Several days had passed since the duel with Mika.
The wound on Lyssara's cheek had healed well, thanks to the doctor's constant treatment. The stitches had been removed that very morning, leaving a pink line that would eventually turn into a fine scar. It no longer hurt when she spoke or smiled.
In those days, something had changed among the three of them.
Lyssara had spent more time with Sareth and Carmen. They were not forced conversations about plans or strategies. They were afternoons in the library, walks in the gardens, shared meals when no one else was watching. Slowly, without formal declarations, they had become more than allies.
They were friends. Or at least, something similar.
Now they walked together through the streets of Stormvale, moving away from the mansion's shadow.
Lyssara walked ahead, her hands stuffed into her pockets. She wore simple clothes: dark trousers, a white shirt, and a leather vest.
Sareth walked beside her, wearing a brown tunic that fit him well. He had combed his hair that morning, though the wind was already undoing the effort.
Carmen closed the group, half a step behind as always. She wore a simple green linen dress and her leather bag crossed over her chest. She observed the city with that silent attention of hers, as if she were cataloging everything.
The streets were bustling with morning activity. Merchants, people talking, merchandise carts blocking the way, children running between the adults' legs.
"Where exactly are we going?" asked Sareth, dodging a cart.
"I have to pick something up," Lyssara replied.
"Afterward, we can go wherever you want."
Sareth smiled.
"Can I choose?"
"You can choose."
They passed through the main market, but Lyssara did not stop at the silk or jewelry shops. She kept walking towards a quieter side street.
They stopped in front of a small shop with an inconspicuous display window. The sign read: "Silverware and Fine Accessories."
"Here," Lyssara said, pushing the door open.
The interior was clean and tidy. Glass display cases showed necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and rings of elegant but not ostentatious design. A young clerk stood behind the counter, polishing a silver chain.
He looked up when they entered.
"Miss Lyssara," he greeted with a brief bow. "Your order is ready. One moment, please."
He disappeared into the back room and returned with a small wooden box. He opened it on the counter.
Inside were three identical brooches. Each was shaped like an aged silver rose, with delicately crafted petals. They were pretty. Discrete. Perfect for securing a cloak or adorning a dress.
Lyssara took one and examined it under the light.
"They are perfect," she said.
"Brooches?" asked Sareth, leaning in to see them better.
"Not just brooches," Lyssara said. She turned the brooch in her hand and pressed the center of the rose. one of the petals sprang off with a soft click, revealing itself as a small, sharp metal blade. "Pretty accessories. But also useful."
Carmen approached, her eyes wide with interest.
"An hidden weapon?"
"A last resort," Lyssara said, putting the petal back in place. "It's not a sword. But it serves to cut ropes, defend yourself if someone grabs you, or open locks if you know how."
She took the three brooches and showed them.
"One for each of us."
Sareth blinked.
"For us?"
"We are a set, aren't we?" said Lyssara, handing one to Sareth and the other to Carmen. "It's better if we're equipped."
Carmen held the brooch carefully, as if it were something precious.
"Thank you," she said in a low voice.
Sareth examined his, testing the mechanism with curiosity.
"It's ingenious. Where did you find the design?"
"I saw it in a book in the archive," Lyssara replied. "About unconventional self-defense methods. I adapted the mechanism."
"You designed this?" Sareth asked, looking at the brooch with renewed interest.
"The basic concept existed. I just made it more practical so it would be more discrete."
Lyssara paid the clerk the rest of the price and tucked her own brooch into the inner pocket of her cloak.
They left the shop. The sun was higher now, warming the streets.
"So," Lyssara said, looking at Sareth. "You chose. Where are we going?"
Sareth brightened.
"There's a dessert shop near the market square. They make the best fruit tarts in the city."
"Desserts," Lyssara said with a small smile. "I should have guessed."
They walked toward the square. The shop Sareth had chosen was called Sweet Haven. It had small wooden tables near the windows and a counter full of trays with cakes, tarts, and cookies.
They sat at a table in the back. Sareth ordered three fruit tarts and tea.
When the food arrived, Lyssara took a bite. The tart was good. Crispy, sweet, with a hint of tartness from the fruit.
"It's good," she admitted.
"I told you," said Sareth, eating enthusiastically.
Carmen ate slowly, cutting small pieces with her fork. Her eyes wandered around the shop, observing the other customers, the display cases, avoiding looking directly at her companions.
There was a comfortable silence as they ate. It wasn't awkward. Just quiet. The kind of silence that only exists between people who don't need to fill every second with words.
Lyssara finished half of her tart and pushed the plate slightly forward. She took a sip of tea, watching the street through the window.
After a while, Sareth put down his fork and wiped his hands.
"Are you nervous? About the Academy."
Lyssara turned her attention to him. She wiped her hands with a napkin, taking a moment before answering.
"Not nervous. It's just... the next step."
Sareth tilted his head slightly.
"The next step toward what, exactly."
It wasn't a challenge. It was genuine curiosity. The way Sareth asked things was always like that: direct but without malice.
Lyssara looked him directly, holding his gaze.
"Toward being competent. Better than the rest. The Academy has the best masters on the continent. If I'm going to be Head of House someday, I need to be the most prepared."
Sareth nodded slowly, processing her words. He turned his teacup in his hands.
"Kael should go too," he said after a pause. "Do you think he'll go?"
Something changed in Lyssara's expression. Barely perceptible, but it was there.
"He'll go, eventually."
"What if they don't accept him?" The worry in Sareth's voice was genuine. "He's taking too long to return. What if he misses the opportunity?"
Lyssara shook her head, her conviction absolute.
"Kael doesn't miss opportunities. If they don't accept him through normal channels, he'll do something to make them accept him. It's a unique opportunity to attend the Academy. He knows it."
"It's not that simple," Sareth said, his voice firmer now. He leaned slightly forward.
"Enrollments have deadlines. Requirements. You can't just force your way in."
"Kael will find a way," Lyssara said with certainty.
"He always does."
A silence stretched between them. Sareth seemed to want to say something more, but stopped himself. Instead, he reached for another piece of his tart.
Carmen, who had been listening in silence, finally looked up. Her voice was low but clear.
"I read that masters from all over the world are going this year. Unique ones. People who only teach once every decade."
Lyssara leaned back in her chair, grateful for the change of subject.
"Exactly. That's why everyone wants in. It's not just for the prestige."
Carmen put down her fork and clasped her hands on the table. When she spoke of knowledge, her shyness dissolved a little.
"I read about Master Aldeon. He hasn't accepted students in fifteen years. They say his Aether training method is the most effectively documented. And he's going to be there this year."
Sareth looked at her with interest.
"How do you know that?"
"It's in the registers that arrived last week. The Academy published the list of visiting masters." Carmen blushed slightly, aware that both of them were looking at her now.
Lyssara watched her curiously.
"Did you memorize the list?"
Carmen's blush deepened. She lowered her gaze to her cup.
"I read everything that arrives about the Academy. Just in case."
"Just in case what?"
Carmen took a moment to reply.
"Just in case I could ever... go." Her voice grew smaller.
"I know it's not likely. But I like to know."
There was a silence. Not awkward, but charged. Lyssara and Sareth exchanged a brief look.
Sareth opened his mouth, as if to say something, but stopped. Instead, he reached for another piece of his tart.
The silence stretched a little longer. Carmen continued looking at her cup. Outside, the sound of the street filled the void: carts passing, people talking, the clinking of dishes at other tables.
Lyssara broke the silence, her tone casual but with a touch of amusement.
"And what else do the gazettes say? Anything interesting?"
Carmen looked up, surprised to be asked. She hesitated, biting her lower lip.
"Well... I heard that the heir to the Oakhan kingdom is going to attend."
"Really?" asked Sareth, genuinely interested.
Carmen nodded, gaining a little more confidence.
"Yes. I read it in the gazettes that arrive at the archive. They say he has one of the most beautiful faces on the continent. And he's your age, Lyssara."
Lyssara arched an eyebrow, picking up her teacup. There was something amused in her expression.
"Oh, really?"
Carmen hurried to continue, her words coming out faster now.
"I also read that he's an exceptional swordsman. He won the Oakhan youth tournament at fifteen."
Lyssara took a sip of tea, considering the information.
"I'd have to see him. A good swordsman is always useful for training."
There was a pause. Carmen and Sareth exchanged a quick glance. Something passed between them, some silent communication.
Carmen swallowed and, with a courage that clearly cost her, asked:
"Do you have... a special type? Of man, I mean."
Lyssara put down her cup, looking at Carmen.
"Special type?"
Carmen blushed intensely, but continued.
"You know. Preferences. Tall, short, intelligent, strong..."
Lyssara let out a short laugh. Not cruel, but clearly amused by the question.
"No. I don't have time for that. I'm focused on other things."
She shrugged.
"And so far, I haven't found a man I like. Maybe it will be different there. But I'm not looking for that."
Carmen nodded, her blush slightly receding. She seemed relieved that Lyssara hadn't been annoyed.
"I was just... saying. Because of the heir."
"Ah." Lyssara took another sip of tea. "I'm going to study, not for a romance."
Lyssara observed Carmen for a moment. Then, with a small smile that barely touched her lips, she asked:
"And you? Is there someone you like?"
The reaction was immediate.
Carmen turned red as a tomato. Her eyes darted, almost by reflex, toward Sareth.
Sareth, who had just brought his fork to his mouth, froze. His eyes met Carmen's for a fraction of a second.
Both blushed more intensely.
Carmen quickly looked away, staring fixedly at her tart as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
Sareth put down his fork with a soft clang. He coughed.
"Does anyone want more tea?" His voice came out higher than usual. He cleared his throat. "I'm going to order more tea."
He got up so fast that his chair scraped against the floor. He walked toward the counter with hurried steps.
Carmen concentrated on her tart with fierce intensity, cutting a tiny piece and bringing it to her mouth without really tasting it.
Lyssara watched the scene with a completely neutral expression. She picked up her teacup and drank slowly, without saying a word. Her gray eyes showed neither judgment nor amusement. Only cold observation.
It wasn't her problem.
Sareth returned after what felt like an eternity, carrying a full teapot. He sat down carefully, as if the act of sitting required all his concentration.
He served tea for everyone with deliberately slow and precise movements. He filled Carmen's cup. Then Lyssara's. Finally, his own.
"Done," he said, unnecessarily.
No one said anything.
Carmen continued looking at her tart. Sareth looked at his freshly poured teacup. Lyssara looked out the window.
The silence stretched, thick and heavy.
Finally, Sareth cleared his throat again.
"The... the dresses Elyn ordered for you. Are they as ridiculous as you said?"
Lyssara gave him a look. There was a flicker of something in her eyes. Amusement? Gratitude for the change of subject?
"Worse. One has so many ruffles that I look like a cake."
Carmen let out a small, soft laugh. The tension began to dissolve.
"A cake?"
"A wedding cake. One of those with five layers."
Sareth smiled despite himself.
The subject was dropped, buried under safer conversation.
They talked about other things. About the books Carmen had been cataloging in the archive. About how Favius had defeated another cadet in the training yard that week. About the impossible dresses Elyn kept ordering.
The conversation flowed more easily now, like a river that had found its course after hitting rocks.
The afternoon passed quietly.
When they finished, they paid and left the shop. The sun was beginning its descent, staining the sky with warmer tones.
They walked back toward the mansion. The uphill path was steep, but the conversation made the effort seem lesser.
They reached the outer gates of the mansion.
And there, the atmosphere changed.
Lyssara noticed it first.
The guards at the gate were tense. Not in a combat stance, but alert. They were looking toward the south road with more attention than usual.
Inside the courtyard, there was unusual movement. Servants walking quickly. Stable boys carrying items. An officer of the guard crossing toward the main building at a hurried pace.
Lyssara stopped.
"Something's happening."
Sareth looked around.
"What?"
"Look at the guards. And the servants."
Carmen observed the courtyard.
"When the servants move like that, someone important has arrived. Or something has happened."
Lyssara quickened her pace. They crossed the entrance arch.
In the main courtyard, Lyssara stopped a servant who was rushing past with a clean towel.
"What is going on?"
The servant stopped, panting.
"My Lady! Someone has arrived. Sir Aldric."
Lyssara felt something cold in her stomach.
"Aldric? And Kael?"
The servant swallowed.
"Sir Aldric came alone, My Lady. And it seems... it seems he has been through a battle."
Lyssara released the servant.
She turned to Sareth. Her brother was pale.
"Alone," Sareth repeated, his voice barely a whisper.
Carmen stayed a step behind, understanding that this was a family matter.
Lyssara said nothing. Her mind was already processing the implications.
'If Aldric returned alone...'
"Let's go," she said.
She started walking toward the courtyard of honor, where important arrivals were received.
Sareth followed her, his steps quick.
Lyssara clenched her fists.
The quiet afternoon was over.
They turned the corner of the main building.
And there, under the twilight, they saw what had caused the commotion.