A few more days passed in much the same way, with me settling back into my routine of refining my body and training with Lucian, during this time he never mentioned Alina again. I met Yelena one more time during that period, just to deepen her training and my control. The time for her to prove her usefulness would come soon. But now, it was time to leave for the training, I though getting out of the bathtub.

I emerged from the washroom, dressed in my training suit, when a knock echoed through the room.

"This is Vasen, my prince," came his composed voice from the other side of the door. "There's a reply to your letter."

I opened the door, and Vasen stood there, bowing slightly as he presented the letter. I took it from his hands.

"You may leave," I said, turning back to close the door behind me. I walked to the table and sat down before carefully opening the envelope.

The letter was from my father. He informed me that he had looked into the woman I had asked about. She was now a regular vampire living in the outer layer, but long ago, her family had once lived in the inner circle as respected, mid-ranked Nocturnals. Over time, however, fewer members of her family were able to awaken their powers, until none remained. Their family name was Starwoods, and they had fallen into obscurity, eventually being driven out of their station. Now, she was the last surviving member, her mother having passed away not long ago.

Curiously, it appeared she had some connection to Lucian, Gunnar's younger brother. My father mentioned that, unlike Gunnar, he found Lucian to be far more agreeable. He also noted that he had noticed the growing tension between the brothers and hinted that he understood what I was trying to achieve. My father had already begun arrangements to bring the woman into the castle, and he would keep me updated.

He concluded the letter by asking about my training and health, adding that my mother and sister missed me greatly.

I leaned back in my chair, processing the new information. So, she wasn't as ordinary as Lucian had led me to believe. This would certainly make things more interesting. a smirk adorned my face, a glint in my eyes.

I pulled a fresh sheet of paper toward me and quickly penned a response to my father, letting him know that I was well and that my work here was nearing completion. I also asked him not to inform my mother or sister of my return, as I wanted it to be a surprise. Then, after sealing the letter, a smirk of anticipation crept across my face.

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I opened the door to find Vasen still waiting.

"Do you have a reply?" he asked.

"Here," I handed him the letter. "Send it back."

Without another word, I walked past him, heading toward the training room.

I entered through the large, ancient white doors, intricately engraved with mysterious patterns. Inside, Lucian stood at the center, waiting for me, and we immediately began our session. Our sparring had grown routine by now, and this time the fight was shorter than usual. My instincts had sharpened, my reaction time faster with each passing day. I was growing more accustomed to my enhanced senses, learning to use them to their fullest in battle.

Despite the progress, we reached another stalemate. Lucian still felt like the first true mountain I needed to conquer.

"When will I finally defeat you?" I asked, dropping to the floor, my training suit only slightly torn near the heart.

"Not anytime soon," Lucian replied, sitting down across from me. his shirt torn from the stomach"But pushing me this far, this early in your training, is impressive." He said tracing the tear on his shirt.

"Impressive isn't enough," I said, staring at the ceiling. "I need extraordinary. I need to surpass my instructor."

"It'll come in time," he reassured me. "Don't rush it."

"I need to ask you something, Lucian," I said, my voice calm as I sat up to face him.

"Yes, my prince?"

"Did you know about Alina's other identity?"

"I knew that her family used to live in the inner layer," he answered carefully. "But why they fell, how it happened, who they were—I didn't know, nor did I care."

"Good," I nodded. "I appreciate your honesty. But in the future, share these things earlier. I don't like being kept in the dark about matters I've taken into my own hands."

"My apologies. It won't happen again."

"No need to apologize," I replied, standing. "One more thing—she'll be moving into the castle, living on the lower floor."

"The castle?" Lucian's voice betrayed his surprise. "She could live anywhere in the inner city."

"I'm bringing her into the inner city," I said, my tone turning serious. "After learning about her family's history, I can't afford to leave anything to chance. No one will have the opportunity to point fingers at the Aetherisin family. No one."

I wanted to keep her close that was the only way to control Lucian and use him for my purpose when time came, her secret identity just gave a more believable reason and saved the headache of making up a reason.

"I understand," Lucian said, his tone softening. "I'll always be grateful for your help, my prince."

"There's no need," I said, turning on my heel and walking out of the room, leaving Lucian alone with his thoughts.

I had deliberately planted the seed. I needed him to think, for my plan to take root.

As I walked down the corridor, I changed my course, my feet carrying me to a smaller, secluded room deep within the castle which housed a broken, trembling and needy petite women. It was time to start the final chapter of her chapter and purpose. It was time to prepare for returning.

I opened the door, a twisted, anticipatory smile creeping across my face.