The day before the ball.

Selena worked methodically on Adrian’s injuries. Her delicate hands cleaned the purplish bruises on his arm before wrapping the area with fresh linen bandages. The sting of a freshly made healing salve made Adrian flinch.

“Hold still, just a bit longer.” Selena said.

Adrian clenched his jaw, trying to endure the sharp discomfort radiating from his arm. It’s not that bad, it's not that bad, it's not that bad.

He inhaled deeply, willing his body to relax as she tightened the final layer of bandage. The knot was secure but not overly tight, just enough to provide support without restricting movement. When Selena pulled back, she eyed her work critically, a small crease forming between her brows.

"All done," she announced, setting the leftover supplies aside.

Adrian flexed his fingers experimentally and offered her a grateful smile. “Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.”

She sighed, brushing an errant strand of chestnut hair from her face. “You should tell Master Lysander not to push you so hard during training, this isn't healthy."

Adrian chuckled despite the lingering ache in his arm. “It’s fine, really. I don’t mind training hard.”

Selena’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though she rolled her eyes. Stepping closer, she pinched his cheek lightly. “Just remember, you’re supposed to be in good shape for tomorrow. Don’t make me patch you up again before the ball.”

Adrian rubbed his cheek, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “I’ll do my best."

Selena pulled a neatly folded shirt from a nearby chair and handed it to Adrian. “Now put this on, and try not to look like you’ve just rolled out of South Tusk's alleys."

Adrian grinned as he took the shirt. “The alleys in the city aren't that bad."

“Just get dressed, Adrian.”

He pulled the shirt over his head, careful not to disturb the fresh bandages. It fit well, though the sleeves tugged slightly over his wrapped arm. Adjusting it, he glanced at Selena, who was gathering her supplies. “Selena, do you need to go after this?"

Selena paused, rolling up the leftover bandages with quick, efficient movements. “There’s still a lot of cleaning to do around the estate." Then, she looked at him with a pointed expression. “And you, don’t get into trouble while I’m gone. I mean it.”

Adrian chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Selena please, you worry too much.”

“You give me plenty of reasons to,” she muttered, though her lips quirked into a faint smile before she left the room.

Adrian lingered for a moment, the room feeling strangely still. Guess I’ve got some free time. Might as well make the most of it.

He considered his options, but there weren't too many activities that were his fancy. So, Adrian decided that it was best if he prepared. I should probably train more. If something goes wrong tomorrow, I need to be ready. Especially in my enhanced state.

The thought spurred him into action. Veering away from the estate’s main corridors, he made his way to the gates and slipped outside. The cool evening air greeted him, carrying with it the distant hum of South Tusk’s bustling streets.

Finding a quieter part of the district, Adrian ducked into a secluded alleyway. The noise of the streets faded, replaced by the gentle rustle of fabric drying on nearby lines and the faint creak of wooden shutters swaying in the breeze.

He exhaled slowly. Focus, he told himself, closing his eyes

The world around him faded into a muted blur as he reached inward, drawing on the ember-like energy that rested deep within his mana core. Closer…

The air around him stirred, growing warmer with each breath. Then, with a subtle pulse, the energy surged outward. A halo of bluish flames flickered into existence above his head while a fiery aura enveloped his body, licking at his skin without burning.

When Adrian opened his eyes, the alley seemed brighter, every detail sharpened by the glow of his enhanced state. This is it, he thought, flexing his fingers and feeling the raw power coursing through him. Time to do a little testing.

Without hesitation, he crouched low, the fiery aura flaring brighter as he pushed off the ground with explosive force. His leap carried him upward, higher than any normal jump could achieve as he landed lightly on the rooftop of a nearby building.

From the rooftop, he could see the city stretched out before him. Adrian stretched lightly, the flames around him flickering like a second skin. This feels right, he thought, gazing out over South Tusk.

Adrian leapt effortlessly from one rooftop to another, his fiery aura painting faint trails of light in the dusk. Below him, the city's streets bustled with activity despite the encroaching night. Vendors called out to late shoppers, voices mingling with the clatter of horses' hooves and the hum of distant music from street performers.

Looking at it like this, South Tusk isn't as bad as I imagined… though that's probably because I'm still in a nicer part of the city. Adrian thought as he landed lightly on another roof, crouching for balance.

But as he looked over the streets below, a familiar sign caught his eye. It was painted with delicate strokes of lavender and gold: The Violet Rose. Adrian paused. That place… where I first met Natasha. Or rather, where she decided to grace me with her sarcasm.

He leapt from the rooftop, descending into a narrow side street just outside the coffee shop. The faint blue flames surrounding him dissipated as he deactivated his enhanced state. His sudden landing startled a group of rough-looking men loitering nearby. Their laughter died abruptly, replaced by wide-eyed stares. Without a word, they turned and bolted, muttering something about not wanting trouble.

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Adrian chuckled, brushing off his shirt. “Didn’t even have to say anything,” he muttered to himself before stepping through the shop’s door.

The familiar scent of coffee and pastries greeted him as the doorbell chimed softly. The Violet Rose was as charming as he remembered, with its cozy interior lit by soft, amber light. Adrian’s gaze swept the room, and his stride faltered when he spotted her.

Natasha sat at a corner table, cradling a porcelain cup in her hands. She noticed him almost immediately, her violet eyes meeting his.

Adrian hesitated for a moment before making his way to her table. “Fancy seeing you here,” he said, pulling out a chair. “What’s up?”

Natasha lowered her cup, setting it gently on its saucer. “Nothing."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, settling into the chair across from her. “Nothing? That doesn’t sound like you.”

She tilted her head slightly, an unreadable expression crossing her face. “Would you like a drink? Or perhaps dessert? My treat.”

That caught Adrian off guard. He leaned back slightly, folding his arms. “Wait, you’re offering to buy me something?"

Natasha’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Don’t overthink it, Adrian. I’m just not feeling like myself today.”

“Is this about the ball tomorrow?”

“Perhaps, let’s just say, it’s a lot of pressure.”

"You don’t strike me as someone who lets things like that get to you.”

“There’s going to be a lot of people I don’t like there."

"Like who? Give me some examples.”

Her eyes darted to his, and for a moment, she looked as if she might indulge him. Instead, she shook her head. “Never mind, it’s easier to say I don’t like almost anyone who’ll be there.”

Adrian leaned back, studying her with mild amusement. “Almost everyone? That’s a pretty bold statement, even for you. Why don’t you like them?”

“Because they’re all so superficial, the moment they hear my name—‘Natasha Whitewynn’—they act differently. It’s nauseating.”

“And you think that’s just because of your name?"

Natasha huffed a quiet laugh, but it lacked humor. “They don’t care about me, Adrian. They care about who my father is, what I represent. They see ‘Lysander Whitewynn’s daughter,’ not Natasha. To them, I’m a stepping stone to power, a means to an end.”

Adrian watched her closely. She’s not just annoyed; this really bothers her. “That sounds… exhausting.”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though her expression didn’t lose its edge. “It is, I have to keep up appearances, play their game, act like it doesn’t bother me. If I don’t, it reflects poorly on my father, and I won’t let that happen.”

Adrian rested his chin on one hand. “I get where you’re coming from,” he said, then, with a lopsided grin, he added, “Though it definitely explains why you don’t have many friends your age.”

Natasha’s head snapped up, her violet eyes narrowing in indignation. “Excuse me?” she said, her voice rising slightly. A faint pink flush crept across her cheeks, betraying her irritation. “I don’t see you surrounded by adoring friends your age either, Adrian."

Adrian chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Fair enough."

Natasha huffed, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her chair. Her initial irritation faded quickly, replaced by a begrudging smile. "You're lucky I'm in a decent mood today."

“You know, it’s nice seeing you be more honest about this kind of stuff."

“Don’t get used to it, it’s not something I make a habit of.”

Adrian leaned back in his chair, matching her casual posture. "Wouldn’t dream of it.” His grin shifted into something more mischievous as an idea struck him. “By the way, have you ever seen Mimi before?”

“What’s a Mimi?” Natasha asked.

Adrian tapped his fingers on the table, his grin widening. “She’s… hard to explain. But I think you’ll like her. Come on, let’s find somewhere quieter, and I’ll show you.”

Natasha arched a brow, glancing toward the rest of the coffee shop. She hesitated for a moment before standing gracefully, smoothing the folds of her dress. “Fine, but this 'Mimi' better be worth my time."

Adrian stood as well, pushing in his chair with a grin. “Trust me, I think you'll like what you see."

She gave him a long-suffering look, but there was a flicker of intrigue in her eyes as they stepped outside. Adrian led the way until they reached a small park. It was mostly empty, save for a group of stray cats digging through litter.

Adrian stopped in the middle of the clearing, turning to face Natasha. “Alright, this should do."

Natasha crossed her arms, watching him with. “So, what's the big idea?"

Adrian held up a hand, his gaze steady. “Wait,” he said, stepping back to create more space.

He crouched slightly, lowering his voice. “Mimi, come out.”

The air shimmered as green flames sparked to life on the ground, flickering and swirling as if caught in an invisible dance. Mimi’s tiny paws touched the ground with an almost reverent grace, her emerald eyes lifting to Adrian with a trill of affection.

“Mimi,” Adrian said, gesturing toward Natasha. “Meet Natasha.”

Natasha’s posture stiffened as her eyes widened, the sharp lines of her expression melting into something unguarded, almost vulnerable. She took a hesitant step forward. “What… is she?"

Adrian gave Natasha a small nod, scratching behind Mimi’s fiery ears as the little fox chirped softly. “She’s… a familiar. I found her in the woods one day,” he said, carefully choosing his words. Better to keep it simple. Don’t need her asking too many questions.

Natasha tilted her head, her gaze sharpening as she studied him. “You’re telling me you just stumbled upon a magical fox made of flames in the woods, and now she follows you around? Are you serious?”

Adrian straightened, putting on his best casual expression. “Dead serious, she’s a little lost, I think, so I’ve been looking after her. We kind of just… clicked.”

Natasha arched a brow, clearly unconvinced, but before she could press further, Mimi nuzzled her hand and let out a soft trill. She chuckled despite herself, her guarded demeanor slipping away entirely. “Well, aren’t you a charmer,” she murmured, stroking Mimi’s glowing fur. The fox responded by hopping lightly into her arms, curling up as though it belonged there.

Adrian secretly exhaled a slight sigh. Thank goodness Mimi's in a playful mood today.

Natasha glanced at Adrian, “Why did you decide to show her to me all of a sudden? Not that I’m complaining.”

Adrian shrugged “I just felt like cheering you up a bit. That’s all.”

“Well,” Natasha said, her voice lilting with dry amusement as she stroked the fox’s fiery fur. “I never thought I’d say this, but… thanks for showing Mimi to me."

Adrian tilted his head, watching her as Mimi nestled comfortably in her arms. “Did I just hear you say thanks? Hold on, I think I need to write this down."

Natasha rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched in amusement. “Don’t push it. I can still take it back.”

“Too late,” Adrian said, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin. “It’s out there now. A moment of kindness from Natasha Whitewynn."

“Keep talking, and I’ll make sure it does,” she shot back, though her tone was more playful than biting. She glanced down at Mimi, who was purring softly, flaming tail swishing lazily against Natasha’s arm. “Besides, Mimi’s doing all the work here. You’re just riding on her charm.”

Adrian gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? I’ll have you know it takes real skill to summon a spirit fox this cute.”

“Oh, I’m sure, summoning adorable, cuddly creatures must be exhausting work for someone like you.”

“Hey, I didn’t see you complaining when she hopped into your arms. I think she likes you.”

“Of course she does,” Natasha replied breezily. “Who wouldn’t? I’m delightful.”

Right… I guess that's true, for today."

“Seriously though… I needed this. So, thanks.”

"Don't sweat it."