School was progressing well, and Ravina found herself able to focus entirely on it. She had already studied nearly every law book she could get her hands on, and adventuring, well, that clearly wasn’t for her. Maybe if she needed money—but thanks to her father’s generosity, that was never a concern.
Her attention turned to magic. With determination, she made it into the accelerated course and soon found herself in a class of just five students. Thankfully, Earl was there too, so she could still show him up. However he seemed rather withdrawn from her, more than usual. It was odd. She thought they kind of got over their childish rivalry, not that she would let him beat her, and became friends. Other than that the only thing that filled her time was…Rupert.
Though Rupert had grown busier than usual, he always made time for her when he could, often taking her out around town. Ravina cherished the last four months they spent together, even though he occasionally had to cancel to handle business matters. She never made a fuss about it—she knew how important it was to impress a father like his. Still, she couldn’t deny that she missed him during those times, especially now where it had been over a week since she last heard from him.
That’s why she had written him such a wonderful letter. After all, Rupert had often complimented her on her ingenuity. So she addressed him with a promise of aid, and, as she had hoped, he agreed. Now, she held that delightful letter in her hand as the carriage Rupert had sent made its way to what he called his “most profitable market.”
In the letter, he agreed to her help and invited her to join him in his entrepreneurial endeavors—as partners. Ravina smiled at the prospect, pressing his words to her lips. But as the carriage jolted along, she glanced out the window and frowned. The road had grown uneven and worn, and the scenery had changed drastically. She no longer recognized this part of the city. The buildings were run-down, some nearly crumbling, as if abandoned.
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Her heart sank for a moment, but she pushed the unease aside, choosing instead to reread Rupert’s letter.
My Dearest Lady, the words still made her smile. Thank you for the most delightful idea. Your presence has been a constant source of inspiration, and I can hardly wait to share the fruits of my labor with you. You will be my most cherished partner, and I long to see you in my most profitable market, where you will shine brighter than anyone could imagine. I shall send a carriage for you in three days’ time, and I promise that you will have a place of great value in this venture—more valuable than you might even realize. Yours truly, RM♥*
She was delighted as she read his words, her heart swelling with a newfound sense of belonging. To think that she might be valuable to him—not just as a business partner, but as something more. Before now, Ravina had been focused on survival. She had prepared herself to face an unknown threat, something that, in hindsight, would likely never come. Just an amalgamation of her own fears. Living in the world of a novel? It was absurd.
It had taken her time, but she was finally ready to accept reality. There was no looming danger, no unseen terror. She had simply woken up after a tragic event, and her mind had woven a fiction—a coping mechanism to drive her forward. She had escaped reality but now it was time to return.
Now she had found someone to live with. Perhaps even someone to live for.
Her heart fluttered as the realization fully settled in: she loved him. From the very moment she had met Rupert, she had fallen deeply, hopelessly in love, though the fear of it had kept her from seeing it, from admitting it. Now she was ready to dive in fully. Ready to acknowledge the truth that had been stirring within her heart all along and to begin to live her life once again.