The Rael estate was finally quiet after the departure of Woolark and Malphas, yet the gravity of their visit lingered, casting long shadows over the usually lively household. Lucian sat quietly at the breakfast table, replaying the phantom's overwhelming presence and its ominous warning in his mind. Across the table, Valian's smirk broke the silence.
"So, Lucian," Valian began, leaning back in his chair, "what exactly did Woolark see in you? Did you wrestle a bear? Save a village? Or is it just the tragic lone-wolf story?"
Lucian rolled his eyes but smirked. "Why? Hoping to add another chapter to your bedtime stories?"
The siblings laughed, even Theron, who had been sulking since breakfast began. Althea, their mother, suggested a day of leisure to unwind before the academy's first day.
Lucian found himself sparring with Theron in the expansive training grounds. The older Rael sibling's twin saber claws clashed against Lucian's staff, each blowing a test of Lucian's reflexes and creativity.
"You're quick," Theron admitted after deflecting a spinning strike. His sabers locked against the staff, his breath steady. "But you're leaving yourself open when switching forms. A better opponent would exploit that."
Lucian nodded, stepping back and adjusting his grip. A spark of determination flared in his violet eyes as he replayed Theron's words in his mind. He knew his transitions between forms were a weakness, a gap that any skilled opponent would exploit. "I'll have to refine my movements," he thought, tightening his grip on the staff. "No hesitation, no wasted motion. I'll just have to get faster."
They resumed sparring, their movements sharp and precise. Theron, though initially critical, gave a grudging nod of approval when Lucian managed to adapt mid-fight, countering a feint with an unexpected pivot that landed the first clean strike.
Later, Leon joined them, offering Lucian insight into Qi integration. Together, they practiced channeling Qi into mundane objects to enhance their utility. While they worked, Seraphina watched from a nearby bench, her golden eyes occasionally flicking toward Lucian with a mix of curiosity and amusement. As she observed him adapt to Leon's instruction, her thoughts wandered. "He's quick to learn," she mused, noting the way his movements became more fluid with each attempt. There was something raw and unpolished about him, a stark contrast to the carefully honed skills of her brothers. It intrigued her not just his potential, but the resilience that seemed to radiate from him. She wondered how much of that resilience came from his mysterious past, and whether it would be enough to carry him through the academy. For a fleeting moment, she caught herself smiling, a rare expression softened by genuine interest.
"Careful," Seraphina called out playfully. "If you focus too hard, your brain might overheat."
Lucian smirked, shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind."
In the afternoon, Valian dragged Lucian into a game combining strategy and Qi manipulation. The competition was chaotic and filled with laughter, ending with Valian's dramatic loss when Lucian's "final move" disrupted his carefully laid plans. Amid the playful teasing, Valian casually mentioned rivalries awaiting them at the academy. "Don't let your guard down there, Lucian. Sylvara Verdane and Eryndil Verdane, the twins from the Verdane family, have a knack for making life miserable for us. Sylvara, in particular, has a contentious history with Seraphina. The two are known to clash during academy events, their rivalry fueled by both personal animosity and competitive ambition. You'll probably see it escalate when we're all together." Last year, they sabotaged Theron's Qi test, making it malfunction during the evaluation. Sylvara's strategy is razor-sharp, while Eryndil's combat skills are brutal. Their cunning tactics often target both physical and emotional weaknesses, and Sylvara takes special satisfaction in getting under Seraphina's skin a rivalry that may soon extend to you, Lucian." Trust me, they'll be looking for any opportunity to take us down and you might just be their next target." Lucian furrowed his brow, a thought crossing his mind. "Aren't those the queen and king's twin son and daughter?" he wondered. The realization added weight to Valian's warning, as he understood the political and personal stakes tied to the Verdane siblings." Althea, overhearing the commotion, interjected with a warm but firm tone. "Valian, stop teasing him. You weren't half as skilled at his age." Valian grinned sheepishly as Theron smirked at his brother's expense.
As the day wound down, Lucian wandered through the Rael estate's gardens. The serenity of the evening wrapped around him, the soft hum of cicadas blending with the distant rustle of leaves. The rustle seemed to whisper a welcome he had never known, as though the estate itself acknowledged his presence. The moonlight painted the estate in silvery hues, its ethereal glow making the stars above feel less like distant lights and more like companions. Lost in thought, he turned a corner and froze.
A soft gasp escaped him as he found himself face-to-face with Seraphina, her crimson hair cascading over the edge of an ornately tiled bath. Steam rose around her, and her golden eyes widened in shock.
"Lucian!" she exclaimed, sinking deeper into the water, her cheeks flaming. "What are you doing here?!"
"S-Sorry!" Lucian stammered, spinning on his heel. "I didn't know! I mean, I didn't see anything! I mean!" His words tripped over each other as he fled the scene, his face burning with embarrassment.
Back in his room, Lucian buried his face in his hands. "What kind of idiot just walks into something like that?" he muttered.
A knock at his door snapped him out of his misery. He opened it to find Seraphina, now dressed in a flowing crimson robe, leaning against the frame with a smirk.
"Relax, Lucian," she said, stepping inside uninvited. "It's not the first time something like this has happened in this house."
He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Well, it's a first for me."
Seraphina chuckled, crossing her arms. "For what it's worth, I'm not mad. But next time, maybe knock?"
"Next time?" Lucian's eyes widened, and Seraphina laughed, her teasing demeanor melting the tension.
Before leaving, she paused at the door. Her tone softened. "The academy has a way of showing people their true selves. Just remember, not everyone will be as welcoming as we are. But you'll do fine, Lucian."
Lucian blinked, caught off guard by her honesty. "You're strong, Seraphina. Stronger than you think."
She smiled, the warmth in her golden eyes lingering before she disappeared down the hall.
The Rael family gathered in the grand hall for one final dinner before the academy term began. The long, polished table gleamed under the light of a massive crystal chandelier, its golden glow casting intricate shadows on the walls. Yet, beneath the warmth and laughter, there was an unspoken tension. The looming academy trials weighed heavily on everyone's minds, and for Lucian, the challenge wasn't just proving his worth but navigating a world where the Rael family's name attracted both respect and enmity. Plates piled high with roasted meats, freshly baked pieces of bread, and vibrant vegetables created a feast fit for royalty. The air buzzed with anticipation, a melody of laughter and clinking silverware filling the room. Even Theron, often stoic, seemed lighter in spirit as he exchanged banter with his siblings, the aroma of spiced wine and honey-glazed pastries adding warmth to the lively gathering. As the meal drew to a close, Arius stood, raising a glass.
"To Lucian Noctis," he declared, his deep voice carrying through the room. "When I first saw you spar with Theron, I saw more than just skill I saw resilience. The kind that comes from facing life head-on. A welcome addition to this family and a force to be reckoned with at the academy."
The family cheered, their glasses clinking together. Lucian, overwhelmed by the gesture, raised his glass with a smile. For the first time in years, he felt a sense of belonging not as a lone survivor, but as part of something greater.
As the family dispersed for the night, Lucian lingered in the garden, his staff resting beside him. The stars above twinkled brightly, their light filling him with a rare sense of peace. He thought of the academy, the challenges ahead, and the family who had welcomed him so unexpectedly.
Valian's voice startled him from his thoughts. "Don't stay out too late," he called from the doorway. "Big day tomorrow. Try not to embarrass us."
Lucian chuckled, standing and slinging the staff over his shoulder. "I'll do my best."
As he returned to his room, the faint hum of the staff at his side seemed to echo the unspoken promises of the days ahead. Tomorrow, the academy would open its gates, and his journey would truly begin. Lucian felt a mix of anticipation and unease, the weight of the Rael family's expectations pressing on his shoulders. He couldn't help but wonder if he was ready to face the rivals, trials, and unknown challenges awaiting him beyond those gates.
The Rael estate fell into silence, the household resting beneath the watchful glow of the moon. Yet, in that silence, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that the calm was only a prelude to the storm. Somewhere beyond the comforting walls of the estate, challenges and mysteries awaited, ready to test the resolve he had so carefully built. The weight of expectation wasn't just his own; the Rael siblings had spoken of their rivals, and Lucian knew their enemies would see him as an extension of the family's strength or its weakness. In the quiet of his room, Lucian lays awake, staring at the ceiling.
"This feels like home," he whispered, his thoughts drifting as the quiet of the night wrapped around him. The faint glow of the moonlight seemed to hold promises he wasn't sure he was ready to uncover.