"The Academy is independent," the King continued. "Like the Temple of Light, it answers to no single nation. All races and kingdoms send their most promising youth to study within its walls. It is a place of power and knowledge."

He looked at Agni.

"You have been fortunate enough to be granted entry. Use it. Learn about yourself. Discover what path suits you. Find a purpose beyond sleep and avoidance."

Sleep and avoidance sound pretty good, actually.

"Learn to face situations of life and death." The King's voice hardened. "Growth occurs only through struggle. If you spend your existence drifting idly... you may as well be dead already."

Harsh.

"So learn to live, Agni."

There was a long silence.

Agni processed the words. The expectations. The weight of everything his father had just placed on his shoulders.

Then he nodded.

"Ah, yes, Father. I will do my best to match your expectations."

...That came out better than it sounded in my head.

The King studied him for a moment, searching for sincerity.

He apparently didn't find any.

But he nodded anyway.

"Go. Grand Duke Valen is waiting for you outside."

The palace corridors stretched endlessly before him.

Agni walked in silence, his footsteps echoing against the marble floors. Servants and guards stepped aside as he passed, bowing their heads with murmured greetings of "Your Highness." He acknowledged none of them.

His mind was elsewhere.

Marriage.

Academy.

Symbols and legacies and learning to live.

It was a lot to process.

I don't want any of this.

But when has that ever mattered?

He emerged from a side passage into a smaller courtyard—a hidden exit used primarily by those who wished to avoid the main gates. The sun hung high overhead, casting everything in harsh, golden light.

And waiting for him there was a man.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. A warrior's build wrapped in the formal attire of high nobility. His black hair was tied back in a neat bun, revealing a face that was handsome in a rugged, weathered sort of way. A sword rested at his hip—not ornamental, but clearly functional.

His eyes were black.

Black.

Just like—

Oh.

Oh, I see.

Agni blinked at the man.

I know him. I know his name. It's right there, on the tip of my tongue. Just a little more effort—

Why is it that names never come to mind when you actually need them?

The man stepped forward and bowed deeply, one hand pressing against his chest in the formal greeting of a vassal to royalty.

"Your Royal Highness."

His voice was deep. Steady. The voice of someone who had commanded armies and faced death without flinching.

"I am Eldric Valen."

Eldric Valen.

Grand Duke of House Valen.

Lyralei's father.

Agni looked at him—really looked at him—and suddenly understood where his future bride had gotten her features. The black hair. The black eyes. The aura of quiet intensity.

Like father, like daughter, I guess.

"As per His Majesty's request," Grand Duke Eldric continued, straightening from his bow, "I have prepared everything you will need for your journey."

Journey?

Right. The Academy. A week's travel.

"May your path be clear and your purpose unwavering, Your Highness."

The Grand Duke reached into his coat and produced a small box—elegantly wrapped in dark velvet, tied with a golden ribbon.

"I believe this would be... most appreciated by my daughter," he said, extending the box toward Agni. "When given by your hands."

Agni accepted the box automatically.

It was surprisingly light.

Minutes later, Agni emerged from a hidden gate on the eastern side of the palace.

A horse was waiting for him—a magnificent black stallion with a coat that shone like polished obsidian. It snorted as Agni approached, pawing at the ground with barely contained energy.

You and me both, buddy.

He mounted the horse with effort , adjusting his grip on the reins. The velvet box was tucked securely into his saddlebag, alongside whatever other supplies the Grand Duke had prepared.

The road stretched out before him—a winding path through rolling hills and distant forests, leading toward the horizon.

A week's journey.

Alone.

His father's words echoed in his mind: "From now on, you handle things yourself. That includes reaching the Academy."

No escorts. No servants. No safety nets.

Just Agni, a horse, and the open road.

He clicked his tongue, and the stallion surged forward. Wind rushed past his face as they picked up speed, the palace shrinking behind them with every stride.

Okay. This isn't so bad.

Fresh air. Open sky. No one telling me what to do.

Maybe this trip will actually be—

His thoughts stuttered to a halt.

The box.

The gift.

He glanced down at his saddlebag, where the velvet-wrapped package sat innocently among his supplies.

Wait a minute.

Did I just... receive a gift... to give to my future wife...

...From MY FUTURE FATHER IN LAW???

The wind whipped past him as the realization sank in.

What is WRONG with these old people?!