"Does this count as a tie?" I asked, as the ice around me dissipated, revealing my figure behind layers of cracked silver shields.

"You formed quite a few layers of pure essence, and while most cracked under the pressure, some held strong enough to keep you from freezing solid," Lucian remarked, his voice steady as the silver spear in his hand dissolved. His hand, torn from the impact, slowly began to mend.

"Yes, but you also managed to stop my last attack," I replied, stepping toward the center of the hall. "The consumption of essence must have been immense, though. As you've taught me—always save enough essence to retreat. That spear I formed? It was made with the purest essence I had, condensing it the moment I sensed that massive wave of ice. It was a last-ditch effort."

Lucian nodded, walking to meet me. "True, I also reserved just enough essence to block a surprise strike like the one you threw at me."

"We're both running low on essence now, and we've each been injured once. We could continue, but the outcome wouldn't change much, and we'd only drain ourselves further." I gestured toward the remnants of our earlier battle still dissipating around us.

"You're right," he said, a faint smile on his lips. "I accept. It was a tie."

"Now," I said, extending my hands expectantly, "you owe me the truth."

He chuckled softly. "You're persistent, aren't you?"

"A friend shouldn't have to hesitate when offering help," I said, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

"Well, it's not some grand tale," Lucian began, sitting down with a sigh. "I am the younger brother of Gunnar Blackwood, the current head of the Blackwood family. My powers awakened while my father was still alive. But, as you can imagine, the power I wield—this ice—isn't exactly... favored in my family. The moment I met the Headmaster, I decided to leave and become an instructor here at the academy. It was a way to distance myself from them."

He looked off toward the large, covered windows, lost in thought. "No one really minded. If anything, it was welcomed. My brother took over as the head after my father passed in battle, and I quietly settled into life at the academy."

"What battle did your father fall in?" I asked, intrigued.

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"It was during one of the first clashes with the Damned," he replied. "He was already old, unable to advance in refinement any further. You'll learn more about that when the time is right."

Lucian leaned back, his gaze drifting. "I was once sent to the city just outside the jungle, the outer layer where common vampires live. It was to investigate an infiltration case. That's where it all started. I fell in love."

He smiled, though there was a hint of sorrow in his expression. "Her name is Alina Styles. She's just a regular vampire, but a bundle full of energy, someone who doesn't judge or approach me based on status or power. We lived next to each other, and over time, we became close. Years have passed, and we're still together."

He paused, his tone shifting. "But things took a turn when her mother passed away, leaving her alone. That's when I approached my brother for help."

"What did you ask him for?" I asked, already piecing things together.

"Vampires from the outer layers aren't allowed to enter the inner city unless they have explicit permission from His Highness or one of the elders on the council," he explained, glancing at me to ensure I understood.

"So you asked your brother to let her in, and he refused," I said, connecting the dots.

"Yes," Lucian confirmed, his voice tight with frustration. "The one time I asked him for something, and he refused."

"Why?" I asked, bewildered. "It's not like you were asking him to make you the family head. You just wanted a girl to be allowed into the city."

He sighed, bitterness creeping into his voice. "It's the arrogance of being the head of the family, the disdain for someone like me asking for a favor, and his general mistrust of outsiders—even when it's his own brother making the request."

"You could've asked the Headmaster," I suggested. "Surely he has enough influence over the House."

"He does," Lucian admitted. "But the Headmaster is bound by certain conditions that limit his ability to interfere."

I thought for a moment, then smiled. "I don't think it's as complicated as it seems. I can handle this."

Lucian looked at me, eyes wide with disbelief. "Would you really help me?"

"Of course. After pestering you for the full story, how could I not?" I said, standing up.

"But why? You don't even know her," he said, his voice filled with genuine surprise.

"I don't need to know her," I replied. "I know you—or at least, I'd like to think I do. You've taught me a lot, and it's only right that I return the favor."

Lucian stood, visibly moved. "I would be forever grateful for your help."

"Don't worry about it," I said, patting him on the shoulder with a reassuring smile before turning to leave. A quiet satisfaction bloomed within me, a plan forming as I walked out of the room, a sly smile playing on my lips and a dangerous glint in my eyes.

Back in my room, I drained what was left of the blood from the half-empty gallon, feeling my lungs almost fully refined now. Afterward, I shed my training gear and slid into the bath, letting the warmth ease the tension from my body.

Later, I lay in bed, draped in a silk silver robe, my mind swirling with thoughts. Lucian was now a pawn I could manipulate, but if I wanted the entire Blackwood family on my side, I'd need to make a more significant move.

My silver eyes fluttered shut, thoughts running through my mind as I drifted into sleep.