The final week at Northwatch passed too quickly.
Adrian stood in his quarters, reading letters that had arrived that morning. Two familiar handwriting styles—one precise and measured, the other bold and slightly chaotic.
Finn's letter came first:
Adrian,
Dawnspire Academy accepted me. They saw the yellow Spirit Sword during the trials and practically demanded I attend. Headmaster Theron himself wrote the acceptance—apparently Holy Knights with proper manifestation are rare enough that they don't take chances.
Three years training in faith, discipline, and divine combat. Honestly? I'm terrified. But also excited. This is what I've worked toward my whole life.
Heard you got accepted to all six academies. Congratulations, though I'm not surprised. Which one did you choose?
Stay in touch. Distance won't break the bonds we forged during the trials.
Your friend, Finn
Adrian smiled slightly. Finn at Dawnspire made perfect sense—his yellow Spirit Sword marked him for Holy Knight service from the moment it manifested. The church would train him well.
Edric's letter was characteristically different:
Blackthorn!
Stormwatch took me! Scout Knights, can you believe it? They said my performance during the trials showed "exceptional mobility and tactical awareness." I think they're just being polite about me running circles around people.
Three years learning cavalry tactics, scouting operations, and battlefield maneuvering. Father's thrilled—says Stormwatch produces the finest scouts in the kingdom.
Which academy claimed the great Adrian Blackthorn? Whichever one, they're lucky to have you. Though I suspect you'll terrify half the instructors within the first week.
Write back. And try not to make the rest of us look bad during academy training.
Edric Halborne
Adrian sat at his desk, composing responses. The quill felt strange in his hand after weeks of holding weapons, but the words came easily.
To Finn, he wrote about choosing Ashbourne, about demon slaying training that would let him continue the work he'd started at Northwatch. He mentioned Alice briefly—enough to acknowledge the relationship without dwelling on the coming separation.
To Edric, his tone was lighter. Jokes about Stormwatch's cavalry tactics, warnings about overconfidence in scouting operations, genuine congratulations on the acceptance. Between friends who'd survived trials together, formality wasn't necessary.
Both letters ended the same way: promises to stay connected, invitations to meet during academy leave periods, acknowledgment that three years apart wouldn't break friendships forged in combat.
As he sealed the letters, Adrian felt the weight of endings. Finn to Dawnspire in the western territories. Edric to Stormwatch in the northern plains. Alice to Silverkeep in the capital. And himself to Ashbourne in the eastern mountains.
Four friends, four academies, four different paths.
But still connected. Still bound by what they'd shared.
That evening, Adrian found his father in Northwatch's study, reviewing border reports.
"Final week," Dorian observed without looking up. "How are you handling it?"
"Processing." Adrian settled into the chair across from him. "Finn and Edric both got academy acceptances. Different schools, but good placements."
"That's excellent. The three of you made strong showings at the trials—academies would be foolish not to pursue you." Dorian set down the reports, giving Adrian his full attention. "And you? Ready for Ashbourne?"
"As ready as I can be. Demon slaying, monster hunting—it's what I've trained for my whole life. Just... in a different location."
"With different people. Without family nearby. Without..." Dorian paused meaningfully, "without Alice."
Adrian's jaw tightened slightly. "We'll manage the distance."
"I know you will. But that doesn't make it easier." Dorian's expression was understanding. "Your mother and I were separated for six months early in our marriage—military deployment. Worst six months of my life. And that was with regular communication and certainty of reunion."
"You're saying three years is harder."
"I'm saying three years is significant. But if anyone can maintain a relationship through that, it's you two. You're both too stubborn to let distance win." Dorian smiled slightly. "Just... don't let academy training consume you completely. Remember what you're working toward beyond just becoming stronger."
"I won't," Adrian promised.
Elara appeared in the doorway, expression soft. "Adrian. Alice is asking for you. Says she has something to give you before she leaves tomorrow."
Tomorrow. The word hit like a blow. Alice and Mira were returning to the capital in the morning, departing Northwatch before Adrian left for Ashbourne a week later.
Their first separation. The beginning of three years apart.
Alice waited on the northern wall—their spot, where so many important moments had happened. She held a small package wrapped in silk.
"Your mother said you were with your father," Alice said as Adrian approached. "Good. You should spend time with family before leaving."
"So should you. Mira's been looking for you."
"We talked earlier. Said our goodbyes to Northwatch together." Alice smiled sadly. "Hard to believe two months ago we arrived here not knowing what to expect. Now we're leaving as different people."
"Stronger people," Adrian corrected. "Proven warriors. Demon territory veterans."
"Thanks to you. To your family. To this place." Alice held out the package. "Before I go, I wanted to give you this. Something to remember... everything."
Adrian unwrapped the silk carefully. Inside was a small crystal pendant—not a rune, but a piece of worked glass that caught the light with violet hues. Her Spirit Sword color, preserved in crystal form. The pendant was shaped like half of a heart.
"It's beautiful," he said honestly.
"Had it made in the capital before coming here. Planned to give it to someone if..." Alice hesitated, "if I found someone worth giving it to." She produced a second pendant from beneath her cloak—this one with crimson hues that echoed Adrian's unprecedented Spirit Sword color. Also shaped like half a heart. "They're meant to fit together."
Alice held up her crimson half. Adrian raised his violet half. When they brought the two pendants together, they clicked into place with a soft chime—the jagged edges aligning perfectly to form a complete heart. The violet and crimson colors swirled together where they met, creating a beautiful fusion of both their Spirit Sword hues.
"Two halves," Alice said softly. "Separate, we're incomplete. Together, we're whole."
The combined pendant glowed faintly for a moment, as if acknowledging the connection, then the light faded. They separated the halves again.
"I'll wear the violet," Adrian said. "Your color against my heart."
"And I'll wear the crimson," Alice agreed, securing the crimson pendant around her neck so it rested against her heart. "Your color against mine."
Adrian fastened the violet pendant around his neck, feeling its weight settle against his chest. Then he reached into his pocket, withdrawing something else.
"I have something for you as well," he said, revealing a crimson metal bracelet. The band was sleek but sturdy, forged from demon-treated steel and finished in the distinctive crimson of his Spirit Sword. Engraved on the surface were two letters: A.A.
"Our initials," Alice breathed, taking the bracelet carefully.
"Adrian and Alice. So anyone who sees it knows you're claimed." Adrian fastened it around her wrist. The crimson metal caught the evening light, gleaming against her skin. "Three years at Silverkeep, you wear this every day. A promise that I'm waiting. A warning to anyone who thinks about courting the princess."
Alice held up her wrist, admiring how the bracelet caught the light. "It's perfect. I'll never take it off."
"The pendants are our private promise," Adrian said, touching the violet crystal at his chest. "Two halves of one heart, waiting to be rejoined. The bracelet is the public one—visible proof that you're not available."
"Three items," Alice said, touching the crimson pendant resting against her heart while feeling the bracelet at her wrist. "Two pendants and a bracelet. Our oath for three years and beyond."
They stood together, each wearing the other's color in multiple ways—Adrian with violet against his heart, Alice with crimson at her heart and wrist. Visible marks of commitment, promises made against three years of separation.
"I leave at dawn," Alice said quietly. "Royal escort arrives early. Mira and I ride to the capital, then I report to Silverkeep two days later."
"And I leave next week for Ashbourne. Different direction, different timeline, but same destination—three years of training."
"Letters," Alice said firmly. "Weekly if possible. I want to know everything—how Ashbourne treats you, what you're learning, if anyone there challenges you."
"Same. I want to know about Silverkeep, about capital politics, about whether Lord Cassius lives up to his reputation." Adrian pulled her closer. "And I want to know that you're okay. That three years apart isn't changing how you feel."
"It won't," Alice promised. "Distance doesn't change what we are. Time doesn't erase what we've built."
They kissed as the sun set over Northwatch, knowing it was one of their last kisses for months. Maybe longer. Academy schedules were brutal, leave periods rare. The next time they saw each other might be a year away.
The thought was painful. But the alternative—ending things now, walking away from what they'd found—was worse.
Dawn came too quickly.
The royal escort assembled in Northwatch's courtyard—a dozen guards, supply wagon, two fine horses for Alice and Mira. Garrick stood at the head of the formation, overseeing preparations with the same meticulous attention he'd shown throughout their entire stay. His duty to protect the princess would continue on the journey home.
Adrian helped Alice mount, his hand lingering on hers for moment longer than necessary. The crimson pendant rested beneath her traveling cloak, warm against her heart, while the bracelet he'd given her gleamed at her wrist. His violet pendant hung beneath his shirt, pressed close to his chest.
"Three years," Alice said, voice steady despite the tears threatening. "We can do three years."
"We can," Adrian confirmed. "You'll be amazing at Silverkeep. They're fortunate to have you."
"And Ashbourne is fortunate to have you. Try not to terrify all the instructors within the first week."
"No promises."
Mira was saying goodbye to several Iron Thorns warriors who'd trained with her. Genuine respect and affection evident in the exchanges—she'd proven herself here, earned veteran status.
Garrick approached Dorian, bowing with respect. "Baron Blackthorn. Thank you for hosting us these two months. The princess and Guardian Mira have gained invaluable experience under your command."
"High Knight Garrick," Dorian replied, clasping the man's forearm. "The honor was ours. You've been exemplary in your duty—protective without being overbearing, supportive without interfering. The princess was well-guarded throughout."
"My duty is to serve the royal family," Garrick said. "And I must say, Northwatch has exceeded every expectation. The training, the demon territory expedition—this experience will serve the princess well in the years ahead."
Kael joined them, grinning. "High Knight. Safe travels back to the capital. And when the princess graduates Silverkeep, bring her back to visit. We'd be honored to see what three years of capital training adds to Northwatch's foundation."
"I'll relay the invitation," Garrick said with slight smile. Then he turned to Adrian, extending his hand. "Adrian Blackthorn. You've been an excellent teacher and a good man. Take care of yourself at Ashbourne."
Adrian shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Garrick. For everything—for trusting me to train the princess, for your advice, for understanding when I needed to push boundaries."
"You pushed the right boundaries," Garrick replied. "She's stronger for it. And..." he glanced at Alice, then back to Adrian with knowing expression, "she's happy. That matters more than perfect combat form."
Dorian approached Alice, bowing slightly. "Princess. It's been an honor having you at Northwatch. You've proven yourself a true warrior. The kingdom is fortunate."
"The honor was mine, Baron Blackthorn. Thank you for everything—the training, the trust, the acceptance. I won't forget what Northwatch taught me."
Elara hugged Alice gently. "Take care of yourself. And take care of my son's heart—I know he gave it to you."
"I will," Alice promised, touching the crimson pendant hidden beneath her cloak. "And I'll return it safe in three years."
The escort began moving. Alice looked back at Adrian one final time, memorizing his face, the fortress behind him, the moment itself. Garrick gave the signal, and the formation moved out with professional precision.
Then she turned forward, riding toward the capital, toward Silverkeep, toward three years without him.
Adrian watched until the escort disappeared from sight. The violet pendant against his chest felt heavier than it should. Half a heart, waiting to be made whole again. Three years. It started now.
A week later, Adrian stood in the same courtyard, his own departure imminent. His bags were packed, his weapons secured, his farewells to Northwatch complete.
Dorian clasped his son's shoulder. "You'll do well at Ashbourne. Just remember—strength isn't just about demon killing. It's about knowing why you fight."
"I know why I fight," Adrian said, touching the violet pendant beneath his shirt. "That hasn't changed."
"Good. Keep that knowledge close. Three years is long, but it passes. Then you'll have choices to make about your future—Northwatch, elsewhere, with her. Those choices matter more than academy rankings."
Elara hugged him tightly. "Write often. And visit when you can. This will always be your home, no matter where academy training takes you."
Kael appeared, grinning. "Ashbourne's tough. They'll push you hard. But you're tougher. Show them what Blackthorn training produces."
"I will."
The journey to Ashbourne would take three days—eastern mountains, demon territory borders, harsh terrain that bred harsh warriors. Perfect fit for someone who'd grown up fighting demons.
Adrian mounted his horse, taking one final look at Northwatch. Home. Family. The place that had shaped him in this life.
But ahead lay Ashbourne. Three years of demon slaying training. Three years of becoming stronger. Three years of proving himself worthy of the princess who'd chosen to love him despite the obstacles.
He touched the violet pendant one final time, feeling its warmth. Half a heart. Waiting for its other half.
Then he rode east toward the mountains.
Behind him, Northwatch stood eternal against demon threats.
Ahead, Ashbourne waited with new challenges.
And far to the south, in the capital, Alice was beginning her own journey at Silverkeep—wearing his crimson at her heart and wrist, carrying his promise.
Three years apart. Four friends at four academies. Different paths, same purpose—becoming warriors worthy of the kingdom's trust.
The separation had begun.
But the bonds remained—in pendants that formed hearts, in bracelets engraved with shared initials, in promises made under Northwatch's northern stars.
And that would have to be enough.