"You are an apprentice," Medan added, "And I am your guard. My duty is to protect you ... even from yourself."
"I know that," Anna said, feeling the chance slipping away. "I delved into the Sea of Souls today. Trying to follow the trail of the girl."
His tone sharpened. "And?"
"I didn't reach her, but I think I found her ancestor."
She described her experience in full, the garden, the memory and the Blademaster, carefully omitting that he was a demon. She noticed the wary glance Ezra gave her.
Medan frowned, lost in thoughts as Ezra stirred the tea. He shook his head, appearing as confused as Ezra was. It seemed that the Pillar hadn't shared his ventures into the Sea of Souls with Medan at all.
He reached towards Anna, brushing a few strands of her hair between his fingers. "You are using too much radiance," he sighed. "Your hair is already taking on a green tint."
Anna froze. She hadn't looked in the mirror since waking, but it usually takes months for a solar to fully manifest after enlightenment.
"Now is my only chance," she said, almost desperate. "The Pillar is gone for a few days. Once he returns, there won't be another opportunity. It really feels like ... destiny is calling."
Everything lined up perfectly. She expected him to refuse outright and continue scolding her.
But he stayed silent for so long, she almost regretted speaking. Ezra poured the tea into empty mugs, breaking the heavy silence on the balcony.
When he finally spoke, his voice was flat, "Alright."
The word landed too easily. Medan was a man who built decisions brick by brick, never with a single breath.
She blinked, "Al ... Alright? Just like that, but I thought ..."
"You are right about one thing," he cut in, his green eyes unreadable, "It's now or never."
He paused and avoided her eyes. "I thought about it, it would be best, if I go alone. I can travel faster."
She quickly found a reply. "Without me, you won't find the place easily."
"I still think it's the best option." He wavered for a second. "But I don't think I will be able to persuade you."
It was too easy. Too smooth. Turning him traitor towards his own country? She had played this argument a hundred times in her head, but never did it end with him agreeing so simply.
Why now? What changed?
He glanced at Ezra. "She overheard us."
"She will stay," Anna said quickly. "She'll be safe here."
He shook his head. "No. She should come. You'll need her if something happens. She isn't a healer, but she knows herbs."
Anna frowned, Medan didn't like to rely on others.
Ezra brightened immediately. "I can be very useful."
Suspicion stirred in Anna. He had tried hard to keep her here, but now he insisted Ezra come too?
"Then we leave tonight," he said.
He was right. The sooner they went, the harder it would be for anyone to stop them. Before the Jade Tower realise she was gone, they could be far away. The Pillar's return would end it all.
"Yes," she breathed. "Tonight."
He nodded once. "In an hour, then."
After he left, silence filled the room. Anna stared at the door, but her supposed victory felt strange and shallow. She was going on an adventure, but it didn't feel like she was the one leading it.
She packed lightly, the diary, the guide, and a few golden coins, her entire allowance.
Ezra returned first, her bag bulging. "Why so much?" Anna asked.
"Clothes. Food. The basics," Ezra said, rolling her eyes. "You truly are helpless without a handmaid, aren't you?"
She was right. Anna had lived a life, where everything had been taken care of.
A bit later, Medan returned. His demeanour completely different, his clothing changed from his formal uniform to simple traveling clothes.
He threw them dark cloaks. "Put them on. Hood up and let's go."
Anna's hands trembled as she fumbled with the clasp. Ezra helped her fasten it.
The phantom ache in her chest flared again, a strong reminder that she was leaving the only home she had ever known.
They didn't take the main stairs. Instead, he led them to an old tapestry hanging on the wall, one she had passed a thousand times. He pulled it aside, revealing a narrow tunnel behind it.
"How did you ...?"
"I am the captain of Guards," he said, then stopped for moment. "I guess I was, I am not anymore," he said, his voice a low. "It was my job to know every exit from the Jade Tower in case of a fire or attack.
It sounded so logical. He was always so prepared.
The tunnel was damp, smelling of cold earth and stone. It was silent, except for the sound of her cane. She stumbled often, but Ezra supported her. Medan walked ahead, moving with precision of a predator.
They emerged in an abandoned stable beyond the Enclave walls. Two horses waited in the shadows. Plain beasts, not the fine mares of the Jade Tower.
"You arranged horses? How?" Anna asked in disbelief. "In an hour?."
"I have a few contacts within the city," Medan replied. "Now listen. Once we pass the outer gate, there's no turning back. We'll be traitors to the Seer's Covenant. Fugitives."
"There is nothing holding me, a slave, here. No family, no friends," Ezra's voice trembled, not with fear, but something dangerously close to relief.
Anna said, with a brightness that felt misplaced even to her own ears, "Nothing better could have happened."
A faint smile spread across her lips.
Her thoughts wandered towards Pillar's kind but distant smile. He will be disappointed, perhaps angry, but surely he would understand once she returned, once she explained. He would do the same in her place.
No more hesitation. She thought of the girl with blue hair collapsing in snow, and felt the weight of her responsibility.
"I'm ready," Anna whispered. The words surprised her. They felt too brave.
Medan asked Ezra, "Do you know how to ride?"
"Yes," she replied.
"Then I will ride with Anna."
He took a small pouch from his coat, pulling out crushed black coal and rubbing it into his hair. "So disgusting," he muttered, trying to conceal his bright green hair.
He looked at them. "From now on, we are a family," he said. "If somebody asks, we are taking our ill daughter to a healer beyond the city."
What a cruel irony.
Without another word, they mounted the horses.
They rode to the gate.
The guards barely glanced at them, they didn't seem interested enough to check them thoroughly, letting them pass with a mere wave.
And as the city faded behind them, the Jade Tower vanished into the moonlight.
Anna tasted it for the first time in her life.
Freedom.