Date: 22nd Day
Location: Narshia Town
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Finally, we came to Narshia Town.
Three weeks. Two ambushes. Too little sleep. Too much blood.
The cobbled road curved up like a tongue welcoming us into a mouth too quiet. This place was rich, yes — but not loud. Old stone watched us. Gilded windows blinked once, then went still.
No fanfare. Just guards. Just eyes. Just waiting.
Cerene walked slower than usual. Not weak — hesitant. Like her body remembered something her mind wasn't ready to revisit.
---
Count Halden Narshia stood at the inner gate.
His presence wasn't large, but it lingered. A tired man wearing nobility like a second skin — one stitched from duty and regret.
When Cerene approached, he didn't speak.
He opened his arms, and she stepped in. Slowly.
His voice cracked on one word:
> "Comet."
She gripped his robe. Said nothing. But her shoulders shook.
---
Almar appeared soon after.
Handsome, calm — a noble cut from softer cloth. He smiled, bowed to us… but his eyes never left Selene.
He hugged her gently.
No questions. No anger.
Just quiet, older brother love.
---
Then Cieran — the second son.
Not polished. Not warm. Cold eyes. Sharp lines. But when he saw her, he closed the gap instantly.
Flicked her forehead. Called her an idiot.
> "I was this close to storming the capital."
He said it like a threat to the world.
Then he hugged her, tighter than the others.
That's when she cried.
One tear.
Hidden in Cieran's shoulder.
---
Lady Yveline came last.
First wife of the Count. Elegant. Distant. Her words precise, each one a dagger hidden in silk.
She kissed Cerene's cheek like a judge signing a verdict.
> "You've caused quite the stir."
She looked at our group.
Measured.
> "The Academy must be fond of strays."
Leander opened his mouth.
I tapped his shoulder.
He shut it. For once.
---
We were given the east wing.
Too many curtains. Too little air.
Riya cleaned her gear in silence. Anna barely ate. Lily excused herself early.
Alice sharpened her dagger longer than necessary.
I watched them all.
---
Anna stayed close to Leander.
Not clinging. Just near. Like his shadow gave her warmth.
He made stupid jokes all evening — half of them didn't land, but she smiled anyway.
He even held her tray while she ate.
When she almost dropped her cup, he caught it and whispered:
> "I got you, Flamepuff."
She laughed.
Not fully.
But enough to sound human again.
And for now, that was enough.
---
Later, I walked alone.
Stone walls. Marble halls. Paintings of people too perfect to be real.
This house wore masks just like people.
Maybe more.
---
> "We reached our destination.
But it doesn't feel like arrival.
It feels like a blade waiting to fall.
Cerene smiled — barely.
Her brothers glowed — briefly.
But I've seen warm hearths burn the fastest.
And in houses like this, even ghosts know how to lie."