the window, "from what I've learned… perfection—true mastery of any movement, technique, or evolution of power—only comes in moments where your life hangs between survival and death."

Those words struck deep. Luca absorbed them in complete silence—then his eyes hardened with decision.

"Then I need to leave again," he said quietly. "As soon as possible."

A faint shift crossed Celestia's expression. Indifference on the surface… but something far more turbulent beneath. A thought flickered through her mind, one she would have buried if she had realized it was escaping her lips:

So much for tying you down….I am the one pushing you toward danger… but this is your path. I won't deny you that.

"I will always support you," she said softly—out loud.

Luca looked at her , surprise flickering in his eyes.

Her eyes widened a fraction as she realized the slip. She looked away as though the moonlight itself had caught her vulnerability and exposed it.

The room fell awkwardly quiet.

Between them, Astra slept peacefully—one tiny hand wrapped tightly around Luca's fingers, the other curled around Celestia's. A fragile bond—warm and undeniable—linked the three of them.

Luca smiled faintly. "Thank you for spending time with her. I… haven't seen her this happy in a long while."

Celestia's gaze lingered on Astra's small, sleeping face, and her voice softened with a rare, genuine gentleness. "I am happy… spending time with her as well."

Luca looked at her again, curiosity flickering. "So… what's going on with Big Bull?"

"That…" Celestia's lips curved with a teasing secret. "I'll leave as a surprise for you."

Another silence—this one less tense, yet filled with unsaid things.

"I should return," Celestia said at last, standing with a composed expression. "I have matters in the palace to handle."

Luca nodded and shifted carefully, trying not to disturb Astra. They both moved—only to be yanked right back down as Astra, even in her sleep, refused to release either hand. Their balance tipped—and they ended up falling gently onto the bed.

One on each side of Astra.

Their faces only inches apart in the dim glow.

Both froze.

Astra's tiny grip remained unbreakable. Her little tail curled around them like a lock they dared not disturb.

Luca inhaled, then let a helpless smile show. "Maybe… you can stay a bit longer."

Celestia averted her gaze—but the faintest softening touched her features.

"Just this once," she murmured, her tone calm and detached… yet her heart anything but.

Moonlight wrapped around the three of them—quiet, warm, and tender—as the night continued outside, unaware of the fragile moment being born within these walls.

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