The rock was indeed alive. While San was gone to write his letter, Yeosang explained it to Morana.

This rock was animated by a magical spell, by none other than Uncle Hongjoong himself. This made him a golem, a being capable of thought and speech. It could shift its shape and walk around, but it was still young, hence it was so small.

"She's about the same age as your brother and the oldest child that came from our family. In a way, she is your big sister."

Morana looked at her big sister with big eyes. She sure was small for someone her age.

Yeosang told her some anecdotes of the past. Of Pebble stirring up confusion in the palace by disappearing constantly and about Yeosang and Jongho, her golem uncle she never met since she could think, carrying Pebble around in a basket. She was friendly and while she didn't speak, Morana felt no malice from her. She was most fascinating in her toddling into directions as if she had a mission to fulfil, only to end up in the middle of the room, staring at the ceiling.

Definitely a young thing. Morana asked to take care of her and Yeosang let her. So they wandered the halls, golem and girl, and stared at random things together while the golem learned.

San found her like that, crouched next to a fountain, while Pebble pondered a potted plant. His grin was blinding and Morana almost wanted to ask him if he had ever braided her hair, but she was too shy.

"Are you having fun?"

"It got boring after a few hours," Morana replied, not one to beat around the bush. San's chuckle praised her honesty.

"Do you want to join me? I can show you the view of the town. If we leave so soon, you won't get to see it."

Morana peered around. Her uncles were off to prepare for the trip, but surely, they would have stayed with her if San was dangerous?

No, he belonged to the family. Had the same rank as those two.

Since Morana learned courage, she nodded. She picked up Pebble so her sister wouldn't get lost and responsibly carried her along on the way to San's spot. He matched her pace and the honey of his eyes was almost too warm to bear. Torn in waves of shyness and her tenacity battling it back down, she kept glancing at the ground.

San brought her to some airy chambers, probably his own. The windows were wide open to allow in the breeze scented with spices and flowers from the many lush trees in this kingdom. Morana doubted there would ever be winter here. Every golden bush was ripe with fruit. They must nurture from the sun instead of the earth.

San held the curtains for her to step out onto the balcony. It was late enough that the sun had disappeared behind the palace yet still threw its gleaming light to dance across the white buildings of the seraphim. Grand structures with many open gates to fly through joined into neighbourhoods. People commuted through the air and travelled to the smaller nearby clouds. It was a kingdom most shimmering and shining. Perfect and bright.

Her brother would love it here.

Awed, Morana stood with Pebble in her arms, taking in the sight together. The wind here was so much warmer. Peaceful, as it caressed along the curves of her horns. Was the balmy air curious about her? Morana learned the seraphim were not fond of demons, not before or after the war. Was she fine since she had the ears of an elf?

San stood by her side with his arms angled behind his lower back. His shoulders were squared and his wings folded, painting a mesmerising picture of a warrior.

Once more, Morana found herself curious about his identity.

San listened to her voice from below. Golden hair played with the wind's games.

"You said you would be... loyal to me. What does that mean?" Morana asked, confused by this soldier who suddenly joined her side. Wasn't he a king? Wasn't he of high status in this land of spectacular winged creatures? Why would one so dazzling serve a girl like her, half-demon and growing up without proper education and manners?

San's voice was soft, like his feathers. Did Morana remember their feeling as well? Wooyoung's feathers were rougher, those of a predator.

Awed with these memories, as soon as she left the seclusion of their cave, Morana listened to him. Tried to battle down her constant scepticism.

"I was loyal to your father before you. Fought for him and fulfilled his wishes. I want to do the same for you," San whispered, as if in an oath. Morana had noticed he also wore a ring. Did all of her uncles wear rings?

She was intrigued by the new perspective. San also sounded wistful about her father, but he offered the same dedication anew. Because they had been close?

"Did you know him well?"

San's chuckle cast to the ground before them. Pebble squirmed in Morana's hands, so she placed her on the ground. She was worried to watch the golem walk directly to the railing to peer through its gaps. Yet somehow, Morana knew the fall wouldn't hurt or even scare her.

Morana liked her. She was quiet and nosy, so resolved on her path. She didn't pause to be skittish about her surroundings or fear the people near her.

Morana wanted to be like that, too.

"I did. At least I always hoped to. I never expected him to do what he did. At the same time, it was the most him thing he had ever done," San muttered. His eyes gazed into a far distance. The same way Yeosang gazed into the sea.

So he wasn't different after all. They were all the same. Joining her side because of the husband they lost. Seeing her only for the one she was born from. Loyal to him, not to her.

The same ugly doubt gnawed in her heart. The same fury. What was the big deal? Some myths and legends painted Seonghwa as the oh-so-grand and gorgeous ruler. Gracious and loving. But he was gone, so he hadn't been all that competent at what he was doing.

Everything in Morana's life was only ever about him. And she was sick of hearing it.

Did her brother go through the same? At least he had his father with him.

San noticed the shift in mood and peered down at her. With her lips pinched shut, Morana fumed at the ground.

Wooyoung gave so much, Yeosang became so lonely without Seonghwa. Even a warrior like San lost his sword arm. So many people suffered because of his temptation and ultimate failure. Did none of them despise him? Was he truly beloved by all?

How did that make sense? How could a single person have such a lure on people so different?

"Morana?" San asked, and the sorrow in his voice was easily wiped away. Caution alerted him to her reaction.

Morana huffed.

"Nothing," she mumbled. She knew how Wooyoung and Yeosang protested when she questioned their feelings and her father. When she raged about how he didn't deserve all that devotion when he ditched them. Since she only just met San, it wasn't wise to ignite his irritation.

But how could she bring him along with that gnawing doubt? How could she have him fight for her knowing in his heart, he still fought for her father? What if he got hurt because of her, too?

She needed to be better than Seonghwa, that pretentious elf.

"I imagine it's hard on you," San muttered and though he was right, he had no idea. Morana harrumphed and looked out over the town and its wonders. What would the demon kingdom look like? Were many like her? Did they like it dark?

"Seonghwa explained to us back then how you and your brother needed the bond to him to learn and feel at ease, especially since you are of mixed race. Elves are tightly woven in their society," he shared, and Morana listened to him, if just a little.

"Aodhán has his father with him. One should be more than enough," she argued, urging a chuckle from his lips. As if he knew something else. Prideful, Morana tilted her chin up high.

"Wooyoung couldn't tell me where mine was. Said he disappeared. Did you know him?"

"Of course, I did," San hummed, and the same smile was back on his lips. "He was a mighty demon, so tall and with big horns."

Morana lit up. Finally, something she could work with.

"Yes?! He was bigger than Seonghwa?!"

"So much bigger," San snickered, caressing through her hair and horns. For her size, they were big, and she was very proud of them. Perhaps she grew them like her father did? An impressive demon, he must have been.

"He was so gentle around us. Part fae, so without sight. But I can see his courage in you."

Part fae, even. So he was also mixed. How did he handle that? It couldn't be easy to rule a country without sight. He must have been so strong.

Satisfaction expanded Morana's chest. She was proud of her demon father and his kindness. His weakness didn't hold him back, as he had become the champion of his kingdom.

"I want to find him. That's why I set out," Morana shared. Her unwavering eyes watched the flight of the seraphim around their houses. The sun bathed the skies in shades of pink, dousing everything with a warm glow which was much more bearable than the daylight.

"What about Seonghwa?" San asked. Morana rolled her eyes, making him chuckle.

"You can find him if you want, but I don't care about him. I want to get to know my demon father." Towards him, Morana felt warm. Like family. If he was blind, he didn't abandon her on purpose. She just needed to show him the way. They could be family.

San seemed interested in how she refused one parent to prefer the other.

"You know, you never got along with Seonghwa. Your bond was the one of a daughter to her creator, yes, but you were always ruthless with him from the moment he first carried you."

Morana swung her hair back. Bitter satisfaction filled her. Good. Seonghwa deserved to know the world didn't revolve around him. If he was so important, maybe he shouldn't leave to make everyone suffer, even the beauty of nature and the stars.

"Maybe he deserved it. Why did you never have a child with him?" Morana peered up at him. Yeosang couldn't have children and Wooyoung was a big child himself. But San seemed grown enough to want a family. If Seonghwa had a child with his human partner and with a blind demon, why not his most loyal knight? Perhaps it was against the culture of the seraphim?

"It just never happened," San told her, and perhaps it was for the better. Morana could get along with her new sister and she liked her brother despite their differences. Angels were eerie to her. They probably wouldn't have got along.

Steps approached the balcony from behind, and San absolved Morana from his searching gaze. She crouched to pick up Pebble. The golem was just there, just happy existing. Maybe they could be friends. Genuine ones. Pebble didn't seem to have any attachment to Seonghwa, even when she was also born in the palace.

Funny how Morana came from that elf's womb and still felt more disconnected with him than the remainders of his harem.

A servant had approached them to relay a message.

"Your Majesty, Queen Lillwen from the Singing Swamps has arrived." He bowed deeply, awaiting further orders.

San nodded.

"We will be right with her."

Once the servant dashed away, San beckoned Morana to step back inside. With Pebble in her hands, she followed his elegant steps.

"A queen?"

Morana liked the sound of that.

Hlin wasn't a queen. She was a chieftain, a warrior. What would this queen be like? Was she also powerful? Pretty? As mighty as Hlin, who made the earth tremble when she and her gryphon came landing?

San smiled at the greedy shimmer of her eyes.

"You met her when you were small, so she will surely remember you. Let's meet her," he offered, beckoning her along with a graceful bow as he opened the door.

San was a bit peculiar, but he seemed happy to act like a servant. With a shrug, Morana accepted him in their party. She was much more interested in meeting a queen now.