The Ashenblade estate was just as Damien remembered it—grand, imposing, and steeped in the weight of centuries of history. The sight of its towering spires and immaculate gardens stirred something deep within him, a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

Word of his return must have spread quickly, for he barely made it to the central courtyard before he was met by familiar faces. His mother, Lady Elira, was the first to approach, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and disbelief.

“Damien,” she said softly, her voice trembling. She closed the distance between them, pulling him into a tight embrace. “You’re alive. Thank the stars.”

Damien returned the hug, feeling a warmth he hadn’t realized he’d missed. “I’m stronger than I look, Mother.”

His siblings, Kael and Selene, arrived next. Kael’s usual smirk was gone, replaced by a look of wary curiosity. Selene’s eyes shone with tears as she stepped forward, her gaze scanning him as if to ensure he was truly there.

“You’ve changed,” Selene said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can feel it.”

Damien nodded. “I’ve been through a lot. There’s much to tell.”

Lord Alaric arrived last, his imposing presence commanding the attention of everyone in the courtyard. His piercing gaze locked onto Damien, studying him in silence. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and steady.

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“You’ve returned,” Alaric said. “And you’ve grown. Tell us everything.”

Damien took a deep breath and began recounting his journey. He spoke of the trials, the battles, and the growth he had experienced in the forest. He described the ancient fortress, the Warden, and the Guardian, and the power of the Celestial Blade that now pulsed through him.

His family listened intently, their expressions shifting from shock to awe as Damien shared his story. Even Kael, who had always been skeptical, seemed genuinely impressed.

When Damien finished, the courtyard fell into silence. It was Alaric who finally broke it.

“You’ve exceeded my expectations, Damien,” he said, his voice filled with a rare note of pride. “You’ve proven yourself worthy of the Ashenblade name.”

Damien met his father’s gaze, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. But before he could respond, Alaric continued.

“There is more to your journey,” he said. “You’ve unlocked great power, but you must learn to control it fully. To do that, you will attend the Hunter’s Academy.”

Damien blinked, caught off guard. “The Academy?”

Alaric nodded. “It is where the greatest Hunters are forged. You will train alongside the best, refine your skills, and uncover the full potential of the Celestial Blade. This is the next step in your journey.”

Lady Elira placed a hand on Damien’s shoulder, her eyes filled with both pride and concern. “It won’t be easy, but we believe in you.”

Selene smiled, though her eyes glistened with emotion. “You’ll show them what it means to be an Ashenblade.”

Kael crossed his arms, his smirk returning. “Just don’t get cocky. The Academy’s no walk in the park.”

Damien’s mind raced, but beneath the surprise, a sense of excitement bubbled. The forest had been his crucible, but the Academy would be his proving ground. He nodded, a determined smile forming on his lips.

“I’m ready.”

The Ashenblade family stood united, their faith in Damien unwavering. His journey was far from over, but for the first time, he felt truly prepared for the challenges ahead.