Early Autumn of year Idite, 1170
Lilith, not at the age of 14, paused on the top step of Silford Manor's broad stone stoop, the heavy double doors swinging shut behind her with a soft thud. Dawn's pale light gilded the courtyard in silver, and the distant clip‑clop of hooves echoed like a heartbeat.
In front of her, a lacquered black-and-gold carriage awaited, its liveried coachman perched atop the driver's box, reins coiled neatly in his gloved hands.
Inside the courtyard, footmen hurried back and forth: one lifted Lilith's dark velvet trunk; another set a dainty leather case beside it. Nanny Marienne fussed over her mistress's gown one last time. Sebastian stood quietly to one side, smoothing his gloves while ordering the workers around, every line of his posture taut with elegance.
Beyond Lilith's carriage, a second coach—dressed in midnight blue—was being readied for Count Caelum. His own luggage and sword‑box as well as an ornate box were already lashed to the roof, and Caelum himself stepped forward to inspect the harness with the same scrutinazing eye he applied to his wards.
Lilith turned in a slow circle. Her gaze met her father's for a heartbeat—Claude Silford standing on the marble steps, offering a proud, steady nod. Her mother stood beside him, eyes bright, fingers interlaced as though in prayer.
Elias was, for some reason, nowhere to be seen. Lilith thought, he must be sleeping still and brushed it off.
Lilith took a breath. "Mother, father..." she whispered, voice steady even as her heart fluttered. She crossed the small distance to her parents and embraced them. "I love you," Her arms found their way around her mother in a fierce hug.
Duchess Flora pressed her cheek against Lilith's temple, murmuring, "Study well and be safe, my darling. We love you so very much," as she brushed a strand of crimson hair from her daughter's face.
Claude bent down to embrace her next, one arm around her shoulders, the other clasping her hand in his. His voice caught as he said, "Stay safe, my little daughter, and stay true."
Lilith felt her father's proud warmth in his embrace, and when she finally pulled away, her mother tucked a pressed flower into her cloak and whispered, "We will be waiting for you here when the time comes for you to return."
Their eyes glistened in the dawn light—hope, pride, and a hint of sorrow, and worry—before Lilith straightened, squared her shoulders, and took her place at the carriage door.
Caelum stepped forward then, offering his hand. Lilith gently hold onto his and climbed into the carriage. The coachman snapped his whip; the horses stamped and whinnied.
Just as the carriage door was about to close, a smaller, dust‑smeared trunk rattled up the steps—wheeled by a panting Elias, followed by his instructor, Arin. He skidded to a halt beside Lilith's coach, dragging it upright with effort.
Lilith peered down at his brother through the open door in surprise. "Elias?"
He straightened, chest puffed out. "I—um—Mother and Father agreed that I should join you. I convinced them that we shouldn't be separated, so I'm going with you to the Valtorin Academy of Magic and Blade," he announced, voice cracking with pride and nerves.
Claude's voice rang out clear across the courtyard. "We have every confidence in you both. Count Caelum will see you safely to the Academy's gates—and we will make sure that you two will be comfortable in your respected dormitories, when you get accepted."
Lilith's eyes softened. She reached out to gently ruffle her brother's hair, which caused him to grumble in annoyance and quickly fix his hair.
Sebastian quickly clapped his hands and gestured for a few waiting workers. They swiftly grabbed Elias's trunk, cleaned it, and placed it next to his sister's pristine luggages.
Free from his own belongings, Elias also climbed into the carriage and sat in front of his sister with a wide, nervous smile. Caelum gently closed the door, leaving the two alone.
Arin moved and went near Caelum's carriage. He used a mirrage spell to hide his demi-human features before climbing in.
With a nod from Caelum, the coachman urged the horses forward. The wheels turned, the carriage rolled across the courtyard, and Silford Manor's gates creaked open to let them out.
As the manor's towers receded in the distance, the rattling of the carriage wheels on the cobblestones was the only sound for a long moment. Outside, dawn broke in rose and gold over the rolling countryside.
Inside, Lilith sat with her chin resting on her hand, eyes fixed on the horizon. Elias perched opposite her, one leg tucked under him, eyes bright with questions.
Elias finally gathered the courage and cleared his throat, softly speaking, "Lilith… do you still believe she saved you willingly? That Akasha meant to bind you to her?"
Lilith's gaze drifted to him, thoughtful. "We do not speak Her name, Elias. And She saved my life. She did what the other Gods refused and defied nature. You do know everything comes with a cost, right?"
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I do not care if She had an agenda or if I were meant to serve Her or to be Her avatar. I chose to serve Her because Her truth calls to me. Chaos is the only force brave enough to defend those who cannot defend themselves."
Elias watched the way her fingers curled around the empty space on the seat beside her, as though she held a living flame.
"But… you know what She asked of you. You must walk among strangers, learn their ways, and then—" He swallowed. "Then you're to kill the High Priestess of Earth."
Lilith's lips curved in a faint, rueful smile. "Yes. Idite's priestess. She stands for everything that condemned Her, everything that erased Her name. I will do it, when the time comes."
He closed his eyes, voice tight. "I want to help. I don't belong in the academy—" He shook his head. "I'm not ready for politics or magic that deep. But I can draw a sword. I can be at your side."
Lilith's expression softened. "Is this why you insisted on coming to the academy at such a young age?" She leaned forward, placing both hands over his.
"You're too young, Elias. This path… it's dangerous, darker than you understand. I won't let you be pulled into it."
Elias met her gaze fiercely. "I chose this. You're my sister. I can't just watch you stride away into danger by yourself."
Silence followed. Lilith's eyes glistened for a heartbeat, and she squeezed his hands. "I know. And I don't want to lose you, either."
She tapped one finger against his palm, thoughtful. "If I were to allow you, you will have to promise me you'll stay in the shadows—train with Arin, learn what you can. Guard me when I leave the crowd. But be my little genius brother who excels at sword in the public eye."
His nod was immediate. "I promise."
Lilith sat back, brushing her cloak smooth. "Good. Because after tomorrow, everything changes. I'll be surrounded by eyes that see only four gods, never the one who saved me. I'll need my mask as much as my blade."
Elias leaned forward, voice hushed. "Then teach me your mask. Teach me to be your shadow."
A small, determined smile flickered across Lilith's face. "I will."
Pleased with the deal he made with his sister, Elias leaned back, now beaming. He returned to his usual cheery self and started to hum a random tune, watching the sun rise.
As the carriage swayed gently beneath them, Lilith folded her hands in her lap and fixed Elias with a level, almost older-than-her-years stare. "Elias," she said quietly, her voice calm but firm.
Elias beamed at his sister, "Yes, big sis?" But seeing her cold and serious look, he immediately went silent.
"The academy we are going is not a random teaching institution for nobles. It is Valtorin Academy of Magic and Blade, famous throughout the entire continent, not only in our empire. Only select few children from high-ranking nobles can attend this academy."
She stopped for a few seconds to let her brother understand the importance of the academy.
"Do you understand what this means? Once we set foot inside the Academy, you are no longer just my little brother. You are Elias Silford, son of Duke Claude Silford. Every word you speak, every move you make will reflect on our house. The nobles, the instructors, even the staff—they will watch us closely. One slip, one outburst, one careless mistake, and they won't hesitate to tarnish our family's name."
Elias, feeling nervous, gulped loudly. He could not utter a single word.
Lilith leaned in slightly, her emerald eyes sharp. "I need you to be careful. No trouble, no warnings, no detentions. If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your family, for their name. Understood?"
Elias, swiftly nodded his head a few times before finally finding his voice. "Y-yes sister!"
Lilith gave a firm, pleased nod and leaned back to her seat. She placed her chin to her open palm then started to watch the outside of the carriage. The one-hour journey was coming to an end as they passed through the slowly waking city.