The Ravenshade estate bustled with the gentle hum of a new day.
Sunlight spilled across the polished floors as Kael rushed through the hallway, fastening the last button on his academy uniform. His dark hair bounced lightly with each step, still slightly damp from his morning bath, the droplets catching the light like tiny stars. His small hands moved with practiced speed: tie straightened, collar fixed, boots tightened.
Zara waited outside his door, her brown hair neatly braided and tied with a delicate blue ribbon that matched her dress. She leaned against the wall with folded arms, trying to keep her posture firm like Rowan had taught her, but her excitement betrayed her as the tip of her shoe tapped softly on the floor.
"Hurry, Kael," she said, puffing her cheeks slightly. "Father has already taken the car out. He'll get annoyed if we're slow."
Kael stepped out of his room with a confident nod. "I'm ready. Let's go."
Zara blinked at him—almost impressed.
They walked together down the old wooden staircase, each step echoing faintly through the quiet morning hall. The walls, adorned with paintings of past Sentinels and landscapes of ancient Zephyros, seemed to watch over them as they moved. The aura in the house had changed since Zara's return—not louder, not busier, but somehow warmer… as if the halls were remembering they once held the laughter of two children.
Rowan stood outside the main door, beside the gleaming white vintage car he cherished. Its long bonnet, curved wheel guards, and polished chrome accents caught the early morning sun, making the car shine like a relic of old glory. The symbol of the retired Sentinel—a carved metal soldier holding a sword—glinted proudly at the front. Birds perched on the nearby branches, their songs weaving through the cool morning air.
Rowan checked his pocket watch before looking up at the children.
"You're both on time," he said with a calm nod. "Good. The first discipline of the day is punctuality."
Zara straightened proudly. Kael followed, his expression earnest.
Rowan opened the back door for them. "Sit. Buckle. No leaning out of windows. And keep your eyes open—every journey teaches something."
Kael climbed in first, sliding near the window. Zara followed gently, folding her dress neatly before settling beside him. Rowan shut the door, walked around, and entered the driver's seat. The engine hummed to life with a deep, steady purr—like a creature waking from sleep.
As the gatekeeper saluted respectfully, Rowan drove through the estate gates onto the quiet morning road of Eryndor.
The city felt different at this hour—clean, bright, and full of motion. Shopkeepers were opening their stalls, students in uniforms walked in small clusters, and spirit birds soared overhead, leaving faint trails of glowing dust in the sky. The air smelled of fresh bread, damp stone, and promise.
Kael pressed his forehead lightly against the window, watching the passing trees. "Father… can I ask something?"
"Ask," Rowan replied, eyes fixed on the road.
"You said yesterday that not all kindness should be trusted." Kael's voice was soft but thoughtful. "Does that include people at the academy too?"
Rowan breathed slowly before responding. "Everyone, Kael. Trust is not a gift—it is an earned truth. Even good people are shaped by their fears, desires, and backgrounds. You must understand who they are before deciding to trust them."
Zara listened silently, absorbing every word.
"But…" Kael continued hesitantly, "I don't want to suspect everyone."
Rowan's gaze softened in the rear mirror. "Suspicion is not the goal. Awareness is. You can be kind without being blind."
Kael nodded slowly. "I think I understand."
Zara added softly, "Father… will I ever get to trust people easily?"
"You will," Rowan said, gentler now. "But wisdom comes with patience."
As they drove deeper into the city, the mood shifted.
The earlier warmth of home faded into the structured rhythm of Eryndor's streets. Notices were posted on pillars, guards patrolled corners, and the air carried a low murmur of whispers. The shadow of last night's news—an execution scheduled for evening—hung like a thin, cold mist around the city.
Rowan's eyes narrowed slightly. "The city is restless today."
Kael looked up. "Is it… because of the execution?"
Zara stiffened beside him.
Rowan nodded once. "Yes. Crimes of that nature shake a nation's heart. People fear what they cannot foresee. Today, you must be extra alert—both of you."
Kael swallowed. Zara clasped her hands together.
"But don't be afraid," Rowan added, steady voice returning. "Just aware."
The car made a turn, entering a quieter residential lane toward the Vortemillien estate. Tall stone walls bordered the path, and large trees arched overhead, creating a canopy of moving shadows.
Finn's house appeared soon—large, elegant, with the Vortemillien crest carved above the door. Finn stood outside already, wearing his brown uniform, hair neatly combed, bag slung on one shoulder. His father wasn't with him today—official duties had called him away early.
Finn waved. "KAEL! ZARA! Good morning!"
Zara waved back shyly.
Rowan halted the car smoothly. "Finn," he acknowledged.
Finn bowed slightly with an exaggerated politeness—part manners, part playful. "Good morning, sir!"
Rowan allowed a small smile. "Get in."
Finn hopped inside, sitting beside Kael. "I waited since dawn. I thought you might leave without me."
Kael nudged him. "You always say that."
Finn shrugged. "Well, one day you might."
Zara giggled.
Rowan began driving again, rejoining the main road leading to Zephyros Grand Academy.
The academy road was lively, filled with students of all ages—some riding small spirit mounts, others walking with parents, and a few reviewing textbooks even as they moved. The path was clean and wide, lined with spirit lamps that still glowed faintly from the night.
Finn leaned forward. "Kael, did you finish the theory homework last night?"
Kael nodded. "Yeah. Did you?"
Finn hesitated. "…Mostly."
Kael frowned. "Mostly?"
"I—may have forgotten the last question."
Kael stared at him.
Finn raised his hands innocently. "I was tired! And I swear that question was too confusing."
Zara grinned. "I can help you solve it now."
Finn blinked. "You… can?"
"I solved all of Kael's questions too," Zara said proudly.
Kael groaned. "Zara, don't say it like that. It sounds embarrassing."
Rowan chuckled under his breath. "It is not embarrassing to learn from someone younger. What matters is that you learn."
Kael crossed his arms but said nothing.
Finn, meanwhile, leaned toward Zara. "Alright then. Help me, genius."
Zara's eyes sparkled. "Give me the problem."
Finn pulled out his notebook, showing her the question. Zara took only a moment—her mind quick and precise.
"You misunderstood the wording," she explained gently. "It's not asking for direct energy output. It wants the conversion rate between natural and formed spirit energy."
Finn's mouth dropped open. "Ooooh…"
Kael elbowed him. "Don't act shocked. Zara's smart."
"Smart?" Finn whispered. "She's a spirit-arts monster in disguise."
Zara puffed. "Am not!"
The laughter eased the earlier tension, filling the car with youthful energy. But Rowan's eyes remained sharp on the road.
As the towering walls of Zephyros Grand Academy came into sight, the atmosphere shifted again. The grand iron gates, adorned with ancient engravings of elemental spirits, rose like a monument to history. The banners of the academy fluttered proudly—blue, gold, white—each representing discipline, purity, and knowledge.
Students poured toward the entrance, buzzing with excitement.
"It's huge…" Zara whispered, eyes wide.
Kael smiled. "Wait till you see the practice grounds."
Finn added proudly, "And the elemental waterfall! That's the best part!"
Rowan slowed the car as they approached the gate.
The guards stepped forward—
And immediately saluted, standing straight with full respect, eyes sharp yet reverent.
"Sentinel Ravenshade," one of them said firmly. "You may pass."
Other students paused to watch, stunned. A few whispered.
Rowan drove through, unfazed, but the children stared in awe.
Kael felt a swell of pride. Zara's eyes sparkled with admiration. Finn grinned. "Your dad is the coolest person in this entire country."
Kael leaned closer to Zara. "Told you. Father's amazing."
Rowan spoke suddenly, his voice calm but carrying weight. "Respect comes not from titles but from deeds. Remember that."
The car glided smoothly across the academy's inner roads, past statues of spirit masters, training fields, lush gardens, and towering lecture halls. The air smelled of fresh ink, dew, and the faint residue of lingering elemental magic.
Rowan parked near the designated area for guardians.
The children stepped out—Kael smoothing his uniform, Zara adjusting her ribbon, Finn stretching his arms.
"Stand straight," Rowan instructed. "Adjust your posture. The first thing people judge is how you carry yourself."
The children obeyed.
Rowan looked at each of them with steady eyes. "Listen to me carefully."
All three stood still.
"Today may be an ordinary academy day. Or it may not. The city is tense. People are uneasy. Even children feel it. I want you to be alert. If anything feels wrong—anything at all—you must tell a teacher or come straight to me."
Kael nodded firmly. "We will."
Finn added quickly, "I'll watch Kael's back."
Zara placed her small hand in Kael's. "And I'll stay close too."
Rowan's gaze softened at the sight. "Good. Move together. Learn together. Protect one another. That is how strength grows."
The academy bell rang in the distance, echoing across the grounds.
Students hurried inside.
Kael tightened his grip on his bag. Finn straightened his uniform. Zara adjusted her shoes.
Rowan placed a firm hand on Kael's shoulder. "Go. And make today worth remembering."
Kael smiled. "We will, Father."
Zara hugged Rowan briefly. "We'll be careful."
Finn bowed politely. "Thank you for the ride, sir."
Rowan nodded once. "Go."
The three children turned and walked toward the academy's grand entrance—three small figures stepping into a world far larger, brighter, and more dangerous than they yet understood.
Behind them, Rowan watched in silence, the weight of the world pressing quietly against his calm gaze.
The morning sun rose higher, casting long shadows across the academy grounds.
The day had begun.
And destiny was already pulling its threads tighter.