Lilith sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the neatly packed bag in front of her. Her fingers traced the leather straps over and over, as if touching them would give her courage.
A soft voice broke the silence. "Lilith? The king wants to see you."
She took a deep breath and nodded, standing up. Each step toward the throne room felt heavier than the last, though she didn't know why. Maybe it was anticipation… or fear.
The doors opened, and the king stood there, his aura still radiating that mid-elite strength. Even from a distance, Lilith could feel it pressing down on her chest, making her heart skip.
"Ah, Lilith," the king said, his voice smooth, commanding. "I trust you're feeling… settled?"
Lilith bowed her head once, mutely. She didn't know what to say.
The king continued, pacing slowly before the throne. "Unfortunately, the person I had in mind to train you is occupied—currently handling a rank 4 corrupted entity. There's no one else I can trust with someone as… valuable as you. So, I thought… why not send you to an academy? A well-known, reputable one."
Lilith's brows furrowed. "An… academy?" she whispered.
"Yes," the king replied, his tone almost fond, as if he were speaking to a child he'd watched grow. "The Imperial Academy of Arcanum. It's excellent, and the headmaster and I share a… professional understanding. Plus… my daughter is there—Celeste. Send my greetings to her, will you?"
Lilith blinked. She had heard of the academy from the whispers of other captives… and the stories of skilled students. Her chest tightened. Could she really measure up to that? Would they even accept her?
The king leaned forward slightly. "I'll have to pull some strings, of course. But it'll be worth it. Pack your bags. The semester is already in mid-stage, so you'll have to catch up quickly."
Lilith opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again. This was another move, another transfer… but something inside her nudged her. She wanted a companion. She wanted someone she trusted.
"…Your majesty," she said slowly, voice trembling just slightly. "Could… could Rin come with me?"
The king's eyes narrowed just a fraction, then softened. He sighed, as if the weight of her question amused him. "Hmm. Very well. If it will make you feel more comfortable… she may accompany you."
Lilith felt her lips twitch into a small, relieved smile. Rin. She wouldn't have to face this alone.
"Good," the king said, straightening. "Prepare yourself. I expect results."
Lilith bowed once more. Her mind was racing, but for the first time in a long while… there was a spark of excitement. Not fear. Not anger. A little spark of hope.
As the doors closed behind her, she felt Rin's hand brush hers. She squeezed it slightly, and Rin whispered, "We've got this, Lilith."
Lilith's chest warmed. "Yes," she replied softly. "We do."
The carriage awaited outside, ready to take her to a life she had never imagined… a life that might finally be hers to shape.
And for the first time, Lilith allowed herself to imagine… a future beyond chains and pain.