Bogdan's shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly at the mention of his nephew.
He lowered his gaze briefly, as though organizing thoughts he would rather not voice aloud. "Since the fall of House Dawn," he answered carefully, choosing each word with deliberation, "Wrynn has withdrawn from all social dealings. He spends nearly every waking moment cultivating. He barely sleeps. He barely eats. He is… determined to make the breakthrough."
The wind shifted between them, lifting the hem of Viktor's robe. The House Head did not immediately reply. He watched a young disciple misstep during a spar and receive a sharp correction from her instructor before speaking again.
"He is young," Viktor said finally, his tone contemplative rather than reproachful. "A prodigy who has never tasted defeat often mistakes loss for humiliation rather than instruction. Such wounds cut deeper than blades. Summon him to the mountain. I will speak with him personally."
