Chapter One

‘Look, Leo.’

Layers of ink resonated through the sky. It was dotted with elegant specks of silver, though the night was still on its way to reveal its most beautiful secrets. The forest was dark and no light would rip through the breathtaking sight of the Milky Way. It was one of Leo’s favorite things in the world, second only to the gentle hands that held him tight each day and night.

‘You can see the first knights, full of bravery and strength.’

His eyes were like two small pools that reflected the sight above him. Filled with curiosity, they turned to the source of the voice, intent to discover what had always been probing his mind ever since hearing the story for the first time.

‘Why are they brave, mama?’

The woman softly chuckled and steadied her grasp on him, positioning him gently in her lap so that he could look into the eyes which were exactly like his own. He could see her clearly now, even though it was dark, for she shone in the night with a gentle silver light. Tresses of ink flew past her shoulders, over her breasts and ended by her waist. Her soft pink lips formed a beautiful smile.

‘Because they cast away their fears and pierce through the darkness each night. They show the way for the other, younger stars.’

He blinked his eyes in confusion, turning his head upwards to see them again in an attempt to understand what she meant.

‘But the darkness isn’t scary, mama. It’s our home, isn’t it?’

He felt a hand pass through his curly blond locks, but kept his gaze on the vast expanse of ink above him, looking for something that might be off. Something that might frighten him. But once his eyes rested on the full silver moon, he was sure there was nothing to fear.

‘Not all darkness is safe, Leo.’ The voice sounded slightly different, but the change was so subtle that he had to wonder if it was just his imagination. ‘Remember well. Although the moon and sun will always be with you, you mustn’t forget about the shadows cast on this earth that hold many dangers.’

His blond brows drew together to form yet another confused scowl, but his mother laughed gently at his expression and waved her hand gracefully to cast away his worries.

‘Now, now, you can’t discover all there is to the world in one day, child. Be patient.’

His chubby face puffed in exasperation. His mother could be so difficult at times, especially when she refused to indulge his curiosity. Whenever she answered his questions, she opened one door to reveal a chamber with hundreds more. There was never a moment when Leo wasn’t hungry for answers, but she succeeded in evading him constantly. When she did decide to reveal secrets to him, it was in such a mysterious manner that it left him even more lost than before. It was always the same. Be patient.

Yet, he could never bring himself to be angry with her. The comfort of her presence made his scowls gradually disappear. Her pale face was that of gentle beauty, made from rays of moonlight. He had inherited her inky eyes and many said that his peaceful and confident demeanor was a part of her soul that had passed onto him. Even as a young child, he was instinctively aware of his position and status, and did not behave brashly or disgracefully. He loved to make his mother smile or take breaths of pride, therefore he tried to mimic her graciousness and elegance in the best manner he could.

‘Ah!’

Silence had settled peacefully around them, while he was quietly contemplating and she was happily observing him. But a curve of silver suddenly slashed through the ink and left a slight rip in the blanket above them. His heart beat excitedly, for he had been waiting for a chance to ask yet again.

‘Mama, what is that?’ His voice was excited once more, pleading for answers.

‘A fallen star.’

‘Why do they fall, mama?’  

She took a moment to form her reply, which was somewhat unusual in Leo’s eyes. His mother was intelligent and witty, ready to respond in a moment’s notice. But while he was searching her face for signs, he could see a faraway look in her eyes, full of something he had never recognized before. But she soon recovered, smiling back at him.

‘Because they wish to stay with us. They leave the sky to be together with people they have seen on this earth and have grown to love. Maybe this fallen star is a small child who wants to be your friend?’

Leo had no need for friends. He had his mother, who always took care of him and never left his side. Her warmth was enough for him to be happy.

‘I don’t need friends.’ He lifted his chin in pride. ‘Friends will only get in my way.’

‘Oh? What makes you say that?’

‘I want to grow strong, mama. Friends will selfishly take from my time and will distract me.’

 His mother laughed merrily, covering her mouth with the tips of her fingers. It was a very soft sound, accompanied by the rhythmic rise of her shoulders. Silk moved against silk in fluid motions.

‘My, my, Leo, how independent you have become, and yet how young you still are!’

He only puffed his chest in pride and smiled in satisfaction. Once she had calmed down, she opened her eyes again to look into his face and sigh.

‘Strength is not acquired through loneliness, child. It is quite the contrary. You will grow strong through your interaction with others. And soon, many will rely on your strength. Do not abandon them, Leo.’

His face gained a confused expression once more, but it was closer to bafflement than anything else. He had never interacted with outsiders actively before, and to perceive others to be in need of his support was something that had never dawned on him until now. It seemed surreal. A flash of that faraway look came back into his mother’s eyes, and she tucked him underneath her chin with one gentle movement.

‘For all we know, this fallen child just might need your help the most.’ Her voice whispered into his ear, and Leo was surprised to find himself reaching out towards the sky, as if to grab the silver trail between his little fingers and pull whoever was on the other side to him.