When Headmaster Alzeron stepped into view, Nox already had an idea how difficult it would to fulfill King Esaros’s condition.

Robed in pure black, towering over his students, the former High Mage of Thurin strode at their head, his dark eyes fixed on the king. With an elegant bow, he said, “An honor to meet you once more on this day, King Esaros.”

The king dipped his head. “I trust that the journey went well, Headmaster.”

Alzeron smiled. “Barring an unfortunate wyvern who dared to attack us while crossing the Atrusa province, and which Mr. Brugg slew easily, our journey has been peaceful.”

Nox winced, and he sensed Estella’s annoyance through their mental link. He had only been in Atrusa once, on his way to the Academy, and he knew that its skies were mostly free of monsters.

Did he just imply that our security is lacking? Estella demanded.

Possibly. But don’t let that affect you. It may be that he is still bitter about his and his twin’s loss.

King Esaros didn’t seem affected, though Nox couldn’t see his expression from behind. “That is unfortunate to hear, Headmaster. But never fear. When my schedule permits, I will personally eradicate every wyvern nest I would find.”

The reaction was immediate. Alzeron’s eyes darken with fury, though his smile, now stiff and cold, remained on his face. “I will appreciate that, King Esaros, for the sake of other travelers as well.”

Nox heard snickering. When he looked, Estella and Luciana were both whispering with glee. Look at him, Estella told him. He looked like he just bit on a sour fruit!

The Thurinian Headmaster moved down the welcoming group, exchanging pleasantries and, in the case of Headmaster Garion, a few veiled insults. When he reached Estella, his smile grew warm. “Ah, Dame Estella, I presume? I’ve heard so much about you, Princess.”

Nox turned to look at his girlfriend immediately. She looked just as clueless, but she smiled with the grace and politeness befitting her station. “I’m afraid I don’t understand, Headmaster.”

“And a humble one!” He laughed. “Still, it’s no easy feat to kill a Remnant. You must be proud of that.”

Estella’s grace, unfortunately, vanished at that comment, her mouth forming a perfect circle. “I do not know where—“

“Estella’s achievement is not widely bandied about in Faven, Headmaster,” the king interjected, “mostly because it nearly cost my daughter’s, and her Squire’s, life. It was the Celestials’ will that they have even survived.”

Alzeron nodded. “It must be a traumatizing experience, Princess. My condolences.” He turned to Nox. “And who is this young man?”

“Sir Nox Stigan,” Estella answered with pride. “Faven’s only Shadow Wielder, and my future husband.”

The headmaster’s gaze sharpened. “A Shadow Wielder here in Faven? Intriguing.” He tilted his head, inspecting him closely. Then he smiled.

Nox didn’t like the smile.

As the Headmaster proceeded with the king’s entourage, she glanced at Nox, her eyebrows knitted. Did father spread the word that I killed that Remnant?

Probably, he said, still eyeing the Thurinian Headmaster walking along the school grounds.

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“What is it, love?” Estella said.

“Nothing.”

At least, he hoped it was nothing.

***

The grand feast was held in the northern training grounds.

As one of the participants, Nox sat on the table adjacent to the Thurinian Wielders. Heaps of food spread before him, wine flowed from the caskets, and conversations filled the air.

He wasn’t used to this kind of celebration, and he would rather rest to prepare for the competition tomorrow, but there was some advantage to it; he could study his opponents.

Nox watched Zalthor Brugg laughing with his fellow Thurinian students. Tall, lean, and fit. A master of four elements. It would certainly be a difficult battle, but surely nothing comparable to fighting a Remnant or monsters from the Wind Isles.

Don’t be too confident.

No, I won’t.

Taking a sip from his glass, Nox transferred his gaze to the king’s table. The king was seemingly locked in a quiet discussion with Headmaster Alzeron and Headmaster Garion. It didn’t look serious enough, but he noticed how Estella looked ready to leave.

Mind sharing to me what they are talking about? he asked her.

History, she responded. He could sense her boredom and exasperation. They are discussing the way Faven killed his wife.

He did? Nox had read about that once, and he thought it was fabricated. After all, why would the kingdom’s founder kill his wife?

The text was written by a Thurinian historian, she grumbled. You really think they would be honest? And don’t ask me why it was a Thurinian historian. I don’t know, either.

Hey, don’t get angry.

It’s this feast! I just want to leave and go to bed.

With me?

He meant it as a joke, of course, but Estella focused on him with the intensity of her most powerful spell. Mine or yours?

Nox nearly choke on his food. Are you serious?

I would very much prefer it to listening to my father exchange snide remarks with Headmaster Alzeron. It’s fun the few times, but it’s getting out of hand already.

He looked around. Everyone was preoccupied with the feast, and while the Princess’s absence would be noticed, he didn’t think it would warrant a search for her. Or him for that matter.

I’ll leave first, he said. It will be less suspicious that way. Follow me after five minutes, in your office.

Nox was about to stand up when he heard someone say, “Ah, you must be Nox Stigan.”

He swore, as did Estella. Zalthor Brugg stood before him, smiling, a glass of wine in hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Sir Nox.”

“The pleasure is mine, Sir Zalthor.” He glanced at Estellsa and resisted the urge to chuckle. Her glare was just as hot as Supernova.

Can I burn him?

No. Otherwise, I can’t marry you.

“So, you’re a Shadow user, I’ve heard.”

He nodded. “Dual affinity. Ice and Shadow.”

“Triple affinity.”

Don’t give him too much information!

I won’t. Relax. But the way Zalthor didn’t say what elements he wielded made Nox inwardly berate himself. Good thing he knew at least one of them.

“Excited for tomorrow?’ Zalthor drank a sip from his glass.

Nox shifted on his feet. Their conversation was taking far longer than he wanted. “Yes.” He hoped his short answer was enough.

“So am I. It’s been months since I’m allowed to let loose.”

The words were spoken casually, but Nox didn’t like the way Zalthor said it. He glanced toward Estella. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her scowl fierce.

This won’t be much longer, he reassured her.

There was no response save for rising impatience. With a respectful smile, Nox said, “My apologies, Sir Zalthor. But I will be going now. It’s been an honor talking with you.”

“You don’t like feasts much, I take it.”

Nox chuckled. “I’m afraid so.” Unless it is a different kind of feast that involves Estella.

The Thurinian Wielder nodded. “Well, I won’t keep you here any longer. I’ll see you on the stage, Sir Nox.” He offered his hand.

Nox shook it briefly, then bowed and walk away.

***

The hallways were dark save for the light coming from the moon and the ongoing feast. Nox’s footsteps echoed as he hurried to the faculty wing. Only a minute ago, Estella had told him that she was already on her way.

Idly he wondered if the queen and the princess would suspect the reason for their absence. He wouldn’t put it past them, and with a sigh he realized he would have to deal with their teasing once he and Estella were married.

When he reached the central corridor, the Resonance flared. Nox looked behind him, sensing Estella’s approach. But it was a good three minutes before she fully came to view. She ran up to him with a mischievous grin, grabbing his hand and dragging him along.

He chuckled. “That bad?”

“Yes,” was her only response.

They passed a classroom, and Nox considered taking her there, but a sound caught his attention. They stopped, Estella’s eyes widening. She glanced at him, then placed a finger on his lips. Understanding crossed his face.

Really?

Hey, you never know. Someone might be dying in there.

Judging by the sounds coming from the classroom, though, Nox doubt it. But there was nothing else he could do but follow his lover. They crept toward the door, slightly ajar with a tiny crack. Crouching low, Nox peered inside.

No way, Estella said.

Nox pulled her back, covering her mouth for good measure, even as the girl writhing beneath Erian moaned, “Master.” He knew he should have stopped Estella.

The two were already climbing the staircase leading to the faculty wing when they finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Let’s not do that again,” Nox said. Now he could never look at Erian and Reina the same way again.

Estella was shaking her head in disbelief. “Do you know about this?”

“Somewhat. I overheard her and Ireela talking about Erian, but I never thought…” His voice trailed off.

“That it would be too fast?”

“That it would be that fast.” He didn’t think Erian see his Squire in a romantic light, much less in such a way.

They soon reached Estella’s office. As they neared the door, images of Erian and Reina flashed in Nox’s mind, and the fire in his body grew. He glanced at Estella, her eyes boring into him with the same intensity even as her thoughts flooded into him, filling his mind of what they would do for the rest of the night.

A night that Nox would thoroughly savor.