The crisp morning air carried with it the hum of preparation as the convoy stood assembled outside the palace gates. Horses pawed at the ground, restless and strong, their breath rising like mist, while the guards checked their armor and weapons with quiet discipline. The carriages gleamed under the sun, their polished wood and gold trimmings reflecting the grandeur of the royal house.

Lucas stepped forward with Nyx and Lira by his side, his presence drawing the respectful attention of the men and servants nearby. As he glanced around, he found both his father and mother standing together, waiting for him with expressions filled with pride, affection, and the kind of weight that only family goodbyes carried.

"Father… Mother…" Lucas said warmly as he approached, bowing lightly, though there was more emotion in his tone than formality.

Elder Gideon clasped his son by the shoulders firmly, his eyes sharp yet moist with unspoken words. "You are setting out on a path. Remember, Son, the strength of a man is not in how fiercely he wields his power, but in how wisely he uses it. Protect those entrusted to you, and never forget where your roots lie."

Lucas held his gaze for a long moment, feeling the heavy yet comforting weight of his father's words. "I will not bring shame to our name, Father. I promise."

Lady Mariana stepped forward then, her hands gently cupping Lucas's face in a mother's tenderness. "My son, you have grown so much… and yet to me you will always be that boy who once clung to my robes. Take care of yourself, and of those who walk with you. May fortune guide your steps."

Lucas's expression softened as he leaned slightly into her touch. "I will return, Mother. You have my word."

Elder Gideon and Lady Mariana gave him one last look, half pride, half reluctance, before stepping away. They mounted their carriage and departed slowly, leaving Lucas with the warmth of their blessings lingering in his heart.

Nyx, watching nearby, smiled faintly. She had seen many royal farewells, but something about this one was different, less staged and more human. Lira too was almost glowing, her excitement at finally beginning this journey barely contained, her hands clasped in front of her as she looked from Lucas to the convoy with bright eyes.

"All is in order," one of the captains announced, giving Lucas a nod. "We await your word, my lord."

Lucas returned the nod and was about to signal the move when a sudden voice, breathless and filled with urgency, cut through the air.

"Wait!"

The convoy turned, guards shifting instinctively to caution until they recognized the figure running towards them....It was Selene Fairchild.

Her presence alone was enough to stir whispers among the onlookers. She looked striking as always, her dress carrying both elegance and practicality, her expression determined as she slowed her steps before Lucas and the others.

"Xavier," she said, her voice firm though touched with a strange mix of longing and insistence. "I want to go too."

The words hung in the air, startling both Nyx and Lira, whose eyes widened at the sudden declaration.

Lucas stood still, his gaze fixed on Selene, the weight of her request echoing in the stillness that followed.

Lucas stood before her, his expression calm but inwardly conflicted. He had not expected her to appear here, not at this hour, and certainly not with such determination.

Selene met his gaze without flinching. "I will not be left behind, Xavier. This path you walk… I must walk it too. You may not understand yet, but I will prove myself to you."

Lira shifted uncomfortably at his side, her lips pressed into a thin line. She had never spoken much ill of Selene, but her silence now spoke volumes. When she finally broke it, her voice was measured, though it carried the edge of unease. "Master… do you really think this is wise? She was the one who hurt you before. What if she tries again?"

Lucas turned his head slightly, studying Lira's worried expression. She had always been protective of him in her own way. "I know your concern," he said gently, "and it is not without reason. But I made a promise to myself, Lira. I told myself I would give her the chance to show who she truly is. If I deny that now, then my word is nothing."

Nyx had been silent the whole time, watching the exchange with eyes that revealed little. When Lucas glanced at her, she simply shrugged, her voice cool but even. "It is not for me to decide. If she travels with us, so be it. As long as she does not bring harm to the mission, her presence changes nothing."

Selene looked between them all, her chest rising with an anxious breath. "I know I wronged you," she said to Lucas, her voice quieter now, almost fragile. "I cannot undo what has been done. But if there is even the smallest space left for me in your path forward, then allow me that chance. I will not waste it."

Lucas studied her for a long while, weighing every word and every flicker of emotion in her eyes. Finally, he spoke, "If you come with us, Selene, it will be on my terms. You will listen to me, to every word I say, without resistance. You will not harbor ill feelings, If you do, then you have no place here."

Selene straightened, nodding firmly though her lips trembled slightly. "I will do as you say. You have my word."

Lucas turned back to Nyx and Lira, his gaze steady. "You both heard me. If she follows, it will be under my command alone. Whatever she was before, whatever she may have done, from this moment forward she will answer to me. Do you both understand?"

Nyx inclined her head, her voice calm as ever. "I understand."

Lira, though reluctant, finally nodded too, her fingers tightening against the folds of her dress. "If it is what you want… then I will trust your judgment."

Lucas placed a reassuring hand on Lira's shoulder, his tone firm yet gentle. "That is all I ask, trust me to guide this."

The tension in the courtyard eased only slightly, the unspoken decision made. Selene lowered her eyes for a moment, relief softening her features, while Nyx stepped back to signal she was ready for them to move forward. The convoy of guards, who had been holding their silence, now shifted back into their formation, awaiting Lucas's signal to depart.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.