Aletha followed Lyseria through the corridors lined with ancient frescoes. The walls told of forgotten legends: mages, constellations, celestial battles.
They stopped in front of a large carved wooden door.
"We have arrived," Lyseria said softly.
The door opened into a large dining room lit by hanging lanterns. A long wooden table sat in the center.
At the end of it, sitting with a calm and upright posture, was the Sage.
Lyseria bowed deeply.
- Master.
The Sage nodded slightly and indicated to her that she could do so. She left without a word.
He then raised his hand to Aletha.
— Sit down.
Aletha obeyed, a little confused. All she could see of the Sage was his dark mage's clothing, decorated with golden symbols, and under the hood, a pair of luminous, deep green eyes... almost disturbing.
"How are you feeling, Aletha?
She blinked.
— It's better... but... how do you know my name?
— Because the Sage is a scholar, intervened a light voice.
Aletha and the Sage turned their heads. A young disciple entered, black hair tied in a braid, ivory dress embroidered with silver.
"My name is Serelya," she said with a smile. I've come to bring you some news.
The Sage tilted his head.
—What are you doing here, Serelya?
— We found Mademoiselle's friends. They are on their way to the temple. Among them… a young man with long orange hair.
Aletha sat up abruptly.
— Caden…
A discreet smile passed over the Sage's invisible lips.
—Thank you, Serelya. You can dispose of it.
The disciple bowed and left the room.
The Sage returned his green gaze to Aletha.
— This young man... seems to like you very much.
Aletha gave a bitter smile.
— I don't think so. He's with someone else.
— But you… do you love him?
She looked away, silent.
The Sage stood up slowly.
—Aletha… not everything we see is reality.
She frowned.
- I don't understand.
He reached towards the table. A bowl of water appeared in the air. The surface reflected Aletha.
—What do you see?
— My reflection.
The Sage touched the water. The image blurred... then showed Caden laughing with Bella. Aletha looked down.
"That's what I see," she whispered.
The Sage gently snapped his fingers.
The image changed.
Caden, alone, sitting by a fire, holding a blue scarf—Aletha's—staring blankly.
Aletha's eyes widened.
"This…this isn't real.
— Appearances can lie. The looks too. But the heart… rarely.
The image disappeared. The water fell in sparkling rain.
Aletha remained silent, confused.
Meanwhile, in the forest, Caden, Bella and Zetch were following a temple mage.
When they finally saw the monastery, Caden stopped in his tracks.
—It's…impossible.
- What ? Bella asked.
— I saw him... in a dream.
Zetch raised an eyebrow.
— Your destiny is becoming dramatic, you.
They entered. Lyseria welcomed them.
- Welcome. The Sage awaits you.
Arriving in the dining room, they stopped.
Aletha laughed softly at something the Sage had just said.
Caden stood frozen.
Then, without thinking, he crossed the room and embraced her.
Aletha jumped.
—Caden!
He held her tightly, his eyes closed.
- You are alive...
Silence fell.
Bella blinked. Zetch raised an eyebrow.
The Sage observed calmly.
Caden suddenly realized what he was doing. He backed away abruptly.
"I… I was worried, that's all.
Aletha smiled softly.
- I know.
The Sage clapped his hands.
- Alright. Take a seat.
Caden sat down next to Aletha. Bella took a seat next to Zetch.
Dinner began.