The city surrounding Elena's estate was bustling with life, a place filled with lively markets, shops, and cafes that catered to the diverse population of scholars, nobles, and artisans. As the first week of their unexpected stay unfolded, Caelan's group decided to make the most of their time, venturing out to explore the city together. Their mission? Shopping for souvenirs, clothes, accessories, and other items to take home when the portals were repaired. But more than anything, they wanted to enjoy their time as friends, away from the pressures of competition and study.
The group began their tour in the heart of the city, where the streets were lined with stalls selling everything from intricate jewelry to handwoven scarves. Vendors called out to them, offering samples of exotic fruits, rare herbs, and finely crafted accessories.
"Look at this!" Dorian exclaimed, holding up a small crystal pendant that shimmered in the sunlight. "Seraphine, you'd like this. It's enchanted to change colors based on the wearer's mood."
Seraphine glanced at the pendant, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "I've seen something like that before. It's fascinating how they bind magic to everyday objects."
Aldric, never one to miss an opportunity to tease, nudged Seraphine with a grin. "Maybe it'll help us figure out what you're really feeling, Seraphine. You're always so mysterious."
She rolled her eyes but smiled back. "I think you all know me well enough by now, Aldric."
They spent the morning wandering from stall to stall, picking out small trinkets and gifts for their families. Caelan, though not one for shopping, found himself enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. He picked up a finely bound book of ancient legends, knowing his father would appreciate it. Seraphine bought rare herbs and medicinal ingredients, while Aldric found a sturdy leather bracelet for his brother.
At one stall, Lysandra stopped to admire a set of elegant hairpins, each one adorned with a tiny gemstone. Elena, standing beside her, noticed her interest. "They would look beautiful on you, Lysandra," she said softly.
Lysandra smiled. "Maybe I'll get one for my mother. She loves things like this."
Elena, despite her quiet nature, found herself enjoying the time with her friends. She had rarely experienced moments like this—simple, carefree outings with people who cared for her. It was a far cry from the solitude of her childhood.
Over the next few days, they explored more of the city. They visited bookstores, where Seraphine and Caelan poured over rare manuscripts, discussing magical theories and ancient civilizations. Dorian, meanwhile, found a shop selling intricate weapons, and he convinced Aldric to join him in a sparring match with wooden swords.
"Come on, Aldric!" Dorian shouted, laughing as he dodged a swing. "You're supposed to be the strongest one here!"
Aldric grinned, feinting a move before knocking the sword from Dorian's hand. "Don't get cocky just because you're fast."
The group's laughter echoed through the shop, drawing amused glances from the other patrons.
Later, they visited a clothing shop where Lysandra and Seraphine tried on elegant dresses, much to Dorian's and Aldric's teasing. Caelan, meanwhile, stood by the door, quietly observing the others with a small smile. Elena stayed close to him, a comfortable silence between them as they watched their friends.
"You're not much of a shopper, are you?" Elena asked softly.
Caelan shrugged. "Not really. But it's nice to see everyone enjoying themselves."
Elena nodded; her expression thoughtful. "It is."
They continued to explore, buying small gifts for one another—tokens of their friendship. By the end of the week, their bags were filled with trinkets, clothes, and books. But more than the souvenirs, it was the shared memories that mattered most.
One evening, after a particularly lively day in the city, the group gathered around the grand dining table at Elena's estate. The table was laden with delicious food, and the conversation flowed easily. They talked about their families, their plans for the semester break, and the exciting prospects of exploring the ruins.
As the conversation meandered, Seraphine asked a seemingly innocent question. "Elena, do your parents live here as well? We haven't seen them around."
Elena's hand froze on her glass, her expression suddenly shifting from relaxed to tense. She set her glass down carefully, not meeting Seraphine's eyes.
Aldric, not noticing her discomfort, chimed in. "Yeah, do you have any siblings? We've only ever seen you here alone."
Elena's face paled, and she lowered her gaze. "I… I don't have any siblings. And my parents…" She trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're not here."
The mood at the table shifted. Everyone noticed Elena's sudden change in demeanor, the way her shoulders tensed and her expression darkened. Sensing her distress, Lysandra quickly intervened. "Elena, you don't have to answer that if it's too painful."
But Elena stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice strained. "I think I need to excuse myself. I've finished my dinner."
Before anyone could respond, she left the room in a hurry, her footsteps echoing down the hall.
The group sat in stunned silence, unsure of what had just happened. Dorian looked at the others, confused. "Did… did we say something wrong?"
Lysandra shook her head. "No, it's not that. It's… complicated." She glanced toward the door Elena had left through, a worried expression on her face. "She'll be fine. I think she just needs some space."
The Next Morning
The next morning, the group gathered for breakfast, but Elena was absent. They waited, hoping she might join them, but the servants informed them that the countess had left early for an urgent meeting. Even Lysandra was missing, which only added to their confusion.
"What's going on?" Seraphine asked, glancing at the empty chair where Elena usually sat. "She didn't seem like herself last night."
Caelan nodded in agreement. "Something's bothering her. And Lysandra's gone too. I don't like this."
The servants assured them that Elena was fine, but the group couldn't shake their worry. For the next few days, they didn't see Elena or Lysandra, and their absence weighed heavily on them.
Three days later, Lysandra returned, walking into the dining room just as they were finishing dinner.
"Lysandra!" Dorian exclaimed. "Where have you been? And what's going on with Elena?"
Lysandra smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry for disappearing. There was something I needed to take care of, and I didn't have time to inform anyone."
"And Elena?" Caelan asked, his tone serious.
"She's dealing with something personal," Lysandra replied, her voice calm but firm. "She'll tell you if she's ready. We just need to be patient."
The group exchanged uncertain glances but nodded in agreement. They trusted Lysandra, and if she said to wait, they would.
Later that evening, news came from one of the servants: Elena was ill.
The group immediately rushed to her room, worried about their friend. When they entered, they found Elena lying in bed, her face pale and her eyes tired. She managed a weak smile when she saw them.
"Sorry to worry you all," she said softly. "I didn't mean to make such a fuss."
Seraphine sat on the edge of her bed; her brow furrowed in concern. "Are you okay, Elena? You don't look well."
"I'll be fine," Elena assured them. "I just needed some rest. And about what happened at dinner… I owe you an explanation."
The group remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
Elena took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "You asked about my parents and siblings. The truth is… they died when I was very young. I've been living here alone ever since, except for the staff who have taken care of me."
The room fell into a heavy silence as her words sank in. Dorian, usually quick with a joke or comment, looked down, unsure of what to say.
"I'm sorry, Elena," Caelan said quietly. "We didn't know."
Elena shook her head. "It's okay. You didn't say anything wrong. I just… I don't talk about it much."
The group exchanged somber glances; their hearts heavy for their friend. They had no idea she had been carrying such a burden all this time. They spent the rest of the evening talking quietly, offering their support, though none of them could fully grasp the depth of Elena's loss.
After everyone else had left, Lysandra stayed behind, lingering by Elena's bedside. When the door closed, she turned to Elena with a knowing look.
"You didn't tell them everything," Lysandra said softly.
Elena sighed; her gaze distant. "I didn't want to burden them with that."
"They care about you, Elena. They'd want to know."
Elena shook her head, her voice thick with emotion. "It's not about trust, Lysandra. You know that. It's just… if they knew the full truth, they'd be devastated. And there's nothing anyone can do to change it."
Lysandra reached out, taking Elena's hand in hers. "But you're not alone anymore. We're all here for you."
Elena smiled weakly. "I know. But until there's some hope of a cure, I can't bring myself to tell them everything. Not yet."
Elena's Past
Elena's thoughts drifted back to her childhood, to the day her life had changed forever. She had been born frail; her health always delicate. Her parents had tried everything—healers, alchemists, magical artifacts—but nothing seemed to work. When they finally found a possible cure, a faint glimmer of hope, they had left to seek it out, taking her siblings with them.
But they never returned.
Elena had been too weak to travel with them, lying unconscious in bed while her family ventured into the unknown in search of a cure. They had died in a tragic accident, and with their loss, any hope of a cure for her illness had disappeared as well.
In the years that followed, Elena had inherited her family's title, wealth, and responsibilities, becoming the countess at a young age. But despite her position, she was alone. The trusted staff who had served her parents took care of her, and she devoted herself to the management of her family's lands and the search for a cure. She had learned everything she could about ancient civilizations, alchemy, magic, and medicine. But nothing had worked so far.
Joining the academy had been more of a necessity than a choice. It was mandatory for all nobles, and Elena had hoped that she might find some clue—some artifact or piece of knowledge—that could save her. But even at the academy, she had kept her illness a secret, not wanting to show any weakness.
Her first day at the academy had been a blur of introductions and formalities. She remembered watching Caelan and Dorian duel, impressed by their strength and confidence. It had been the first time in years that she had felt any real connection to people her age. And then she had met Seraphine.
Seraphine had been the first person to notice something was wrong when Elena had felt dizzy and sat down. It had been the start of their friendship, though Elena had been careful to keep her illness hidden from the others.
Now, as she lay in bed, she wondered how much longer she could keep it a secret. But for now, she wasn't ready to share that part of herself. Not yet.