The gardens were silent. Kael and Lucian stood near the hidden entrance beneath the gardens, both staring at the fresh footprint that had appeared behind them. Neither of them had heard anyone approach. Lucian crouched beside it for a moment, examining the ground. “Don’t follow them.” Kael looked at him. “You know who it is?” “No.” Lucian straightened. “And that’s exactly why you shouldn’t chase them.” Kael remained silent for a few seconds before finally nodding. They left the gardens together, but Kael could still feel that strange presence somewhere nearby. Then, halfway across the courtyard, the black crystal in his pocket suddenly became warm. Kael stopped. The crystal pulsed once. Then again. This time, the faint light inside it pointed in a completely different direction. Toward Veyron. Kael frowned. “Something’s happening.” Lucian noticed the change immediately. “What?” Kael pulled out the crystal. “It’s reacting again.” The light slowly faded. Neither of them knew what it meant. But far away, at the Veyron estate, something had already begun. --- Ethan was sitting in his office when a guard rushed through the door. “My lord!” Ethan immediately looked up. “What happened?” “The outer protections have activated.” Ethan stood. “All of them?” “Yes.” That answer was enough. Ethan left his desk and walked toward the window. A dark light suddenly crossed the sky above the estate. One by one, the magical protections surrounding the domain came to life. The guards immediately took their positions. Then Ethan saw it. On the massive stone portal leading into the estate, the same mysterious symbol that Kael had been investigating appeared. A faint glow surrounded it. Beneath the symbol, words slowly formed. “He is still searching.” Ethan’s expression hardened. “Seal the domain.” The guards immediately obeyed. Every entrance was closed. Every magical barrier was reinforced. Then a silhouette appeared beyond the outer walls. Ethan stepped forward. “Identify yourself.” The figure didn't answer. Instead, a weak wave of magic struck the protective barrier. The entire domain trembled. Then the silhouette disappeared. “Search the perimeter,” Ethan ordered. “No one leaves the estate without my permission.” The guards scattered. Ethan remained near the portal, staring at the symbol. This was no longer just about Kael. Someone had come directly to House Veyron. And that crossed a line. --- The following morning, Kael's magical communication crystal activated during breakfast. Ethan's projection appeared above the table. Kael immediately noticed his brother's serious expression. “What happened?” “Someone came to the estate last night.” Kael straightened. “Was anyone hurt?” “No. The protections reacted before they could reach the inner grounds.” Ethan paused. “But they left something behind.” Kael's expression changed. “The symbol?” Ethan nodded. “On the main portal.” He showed Kael the image. It was unmistakable. The same symbol. And beneath it: “He is still searching.” Kael remained silent. Ethan looked directly at him. “Stop doing this alone.” “Lucian is with me.” “That’s not enough.” Kael sighed. “You’re exaggerating.” “No. I’m not.” For once, Ethan's voice held no trace of his usual teasing. Then he added: “That's why I'm sending someone.” Kael raised an eyebrow. “Who?” “Darius.” Kael stared at him for a moment. Then, despite everything, a small smile appeared on his face. “Of course.” Ethan laughed softly. “He’s leaving tomorrow.” “Darius is dramatic.” “He said that anyone who wants to get close to you will have to get through him first.” Kael shook his head. “That sounds exactly like him.” --- At lunch, Noah was the first to notice Kael's unusual expression. “You look like you just heard some interesting news.” Kael glanced at him. “Someone is coming to Asteria.” Lysandra looked up from her plate. “Who?” “Darius Valen.” Noah tilted his head. “Who’s that?” “An old friend.” Kael paused. “We grew up together.” Lysandra smiled slightly. “And what is he like?” Kael thought about it. “He talks too much. He’s stubborn. And he thinks he’s funny.” Noah grinned. “I think I’m going to like him.” “You probably will.” --- The next morning, the gates of Asteria opened. At first, only a few students noticed the approaching group. Then more people stopped to look. A formation of knights entered the academy grounds. Their armor was dark, decorated with silver details. And on every breastplate was the same crest. The crest of House Veyron. Whispers spread through the courtyard. “Are those Veyron knights?” “What are they doing here?” “Is something happening?” “Why would the Veyron family send knights to Asteria?” At the head of the formation rode a young man wearing dark armor with silver details. He dismounted his horse and looked around. Then he smiled. “So this is where you decided to hide.” A familiar voice answered from the stairs. “I didn't hide.” Kael stood there with Noah and Lysandra beside him. Darius looked up. A grin immediately appeared on his face. “You could have chosen a simpler place.” Kael sighed. “I could say the same about your entrance.” Behind Darius, the Veyron knights dismounted. They formed a perfect line. Then, in complete silence, every knight lowered themselves into a formal bow. Darius stepped forward. His expression became serious. “Patriarch Kael Veyron. House Veyron presents its respects.” Kael's expression changed as he slipped into his formal role. “Rise.” The knights obeyed. For several seconds, everything remained perfectly formal. Then Darius looked at Kael. The seriousness vanished from his face. “It’s been a long time.” Kael crossed his arms. “You took your time.” Darius laughed. “And there it is. Not even a minute before you start complaining.” Noah blinked. Lysandra covered a small smile. The difference was obvious. A moment ago, Darius had stood before Kael as the second-in-command of his chevalerie. Now he looked like nothing more than an old friend who had known him since childhood. Darius walked up to Kael and lightly tapped him on the shoulder. Kael didn't protest. Noah leaned slightly toward Lysandra. “They're really close.” Lysandra smiled. “I noticed.” Darius looked at Noah. “And you must be Noah.” Noah raised an eyebrow. “You already know me?” “Kael has mentioned you.” Kael immediately looked at Darius. “I did not.” “You did.” “I absolutely did not.” Darius grinned. “You're still a terrible liar.” Noah burst out laughing. Lysandra smiled. And for the first time since Darius had arrived, Kael looked completely relaxed. Not like the Patriarch of House Veyron. Not like the student everyone at Asteria watched. Just Kael. The boy Darius had known since childhood. But behind the laughter, the Veyron knights knew exactly why they had come. The incident at the estate was not over. It had only just begun. And this time, Kael would not face it alone.

The Veyron Incident