I did not sleep that night. Instead, I tossed and turned, repeating the conversation with my friends—former friends, most likely, over in my head.

Their responses made sense. Why would they believe such a tall tale? I would not have if I were in their shoes, even if I would like to pretend otherwise. I was just a first-year apprentice, a nobody with no grand heritage or unusual talents. Yet I had claimed I would grow to become the strongest mage alive, battle invaders from across an uncrossable ocean, and fall in battle after killing thousands.

The fact none of them laughed in my face was a miracle in and of itself.

Still, I had hoped at least one of them might believe me. And none had, not even Amelia. It stung more than I would have expected.

The one small mercy was that the others kept my story to themselves. I had returned to my room and packed several bags just in case, but it was unneeded. There was no furious knocking on my door or a summoning in the middle of the night to explain myself.

Morning came slowly, like a creeping dread, and I rose at dawn with a yawn and a sigh.

I washed, opting for Amelia's ring rather than an actual bath, and changed into formal attire. Ironically, it was the same thing I had worn to my Awakening an eternity ago and the only outfit suitable for meeting with the Duke. They looked and felt too small, but everything else I owned were too casual for the occassion.

As I stood by the exit of my room, I glanced around once more. It was not much, barely larger than a closet, but it was the last thing I could consider my home. Even my room at the Academy had not felt as comforting.

I saw the shelf hanging above my desk, which typically held books on history and geography or centuries-old lineages tracing back to our founding. Occasionally, I snuck books of fairytales about knights slaying monsters or mages saving the world. Girem had put a stop to that when he found out, of course.

Underneath the tiny bed were loose floorboards, where I had taken to stashing the sweets Girem would gift me on special occasions. My fingers brushed the markings on the doorframe, where I had taken to scratching my height every couple of months.

I realized at that moment that, after today, I would have no home. I would have no family or friends. I would be alone, adrift without mooring or direction.

"Too late for regrets," I murmured, shaking my head before looking at Cat, who sat on my pillow, awake for a change.

He meowed in return, and I would have sworn it had an edge of sympathy to it. I smiled at him and nodded once.

"I will be back soon," I continued, then chuckled, "I hope."

***

Duke Estton's office was a cramped square with a desk, several chairs, and magical artifacts crowding the walls. I suspected it was meant to give off an air of comfort and wealth while indicating the family's long history, but it struck me as gaudy and arrogant.

The two men looked exhausted, with bags under their eyes that spoke to a long, likely restless night. Such was the life of a lord and his personal advisor.

It did not seem to dampen Duke Estton's spirit much, though, as he gave me a smile and gestured towards the chair before him, "Good morning, Vayne. Take a seat, if you would."

I bowed before following the command and had barely settled into my chair when the Duke continued.

"I must apologize for such an early meeting. I'm sure you are exhausted, but unfortunately, we have much to discuss."

I bowed my head, "No apologies needed, my lord. Truthfully, I am used to going without sleep. There is often too much to do and not enough time in the day."

Estton laughed and turned over his shoulder to his advisor, "You hear that, Girem? You taught him well."

The edge of Girem's mouth twitched, and he nodded, "Indeed."

Duke Estton sighed, shaking his head at the advisor before refocusing on me. "Jokes aside, you are here to give an account of your first year of training and explain a few...strange rumors we've heard in the last few months. You may begin whenever."

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

I followed the order and began speaking. First, I went over my classes and my teachers, what I learned, and where I excelled. I did not spare any secrets, laying bare my failings as I left classes and refocused, trying to eke out as much progress as possible.

And I spoke of my trip northward to Aresford, the battle with the monster in the forest, my jump to Haze, and finally, my duel against Flynn Sion. Here, Duke Estton and Girem's faces began to change.

Girem was easier to read. I could see the disappointment and shame, which quickly shifted to rage as I continued to speak. Duke Estton seemed more puzzled than anything, with eyebrows raised as he leaned on his interlaced fingers.

I was halfway through my final couple of months at the Academy when Estton held up one hand.

"I must admit," he said, "You leave me confused. Your duty at the Academy was to learn skills suited to an advisor. History. Alchemy. Enchanting. Talents that might help my children bring our family to higher heights. But this story does not depict an advisor. You admit to abandoning proper classes in favor of more...unusual pursuits."

He half-turned to Girem, who stepped forward to follow the unspoken command. I tried not to wince at my mentor's glare, which was harder than expected.

"You've risked your life several times in pursuit of greater power and selfish motivations. You dueled the son of Duke Sion, an action that risked bringing shame down upon the Estton family name. You've altered your training towards your interests and, in doing so, spat in the face of your lord. You have been fed, housed, clothed, and provided the best education possible. What is your explanation?"

I inhaled, braced myself, and said, "I have none. Everything you have said is true."

Neither man spoke, and I took the chance to continue, "I have pursued things that benefitted me, though I took pains to assist Leon and Sophia whenever possible. I risked my life to advance my magical training, something inappropriate for a servant to do without good reason. I abandoned lessons suited for an advisor in favor of ones for a combat mage. And I dueled Flynn Sion, not only to help my mentor at the Academy but to test myself. I deny nothing."

Girem's eyes narrowed, but Duke Estton held up one hand to stop his advisor before he could lambast me.

"Why?" Estton asked, his voice almost confused.

I smiled, "Because my life is not mine. I saw in my Awakening a path forward, and what would it say about me if I did not walk it? Even now, my mistake was not in risking my life but endangering an investment. I did not fail in my training. I succeeded in the wrong areas."

"And you would betray our trust in favor of this? This is your household, Vayne. Your home. You would abandon your duties in favor of such selfish desires?"

It felt eerily similar to what Leon had said, and I tried not to laugh, "My lord, this was never truly my home. I am a servant and nothing more."

"You could have spoken with us," the Duke replied, "And we might have agreed to grant more privileges. Had you been honest and loyal, you could have pursued these interests while remaining a part of our family. Instead, you lied and deceived, betraying our trust."

I had to hold back a scoff. Duke Estton had not refuted my words. He did not offer freedom. I would have earned a loosened leash if I had remained silent and loyal. Nothing more.

And like that, the shame and guilt that had broiled in my stomach vanished, replaced by relief. Remaining with them would be easier, but it was not what I wanted anymore. In truth, I might never have wanted it.

Duke Estton stared for a long time, then sighed and shook his head. His mana rumbled as he stood, folding both arms behind his back and staring down at me. My heartbeat rose, and even though it would have done nothing to stop him if he attacked, I wished I had brought my enchanted vambrace.

"Vayne, advisor prospective to the Estton family," Duke Estton proclaimed with a voice of stone, "For your betrayal and arrogance, you are hereby banished from my lands and my home. I will allow you to take whatever possessions you wish from your former room and one hour to prepare and say your farewells. You have until nightfall tomorrow to make your way off my lands."

I exhaled and nodded, standing and bowing to the lord, "Thank you for your mercy, my lord."

And it truly was mercy. Duke Estton was not the type to strike me down, but he was well within his rights not to grant me any clemency. Most lords would have banished me immediately, sending guards to escort me from their lands without delay. Hell, a few might have stripped me naked first and paraded me past their other servants.

I straightened and spared a single glance at Girem. The man refused to meet my eyes, staring forward, unblinking with an expression I could no longer read. The lump in my throat returned, and I had to blink a few times. He was not my father, but he was the closest thing I had known to one.

With one final bow to my former mentor, I exited the office, leaving behind the life I once intended to live.

***

It took me just five minutes to return to my room, change into clothes more suited for traveling, retrieving my backpack, weapon, vambrace, and pet. Traveling without a mount would be slower, but I could not imagine leaving anything behind.

Even though the Duke had offered me an hour to say my goodbyes, I knew doing so would be a mistake. It would make leaving harder, and I was already struggling with it enough.

I exited the servants quarters and made it halfway to the main road when I spotted someone leaning against a small tree. The figure straightened as I approached and closed the distance between us with quick, hurried steps.

Amelia stood before me, hurt clear on her face, "You were going to leave without saying goodbye."

I rubbed the back of my neck, "Yes, I was."

"Why?"

"Because I do not know if I could have without asking you to come with me," I replied honestly.

Something in her face twisted, and Amelia said, "Ask again."

For a moment, I almost did. Then, I shook my head and replied, "No."

Amelia and the others had given me their answers. They might say yes if I pushed, but I did not want that. I did not want to guilt or force them into a decision they would regret. If anything, asking the first time had been selfish.

The entire time we had known one another, Amelia had always struck me as confident. I had rarely seen her uncertain and never afraid.

Now, she seemed smaller, as if she had shrunken several inches.

"Do you not want me to come with you?" Amelia finally asked, raising her eyes to meet mine.

It took everything in me to hold back what I wanted to say. Instead, I walked closer and placed my hand on her shoulder.

"I want you," I said, "To live your life. You made your choice, and I made mine. Just please...if you ever trusted me, trust that I was not lying about what I saw. Train. Prepare. Be safe. Okay?"

Amelia took a long pause before finally nodding. I smiled, squeezing her shoulder before stepping past her.

I made it only a few steps before she ran up behind me, spun me around, and kissed me. After a moment, I relaxed into it and let myself forget my worries for a heartbeat.

When we finally broke apart, Amelia poked me with one finger, "You better not do anything stupid while I'm not around, okay?"

"No promises," I said, smiling.

"I mean it," she said, "I'll track you down and drag you back to the capital myself. You got it?"

"I do, yes," I replied, then looked up at the sun, "I have to get going."

I looked back down and smiled, "Take care, Amelia."

"You too, Vanye. And...send letters, okay?"

I nodded, then I turned and walked away, leaving the only friends I had ever known behind.