After leaving the training room, I went back to my room, feeling the strain of the recent sparring still in my muscles. As soon as I entered, I made my way to the washroom, drawing in the tub and letting the cold clear my mind. I knew my time here was truly drawing to a close. I stretched out on the bed, intending to rest only a moment, but the weariness took over, and I drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

When I awoke, the room was shrouded in the dim quiet of night. I rose, dressed, and with a steadying breath, made my way to the headmaster's chambers. The corridors were silent, my steps echoing in the stillness. As I reached the door, a voice, calm and ageless, spoke from within.

"Come in."

The door opened smoothly under my hand, and I entered. The headmaster sat behind his imposing oak desk, his young face unchanged, as timeless as his voice. Across from him sat Vasen, watching me with an intensity I had come to know well. They were waiting for me, both with a steady, expectant gaze.

"So, I was expected," I remarked, settling into the chair across from them, noting every small detail.

"Yes," the headmaster replied, his voice as composed as ever. "I have been waiting for this conversation."

"I'm here to inform you," I began, my tone calm yet firm, "that I'll be leaving the academy and returning to my own castle. And I intend to take Lucian with me."

"Oh?" he replied, his young-looking face and timeless voice creating an unsettling contrast. "You wish to remove one of my best instructors from the academy. How should I feel about that?"

"You're the one who arranged for me to meet him," I countered, holding his gaze. "It's hardly surprising, is it? Besides, he's not the only instructor at this academy."

The headmaster's face shifted into a faint smile, a nod almost imperceptible. "True. And I suppose it may be time for him to leave these walls. Perhaps he'll find greater purpose elsewhere."

He leaned forward, folding his hands, and his eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "And what of Yelena? Do you not wish to bring her along as well?"

I shook my head. "No. She'll come to me when the time is right."

The headmaster's faint smile widened, almost approving. "Good. With Lucian, you secure influence over one house. With Yelena, a second. But tell me, what about the third?"

I leaned back, feigning nonchalance, though every word he spoke was heavy with implication. "It's interesting that you ask about a third when you never brought it up before."

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"Why do you think that is?" he asked, his tone challenging yet composed.

I raised two fingers, measuring my words. "There are two possibilities. First, this third person is either too powerful or holds a position beyond your reach—unlike Lucian or Yelena, who were within your influence to give."

He watched me with that calm, inscrutable expression, waiting. I continued.

"But I've seen no sign of anyone here who could rival your own strength or status." I tilted my head. "Which leads me to my second theory."

The headmaster inclined his head slightly, a silent invitation to proceed.

"My second theory is that allowing me to ally with Lucian and Yelena was a test. A test given by this third person to determine whether I would be worthy of their support. And now, I believe that person is here, in this room."

The headmaster's gaze intensified. "Oh? And who do you think it is?"

I allowed a small pause, savoring the weight of the moment. "Initially, I suspected it was Vasen. But now, I have a different answer."

He chuckled, the sound low and approving, and slowly rose to his feet, his gaze still fixed on me, and extended a hand.

"Very perceptive. You've proven yourself worthy—at least, worthy enough for my support." His eyes gleamed with a rare intensity as he held my gaze. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Zephyr Rylan, elder of House Rylan and the true head of Noxveil Academy."

The name struck me, resonating with ancient power, and I could feel the weight of his legacy settling in the air between us.

I rose, taking his hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

When we both sat, I met his gaze directly. "So, did I succeed in your test?"

He chuckled. "What do you think?" His eyes glinted with a rare enthusiasm. "Yes, you passed with flying colors. You will have the full support of House Rylan in whatever lies ahead."

I inclined my head, a faint smile breaking through. "Did my performance align with your vision for the future head of House Aetherisin?"

"You wouldn't have my support otherwise," he said without hesitation. "You display the traits of a true ruler—ruthless yet empathetic, wise in recognizing when and how to use those around you. Nocturnals have been stagnant, caught in outdated ways. Your leadership may be the change they need."

"I appreciate your confidence," I replied, standing to take my leave. "And I'll do all I can to fulfill that vision."

"May you remain victorious," he said, standing and clasping my hand once more. His voice held a resonance of finality and sincerity.

Leaving the room, I felt a profound sense of purpose, each step bringing me closer to what lay ahead. As I turned the corner to my quarters, I found Lucian waiting, his stance alert, his gaze calm but intense.

"Were you waiting for me?" I asked, taking in his composed demeanor.

"Yes, I wanted to let you know that I am prepared to leave at your command," he replied, bowing slightly.

"Already? Do you really have so little to leave behind here after all these years?" I questioned, unlocking the door to my room and stepping inside.

He followed me briefly before answering. "I have few ties here. I was always a mere instructor, my presence serving a purpose but leaving little to linger on."

"Well, go rest then. We leave tomorrow morning." With that, I closed the door as he retreated down the corridor.

Inside, I sat on the edge of my bed, feeling the immensity of the moment settle over me. After everything—the trials, the isolation, the revelations—I would finally be returning home. I pictured my mother's kind face and my sister's warm smile, both faces etched deeply into my heart. The longing was like a fire, and I felt a surge of energy course through me, the silver blood in my veins pulsing in anticipation. Soon, I would be home. Very soon.