"Let me introduce my younger sister, Luna."

  Theodore gestured toward the young girl beside him.

  Luna lifted the hem of her dress slightly, offering a graceful bow, her movements fluid and refined.

  "My name is Caelan Vaelgrim," Caelan responded, bowing in return.

  "Revan Vaelgrim," his brother followed, his tone calm yet measured.

  A brief silence settled over them.

  All eyes turned toward Xander—who was completely preoccupied with devouring a pile of sweet bread, seemingly oblivious to the introductions.

  Revan smirked.

  "And this one here—House Vaelgrim's most decorated warrior, Xander."

  His voice was laced with mock seriousness, causing Caelan to chuckle and Luna to let out a soft giggle.

  Xander, however, remained unfazed—his attention fully dedicated to his food.

  Theodore shook his head in amusement before turning back to Caelan.

  "I wanted to congratulate you on successfully passing the High Moon Trial."

  "Thank you," Caelan nodded. "Why didn't you bring Luna to my birthday banquet?"

  A flicker of hesitation crossed Theodore's face before he responded.

  "She… wasn't feeling well. This relentless summer heat hasn't been kind to many."

  Caelan studied Theodore for a moment, his onyx gaze calculating.

  Then, he simply shrugged.

  "It can't be helped, I suppose."

  "I apologize for missing it," Luna said, lowering her head slightly.

  "It's no big deal. Don't mind it," Caelan replied smoothly.

  Inside the grand banquet hall, the air shifted.

  The main doors swung open, revealing King Alistair Marvilion.

  The moment he stepped inside, all eyes turned toward him.

  The atmosphere thickened, a palpable sense of royal presence sweeping through the room.

  Cassius immediately approached the king, lowering his head in a respectful bow.

  "Welcome to Nightveil, Your Honor."

  Alistair let out a hearty laugh, his golden hair shimmering under the chandeliers.

  "Cassius, what is this? Bowing to me? Have you forgotten how many rebellions we crushed together?"

  Cassius smiled but remained composed.

  "I must still set an example for my children in proper etiquette."

  Alistair grinned, grasping Cassius's hand before pulling him into a brief embrace.

  "Ah, and of course—Your Grace, Queen Helena."

  Cassius turned toward the silver-haired queen, offering her the same deep bow.

  "My Lord," Helena responded gracefully, returning his greeting.

  Alistair's gaze swept across the hall, his expression filled with curiosity.

  "So, where is your son—the one who conquered the High Moon Trial?"

  Cassius glanced toward the balcony, where his children stood conversing with Theodore and Luna.

  "It seems he is currently welcoming his own guests."

  The king followed his gaze and smiled knowingly.

  As a servant arrived, offering drinks to the royal couple, Alistair gave a casual wave to his attendants.

  Immediately, one of the royal staff stepped forward, carrying a large ornate box before handing it over to a House Vaelgrim attendant.

  "I brought an Ether Stone for him—it should aid his training. He'll be attending the Academy this year, won't he?"

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  Cassius inclined his head.

  "You are too generous, Your Grace."

  "Nonsense," Alistair waved dismissively. "Consider it an investment in Arcadia's future."

  Then—his demeanor changed.

  The air grew heavier.

  His usual charismatic warmth dimmed, replaced by something more serious, more urgent.

  "Cassius, we need to talk."

  Cassius's expression hardened instantly.

  "Understood. Come with me."

  Without another word, the two men left the banquet hall, stepping into the corridors beyond.

  The room fell into a momentary hush, guests exchanging curious glances.

  After all—why would the host of the banquet leave his own celebration?

  Sensing the shift in mood, House Vaelgrim's Matriarch stepped forward, her voice smooth and commanding.

  "And now, esteemed guests, we present the renowned Bard Rosemary for tonight's performance."

  At once, the tension in the hall eased.

  Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd as guests gathered in a circle, anticipation gleaming in their eyes.

  Moments later, a young woman carrying a finely crafted guitar stepped onto the center stage.

  Then—she played.

  The first notes rang out, gentle yet captivating.

  The melody swelled, rich and enchanting, filling the hall with a song that seemed to carry both history and sorrow.

  The audience swayed, entranced, some raising their glasses in appreciation.

  But while the rest of the hall drowned in the music, the Matriarch of House Vaelgrim moved with quiet precision.

  With deliberate steps, she slipped away from the crowd and approached Queen Helena.

  Standing beside the queen, she offered a subtle smile.

  Helena returned the gesture, her silver eyes glimmering.

  "That was quick thinking, Lady Elsara."

  Elsara's lips curled slightly.

  "I've been covering for him since day one. Let's just say I'm well-trained for this."

  Helena let out a small, knowing laugh.

  "How was your journey, Your Grace?" Elsara asked, her tone polite yet firm.

  Queen Helena offered a gracious nod.

  "It was peaceful and uneventful. Some of your soldiers even escorted us from the Duchy's border all the way here."

  Elsara smiled faintly.

  "I hope you find your stay here comfortable."

  "Thank you. Now, shall we gather the children inside?" Helena suggested.

  With that, they made their way toward the balcony, weaving through the gathered guests who were still captivated by Bard Rosemary's performance.

  By the time they arrived, the tension in the air was unmistakable.

  Caelan and Theodore stood face-to-face, their gazes locked in an unspoken challenge.

  Luna held onto Theodore's arm, whispering for him to stop, while Revan stood between them, his hand pressed firmly against Caelan's chest to hold him back.

  Behind Caelan, Xander clung onto his older brother's coat, as if trying to physically anchor him down.

  The hostility between the two noble heirs was palpable.

  Caelan's smirk was sharp, his tone edged with annoyance.

  "Even if I am a year younger than you, I am certain I am far stronger than you, my prince."

  Theodore smiled back, but his expression was tight with irritation.

  "Is that so? Then why don't you prove it? Unless, of course, you'd rather just apologize to my sister."

  Caelan tilted his head, his onyx eyes gleaming.

  "An apology? For what exactly?"

  "Enough."

  Revan's voice cut through the tension, his patience wearing thin.

  "Caelan, you're still covered in bandages. Do you really think this is the best time to pick a fight?"

  "I'm fine," Caelan insisted.

  "Just leave it," Luna pleaded, pulling at Theodore's sleeve.

  Before either of them could speak further—

  "What is the meaning of this?"

  A sharp, commanding voice broke the moment.

  Both boys immediately turned, only to find two women standing before them.

  Their mothers.

  Elsara and Queen Helena wore identical expressions—disapproval mixed with quiet fury.

  "He started it!" Caelan and Theodore blurted at the same time.

  Elsara sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Then, without warning—

  She grabbed Caelan by the ear.

  "Is this how a host treats his guests?" she scolded.

  Xander and Revan immediately released their hold on Caelan, knowing better than to interfere.

  "Ouch—ouch—Mother! He started it!" Caelan protested.

  Theodore grinned smugly—until Helena seized his ear just as tightly.

  "And is this how a prince behaves in the home of his host?"

  "Ow—ow—Mother, that hurts!" Theodore whined.

  "Then perhaps you should reconsider your actions."

  The cold finality in Helena's voice left no room for argument.

  Still gripping her son, she turned to Elsara.

  "Shall we?"

  Elsara nodded, her own Etherea fluctuating in the air—cold and unyielding, a reminder of her Glacivarn lineage.

  "Revan, could you keep Luna company for a while? I need to have a word with my eldest."

  "Of course," Revan replied smoothly, though his eyes flickered toward Caelan briefly.

  With that, the two women led their sons away from the balcony, leaving behind a rather stunned Luna, a mildly amused Revan, and a very confused Xander.

  "Well, I suppose you're stuck with us now," Revan said, exhaling lightly.

  He motioned toward the garden below.

  "Come on, I'll show you around the castle."

  Luna hesitated for a brief moment before nodding.

  Together, they descended the steps from the balcony into the castle's vast, moonlit garden. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of night-blooming flowers. Some of the blossoms glowed softly under the moonlight, their petals shimmering like stardust.

  They walked in silence, a strange, lingering awkwardness between them.

  Eventually, they neared a large koi pond.

  Xander, who had been trailing behind, suddenly dashed forward.

  "This is where you fell in when you tried to walk on water using Etherea," Xander declared, pointing dramatically at the deep end of the pond.

  A mischievous grin spread across his face as he recalled the memory.

  "You sank so fast it was like watching a rock drop!"

  Revan sighed, rubbing his temples.

  Luna, meanwhile, covered her mouth as she tried to suppress a laugh.

  "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Revan muttered, shooting a glance at her.

  "Just a little," she admitted, her eyes twinkling.

  "If I recall, you fell too, Xander."

  "Yeah, but I am seven! What's your excuse?" Xander shot back, bursting into laughter.

  Just as Revan opened his mouth to retort—

  A rustle. A shadow.

  Then—a hooded figure burst from the bushes.

  In an instant, a gloved hand clamped over Xander's mouth. A dagger pressed against his throat.

  The air turned deadly still.

  Revan's instincts screamed. His sword was in his hand before he even realized it. With his free arm, he grabbed Luna, pulling her close to his side.

  She gasped, startled, her fingers clutching the fabric of his sleeve.

  But Revan didn't even blink.

  His eyes were locked onto the intruder.

  "Damn it," he thought. "I can't sense their Etherea."

  "Don't move," the hooded figure ordered.

  Their voice were low and sharp.