The mountain winds howled as Lucian and Aurelius descended from Kael Phyros's forge. The jagged terrain stretched ominously under the faint silver glow of the moon. Lucian adjusted his grip on the staff strapped to his back, its pulsating warmth an ever-present reminder of its volatile power.
"How far to the estate?" Lucian asked, breaking the silence.
Aurelius, walking slightly ahead, didn't slow his stride. "If we walk? Too far. We need to be back by dawn."
Lucian frowned. "So, what's the plan? You don't strike me as someone who enjoys wasting time."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Aurelius's lips, but he didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stopped and raised a hand, his golden Qi igniting with an intensity that made Lucian instinctively take a step back. The energy swirled upward, streaked with crimson, forming a massive lion whose presence seemed to distort the very air around it. The beast's golden mane glowed with ethereal fire, its crimson eyes gleaming with intelligence and unmatched ferocity.
"This," Aurelius said, his tone steady and low, "is Leonidas. He'll get us there in time."
Lucian stared in awe, the Nemean lion's sheer presence making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. "Of course, you have a legendary familiar," Lucian says with sarcasm. "Why wouldn't you?"
Aurelius swung himself onto the lion's back with effortless grace, turning to Lucian with a calm but expectant gaze. "Get on. And don't waste time marveling. It's a long ride."
Lucian hesitated only briefly before climbing up behind Aurelius. As soon as he was settled, Leonidas let out a low growl and leaped forward, its powerful legs propelling them across the rugged terrain like a streak of light. The ride was swift, the wind roaring in Lucian's ears as the moonlit landscape blurred around them.
Aurelius remained composed, one hand resting lightly on Leonidas's mane, his other steadying himself without effort. His voice cut through the wind. "Hold on. This isn't a casual stroll."
Lucian gripped Aurelius's shoulder tighter, muttering, "You know how to make an entrance, don't you?"
Aurelius's response was a faint chuckle, though his focus never wavered. "Only when necessary."
As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the sprawling Rael estate came into view. Leonidas slowed as they approached the gates, its golden mane dimming slightly. Aurelius dismounted with practiced ease, patting the lion's flank. "Rest now," he murmured, his voice steady and low. With a soft rumble, Leonidas vanished in a flash of golden light.
Lucian dismounted less gracefully, landing beside Aurelius. "Efficient," he muttered, brushing dust off his coat.
Aurelius turned toward the estate, his tone as calm as ever. "We don't have the luxury of inefficiency. Come. It's time to prepare."
After freshening up, the two joined the Rael family for breakfast. The dining hall buzzed with life as the younger siblings exchanged stories and playful jabs. Seraphina leaned over to Althea, whispering something that made them both burst into laughter. Theron, already annoyed by the teasing, glared at them over his plate.
"You're late," Valian teased as Lucian slid into a seat. "What took you so long? Did Aurelius make you carry him down the mountain?"
Lucian smirked. "Not quite. He summoned a Nemean lion. No big deal."
Theron choked on his drink, glaring at Aurelius. "You used Leonidas for a joyride? That's unfair, even for you!"
Aurelius, seated at the head of the table alongside their father, set down his cup of tea with measured precision. His golden eyes flickered briefly to Theron. "Jealousy doesn't suit you," he said simply, his tone calm yet cutting. "If you had a fraction of Leonidas's patience, you might've earned your own familiar by now."
Theron opened his mouth to retort but thought better of it, falling silent.
Seraphina smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Poor Theron. Always the target of Aurelius's sharp tongue."
Althea grinned, adding, "To be fair, he makes it too easy. Maybe next time he should try summoning a mouse."
The table erupted into laughter, with even Arius allowing himself a faint smile. Theron groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Why do I even come to breakfast?"
Just as Lucian reached for a second helping, the head maid (Dalia)burst into the room.
"My lords!" she exclaimed, her face pale. "We have… visitors."
Arius set down his cup, his expression turning grave. "Who?"
Dalia hesitated, her gaze flickering nervously to Lucian. "Elder Woolark has arrived… and he is not alone. He is accompanied by Headmaster Malphas of Lumen Obscura Academy."
The air in the room grew heavy. Aurelius's golden eyes narrowed, his calm demeanor hardening into something sharper. "Malphas," he said quietly, his voice like a blade being drawn from its sheath.
Lucian's chest tightened. Woolark? His mind flashed back to the days spent under the elder's steady guidance. Woodlark had been more than a teacher his words carried wisdom and care, an anchor in the storm of uncertainty that had shaped Lucian's resolve. To see him here was both a shock and an unexpected comfort.
Arius stood, his commanding presence filling the room. "Bring them to the great hall. We will greet them."
The doors to the great hall creaked open, and Elder Woolark entered first, his presence commanding yet calm. Lucian's violet eyes sharpened, though a flicker of something unspoken passed through them. The memories surged unbidden Woolark's steady guidance during chaotic times, his patient voice cutting through uncertainty, and the rare warmth of someone who had truly believed in him. For a moment, Lucian felt the weight of those years. Woolark hadn't just been a teacher; he had been an anchor, a figure who gave him something he hadn't realized he craved: stability.
Behind Woolark, Malphas stepped in, his dark blue eyes cold and his aura oppressive. Yet Lucian's focus remained entirely on Woolark.
"Elder Woolark," Arius greeted, his voice measured. "And Headmaster Malphas. Your visit is... unexpected."
Woolark's sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Lucian. His expression softened, the smallest of smiles tugging at his lips. "Lucian."
Lucian stepped forward, his posture composed but his gaze intense. His voice carried an even tone, but a faint warmth underpinned his words. "It's been a long time, Elder."
Woolark approached with steady steps, his gaze never leaving Lucian's. "And yet, here you are," he said, his voice low but firm, "proving that my faith in you was never misplaced."
Lucian inclined his head slightly, his hands clasped behind his back in a gesture of respect. "You taught me what it means to stand on my own, even when the ground was uncertain. I haven't forgotten."
For a brief moment, the air between them seemed to shift, a connection that spoke louder than words. Woolark's hand rested lightly on Lucian's shoulder, his touch as steady as his presence. "And I see you've grown into the type of person I always knew you could be."
The Rael family exchanged glances, taken aback by the familiarity between Lucian and the elder. Seraphina broke the silence, her golden eyes wide with curiosity. "Wait… you know each other?"
Lucian's gaze didn't waver from Woolark's. "He wasn't just my teacher. He was a guide when I needed one most."
Arius's brow furrowed, his calculating gaze shifting to Woolark. "It seems your visit carries more weight than expected, Elder."
Before Woolark could respond, Malphas's voice cut through the room like a knife. His cold eyes locked onto Lucian, and his words hung heavily in the air. "Lucian Noctis, there are some things I would like to ask."