The grand hall of the academy's council chamber emptied slowly, the heavy oak doors groaning shut behind each departing professor. The air still shimmered faintly with residual magic from Dean Seravane's spells, though the weight of tension clung stubbornly, refusing to fade.
Theo Nightfall remained bowed, one hand pressed firmly over his chest, his forehead nearly touching the polished marble floor.
"Thank you, Lady Seraphina," he murmured, his voice steadier now yet threaded with deep gratitude. "And thank you, Lord Asher. I swear my loyalty to you both. I will serve with honor."
Asher withdrew his hand from Seraphina's, not abruptly—his fingers lingered a fraction longer than necessary, as though reluctant to break the brief moment between them. Clearing his throat, he regained his composure, the faint blush quickly fading as his expression returned to its usual cold discipline.
"Rise, Theo," he ordered coolly. "A Valcren does not keep servants groveling on the floor like worms. Stand, and prove your worth through actions—not empty words."
Theo straightened slowly, still unsteady from the ordeal. Up close, Asher towered over him, his aura as imposing as the ancient bloodline he carried. Seraphina stepped beside Asher, her emerald eyes softening.
"There's no need for such strict formality," she said gently, offering a reassuring smile. "For now, focus on your studies while you're suspended. When you return, we'll see how this arrangement works."
Theo nodded quickly, dark hair falling into his eyes. "Yes, Lady Seraphina. I won't disappoint you." He glanced at Asher, searching his expression, but the young lord remained unreadable—silver eyes sharp as polished steel.
As they left the council chamber, sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, casting long shadows across the stone corridors. Students clustered in whispering groups as they passed:
"Nightfall's serving the Raymond girl now?"
"Valcren spared his house… because of her?"
Asher ignored the murmurs, his stride steady and unbothered. Seraphina walked beside him, her hand brushing his sleeve now and then, while Theo followed one respectful step behind like a newly bound shadow.
"Leo, find Hans. He'll teach you the ways," Asher said as they crossed the garden toward the fountain.
"Thank you for forgiving him," Seraphina murmured, looking at him with a soft, warm expression.
Asher, caught off guard, flushed—an impossible sight from the icy Valcren heir who never bowed to emotion.
"Kindness is weakness," he muttered, struggling to hide the crack in his façade.
"And yet you accepted that weakness for me," Seraphina replied gently. "I'm grateful."
The wind shifted. Her smile hit him like a spell he had no defense against. He fell silent, stunned by its quiet brilliance—something he had never seen, something he never expected to.
"Shall we head to class?" Asher managed, trying to conceal the heat in his cheeks and the quickening of his heart.
"Yes. Otherwise, we'll be late," Seraphina said, stepping ahead.
Asher followed her instinctively—like a shadow drawn to its source.
Behind them, a professor approached Dean Seravane.
"Was it the right decision to demote him?" he asked.
"I don't know," Seravane admitted, continuing forward. "But it was the best choice we had."
"What do you mean by 'best choice,' not 'best decision'?"
"Valcrens are known for their merciless loyalty and their protectiveness," Seravane replied. "They will go to any length to protect their own. Keeping him beside her was the safest solution."
A month passed after the incident. The academy began treating Seraphina like royalty. No one dared disturb her. The moment she entered a room, space cleared. Even when she accidentally bumped into someone, they apologized. Even professors tread cautiously around her.
"So tiring," Seraphina sighed one afternoon, settling on a bench beneath a tree.
"Why? It's fun!" Adelina, her friend, beamed. "No one messes with us anymore. We don't have to be scared of anyone now."
"Still… it feels like a heavy burden," Seraphina said quietly.
"By the way," Adelina added, "why is Asher feared so much? Even the royal faction avoids him."
"I don't know either," Seraphina admitted.
"Why don't you ask Theo? He might know."
"Alright," Seraphina said.
"You called for me, my lady?" Theo said with a respectful bow.
"Theo, may I ask something?" Seraphina asked.
"Anything within my knowledge, I will answer," Theo replied.
"Why does everyone fear the Valcren?" Adelina asked bluntly.
Theo froze—shocked not because the question was difficult, but because it was one all nobles avoided.
He exhaled. "We should move somewhere private for this."
They agreed and headed to Asher's quarters empty for days due to his current assignment.
"Now tell us," Adelina said, her voice buzzing with excitement.