The sun had already climbed high before their journey truly settled into silence again. The forest thinned, the snow-packed road widened, and the familiar stone path leading toward the heart of Avernus territory came into view.
Inside the carriage, Jude sat beside Brenna, both of them quiet but alert. The long ride gave Jude time to think, reflecting on the battle, Torvin, Kael, the fire wolf… and everything that awaited him at home.
Brenna occasionally glanced his way, making sure he wasn't hurt, though Jude kept assuring her he was fine. Their carriage rolled over the final stone bridge, the sound echoing like thunder underneath the wooden wheels.
And finally—
They arrived at the main Estate of House Avernus.
The massive black gate loomed before them, towering and edged with silver engravings shaped like blades and wings. The gate was heavy, ancient, a symbol of power that guarded the supreme sword house.
Slowly, the colossal structure began to open, iron groaning as the sunlight cast long shadows across the courtyard.
The carriage stopped momentarily as protocol demanded. Then it moved forward through the gate, and Jude watched as the world of the estate swallowed them whole again. Behind them, the gate shut loudly, sealing their return.
At the front steps of the Estate, a full welcoming line stood assembled—his entire family lined up with perfect posture, each embodying the pride of House Avernus.
His father stood at the center.
Auri Avernus—imposing, formidable, a living legend whose presence alone carried the weight of the entire house. His black hair was cut short and sharp, and his deep blue eyes—like Jude's—held a fierce clarity.
Beside him stood Lady Faelan, Jude's mother. Tall, regal, her long black hair draped elegantly down her back. She had crimson eyes like polished ruby, filled with intelligence and cold composure.
She was beautiful, dignified, and strict—far stricter than the Patriarch, despite not being the warrior among them. She managed the affairs of the house whenever Auri traveled, and not once in Jude's past life had she shown him warmth.
And standing beside them were his older siblings:
Elara, calm as ever, long black hair tied in a neat tail, her blue eyes mirroring their father's serene sharpness.
Darisn, with short black hair and crimson eyes like their mother. His stiff posture made him look carved from stone.
Gale, long black hair, handsome as always, with the playful confidence he never hid.
Lastly, the twins—Vex and Vin.
Vex with long black hair and blue eyes, Vin with short hair and crimson eyes. They stood confidently, sharper and more mature since the last time Jude saw them. Their aura of determination practically radiated.
The carriage rolled to a stop directly in front of them.
Jude stepped out first, his boots landing softly on the polished stone. Brenna followed immediately behind him, posture perfect and disciplined, the unmistakable grace of a trained maid and six-star knight.
The carriage rolled away quietly.
Jude and Brenna approached the family, their steps slow and respectful, until they reached the entrance.
"Welcome back, my son," Lady Faelan said.
Her voice was smooth, elegant, and coldly formal. Though she was their mother, she rarely showed motherly affection to any of the children. Instead, she supported only those with promising potential—and Jude remembered painfully how she ignored him completely in his past life.
He bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Mother. You look beautiful as always."
Lady Faelan's expression softened minimally—perhaps a hint of approval, perhaps nothing more than acknowledgement.
Jude turned toward his father.
"I am back, Father."
Auri nodded, his voice steady and commanding.
"Welcome back, youngest."
The Patriarch shifted his attention to the knights who had escorted Jude. They immediately bowed in unison.
"Patriarch," they greeted.
Auri gave a slight nod before turning back to Jude.
"Come to my study later in the day."
His tone gave no room for argument.
From the side, Vin and Vex exchanged small expressions of disapproval. Not of Jude—but the situation. They had never been granted private conversations with their father. Yet Jude was being summoned for the second time. It stung, but instead of bitterness, both clenched their fists slightly.
This only strengthened their resolve.
They would train harder.
They would earn their father's recognition—even if it took years.
Elara stepped close and gently patted Jude on the head.
"Good to have you home," she said with a small smile.
Then she walked inside with the others.
Lady Faelan instructed the servants, her voice crisp and efficient:
"Prepare a room for Jude immediately."
Under her direction, the maids moved swiftly.
Brenna silently followed Jude as two maids escorted them through the hall. They were brought to a wide room on the third floor—one belonging to the children of the Patriarch, but rarely used unless they returned from travel.
The door opened.
A very wide room stretched before them, decorated with a level of luxury befitting the bloodline of Avernus.
The walls were deep charcoal with silver lines shaped like swords running across. A thick white rug covered the floor, soft enough that one's feet sank slightly into it. The coach near the window was carved from dark wood, padded with velvet cushions embroidered with small blade motifs.
The bed was large, covered in dark blue sheets with silver thread patterns resembling flowing sword aura—not true aura, but symbolic.
Several polished blade stands lined the walls, though empty—waiting for Jude to place his future weapons when he grew strong enough to wield them.
A balcony overlooked the entire training field of House Avernus.
The air itself felt heavy with pride, tradition, and expectation.
Jude walked in quietly, his steps slow. After a long journey and everything he faced, the warmth of the room felt almost unreal. He walked to the bed and let himself fall onto it, sinking into the soft layers.
He exhaled deeply, finally allowing himself to rest.
Brenna stood by the doorway, watching him for a moment.
"Young master… do you want me to prepare some hot water for your bath?"
Jude replied without opening his eyes,
"Yes, please."
Brenna bowed her head slightly, then turned and walked out of the room to get the water ready, leaving Jude alone with the silence of the vast chamber.