A new era, that was the official theme. A princess come home, a more complete monarchy, a future for this realm...In actual fact it was more of an official welcoming, with a dash of coming of age underneath. Either way the underworld's endless night had come alive once more. There was palpable buzz among all levels, all circles of the place, the electric atmosphere charged further by the Dignitaries, witches, demons and high profile magical families that had trickled in slowly over the past few days. It seemed hosting a ball for the first time in over 300 years could attract anyone who was anyone. Anyone, including two especially gutsy ​mortals.

Canelle's eyes swept the ballroom, scanning it's seemingly endless expanse. Being the first of her house to ever set foot in the underworld, she was etching every last detail into her mind. It was fascinating. The room was lit not only by chandeliers seemingly suspended midair, but by fire demons! or perhaps they were imps? Whatever these little creatures were, they were each perched atop a staff, flickering there; like real torches only very much alive. She tore her eyes from the room to glance beside her, to Cherry. The doe's eyes were wide open, seemingly sparkling, as she took in the sea of magic, luxury and opulence surrounding her. It was exactly how she imagined a royal ball might be. The two did not move, or talk to anyone but themselves- They'd agreed that until they could locate Myste, they'd stay together.

Of course the demon king had other ideas, and had elected to silently sneak up and petrify them both. That was fine. And it felt incredibly odd, to have him thank them personally for their attendance. As if it was ever a possibility that they wouldn't show. Canelle couldn't help but notice the softness in his eyes as he gazed to where his daughter stood. There she was, tall and pink and familiar, despite wearing an uncharacteristically long dress. She wasn't standing straight, and her hair was suspiciously tame. One knowing look between Cherry and Canelle was all it took for them to bolt while Reino was saying something or another. He'd forgive them for it, cherry hoped.

Reino had no choice but to admire them. Of course they'd run off, dresses and etiquette be damned. Still, despite the happiness he felt, his mind was thick with worry. He'd seen the telltale swirling burn marks covering the hallway to Myste's rooms, and how she had effortlessly incinerated a bug recently. His heart had seized for a moment. She had a second form, as he did! Four beautiful bright pink eyes, at last some evidence of her heritage. As proud as it made him, Reino knew it was an excruciating thing. His mind wandered back to his own awakening for a moment...and though he got the feeling that perhaps he'd done the wrong thing arranging this event, he knew it was much too late for second guessing.

The familiar faces would do her good. And to be safe, he stayed at a distance- his eyes never leaving the spot where the three of them would converge. How nice it would be to finally those girls smile again.