The wind over REF carried a strange quiet that morning — not the peace of victory, but the kind of silence that settles before storms.
Kael stood at the city balcony, overlooking the rooftops that glittered under the new sunlight. The spires of REF shone bright — the result of months of rebuilding — but something about the air felt heavier.
He didn't need a message to know the Spiro Family wouldn't stay silent after what Luminor had done.
From below, the gates opened, and three figures entered — Luminor, Sequoia, and Brown, flanked by forty members of the Shadow Legion. Their black armor moved like ink in motion, silent and precise, each one fading into mist as they crossed the courtyard.
Kael met them halfway.
Luminor bowed slightly. "We're back."
Kael studied his face. "You look like you just set a noble house on fire."
"Not literally," Brown said with a grin. "But emotionally? Absolutely."
Even Sequoia laughed softly.
Kael turned his gaze on Luminor. "So, what happened?"
Luminor handed him a sealed document, unopened. "Confirmation. The Spiro Patriarch demanded our return — then attempted to claim REF through political manipulation. I declined… firmly."
Kael arched a brow. "Firmly?"
Brown snorted. "More like thunder and lightning in the middle of the patriarch's office. You should've seen him, Kael. Calm, composed Luminor just exploded. Even scared the fire out of their fireplace."
Kael almost smiled. "That's new."
Luminor didn't deny it. "They underestimated us. REF isn't a noble's playground. I made sure they understood that."
As they walked back toward the council hall, Kael's expression turned thoughtful. "Then we need to prepare. If the Spiro Family feels humiliated, they'll retaliate through politics. Nobles thrive on pride, not justice."
Vex entered from the side door, wiping alchemical dust off his gloves. "Too late. I already heard rumors from the trade guild. A few noble houses are talking about 'reassessing REF's authority' under the king's decree."
"Meaning they'll try to pressure the throne," Kael muttered.
"Exactly," Vex replied. "The same nobles who opposed Ember's appointment as lord. Guess who's backing them now?"
Luminor's expression hardened. "The Spiros."
"Bingo," Brown said, cracking his knuckles. "They didn't waste time. Should've known."
Kael sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Then we don't just fight monsters anymore. We fight politics."
"That's worse," Sequoia said grimly.
Vex groaned. "At least monsters don't send letters."
---
The council chamber filled quickly. Amara, Lyra, Elian, Thorne, Arra, and Pallas all gathered — the core of Kael's circle. Each one carried their own unease; the air pulsed faintly with tension and anticipation.
Luminor stood near the map table, the faint glow of his Keeper mark illuminating the city plans. "The Spiro Family wants control of REF's energy grid — the mana systems that power our defenses and trade routes. Without them, the nobles can't manipulate our structure, but they'll aim for ownership through the throne."
"Which means," Kael said, "they'll try to discredit us in the capital."
Amara frowned. "We've done nothing wrong."
Lyra's voice was soft but steady. "That's never stopped nobles before."
Brown leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "You know what this means, right? We don't get to relax. We stand tall, we build harder, and we protect what we've made."
Thorne smirked. "You're giving another one of your speeches again, aren't you?"
Brown grinned wide. "Oh, you bet I am."
He stood up, his deep voice filling the hall with warmth and confidence.
"Listen, everyone," he began, "there'll always be people who look down at us — people who think because they were born higher, they belong higher. But I've seen you all fight. I've seen you bleed, work, and rebuild a city that shouldn't even exist right now."
He slammed a fist lightly against his chest.
"You think we'll lose because a few rich fools whisper in corners? No. We win because we don't stop. That's our edge. We don't back down when it gets hard — we build when it gets hard!"
Arra smiled faintly, arms crossed. "You've been spending too much time around Kael."
"Motivation's contagious," Brown said with a wink.
The group chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly. Even Luminor's stern demeanor relaxed a fraction.
Kael leaned on the table. "Brown's right. We built REF together. Every tower, every barrier rune, every soldier trained — all of it came from this group. And we'll defend it, not just with weapons, but with our will."
Vex added dryly, "And with very expensive potions if necessary."
Everyone laughed.
---
Later that evening, the city lights flickered to life, casting golden glows over the newly paved streets. Citizens moved freely now — merchants, adventurers, mages — all coexisting under the quiet protection of Kael's group.
From the manor balcony, Kael, Luminor, and Brown stood together, watching over REF.
"You really told the patriarch you built it 'brick by brick'?" Kael asked, half-grinning.
"I did," Luminor said. "And I meant it."
Brown laughed. "Man, I wish I had that written on a banner! 'Brick by brick!'"
Kael shook his head. "You'd turn it into a battle cry."
"Why not?" Brown said, spreading his hands. "Everything worth having takes sweat and madness. That's how you build a legend. And REF, my friend, is a legend in progress."
Luminor looked toward the horizon where the lights of other noble territories flickered faintly in the distance. "Then we make sure it stays that way."
Brown nodded. "Exactly. Because here's the thing about shadows — they can't dim a flame that's meant to burn."
Kael smiled faintly. "There you go again."
"Hey," Brown said with mock offense, "every army needs its voice of inspiration."
Luminor chuckled quietly. "And its occasional chaos."
"Guilty as charged," Brown replied.
The three stood in companionable silence after that, gazing at the city below.
REF glowed like a beacon in the darkness — not a fortress of nobles, but a home forged by warriors, mages, and dreamers who refused to bow.
Far beyond the hills, unseen eyes were already watching. Messengers from the Spiro estate carried letters sealed with red wax — rumors, threats, and promises — racing toward the royal capital.
But inside REF, Kael and his allies were already preparing for the next move.
And Brown, ever loud and unshakable, leaned back on the railing and said with a grin,
"Let them come. The harder the wind blows, the stronger the flame burns."