Irina's POV
"And the thorn that defends," I said, locking eyes with Homer. My voice stayed level as I finished the sacred promise—words only known to those who trained at Mystic Astralis.
Homer's mouth curved into a gentle smile. "Lyra, I've still got a score to settle with you over those precious herbs you 'took' when you left years back."
I remembered how he and Master discovered me years ago—broken and bleeding at the valley's entrance.
They nursed me back to health. For months, they soaked me in healing baths, fed me special meals, and used the rarest plants from every corner of the valley to drag me from death's door.
They accepted me as their student later, though everyone knew I hated studying. But I had natural ability, and potion-making came easily to me.
I'd stormed out once after Master caught me stealing sweets and gave me hell for it. Soon after I left, Mystic Astralis was wiped out.
My hands balled into fists. Tears burned behind my eyes, threatening to spill.
