Primordial Heir: Nine Stars-Chapter 361: Final Celebration Banquet

The walk back to Oakhaven was slow and peaceful. Despite their fatigue, the villagers' steps felt lighter than before. They were heading home, and it felt like the nightmare was finally coming to an end.

When the small procession reached the edge of the village, everyone's reaction was instant and full of emotion.

Torches lit up the night. Doors swung open eagerly. Voices rang out, filled with disbelief and happiness. The village square, which had been clouded with fear and sorrow for so long, suddenly burst with energy. Mothers rushed into the arms of their returned daughters. Husbands knelt down to hold their wives tightly. Children, whose hopes had been dashed with the thought that their parents might never come back, were lifted into loving, tear-streaked embraces.

Not every family was whole again. Some stood apart, their loved ones still missing. Their quiet sobs drifted away with the mountain breeze. Even amid their sadness, there was a strange sense of relief—a relief that the wait was over and they could finally grieve openly.

The three of them watched from the edge of the square, taking in the beautiful chaos of a community healing itself. No one approached them right away, with questions or words of thanks. The reunions had to happen first, and that was exactly how they preferred it.

After a moment, Nero gently touched Khione's elbow. She looked at him and nodded. Elreth, leaning on her spear but standing proud, gave a slight tilt of her head. Go ahead. I'll take care of things here.

They quietly slipped into the shadows, blending into the night's busy scene. The villagers would spend the night in tears and laughter. The cadets still had one more thing to do before they could finally rest.

°°°

The mayor's grand mansion in Oxglen shone brightly with lights when they arrived, spreading a warm glow that made everything feel even more alive. News had traveled quickly—faster than they could keep up. As soon as they stepped through the doors, they found themselves surrounded by a grateful crowd of officials, excited attendants, and proud city leaders, all eager to show their thanks.

"Heroes!" Mayor Alistair cheered, his face glowing with a wide, joyful smile. "You've done it! The disappearances are over! The village is safe again! Oxglen is forever grateful!"

A joyful celebration was immediately declared. The grand hall, still filled with the remnants of a wonderful welcome dinner, was turned into a lively festival of gratitude. Long tables were piled high with delicious roasted meats, fresh fruits that shimmered, warm breads, and sweet pastries. Wine and cider flowed abundantly, filling everyone with warmth. Musicians, awakened from their rest, took their places and played cheerful, lively tunes.

At the heart of this joyful scene stood the trio, the center of everyone's attention.

Nero gracefully handled the first wave of thanks, politely shaking hands, accepting praise, and courteously sidestepping some of the more detailed questions about how they had managed to defeat the threat. Khione stood beside him, her calm presence and elegant beauty adding a touch of dignity that kept overly familiar approaches at bay. Despite her injuries, Elreth offered a gracious smile and polite words, quietly excusing herself to find a healer for her arm.

As the night progressed and the wine flowed freely, the atmosphere grew more intense. Merchants moved around patiently, waiting for the perfect moment to suggest trade agreements, saying, "Should your esteemed clans ever require Oxglen's fine goods." Emboldened by alcohol, young nobles tried to start conversations with Khione, but their confidence waned under her icy stare. Even the musicians seemed to play even louder, as if trying to share their own moment of glory.

Nero caught Khione's eye — a quiet question, a quiet response.

And together, they quietly slipped away.

°°°

The mansion's gardens were a world apart from the glittering chaos inside. Moonlight spilled over carefully manicured hedges and beds of night-blooming flowers, their fragrance sweet and subtle. A small fountain burbled softly in the center of a stone courtyard, its water catching the silver light.

Nero led Khione to a secluded bench tucked beneath an old, sprawling oak. The tree's branches draped around them like a curtain, creating a private alcove away from prying eyes.

They sat. For a long moment, neither spoke. The music from the mansion was a distant, muffled melody, barely more than a whisper. The fountain's gentle song filled the silence.

Khione leaned against him, her head finding its natural place on his shoulder. Her white hair spilled over his chest, cool and soft. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close, feeling the subtle tremor of exhaustion still running through her body.

They didn't talk about the fight. They didn't discuss the ambush, the Ouroboros agents, or the strange, terrifying visions that haunted Nero's mind. All of that belonged to another world, another time. Tomorrow, they would report to the academy. Tomorrow, they would face the consequences and the questions.

Tonight, there was only this.

The moon climbed higher, casting dappled shadows through the oak leaves. A night bird sang somewhere in the darkness, a simple, beautiful melody. The fountain murmured its endless, soothing tune.

Nero's hand found Khione's. Their fingers intertwined, a perfect fit. He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. She turned her head, her ice-blue eyes meeting his in the moonlight. For once, there was no coldness in them. Only warmth. Only peace.

They stayed like that for a long, timeless moment. Then, slowly, he stood and offered her his hand. She took it, rising gracefully.

They danced.

There was no music, not really. Just the distant echo of the banquet and the whisper of the night wind. But they didn't need a band. They moved together in perfect, silent harmony, a slow, gentle sway beneath the oak tree. His hand rested on her waist. Her hand lay on his shoulder. Their other hands remained clasped, a bridge between them.

They didn't speak. Words would have been an intrusion. They moved, two souls finding rhythm in the quiet. The moonlight painted them silver and shadow. The flowers released their perfume into the cool air. The fountain sang its lullaby.

For a little while, they were neither cadets, heirs, nor warriors. They were not hunted or hunting. They were not the Primordial Heir or the Ice Queen. They were just two people, holding each other in the dark, finding peace in each other's arms.

Nero rested his forehead against hers. Khione closed her eyes, a small, genuine smile touching her lips. The dance slowed, then stopped. They stood, wrapped in each other, breathing together.

The night wrapped around them like a blanket, soft and warm. The stars wheeled overhead, ancient and indifferent. And for one perfect, stolen moment, the storm that gathered on every horizon was forgotten. There was only this. Only them.

Only peace.