Zarnis opened his eyes to a ceiling he knew too well, the old wooden beams of his room, slightly cracked and worn by time.
For a moment, he didn't move.
The air was still, touched by the faint scent of ash from the small hearth in the corner. He raised his left arm slowly, bringing it into the morning light seeping through the window.
The mark was still there.
A thin, crimson scar near his wrist, pulsing faintly under the skin.
He sat up.
His body ached, but not from exhaustion. It was the weight of something else, the memory of what had happened. The duel. The impact. The look in Aina's eyes.
Had it really all been real?
A knock interrupted the thought.
Soft. Familiar.
He didn't need to guess.
Zarnis stood and moved quickly. He slid on his shirt, tugged the sleeve low to cover his wrist, then walked to the door and opened it.
Aina stood there, arms crossed, a subtle smile on her lips.
"Morning," she said gently. "Did you sleep at all?"
Zarnis nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Eventually."
Aina stepped inside and sat down on the edge of the bed. She gave the mattress a light tap beside her.
He took the invitation and joined her.
"I'm not here to scold you," she said. "I just want to understand. What made you challenge Varyn?"
Zarnis lowered his gaze.
He wasn't sure how to answer.
Normally, he would've waited. Thought it through. Prepared. Just like he did the night before, when he didn't open the door. That was him. Measured. Patient.
But this time… he hadn't even paused.
The spell. The flame. The sword in his hand.
It all came out like instinct.
"I don't know," he said at last, voice low. "I think I was just tired of everything."
Aina didn't press further. She just nodded, her presence calm and constant.
"Thank you," he said suddenly.
She blinked. "For what?"
"For stepping in when you did. I don't think I would've stopped."
Aina smiled. "Anything I can do for my little brother."
It was warm. Real.
She replied, her smile soft and radiant, the kind of smile only she could manage. One that cut through everything else like sunlight through mist.
Zarnis chuckled under his breath.
"You know, ever since you got into the academy, there's been talk. Letters. Proposals. Some of the noble houses are starting to lose their patience."
Aina rolled her eyes, amused.
"And they all get the same answer," she said. "I'm a Royal Guard candidate. We don't marry. We don't start families. Not until we've earned the title."
Her tone was firm, but not bitter.
Zarnis nodded.
"Still. They keep trying."
Then, almost a whisper, he added, "None of them deserve to get close to you, let alone marry…"
He looked at her, then smiled softly.
"But don't worry, sister. You're the best person anyone could ever ask for. After your training, I'm sure you'll find someone worthy of you... even if I seriously doubt there's another noble out there who comes close. Lightning doesn't strike the same place twice, after all."
Aina let out a soft laugh, graceful and effortless.
"Thank you, little brother. And I'm sure that now that you're starting at the academy, some proposals are going to come for you too."
Zarnis gave a half-smile.
"That's if I even pass the entrance test…"
She stood, then reached down and tapped him gently on the head.
"I trust you will do great. Now get your things. The carriages are ready. We leave soon."
Then she turned and walked outside, her figure vanishing behind the door.
Zarnis sat for a moment longer.
Then reached for his bag.
He stepped outside, where Aina waited near the carriage. Varyn stood beside another one, arms crossed and clearly impatient.
"About time," he muttered, climbing in without waiting.
Zarnis joined Aina silently. She gave him a quick glance, then offered a small nod.
They rode in silence for most of the trip.
The road to the academy curved through narrow forest paths and open plains, past villages and quiet ridges where the capital banners had faded under wind and time. Zarnis barely looked out the window, his thoughts stayed on what waited ahead.
By the time the academy gates came into view, dawn had settled fully.
Stone towers pierced the sky, woven with glowing runes. Massive bridges connected sections of the upper campus like veins of light. Students moved in small groups, most in uniform, others still in travel garb, their families trailing behind.
Zarnis stepped out as soon as the carriage stopped. Aina placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"This is your start," she said. "Make it count."
He nodded.
Then turned and walked toward the admissions hall.
The lines were long but moved quickly. Staff mages scanned tokens, verified papers, and directed students toward the testing grounds. When Zarnis reached the front, he handed over his registration slip.
The mage inspecting it gave him a once-over, then motioned wordlessly to the left.
"Testing grounds. Corridor three. Don't be late."