Full Chapter – Royal Trouble, Ashen Bargains
Location: Ashenwell Academy – Headmaster's Office. Then, the northern tower courtyard. Word has spread: something's happening. The Flameborn siblings are being called again. And this time, it's not a lesson. It's an errand... fit for a king.
The Office of Time Itself
The Headmaster's office was less a room, more a paradox. One wall looked centuries old. Another shimmered like it hadn't been built yet. Candles floated upside down. A quill wrote in reverse on parchment no one could read.
The Headmaster himself stood barefoot on his desk, wearing a robe too large and a watch that ticked counterclockwise.
"You're late," he said, grinning. "Or early. It depends on which version of me is keeping score."
Grim crossed his arms. "You called us?"
"I summoned you, my temporal embers. Called sounds so needy." He hopped down. "Right. You five. Kindlegrade. Wild. Dangerous. Poor. My favorite students."
Max muttered, "We're not your students."
"Says the shadowboy who owes me tuition."
The Headmaster clapped once.
"You're going to Velthar."
The Mission
He snapped, and a scroll appeared midair.
"The royal heirs of Velthar — twins, spoiled and shiny — arrived two weeks ago for a diplomatic training program. Their father and I go way back. He trusts me."
"Should he?" Sparks whispered.
"Absolutely not. But his mistake is our opportunity."
He turned to Tristan, Hadi, and Max.
"You three will escort the royal twins back to Velthar. Quietly. Discreetly. Safely."
Tristan grinned. "Princess?"
"And a prince."
Tristan's grin widened. "Even better."
Max sighed. "Why us?"
"Because I'm not paying for guards. Because you're overpowered and underemployed. And because if anything goes wrong, I'll blame you and pretend I never met you."
Sparks raised a hand. "What about us?"
"You? Stay here. Break more furniture. Set more classrooms on fire. But try not to make any more magical pets — the flaming squirrel still haunts the armory."
Outside – Saying Goodbye (Again)
The siblings gathered in the northern courtyard as a light airship prepared in the sky dock.
Hadi sparkled with energy, bouncing.
"A real mission! Royalty! Road trip!"
Max: "Diplomatic disaster waiting to happen."
Tristan was adjusting his jacket in a mirror shard. "Time to charm a princess."
Sparks elbowed Grim. "I give him twelve hours before he gets stabbed."
"Ten," Grim said.
Ayesha leaned in to Grim. "While they're gone, I'll start tracking what I heard in the walls. Something is off in the academy."
"Good," he nodded. "Keep Sparks from melting anyone."
"No promises!" Sparks called.
As They Leave
The ship lifted. Wind whipped through the courtyard. Tristan winked at them all. Max simply nodded. Hadi blew kisses with both hands.
Grim watched until they vanished over the horizon.
Then turned to Sparks.
"You ready?"
"For what?"
"To do something stupid."
She grinned wide. "Always."