"Louis, what's wrong?" I exclaimed, my hand instinctively reaching out to support his head, only to collide with the unyielding stone wall. 

"Argh!" I cried out involuntarily as the back of my hand scraped against the rough surface, sending a searing wave of pain through me. 

"Ugh, something's not right," Louis groaned, his voice strained with pain as he struggled to rise. 

His words heightened the tension of the moment, and I stuttered, "W-What do you mean?"

"I don't know," he admitted, rising with my assistance. "I suddenly got dizzy, like the world was spinning around me."

"It's okay. Just take it easy for now," I murmured, gently dusting off his clothes. "Let's get out of here."

"Yeah," he said as he clasped my hand. 

"Whew!" We exclaimed as we stepped into the light, both of us taking a deep breath of the fresh air.

Turning to him, I asked with concern, "Lou, are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, I'm sure. But what do you think happened back there?"

"Hmm, I'm not entirely sure..." 

We lapsed into a contemplative silence, both lost in our own thoughts as we tried to make sense of the strange event.

"Lou, you should go and get some rest," I suggested, noting the fatigue evident in his eyes.

"Alright, I'll go clean up and rest for a bit," he replied, his shoulders drooping slightly with weariness.

-

"See you later, Lou," I said with a small wave. 

"You too, El," he replied before disappearing into his room.

I turned and made my way back to my room, the events of the day weighing heavily on my mind. 

I inspected my injured hand, observing the scratches and areas where the skin had peeled off, revealing raw, tender patches beneath.

I then fetched a basin of warm water to cleanse the wounds on my hand, before drying it with a clean cloth.

With a sigh of relief, I collapsed onto my bed, only to feel the pendant's string tugging uncomfortably around my neck.

Realising this, I sat up and reached for the pendant, carefully removing it from around my neck and holding it in my hand.

"No..." I breathed, my voice filled with dismay as I examined the fractures on its surface.

My mind raced to pinpoint when the damage occurred. 

"Ahhhh..." With a frustrated sigh, I lay back on my bed, chastising myself for being so careless.

As I held the cracked pendant in my hand, memories rushed back to me. 

"What's that you're holding, Mother?" I asked, my eyes fixed on the gleaming ornament dangling from her fingers.

She smiled tenderly, her gaze distant yet filled with fondness. "It's a pendant, my dear." 

"Why don't you wear it?" I inquired. 

"This was a gift from your father," she explained, her voice soft with nostalgia. "It's a precious keepsake. I don't wear it often for fear of losing it. Your father gave it to me when we consummated, saying it's to protect me."

Consummated? What's that? And how can a mere piece of jewellery offer protection? Father should have been by her side to protect her, instead of leaving her with just a pendant.

"At least I didn't lose it," I mused. 

- - -

"Oh, Miss Elise, you're here," Felix exclaimed with delight, looking up from the book he was reading. "I heard from His Grace that you'd be joining us."

"Yes, thank you for letting me join," I replied gratefully, noticing Duke Lucius meticulously arranging books on a nearby shelf.

"Welcome, Elise," the Duke turned to greet me warmly. 

"Please, make yourself comfortable," Felix offered, standing to help me settle into an empty chair beside him. With a smile, I settled into the chair with a sense of anticipation.

"Here, you can explore any of these, whatever that piques your interest," Felix said, gently placing a small pile of books before me. "These were Louis's, but now they're just collecting dust."

"Thank you," I expressed sincerely, reaching for the first book in the pile. 

But before I could read the book title, Duke Lucius suddenly inquired, "Oh, Elise, may I ask, how old are you?"

"I'm seven," I replied, a bit surprised by his sudden interest.

"Ah, just a year younger than Louis," the Duke mused. "Louis has been attending classes for some time now, so catching up might be a bit challenging for you."

"Your Grace, perhaps we should consider arranging for new tutors for Miss Elise," Felix pitched in.

"Hmm," Duke Lucius paused, weighing his options. "I was thinking about the academy."

"The academy?" I interjected, surprised by the suggestion.

"I see, indeed, then there's no need to find new tutors. The Noireau Academy, Miss Elise," Felix explained. "The late Duchess established it eight years ago."

"I believe that's a wise decision, Your Grace," Felix added, affirming the Duke's idea.

"What about Louis?" I couldn't help but ask. 

"I did ask Louis about attending the academy before, but he seemed reluctant," the Duke replied thoughtfully. "I'm not sure how he feels about it now."

"Oh okay," I replied softly. "I'm thankful for the chance to attend the academy."

"I'm pleased to hear that," Duke Lucius responded gently. "I'll ask Louis about it later."

"Louis will likely want to attend, knowing that Miss Elise will be there," Felix remarked, casting a playful glance at me. 

- 

During dinner that evening, Duke Lucius asked, "Louis, what do you think about attending the academy? Elise will be going there." 

"Sure," Louis replied, his agreement succinct.

"That's.. excellent," the Duke remarked, a hint of surprise colouring his tone. "It seems we have a plan then." 

Cathy and Sarah exchanged a knowing glance, a hint of amusement dancing in their eyes.

"Louis's definitely looking forward to being with Miss Elise," Cathy whispered with a playful nudge while Sarah stifled a chuckle.

"What will happen to Margaret and Arthur then?" Louis inquired. 

"They'll retire," Duke Lucius replied. "They've been wanting to for some time now."

"Oh really?" Louis responded, "I didn't know..." 

"Don't worry, Louis," Emma reassured him. "They'll visit often."

Louis nodded, his expression softening into a faint smile.

As they continued to discuss the enrollment at the academy, I sneaked a quick peek at my hand, noticing that the scratches were not as conspicuous as they had been.