"Magic... Aunt, did you always know I'm a mage?"
Luxanna's voice trembled slightly.
Tiana's face froze for a moment, then softened, tinged with an embarrassed flush.
Some of what the magic book had said struck a little too close to home.
Some things it revealed mirrored her own buried guilt—secrets she hadn't planned to share.
But now that Luxanna had brought it up again, Tiana saw no point in hiding it anymore.
When she finally spoke, it was like a weight had been lifted.
The truth, once out, brought a quiet sense of relief—as if chains she'd long accepted had suddenly loosened.
She even found herself thinking that if she'd just been imprisoned or exiled from the beginning, maybe things would've been simpler.
As for Tiana's insistence that the family "needed her"—that was clearly just empty comfort.
Demacia despised mages. How could they truly need one like her?
Even the magic book warned her of that. But some part of her still refused to believe it.
"This secret will stay between you and me," Tiana said firmly, her voice steady.
"You're not going to turn me over to Uncle Eldred?" Luxanna asked, shrinking back. Her voice was small, uncertain.
Eldred—the commander of the Mageseekers. If anyone would imprison her for what she was, it would be him.
"You are our family, Luxanna."
Tiana rose from her seat, walked around the desk, and wrapped her niece in a firm, unwavering embrace.
If it had been just yesterday, she might have hesitated. But things had changed.
The balance had shifted. And now, more than ever, they needed strength to protect themselves.
Even if they weren't the Crownguards, even if it meant breaking the rules—Tiana was already considering sending Luxanna to Noxus if it came to that.
"Aunt Tiana..."
Tears welled up in Luxanna's eyes as she held on tightly, burying her face into her aunt's chest, finding comfort in the warmth of family—of someone who hadn't rejected her.
Tiana's calloused hand stroked her golden hair gently.
"No matter what you are, you'll always be family. We don't throw away the crown jewel of the Crownguards."
"Mm!"
Luxanna's voice was soft, like a lamb's cry—fragile but full of feeling. In that moment, she felt safe, sheltered.
But then Tiana pulled away, her expression turning serious as she met Luxanna's eyes.
"You must promise me—don't let anyone know. Not even your brother. Especially not him."
"I understand." Luxanna nodded firmly.
If the magic book hadn't urged her, she wouldn't have come tonight at all.
Let alone told anyone her secret.
And there was no way she'd drag her brother into this. She didn't want to risk damaging their bond.
"There's something I need you to do," Tiana said.
"Something only you may be able to do."
Luxanna blinked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"What is it?"
Her faith in the magic book had only deepened—this moment mirrored exactly what it had foretold.
"We'll help you in secret. We'll organize a group of supporters... and back the Winged Protector."
"Support the Winged Protector?" Luxanna repeated, confused.
That figure had already fallen. Shouldn't they be focusing on the mage issue instead?
"When a wall collapses, everyone wants to push it over. But we're not the only ones. Many still follow her teachings." Tiana nodded.
"So..." Luxanna's brow furrowed.
"We take a stand—not just for her, but against those who deny her legacy."
"Exactly."
A small smile touched Tiana's lips as she continued:
"You remember the intelligence reports about her, don't you?"
"Her power... it's magic." Luxanna said it aloud, a dawning clarity in her voice.
"That's why they're attacking her legacy. But if we rise up as her followers, we can make it look like a religious movement. In reality, we're defending the legitimacy of magic."
"That's right," Tiana said with a knowing smile.
"Even if the Winged Protector has fallen, her disciples are still spread across Demacia. Most of them have been touched by her power. They must at least acknowledge that magic has reason and purpose."
In Demacia, forgetting a benefactor was worse than admitting to being a mage.
Gratitude wasn't just expected—it was demanded.
Turning your back on someone who had saved you?
That was a betrayal far worse than wielding forbidden power.
Tiana glanced at Luxanna.
Compared to that stubborn fool Garen, Luxanna's mind was sharp—too sharp to ignore.
She was clever, composed, and already thinking several steps ahead.
She would've made the perfect heir to the Crownguard family—if only magic were accepted.
"The Winged Protector has been captured," Luxanna continued, thoughtful.
"Her followers are vulnerable. They need support now more than ever. And the only force in Demacia powerful enough to offer it... is us."
She spoke with clarity, her thoughts precise. She understood more than she let on.
Tiana and Garen couldn't be involved openly.
If they moved too directly, it would put the whole Crownguard name in danger.
But Luxanna—still considered just a noble daughter—could act more freely.
She wasn't the heir, wasn't the head of the family. That gave her flexibility.
And influence.
The realization unsettled her. If the magic book hadn't guided her, she might've believed she was acting out of compassion alone.
"Yes," Tiana confirmed, "the family will support you quietly."
Luxanna hesitated, then asked softly:
"What about Father, Mother, and Garen...?"
"Leave that to me," Tiana said with a wry smile.
"I'll speak to Pieter and Augatha. It's time they saw you for what you are—a leader in your own right."
She brushed some lint from Luxanna's dress, eyes filled with fondness.
Luxanna reminded her of herself—bold, determined, and full of vision.
Augatha, on the other hand, was a proper noblewoman through and through.
She hated conflict and avoided scandal. If she ever learned the truth about her daughter's magic, she'd likely summon the Mageseekers herself.
"Aunt! I'm not a little girl anymore," Luxanna whispered, blushing.
"Hahaha! I've always had more faith in you than in your brother," Tiana chuckled.
"Pieter and Augatha's preferences don't define the future. At least you have my support."
"Brother is much stronger than I am..." Luxanna said quietly, lowering her gaze.
Her thoughts drifted to Garen on the front lines. She'd read secret reports herself—she knew how much he endured, how much he sacrificed.
"When will he be back?"
Tiana paused, then replied:
"Soon. A day, maybe three at most. His Royal Highness Jarvan has issued a withdrawal order."
Then her voice lowered, steady but pointed:
"Tomorrow, visit the nobles who still support the Winged Protector. Start with the Laurent family. They're loyal and capable—and their daughter will soon marry into one of our own family branches. She'd make a strong right hand for you."
"Understood. I'll go first thing tomorrow."
Tiana nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. It's late—go get some rest. We need your strength sharp."
She walked Luxanna to the door, gently repeating a few final instructions. Her tone softened, filled with warmth.
The unrest brewing in Demacia was reaching its boiling point—but the Crownguards were not unprepared.
Especially now, with Luxanna finally stepping into her role.
As Tiana watched her niece leave, her gaze drifted to the soft moonlight filtering through the window.
Her heart lifted.
Luxanna coming to her tonight—willing, composed, politically aware—proved she had what it took.
In times like these, cleverness and vision mattered far more than brute strength.