The carriage rumbled along the cobbled road leading to Eldralis, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm hue across the rolling plains. Inside the carriage, Lucian leaned back against the upholstered seat, his spear resting within arm's reach and his spatial bag securely tucked at his side. Across from him sat Auriene, her golden hair glinting in the light as her piercing amber eyes studied him with faint curiosity.
"You're unusually quiet," she remarked, breaking the gentle rhythm of the carriage wheels. "After everything that happened, I expected you to ask more about me."
Lucian smirked, his violet eyes flicking to her briefly before returning to the small window beside him. "I'm not one to pry. Besides, I figured you'd tell me when you're ready."
Auriene's lips curved into a faint smile. "A rare quality. Most people are eager to dig for information, especially after saving someone's life."
"I don't need more reasons for people to find me interesting," Lucian replied with a chuckle. "Trust me, I've got enough to deal with as it is."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before drifting to the golden book he had drawn from his bag. The faint shimmer of its cover caught her attention as he flipped it open, his fingers brushing over the ancient text.
"That book," Auriene said, leaning forward slightly. "I noticed you had it during the fight with the mage. It must be important."
Lucian's expression didn't change as he continued scanning the pages. "You could say that."
"May I see it?" she asked, curiosity lighting up her features.
Lucian hesitated for a moment before handing the book to her. Auriene handled it carefully, her fingers tracing the ornate designs etched into its cover. She opened it, only for her brow to furrow in confusion.
"It's blank," she said, tilting the book toward the fading sunlight as though the light might reveal hidden text. "There's nothing here."
Lucian took the book back, his smirk returning. "Not for you. It only reveals its secrets to the right person."
Auriene narrowed her eyes at him. "You're full of surprises, Lucian. First, the spatial bag, and now this. Are you sure you're not hiding some noble lineage?"
Lucian's laughter was soft but genuine. "If I am, nobody's told me. The bag? I found it. The book? Let's just say it found me."
Auriene's expression softened slightly. "You mean to tell me you've been wandering the Maywood Forest with treasures like that? Most nobles wouldn't last a day there."
Lucian's smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "The forest isn't so bad once you get used to it."
"You make it sound easy," Auriene replied, tilting her head. "Didn't you have family or…" She trailed off when she noticed his distant gaze.
Lucian's voice grew quieter. "I don't remember much about them."
Auriene leaned back, sensing his reluctance to delve deeper. But before the silence could settle too heavily, Lucian spoke again, his tone thoughtful.
"There's this one image," he began, his eyes unfocused as though peering into a distant memory. "A man, his voice rough but kind. He called himself Woolark. He taught me things, but he always kept a lot to himself. Said I needed to figure out some truths on my own." Lucian shook his head, his voice firm now. "Never mind. It's not something I can explain."
Auriene's curiosity was evident, but she chose not to press further.
Lucian hesitated before continuing, his voice quieter now. "I have these… flashes sometimes," he said, his brows furrowing as he tried to grasp at the elusive memories. "There's this image of a woman. Golden hair, green eyes, dressed in white and gold. She… she felt important, but I don't know who she is."
As he spoke, the carriage seemed to fade away, replaced by a vivid memory. Lucian saw a warm light filtering through tall trees, the scent of wildflowers heavy in the air. A gentle voice called his name a melody that tugged at his heart. He turned to see her, the woman from his dreams, kneeling in a clearing. She reached out, her smile radiant, but her features blurred as though hidden by a veil.
"Lucian," Auriene's voice cut through the vision, pulling him back to the present. He blinked, realizing he had fallen silent.
Auriene shifted slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Do you know much about the Lumen Obscura Academy?"
Lucian nodded, regaining his composure. "Enough to know it's where I need to be. If I'm going to learn more about myself, about this power, that's the place to start."
Auriene's expression grew thoughtful. "You're not the only one seeking something there. The academy… it's a crucible. Only the strong come out unbroken."
Lucian's smirk returned, his confidence unshaken. "Then it's a good thing I'm used to the fire."
The carriage hit a small bump, jolting them both slightly. Auriene glanced out the window, her eyes scanning the horizon. In the distance, the towering gates of Eldralis came into view, their silhouette grand against the evening sky.
"Almost there," she said, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Lucian followed her gaze, his violet eyes narrowing. He could feel the hum of energy that surrounded the city even from this distance. It was faint but undeniable, like a distant drumbeat calling to him.
"Let's hope the academy lives up to the stories," he said softly, his grip tightening slightly on the book resting in his lap.
As the carriage approached the city gates, it slowed to a halt. Two guards clad in gleaming silver armor stepped forward, their stern gazes assessing the passengers.
"Papers or identification," one of them said gruffly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Auriene leaned out of the carriage first, her tone carrying an air of authority. "Auriene Worblade. Daughter of the Worblade family."
The guard's demeanor shifted instantly. "My apologies, Lady Worblade," he said, bowing deeply. "You may pass."
The second guard turned to Lucian, his expression less welcoming. "And you, boy? Your papers?"
Lucian reached into his bag, pulling out a guild card. "Here," he said, handing it over.
The guard inspected it carefully, his eyes narrowing as he read the details. "Lucian Noctis. Member of the Guild of Leon. Issued in Lion's Rest," he muttered before nodding. "This checks out. You may proceed."
As Lucian retrieved his card, he caught Auriene watching him with a curious smile. "A guild card? Catrina must have been quite helpful," she said teasingly.
Lucian shrugged. "She insisted. Said I'd need it in places like this."
Auriene chuckled. "Smart woman."
The gates creaked open, revealing the sprawling city of Eldralis. Its grandeur stretched as far as the eye could see, with towering spires, vibrant markets, and streets teeming with life.
As the carriage passed through, Auriene glanced at Lucian. "This is where we part ways, for now."
Lucian stepped out of the carriage, his boots hitting the cobblestone street. "Thanks for the ride," he said, his tone casual. "Good luck with your noble stuff."
Auriene smirked. "And you with the exams. Try not to get lost, Lucian Noctis."
He waved her off with a lopsided grin, watching as the carriage disappeared into the crowd. Turning back to the city, he felt the weight of the book in his bag, a reminder of the path he had chosen.
Instead of immediately searching for a place to stay, Lucian took a deep breath and began walking. Each step felt like a declaration, a vow to face the challenges ahead. Somewhere in this vast city lay the next chapter of his story.