The morning after the gathering, the Lavelle estate was unusually quiet. The lingering remnants of the previous night's event were being cleared away by the servants, but an air of unease had settled over the household. Noir stood by his window, watching as the staff moved through the courtyard below, his thoughts racing.
The gathering had been more than a simple social event—it had been the opening move in a far more dangerous game. The pieces were being set into place, and Noir could feel the weight of the conspiracy pressing in on his family. He wasn't sure how far it went yet, but he knew one thing for certain: they were running out of time.
…..
Later that morning, Noir sat across from Lord Lavelle in his study. His father looked tired, the lines of worry deepening on his face as they discussed the events of the previous night.
"House Vale is pushing harder than ever," Lord Lavelle said, his voice heavy. "I suspect they're trying to form alliances behind our backs. We'll need to tread carefully."
Noir leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's more than that," he said quietly. "There are traitors in our midst, Father. People within our own ranks working against us."
Lord Lavelle frowned, his brow furrowing. "You're seeing threats where there are none, Eryk."
"I'm not imagining this," Noir replied, his tone measured but firm. "I've been watching, listening. The attack on our estate, the whispers during the gathering—there's a larger plot at work. We can't afford to ignore it."
Lord Lavelle sighed, rubbing his temples. "Even if you're right, what would you have me do? Accuse our own advisors without proof? That would destroy us."
Noir understood his father's hesitation, but it frustrated him nonetheless. The threat was real, and it was closing in. If Lord Lavelle wouldn't act, then Noir would have to find a way to handle it on his own.
…..
Lilia found him in the hallway later, her face still tight with frustration from the previous night. She wasted no time before confronting him.
"You always think you're so clever," she snapped. "Undermining me in front of everyone, making me look weak."
Noir raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her anger. "I wasn't trying to make you look weak, Lilia. I was trying to show you the truth. This world doesn't care about your feelings. It only cares about whether you can survive."
Lilia's eyes flashed with indignation. "And you think you know everything, don't you? Just because you've changed doesn't mean you get to treat me like a child."
Noir sighed, his expression softening slightly. "I'm not trying to hurt you, Lilia. I'm trying to protect you. But if you don't toughen up, our enemies will exploit every weakness you show. This isn't a game."
For a moment, Lilia looked like she might lash out again, but instead, she turned away, her shoulders tense. "You think I don't know that? You're not the only one who's under pressure, Eryk." She stormed off down the corridor, her frustration palpable.
Noir watched her go, his own frustration mounting. He knew his words had been harsh, but the truth often was. There was no room for softness in a world where betrayal lurked around every corner.
…..
As the hours passed, Noir found himself back in the library, pouring over books about magic. His magic was still unstable—unpredictable, dangerous. He had read about the different types of magic in this world, more than twenty-five kinds, but he only had knowledge of a few. Without proper control, his abilities were more of a liability than a strength.
The crimson eyes only added to the complexity of his situation. Noir didn't fully understand their power, and until he did, he couldn't rely on them. His magic needed to be mastered, but he couldn't do it alone.
He sought out Master Theron, asking about hiring a magic instructor. If he couldn't control his abilities on his own, then he would need someone to teach him how.
…..
Lord Lavelle was taken aback when he heard about Noir's request. "You want a magic instructor?" he asked, his tone filled with surprise. "At a time like this?"
Noir nodded. "I can't control my magic properly. It's a problem that needs to be addressed, especially with everything happening. I need to be able to defend myself—and our family."
Lord Lavelle looked at him for a long moment, then sighed. "It's just surprising, that's all. Learning magic is something most children start early. But given recent events, I suppose it makes sense. I'll arrange for an instructor."
…..
Lilia heard about Noir's request not long after. She confronted Lord Lavelle in his study, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Is it true you've hired a magic instructor for Eryk?" she asked, her voice tight.
Lord Lavelle glanced up from his desk, surprised by her tone. "Yes, it's true. Why does that bother you?"
Lilia crossed her arms, her expression stormy. "Why didn't you ask me to teach him? I know enough about magic to help him."
Lord Lavelle raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by her outburst. "I didn't think it was necessary, Lilia. And besides, I assumed you had enough responsibilities already."
Lilia's frustration only grew. "I could have helped him," she muttered, more to herself than to her father.
Lord Lavelle leaned back in his chair, studying her for a moment. "You know, Lilia, I've noticed something strange. You're always so angry with Eryk, yet at the same time, you act like you're trying to protect him. Is there something you're not telling me?" He paused, a mischievous smile crossing his face. "Have you fallen for your brother?"
Lilia's face flushed a deep red, and she glared at him. "Of course not!" she snapped, her voice filled with indignation. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the study, but Lord Lavelle's words lingered in her mind, unsettling her.
…..
A few days later, Noir met his new magic instructor. He hadn't known what to expect, but when he stepped into the training room and saw her, he was caught off guard.
"My name is Selene Damaris," she said, her voice smooth but formal. She was beautiful, with long, dark blue hair that cascaded down her back and striking golden-yellow eyes that seemed to glow in the light. She couldn't have been more than a year older than him.
Noir blinked in surprise. "You're my magic instructor?"
"I am," Selene replied, her expression calm. "Is there a problem with that?"
"No, no problem at all," Noir said quickly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than he intended. "I just didn't expect someone so young."
Selene smiled slightly. "Magic doesn't wait for age. Are you ready to begin?"
Noir nodded, but before they started, he added, "Let's keep things casual. No need for formalities. Titles don't mean much to me."
Selene hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "As you wish, Eryk."
…..
As Noir began his training, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off within the estate. He had started investigating potential traitors among the staff and lower-ranking nobles, quietly observing their behavior. There were small signs—missing documents, strange orders given without his father's knowledge—that hinted at a deeper conspiracy.
He was running out of time.
…..
One evening, Noir arranged a secret meeting with someone who claimed to have inside information about the conspiracy. The meeting took place in a secluded part of the estate, far from prying eyes. The informant—a former ally of House Vale—was nervous, his eyes darting around as he spoke.
"They're planning something big," the informant whispered. "A coordinated strike against House Lavelle. I don't know all the details, but it's coming soon. You need to be ready."
Noir's mind raced as he absorbed the information. The attack was imminent, and House Lavelle wasn't prepared.
…..
As the night drew on, Noir received a cryptic letter. The message was unsigned, but its meaning was clear.
"The strike is closer than you think. Watch your back."
Noir stood in the courtyard, the letter clutched in his hand, his eyes scanning the horizon. The storm was coming, and he would be ready.