Seraphina barely glanced up from her book when the young man stepped closer, but his presence was hard to ignore— even though she tried. He stood a few feet away, his dark, slightly unkempt hair brushing against his forehead as his curious eyes lingered on the small mountain of books she'd gathered.
"Quite the collection you've got there."
He said, a friendly smile lighting up his face— his tone was casual but carried an unmistakable note of curiosity.
"Mind if I ask what you're researching?"
Seraphina sighed mentally at the interruption before moving to meet his gaze cautiously, her expression calm and guarded.
"Knights."
She replied simply, keeping her voice even.
The young man chuckled softly, his smile widening.
"Clearly. It's rare to see someone so invested in them. Most people these days are more fascinated by mages— everyone dreams of being a mage."
He extended his hand and gave a friendly self-introduction.
"Lorian Velk, son of Baron Velk. It's a modest title, but respectable enough in these parts."
Seraphina hesitated before shaking his hand briefly, her grip firm but polite.
"Seraphina."
She said, omitting her family name because she was in hiding.
Lorian didn't seem to notice her lack of formality or question the lack of a family name— he simply assumed she was of common descent, as most commoners lacked family names.
Instead, he glanced at the books she'd piled high on the desk.
"You've certainly got an eye for detail. If you're this interested in knights, you might find better resources in private collections— noble libraries, like the one my family maintains. You're welcome to visit ours sometime if you'd like."
Seraphina nodded faintly, not committing to anything.
She wasn't impressed by his offer nor his status, but it wouldn't do to outright refuse him— that may come off as rude and cause issues. The main reason she didn't find the offer appealing, was the lack of familiarity with the man, he came out of nowhere and suddenly made an offer.
She tried to move on from the offer, so instead, she turned the conversation to his apparent enthusiasm.
"You seem well-versed in knights yourself."
"Ah, well."
Lorian began, straightening slightly as he grinned.
"I've been preparing for years to join the Fortia Academy of Knighthood. I'll be starting this year, in fact. Training, studying, and all that. I've even broken through to the cleansing stage recently, though it wasn't easy."
The man seemed almost proud of his accomplishments, and it was indeed one to take pride in. Breaking through to the cleansing stage at such a young age showed he had some talent to be a knight.
Seraphina tilted her head, feigning polite interest.
"Congratulations. The cleansing stage is a significant milestone."
Lorian's chest puffed slightly with pride.
"It is, isn't it? Took months of grueling effort. But it's only the first step. Fortia is the real test. The academy's reputation speaks for itself— producing some of the greatest knights in the Empire."
She listened quietly, letting him talk while she studied him.
Despite his bravado, Lorian seemed genuine and friendly, albeit a bit self-centered in the way he talked and his one-tracked mind.
More importantly, he provided useful information about the local noble scene even without her trying to learn. His offhand remarks about rivalries within the academy, alliances between families, and so on gave Seraphina insight she wouldn't have gained otherwise.
She pressed subtly for more, asking him questions about his family's connections and the role of minor barons in Vesta's politics— she made sure to word them in such a way that it would play off his ego.
Lorian, eager to showcase his knowledge, gave away tidbits without hesitation— without even knowing that he was being useful. He spoke of trade disputes, uneasy alliances, and the growing tensions among the smaller noble houses, all of which Seraphina tucked away for later consideration.
After some time, Seraphina decided the conversation had run its course.
"I appreciate the offer and the conversation, Lorian, but I should get going. It's getting late."
Lorian's expression shifted to mild disappointment but remained friendly.
"Of course. If you ever change your mind about the library or need assistance, don't hesitate to find me— you can find me here. Or come visit me at my house. Good luck with your research."
With a polite nod, Seraphina parted ways, leaving the library and stepping into the cool evening air.
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets of Vesta— the city had quieted, its bustling energy replaced by a calmer, almost serene atmosphere as people finished their day's business.
As she walked, Seraphina couldn't shake the sensation of being watched.
Her sharp senses picked up the faint sound of footsteps behind her, barely audible over the ambient noise of the city. She casually glanced over her shoulder, careful enough to not make it look obvious or intentional, but the streets appeared empty.
Frowning, she adjusted her pace, weaving through the winding paths and narrower alleys of the city— in hopes of throwing whoever was following her off. Yet the footsteps persisted, their rhythm changing whenever hers did.
Someone was definitely following her.
Seraphina's mind sharpened, her weariness fading as adrenaline kicked in.
She took a few deliberate turns, leading her followers through a more convoluted route until she finally spotted a narrow side street with enough shadows to obscure her.
Without hesitation, she slipped into it, pressing herself against the wall and gripping her sword hilt.
She controlled her breathing, her body tense but steady as she waited.
The soft sound of footsteps drew closer, growing louder as her pursuer approached— her violet eyes focused only on the corner where the figure would emerge from; waiting for them to take the turn.
Moments later, a shadow appeared, the faint outline of a hooded figure stepping cautiously into the alley.
Seraphina didn't hesitate, she moved swiftly, her blade unsheathed and pointed directly at the figure's chest as she stepped into their path.
"Who are you?"
She demanded, her voice low and firm.
"Why are you following me?"
The figure froze, their hands raised slightly in a gesture of surrender.
"Wait— don't attack!"
A voice hissed, rough but unmistakably human.
The figure's hood shifted slightly, revealing the faint glint of cautious eyes beneath.
Seraphina didn't lower her blade, her expression hard.
"Speak. Quickly."
The figure hesitated, then slowly began to lower their hood, revealing their face.