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Elarion's POV
To Danny:
> I received your letter.
Stop wasting paper.
You've done enough.
I am fine as always, Instead of whining try hard. I want to see how much you improved.
And,
About the stones I guess I understand what they mean a little.
I'll see you at the academy.
— Elarion
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Letter from Sirus to Elarion
Elarion,
We arrived at the academy safely. The first snow fell here yesterday. It's quieter than I expected—quieter than home.
Rior is already causing trouble. He nearly challenged a knight's son on the first day. I intervened before it became serious. But you know how he is.
I think often about our last conversation. I noticed your eyes were clearer this time. Not burdened like before. That's good.
Elarion, I'll trust you to handle things there in my place. You always were capable of that, even if you act like you're not.
Still, if something happens—write. Or don't. I'll know either way.
Train well. Be careful with your power. And... don't forget yourself while you walk forward.
Until next time,
—Sirus
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Letter from Rior to Elarion
Oi, Shadow-Face,
Are you eating properly? Don't lie. I'll know if you're skipping meals again.
This academy is full of stiff-necked nobles. Everyone keeps looking at us like we are monsters( it's true though)—so I make sure they really have a reason to say that to us.
Sirus keeps lecturing me. You'd probably say the same things.
It's weird not having you around. I caught myself turning my head, expecting you to walk next to me. Dumb, right?
Listen—next time we meet, I'll be stronger. Strong enough that even you have to admit it. So don't go getting yourself all broken before then. Got it?
When the snow melts, I'll come back to visit. Until then, don't let anyone push you around. That's my job, not theirs.
Stay alive. Stay cold. But not too cold.
—Your brother, Rior
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When the letters arrived, I didn't open them immediately.
They sat on the table beside my bed for two days.
It wasn't because I didn't care. But because I didn't need them. Whether they wrote or not wouldn't change anything. Whether they remembered me or not wouldn't change anything. That's how I'd always thought.
Still… on the third morning, I opened them. Quietly. Alone.
Sirus's words were as expected—measured, steady. Like him. Rior's… messier. But honest.
I didn't feel warm. I didn't smile. But my hands didn't crumple the paper either. I folded the letters back, placed them inside the drawer. Somewhere I could find them again, even if I never planned to read them twice.
For no reason in particular, I picked up a pen after. Not because I owed them anything.
Just because.
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Letter from Elarion to Sirus and Rior
To Sirus. To Rior.
The duchy is quiet. Nothing worth reporting. Training continues.
I am not same , more sharper and more stronger now.
Herua's also still the same but more stronger. Annoying. Persistent. Not dead yet.
I received your letters. You don't need to send more unless there's something important. Words don't change anything.
Let's meet soon. Focus on academy.
Until then, take care of yourselves. Or don't. I'll handle things here regardless.
—Elarion
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I folded the letters and placed them neatly on the table.
That's when the door opened.
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Herua
He didn't knock.
Didn't need to.
Herua stepped in, taller than before, built like stone.
His body still bore the marks of the trial. His eyes still burned with that same unbreakable will.
We locked eyes.
> "You look like death," I said.
> "You look worse," he replied, dropping into a chair across from me.
No more needed to be said.
We had trained in hell together. Survived it together.
I slid the three letters across the table.
> "Deliver these.."
He picked up the letters with one hand, inspecting the names.
> "To your brothers... and the commoner."
> "They've earned it," I replied simply.
Herua took them without question.
> "You're soft for someone who hums murder tunes before breakfast," he smirked.
> "They're useful. That's all."
He didn't argue.
> "I'll deliver them myself."
As he turned to go, he glanced back.
> "They said we'd come back broken."
> "We came back sharp," I said. "Sharper things cut deeper."
He grinned.
> "Then let's see who bleeds first."
And he was gone.
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Reactions:-
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Danny
Danny stared at the letter like it was made of glass.
His hands trembled as he read the four short lines.
Again. And again.
> He's back…
He's really back.
He pressed the letter to his chest, smiling faintly.
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Rior
Rior tore the envelope open with grape juice in one hand and a mouthful of toast.
He read it, then burst out laughing.
> "Cheeky brat," he grinned. "Still got that bite, huh?"
He folded the letter and slipped it into his vest—oddly careful with it.
> "I'll show you who's behind, little monster."
But his grin faded for just a second.
> "I miss you, you idiot."
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Sirus
Sirus read the letter quietly.
No smile. No frown.
Just stillness.
> I'm not the same.
He folded the paper, pressed it under a silver dagger on his desk, and whispered—
> "Neither am I."
> " I miss you"
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