The sitting room eventually emptied.
The Anvil-Horn Eternal rose first.
"You offered us the Codex," he said. "Then allow me to ask for a second mercy."
Lucien lifted a brow.
The Solhorn's gaze held steady. "May we teach it to others?"
Lucien did not answer immediately.
"You can," Lucien said at last. "But not freely."
The Solhorn waited without protest.
Lucien's voice stayed calm.
"Only to people you trust. And they must pass my standards."
Lilith tilted her head. "Standards?"
Lucien nodded.
The Anvil-Horn Eternal's mouth curved faintly. "Then we can conduct the inspections on another day."
"Great." Lucien's gaze turned hard for a breath. "But I must be clear. If someone fails my inspection, you must not teach it to them."
The Solhorn nodded at once.
"Understood."
They separated soon after.
The Anvil-Horn Eternal left with Lilith at his side. Kaia lingered.
Lucien paused and pulled the other version of the Starlit Codex.
He held it out to Kaia.
