Luna Scarlet

The moon hangs above Zamore's capital as hundreds of enchanted lanterns illuminate the grand theater deck of the airship Astral Phoenix. Nobles fill the balconies while military officers from across the kingdom watch the evening's performance from gilded seats. Music echoes through the warm night air as actors and performers take their places beneath the stars.

Princess Luna Scarlet sits beside Queen Iskandra Noctveil within the royal balcony. Though dressed in elegant royal attire, her attention drifts away from the stage and toward the distant horizon beyond the city walls.

Another ceremony. Another performance. Another night spent deciding nothing for herself.

Then the theatrical duel begins. Two armored knights clash dramatically across the stage below. The crowd cheers. Officers laugh. Nobles place wagers. The performance is clearly scripted, yet the combat looks surprisingly convincing.

Luna watches quietly. Perhaps a little too quietly. Moments later, as the audience becomes distracted by the spectacle, she rises from her seat.

Luna Scarlet: "Mother, if you'll excuse me, I need a moment to freshen up."

Queen Iskandra Noctveil barely glances away from the performance before nodding.

Luna departs the balcony and makes her way through the private corridors of the airship. Once inside her chamber, she closes the door and releases a long breath. The princess quickly removes her royal outer garments and replaces them with the plain hooded attire of a servant. Her silver hair disappears beneath a dark cloak.

Beside the bed rests a long staff. With practiced motion she twists the center lock. Click. The weapon separates into twin bladed halves. Not ceremonial. Not decorative. Real weapons. The kind she was never supposed to carry.

A sudden sound comes from the doorway. Luna spins immediately. Someone has entered her room.

Luna Scarlet: "You picked a terrible moment to be curious." Her stance lowers. Ready to fight. "Who are you?"