Depature

Klen’s day began as it always did.

He rose early, washed, dressed, and slipped into his uniform without a second thought. The motions were ingrained into him now, practiced to the point of instinct. By the time the halls began to stir, he was already moving through them, posture straight, expression calm.

He knocked on Lyra’s door.

“Come in,” she said.

He entered and immediately set to work. The routine unfolded quietly—helping her change, adjusting her clothes, brushing her hair until it fell neatly behind her shoulders. Neither of them spoke at first. There was no need to. It was familiar. Normal.

“Your studies,” Klen said at last. “How are they progressing?”

Lyra met his gaze in the mirror. “I’ve finished revising the theory portion. I still need to review magical classifications.”

“That’s good,” he replied. “Focus on fundamentals. The academy values discipline.”

She smiled faintly. “You sound like Father.”

Klen didn’t react to that. He simply stepped back once he was done. “Breakfast will be ready shortly.”

They didn’t get that far.

A servant arrived in the corridor, bowing quickly. “Lady Lyra. Klen. You are requested in Lord Morin’s study. Miss Marna as well.”

The interruption was abrupt enough to set Klen on edge.

They regrouped moments later with Marna and made their way to the study together. Inside, Leor sat behind his desk, Fole standing nearby.

Leor wasted no time.

“Klen,” he said, eyes sharp. “Your third trial begins now.”

Klen straightened immediately. “Yes, sir.”

“You will escort Lyra to Lightstar Academy,” Leor continued. “On foot. No escorts. No intervention from this estate. You will prepare and depart tomorrow.”

Lyra’s fingers tightened slightly at her side, but she didn’t speak.

“You may use whatever means you deem necessary,” Leor added. “Your objective is simple. Get her there alive.”

“I understand,” Klen said.

“That is all.”

They left the study in silence.

Once they were out of earshot, Marna exhaled slowly. “Well… that’s official.”

Lyra looked between the two of them. “So we’re really doing this.”

“Yes,” Klen said. “We’ll start preparations today.”

They went to Lyra’s room first.

Klen and Marna helped her sort through what she would take—books, notes, writing tools, clothing suitable for travel. Klen was methodical, discarding anything unnecessary and redistributing weight in her pack until it sat properly.

“You don’t need this many books,” Marna said, lifting one.

“I do,” Lyra replied flatly.

Klen intervened calmly. “Two volumes. Not five. You’ll memorize the rest.”

Lyra hesitated, then nodded. “Fine.”

Once her pack was set, Klen tightened the straps himself and stepped back. “You’re cleared.”

After that, they split.

Klen returned to his room and packed efficiently. Longsword secured, kodachi checked, spare clothes folded tight. He included maintenance tools and rations, nothing more. Marna did the same in her quarters, bow unstrung and stored, short sword cleaned and wrapped.

They didn’t see each other again until nightfall.

The next morning came early.

All three stood in the courtyard dressed for travel. Klen wore layered adventuring clothes beneath a long coat, his swords secured at his sides. Marna’s cloak hid most of her gear, bow strapped across her back. Lyra wore practical robes suited for the road, her pack resting firmly on her shoulders.

Fole met them at the gate.

He looked at each of them in turn. “This road won’t be kind.”

“We’ll manage,” Marna said.

Klen bowed. “I’ll see her through.”

Fole nodded once. “Then go.”

The gates opened.

Klen stepped forward first, positioning himself just ahead of Lyra. Marna took the opposite side without being told.

They passed through the gates together.

Behind them, the Morin estate stood silent.

Ahead of them, the road stretched on.