The garden's sweet fragrance mingled with the gentle sound of a nearby fountain, setting a serene backdrop to the castle's nocturnal tranquility. Kaja and Orchid sat across from each other at an ornate table, cups of steaming tea warming their hands. Cihan's soft snores filled the silence, her head resting on her arms as she slumbered.

Kaja's eyes settled on the sleeping elf before drifting back to Orchid. Her eyes, filled with a familiar sparkle, seemed to tug at memories he had tucked away. He cleared his throat, his voice gentle but tinged with uncertainty. "Shall we continue discussing the past, Orchid? Or perhaps it's best to leave it where it lies."

Orchid regarded him thoughtfully, her eyes drifting to Cihan and then back to him. She smiled softly, her voice calm and composed. "I think it's enough for tonight, Kaja. Tomorrow awaits, and duty calls."

Kaja nodded, respect and understanding in his eyes. He moved to rouse Cihan, but Orchid's hand on his arm stopped him. "Let her sleep for a while longer," she whispered, her gaze lingering on the immortal elf's peaceful face.

They sat in silence, sipping their tea, memories of days long gone floating between them like echoes. Finally, Kaja rose, lifting Cihan into his arms with a tenderness that didn't escape Orchid's notice.

"Goodnight, Orchid," he said, his voice firm yet kind. "Rest well."

As he turned to leave, Orchid's voice reached out, tinged with a vulnerability he hadn't heard in years. "Kaja, can we... Can we spend time together like we used to? Just once more?"

He paused, feeling her eyes on his back. Slowly, he turned to face her, his expression resolute. "Orchid, I'm with Cihan now, though it's not official. I wish you all the best, and I hope you can move on." His voice softened. "Let the past be the past."

Tears welled in Orchid's eyes, but she nodded, a brave smile curving her lips. "Of course, Kaja. Goodnight."

With a final nod, Kaja walked back to the castle, Cihan's head resting on his shoulder. The garden's serenity was undisturbed, but in the quiet night, Orchid's heart ached with a longing that refused to fade.

As the castle doors closed behind Kaja, the future stretched out before them all, filled with uncertainty, hope, and the echoes of a past that refused to be forgotten.

The city was a bustling hive of activity, filled with the sounds of hammering and chattering as citizens worked together to rebuild what had been destroyed. Everywhere you looked, there was evidence of renewal: new foundations being laid, walls being erected, and a palpable sense of optimism in the air.

Cihan was outside, coordinating with the city's chief engineers and lending her magical expertise where needed. The immortal elf was a whirlwind of activity, her graceful movements and sharp mind a boon to the reconstruction efforts.

Meanwhile, inside the castle's grand hall, Orchid and Kaja stood before a massive window overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, showcasing the people's indefatigable spirit. It was a fitting backdrop to their conversation.

"I wish we could have continued our talk from last night," Orchid said, her voice tinged with regret. "I've always wanted to know more about your past, Kaja."

Kaja looked out at the city, his eyes thoughtful. "We'll have time for that later, Orchid. For now, the racial issues at hand require our attention."

Orchid's face hardened, the empress in her taking over. "I'm doing everything I can, Kaja. It's a tangled web, filled with hidden agendas and murky loyalties."

Kaja turned to her, his eyes searching. "I trust you, Orchid. The people need clarity, and I believe you'll find the truth."

Orchid reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Kaja's arm. "I promise I'll uncover everything, Kaja. But for now, where will your journey take you?"

"To Tomat Village and then to the Elf Empire," Kaja said, determination in his voice. "I must gather knowledge and allies."

Orchid's eyes filled with concern. "Promise me you'll be careful."

Kaja nodded, then began to walk away, his steps echoing through the hall. Orchid's heart ached, and without thinking, she ran after him, her empress tiara falling to the ground.

"Kaja!" she cried, her arms wrapping around him. "Please, stay safe. Remember, this will always be your home."

Kaja's eyes softened, but he gently unwound her arms. "I appreciate your concern, Orchid. But we must move on. Farewell."

As he left the castle, Orchid stood alone, her hands reaching out to the emptiness he'd left behind. Her prayers followed him, filled with love and longing, a silent cry for his safety and happiness.

Outside, Cihan continued her work, unaware of the poignant scene that had unfolded within the castle's walls. But as she looked up at the sky, a strange feeling washed over her, a sense of change and a hint of something yet to come. She shook her head and returned to her tasks, but the feeling lingered, a whisper in the wind, a prelude to the unfolding saga of the immortal hero and the world that awaited him.

Kaja patted Xero's strong neck, his eyes twinkling as he watched Cihan work her magic on the crowd. "Hello, Cihan," he called out, smiling. "Sharing some elf wisdom, I see?"

Cihan grinned, passing a scroll to a young worker. "Yes, these people could benefit from some knowledge. I thought I'd share what I know about construction techniques from our homeland."

"Excellent!" Kaja said, hopping onto Xero. "The humans could use a bit of elf innovation."

Just as they were about to leave, a knight ran up, panting, and handed Kaja a letter. "For you, Sir Kaja."

Kaja examined the seal, curious but not too concerned. "What's this? I'll check it later. Now, onto our journey!"

He looked at Cihan, mischief in his eyes. "Have you ever taken a shortcut through a volcano?"

Cihan's eyes widened. "A volcano? You cannot be serious!"

Kaja laughed. "Trust me. Xero knows the way. He's a magnificent creature."

They began their trek, leaving behind the sounds of construction and moving through a lush forest. Birds chirped, and the scent of damp earth filled the air. Cihan looked at Kaja, disbelief in her eyes. "So, the volcano. You are serious about this?"

"Absolutely," Kaja replied, smiling. "It's quite the experience. And think of the time we'll save!"

They chatted casually about their experiences, memories, and hopes. As the forest thinned and the volcano loomed ahead, Cihan's eyes went wide. "That looks incredibly dangerous."

"It's majestic," Kaja said, guiding Xero up the steep path. "Xero can handle it. He can climb anything."

The climb was an intense experience, with lava flows and fiery rocks all around. Cihan clung to Kaja, her eyes filled with a mixture of terror and wonder. "This is unlike anything I've ever seen!"

"And Xero is the best companion for such a journey," Kaja said, his eyes alive with excitement. "This horse can climb in any terrain, even survive in a volcanic area."

They moved through the lava fields, the heat almost unbearable. But Xero remained steadfast, navigating the treacherous path with ease.

Cihan finally managed to find her voice, shouting over the roar of the volcano. "How did you find this horse? I've never seen anything like him!"

Kaja's eyes twinkled as he recounted the tale of discovering Xero on a distant battlefield. The bond between them had been instant, and together they'd been through countless adventures.

As they finally reached the other side of the volcano, the air cooled, and the landscape transformed into rolling hills and peaceful meadows.

When they finally reached Tomat Village, Cihan looked relieved, still shaking from the adrenaline. "That was quite the adventure! I thought I might lose my immortal life!"

Kaja laughed, helping her down from Xero. "But we made it, and it only took an hour."

Cihan shook her head, smiling. "Perhaps next time we should take the longer route."

Kaja winked, patting Xero. "But that wouldn't be nearly as exciting, would it?"

They headed into Tomat Village, another wild adventure added to their growing list. The echoes of their laughter lingered behind them, and the promise of more excitement loomed ahead.

The journey had not only been a thrilling experience but had also strengthened the bond between them. Kaja knew that he could trust Cihan, and she had proven her courage and adaptability. Together, they were a formidable team, and they knew that they were ready for whatever awaited them.

Kaja and Cihan arrived at Tomat Village, and after exchanging polite greetings with the guards, they made their way towards the castle. Kaja's room, transformed by Igor into a luxurious house, was filled with stunning details and thoughtful touches.

"It's amazing," Cihan gasped, taking in the splendor of the space. "Igor really went all out."

Kaja only nodded, his eyes roaming the room as he began to explore.

Cihan excused herself to take a bath, leaving Kaja with a moment to himself. He found Orchid's letter, sitting neatly on a side table. Opening it, he began to read her carefully penned words:

"Dear Kaja, I wish you well on your journey. The empire and my heart will always be here for you. I know our paths have diverged, but I want you to know that you'll always have a place with us. Stay safe, my dear friend, and know that no matter what, you will always be welcomed here. With all my affection, Orchid."

Kaja chuckled at her quirky handwriting and her warm wishes, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face.

"Everything all right, Kaja?" Cihan's voice called from the bathroom.

Kaja said nothing, tucking the letter away, a thoughtful look in his eye.

Once Cihan had settled into her bath, Kaja decided to explore the village. He wandered through the bustling marketplace, observing the people trading goods and interacting with one another.

Reaching the castle, he inquired about Igor's location. A guard informed him that Igor was on a trip to the center of the Village.

"He's changed, Kaja," the guard remarked. "Much nicer than ever. Even your room is a testament to his transformation."

Kaja's curiosity piqued, and he thanked the guard, heading back to his newly made-over room. He considered the changes in Igor and pondered over the implications.

But as he approached his door, something caught his eye. A strange mark on the wooden frame, something he'd never seen before. His heart began to beat faster as he recognized the symbol from his past.

A sense of dread washed over him. What did this mean? Why was it here?

As he reached for the door handle, a chill ran down his spine, and he knew that something was very wrong.

With a sudden realization, Kaja's hand pulled away from the door, his mind racing with questions and fear. His eyes were locked on the symbol, a dark reminder of a secret he'd buried long ago.

Behind him, the crowd's noise faded, replaced by an ominous silence that hung heavy in the air. Kaja's thoughts were a whirlwind, fragments of the past mingling with the urgency of the present.

He glanced back at the bustling market, a sharp contrast to the dread gnawing at him. What had brought this symbol here? Who had marked his door, and why now?

The symbol's presence was a threat, a warning, and a mystery all in one. Kaja knew that he had to act, but how? What did this mean for him, for Cihan, for the entire Village?

His heart pounding in his chest, Kaja's hand reached for his sword, ready to face whatever awaited him on the other side of the door. But as his fingers closed around the hilt, a sudden gust of wind blew through the street, and the door creaked open on its own.

Inside, the room was dark, the luxurious furnishings shadowed and ominous. But it was the scent that hit him first—a familiar fragrance that sent a chill down his spine.

His mind screamed a warning, but it was too late. The room was no longer a sanctuary; it was a trap. And Kaja knew that he had just walked into it.

With a heart-stopping jolt, the door slammed shut behind him, and everything went black.