The moment Kaiden walked off, silence swallowed the hallway.
A faint ripple in the air broke that silence a second later. A dark shadow slipped out of the corner, like it had always been there but no one noticed.
Lucian stepped out slowly, his figure half-hidden in the dim light. He didn't move closer to Maraya, who was still on the floor crying quietly. Her sobs filled the empty space, weak and broken.
He just stood there, his face calm, eyes sharp.
He didn't need to ask what happened. He already knew.
"Whoever that person is," he whispered under his breath, his voice barely a sound, "he is not Kaiden."
His eyes followed the path Kaiden had taken a few seconds ago. His gaze was cold, but the corner of his mouth pulled up slightly.
"I like this," he muttered with a faint grin.
Then, just like smoke, his figure faded back into the darkness and disappeared completely.
——
Inside the royal chamber, the atmosphere couldn't be more different.
Soft morning light came through the tall windows, shining on polished marble floors and gold curtains. Serenya was standing behind Thane, gently pressing her thumbs into his shoulders. The king had a relaxed smile, his beard neatly combed, eyes half-closed as he enjoyed the massage.
"Hmm, that's perfect, just a little higher," he said lazily, tilting his head.
The door opened with a small creak.
Kaiden walked in.
Thane didn't even turn around. He just groaned quietly. "What is it you want this morning, brat? Let me enjoy some quality time with my wife before you start talking nonsense."
Kaiden smiled faintly. "Good morning to you too, father. And good morning, mother."
Serenya looked up from behind Thane, giving him a warm smile. "Good morning, Kaiden. You're up early today."
"Yeah," he replied, closing the door behind him. "I actually wanted to ask something."
Thane opened one eye, still not turning around. "This better be good."
Kaiden didn't bother with small talk. "Do you still have that recommendation for the academy?"
The second those words came out, Serenya's hands froze.
Even Thane's relaxed posture straightened a bit. He turned halfway in his chair and gave Kaiden a long look, as if he wasn't sure he'd heard right.
"The academy?" he repeated.
Kaiden nodded. "Yes."
For a few seconds, no one said anything. The sound of the wind outside filled the room.
Serenya finally moved around the chair, her long silk gown brushing the floor as she walked closer. "Kaiden," she said softly, "you're not thinking of going, are you?"
Kaiden looked at her with calm eyes. "I am."
Her face changed instantly. The softness disappeared, replaced by worry. "No," she said quickly, shaking her head. "No, no way. You just came back home after being lost in the woods for days. I won't let you go anywhere near that place."
Kaiden sighed quietly. He expected that reaction.
"I'm sorry, mother," he said, lowering his head a little, "but I have to go."
"Kaiden—"
He didn't let her finish. "This is something I have to do."
The tone in his voice wasn't loud, but it was firm enough that even she paused.
Serenya stood there quietly, staring at him for a few moments. She wanted to argue more, but something in his eyes stopped her. He wasn't asking for permission. He had already made up his mind.
Thane finally spoke again.
"Are you sure?"
Kaiden turned toward him. "Yes, father."
Thane's deep eyes studied him for a moment. "There's no going back once you enter the academy," he said calmly.
"I know," Kaiden answered. "And I'm ready."
Thane hummed lowly and stood up from his chair. He walked toward a tall wooden drawer by the wall, his heavy steps echoing across the room. Serenya's worried gaze followed him while Kaiden stood silently, waiting.
The king opened the drawer and pulled out a small scroll wrapped neatly in red silk and sealed with golden thread.
He turned and tossed it toward Kaiden.
Kaiden caught it easily with one hand.
"Show that at the academy," Thane said, his tone carrying both authority and care. "It'll grant you access to take the entrance exam. That scroll is from one of the elders. Don't lose it."
Kaiden nodded firmly, holding the scroll like it was something sacred. "Thank you, father."
Serenya looked between them, still unable to hide her worry. "You're really going, aren't you?" she said softly.
Kaiden smiled faintly. "I'll be fine."
Thane chuckled and sat back down in his chair. "You better be. I don't plan to mourn you for the second time."
Serenya gave him a sharp glare for that comment, but Kaiden just smiled slightly and bowed his head before leaving the chamber.
The moment the door closed behind him, the smile on Thane's face faded slowly. His fingers tapped against the table beside him.
"Looks like it's starting," he muttered quietly, almost to himself.
Serenya looked at him. "What did you say?"
Thane forced a small smile. "Nothing. Just thinking out loud."