No one said much on the way back from the West Wing.
The corridors were long and practically empty.
Only the sound of their boots echoed against the walls.
Sera walked up front.
The key was still clutched tightly in her fist.
A faint warmth lingered in her palm, as if the golden wave hadn’t completely faded.
The moment they stepped into the room, Lucien locked the door behind them.
He leaned his back against it.
”Alright,” he said.
”Nobody say ‘I’m fine’ now.” ”Because right now, nobody is fine.” Kairos walked over to the window and pulled back a corner of the curtain.
He peered outside.
”Varis made it crystal clear that the Temple is in this game too.” ”This just became way more dangerous than before.” Caelum stood against the wall with his arms folded across his chest.
”The document in his hand had the full name.” ”I’m trying to remember it.” ”I’ve definitely heard it somewhere before.” Riven looked toward Sera.
His dark eyes were more focused than usual.
”Did you recognize that name?” Sera nodded.
”Yes.
I’ve heard it before.” ”Back home.” ”But I can’t place exactly where or when.” Lucien raised both hands.
”So to summarize” ”Malric took one part of the documents.” ”Varis took the other part.” ”And we’re left with just a key and an unfinished riddle.” ”Fantastic progress.” ”I’m truly impressed.” Kairos shot him a sharp glare.
”Lucien.” ”What?
I’m just staying positive,” Lucien replied.
”At least now we know we’re dealing with two enemies instead of one.” ”That’s a form of clarity.” Sera tried to smile for the first time, but it fell short.
She sat down quietly on the edge of the bed.
She placed the key on the table and stared at it.
”I was thinking,” she said softly.
”If both Varis and Malric want the entity…” ”Where does my father stand in all of this?” A heavy silence settled over the room.
Caelum spoke up.
“He’s under immense pressure.” ”Isolde is likely controlling him to a large extent.” Riven put it bluntly.
“Or he knows everything.” ”And he’s choosing to stay quiet.” Sera looked up at them.
”I don’t want him to…” Her voice trailed off.
The words caught in her throat.
Lucien walked over and crouched down in front of her.
He met her gaze at eye level.
”Listen.
Whatever happens, you’re not in this alone.” ”Me, this serious prince, the temple guy, and our dark mysterious friend here” ”All four of us are right here.
Got it?” Sera looked at him.
”You’re always joking.” ”That’s because if I get serious, you guys will start crying,” Lucien said.
”And I can’t have anyone crying while looking at my handsome face.” ”That’s way too much pressure on me.” Kairos shook his head, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.
”Sometimes your nonsensical talk actually helps.” ”Sometimes?” Lucien puffed out his chest slightly.
”It always helps.
You guys just refuse to admit it.” Riven looked toward the window.
“Jokes later.” ”We need to step up security.” ”Varis openly challenged us.” ”He won’t wait around for long.” Caelum nodded in agreement.
”I’ll speak with the Headmaster.” ”We need to extend the temporary royal protection.” ”At least for the next few days.” Sera looked at the four of them.
They were so different.
One over-protective, one playful, one conflicted, and one silent.
Yet right now, every single one of them was standing in her room.
All thinking about her safety.
A familiar warmth surged in her chest first golden and comforting.
Right behind it came the cool grey wave.
But this time, it wasn’t frightening.
It felt…
steadying.
”Thank you,” she said softly.
Lucien immediately chimed in, “Don’t thank me yet.” ”When I really want to impress someone, I deliver an even better performance.” ”This was just the trailer.” This time, a small, genuine smile touched Sera’s lips.
Caelum spoke up.
“Starting tonight, two people will be on guard per shift.” ”One inside, one outside.
We’re not taking any extra risks.” Everyone agreed.
As the others prepared to leave, Riven paused at the door.
He looked back at Sera.
”The name in Varis’s document,” he said quietly.
”The moment you remember it, tell us right away.” ”There’s something critical about that name.” Sera nodded.
As Riven reached the doorway, Caelum remained standing inside, making no move to leave.
”What’s wrong?” Riven asked, pausing.
Caelum shifted his gaze toward Sera, who was now sitting exhaustedly on the bed.
”If King Voss comes,” Caelum said softly, keeping his voice low enough for only Riven to hear, “I want to make sure he doesn’t reach her directly.” ”Academy regulations won’t allow him access to Sera without royal clearance, even if he is her father.” Riven looked at him, slightly amused.
”Interesting.” ”You’re going to pull royal rank against your future father-in-law?” ”He is nothing of the sort to me,” Caelum snapped back defensively.
Riven raised an eyebrow at how quickly the prince became defensive.
”Right,” Riven murmured, hiding a subtle smirk as he turned toward the door.
Riven stepped outside.
Now only Sera and Kairos remained in the room.
It was Kairos’s turn for guard duty tonight.
Kairos took his place in the corner of the room.
”Get some sleep,” he said softly.
“I’m right here.
Nothing’s going to happen.” Sera lay back down on the bed.
“Kairos…
what if my father comes?” Kairos remained silent for a moment.
Then he replied, “Then we’ll deal with him too.” ”You won’t have to face him alone.
Remember that.” Sera closed her eyes.
Outside, the night grew darker and deeper.
Inside, she still had the key.
She had the riddle.
And she had four people willing to fight by her side.
Yet deep down, Sera knew.
The real storm was far from over.