"Who injured her?" He demanded.

Enya sighed. "You must’ve run into Koa on your way here."

"Answer the question," he growled, his red eyes flashing.

"Arwin and Morana," she said quietly. "But... they’re dead."

"Dead?" His voice sharpened as he took a step closer. "Who killed them?"

"I did, Killian."

Both of them turned in surprise. Their master had sat up in bed.

"You killed them?" Killian’s voice rose with disbelief as he returned to the bedside. "Teacher, you knew I wanted to get back at them!"

"I had no choice," she said, her tone firm but weary. "If I had let them go, they would’ve reported my identity and whereabouts to the guild. I couldn’t risk the safety of my family and friends."

Killian removed his hood in frustration, revealing silver hair that shimmered under the soft lighting. Enya tried not to stare, but the rumors were true—Master Nyssa’s protégé was undeniably handsome.

He had a reputation that preceded him. Word in the guild was that he passed every test effortlessly—including the notoriously difficult seduction class, rumored to be taught by the most exacting of instructors. Most took months, even years. He completed it in one.

"Enya. Step outside," her master said.

Startled from her thoughts, Enya obeyed, though she couldn’t help the flicker of disappointment as she shut the door behind her.

"I thought you were asleep," Killian muttered, glancing at the girl in bed.

Neri rolled her eyes. "With all the noise you were making? You really expected me to stay asleep?"

He looked away. She could tell he was upset.

"Killian," she said softly, "you will no longer be my informant."

Panic flashed in his eyes. "What are you saying?"

She sat up, meeting his gaze. " You’ll begin running missions. You’ll take my place."

His eyes lit up. "Thank you, Master Nyssa!"

She waved a hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. But remember—this means you’ll be taking on the most dangerous assignments. You won’t just be in the shadows. You’ll be the weapon."

He straightened. "Yes, Master Nyssa. I won’t disappoint you."

"Good. We’ll talk more tomorrow. Go introduce yourself and get settled in. We don’t know how long the Ikars will keep us in their employ."

Killian bowed and quietly left.

—

A knock came at Lucien’s door.

"Enter," he called.

"You must be Lord Lucien Ikar," said an unfamiliar voice behind him.

Lucien turned sharply. A boy, slightly taller than him, stood in the center of the room. He wore a black outfit that clung to a lean, muscular frame, a hood and mask concealing his features.

Lucien stepped back, opening his desk drawer and grabbing a dagger. "Who are you? How did you get past security?"

"The Shadows," the boy said flatly.

"You weren’t supposed to arrive until tomorrow."

"You needed me. I’m here. That’s all that matters."

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "I suppose so…" He watched as the boy removed his cloak and began checking the windows, scanning the room with mechanical precision.

"How long will you be staying in this residence?" The boy asked, without looking at him.

"We’ll be here for the summer," he answered 

That caught the boy’s attention. His head turned. It was the first sign of emotion Lucien had seen.

"What? Don’t want to stay?" Lucien asked dryly.

The boy looked away. "My job is to protect you. Wherever you are, I am."

Lucien sighed. "Well, I’m going to visit Neri. Make yourself comfortable."

The boy followed him out the door.

Lucien glanced back, annoyed. "It’s just around the corner. I don’t need your assistance."

The boy shrugged. "Wherever you are, I am."

Lucien groaned. This guy was going to be a pain.

"Oh, right. What should I call you?"

"Kian."

"Alright, Kian. You can call me Lucien, or Cien."

"Yes, Lord Ikar."

Lucien sighed again. "Let’s just go see Neri."

—

Killian followed Lucien to Neri’s room. Lucien knocked gently.

"You may enter," came her voice.

Lucien opened the door. "I brought a guest."

Neri looked at him, then at the boy beside him. Before Lucien could speak, the boy stepped forward and knelt in front of her.

"I am Kian, Lord Lucien’s guest. It’s an honor to meet you…"

"Nerissa. I am Lady Nerissa Rue," she replied.

"It’s a pleasure, Lady Nerissa." His voice softened slightly, the use of her name bringing a faint smile to his face.

Then, unexpectedly, he pulled down his mask and kissed her hand. Their eyes met.

Lucien's eyes narrowed into a death glare.

Kian smirked behind his mask. Annoying the brat who stuck close to his teacher was already proving entertaining.

"I must say," Neri said with a hint of amusement, "this guest of yours is amusing."

Lucien scowled. "My parents sent him to watch me. He’s from a very powerful, well-respected guild."

Neri’s expression changed. "It wouldn’t happen to be the Shadows guild, would it?"

Lucien blinked. "You know them?"

She nodded. "Yes, I used to deliver letters for them."

Killian gasped and grabbed both her hands. "By any chance... are you Rissa?"

She stared at him in disbelief. "No way... are you Brother Kian?"

He lowered his mask. Lucien, still behind him, couldn’t see his face.

Neri squealed and threw her arms around him. "Kian! I thought I’d never see you again!"

He chuckled. "It must be fate."

Truly, his master was the best actor. No wonder she passed the seduction course with ease.

Lucien watched as Neri hugged Kian. After a moment, he stepped in.

"So you two know each other? Small world, huh?" He turned to her. "You’re still injured. You shouldn’t get up so suddenly."

He gently guided her back to the bed. "We’ll get going now. Rest well. Goodnight, Neri."

As Kian passed him on the way out, he turned back to Neri. "Goodnight, Rissa. I’ll see you tomorrow morning."

Lucien paused at the door. "Neri, Alen and I will be in the tearoom for breakfast. You’re invited to join us."

She nodded with a smile.

—

The two walked back in silence. When they reached Lucien’s room, he asked, "So… how did you meet Neri?"

Silence.

Then Kian replied, "Rissa needed money. The guild was looking for a child to deliver letters."

Lucien stepped inside. "What kind of letters?"

"That’s none of your concern," Kian said as he sat on the windowsill.

Lucien’s fists clenched. "You all put her in danger, didn’t you? She was just a child."

Kian didn’t respond. The moonlight streamed through the window, outlining his silhouette. His eyes, now glowing red, reflected the moon’s pale light.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Not everyone is as fortunate as you, Lucien."

His gaze was piercing, as if looking straight through him.

Lucien hesitated. "I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you."

Kian sighed and pulled up his hood to hide the glow of his eyes. "Enough talking. Get some sleep."