Morning sunlight poured through the tall arched windows of the breakfast room, casting golden patches across the polished oak table. Today, the room held three instead of two: Lilith sat at the head as always, emerald eyes calm beneath the sweep of crimson hair, Elias at her right with an appetite as sharp as his grin, and Caelum at the other end, composed as ever, the weight of his presence soft yet undeniable.
The table bore an array of light fare: fresh bread still warm from the ovens, a plate of sliced fruit, and a silver dish of eggs glazed with herbs. Lilith's movements were as precise as yesterday's—spreading honey with the same elegance one might wield a quill—while Elias devoured his meal in quick strokes of knife and fork, pausing only to catch his breath.
"You're going to choke," Lilith murmured, lifting her teacup.
Elias grinned, unfazed. "Not before I finish."
Caelum's eyes flicked up briefly from his plate, the faintest arch of a brow serving as his only comment.
"Have some composure," Lilith added, though the soft curve at the corner of her lips betrayed amusement.
Elias swallowed hard, chasing the bite with a gulp of water. "You're both too calm. I can't help it. I keep wondering when the Academy will send word. What if we failed? What if they..."
"They won't," Lilith cut in gently, her tone like still water.
Before Elias could retort, footsteps whispered against the marble floor. The butler appeared at the doorway, a tall, silver-haired man with a bearing almost as formal as Caelum's, carrying a silver tray upon which rested a single envelope sealed in crimson wax.
"From the Academy, my lady," he intoned, bowing low as he set the tray before Lilith.
Elias froze mid-breath, his fork suspended in the air. Lilith's gaze lowered to the letter, its seal glinting faintly in the light. The sigil of the Valtorin Academy, a sword crossed with a staff over an open tome, encircled by the four elemental runes.
She broke the seal with measured fingers. The parchment inside was thick and smooth, the ink a deep, deliberate black. She read aloud, her voice carrying easily in the hush of the room:
"Lady Lilith Silford and Lord Elias Silford,
It is with great honor that we welcome you as first-year students of the Valtorin Academy of Magic and Blade. Your performance in the entrance examinations has earned you admittance without condition. Classes commence in seven days. Preparations for your arrival must be completed before this date."
She paused as her eyes skimmed further down the page.
"Enclosed is the list of required essentials for all first-year students. These items must be procured in advance, either through the Academy's appointed vendors or private suppliers."
Lilith lowered the parchment slowly, the rustle of the fine paper the only sound as Elias leaned forward, eyes wide. "We're in."
"Of course we are," Lilith said softly, folding the letter with care.
Elias grinned. "Finally."
Caelum reached for the envelope and withdrew the second page—a crisp sheet lined with neat script. His teal eyes scanned the contents before setting it gently on the table between them. "The list," he said. "Comprehensive, as expected."
Lilith's fingers brushed the page, her expression unreadable.
"Let me see!" Elias said excitedly.
Lilith slid the parchment toward him with a flick of her fingers, settling back in her seat as Elias snatched it up like a starving wolf with prey. He scanned the first lines, then cleared his throat in an exaggeratedly pompous tone.
"'Standard Academy Uniform, three full sets, including formal robe or coat embroidered with the Academy crest…'" He glanced up, brow raised. "Three? For seven days a week? What are they expecting, spontaneous combustion?"
"Possibly in your case," Lilith murmured, sipping her tea.
Elias smirked and kept reading. "'White undershirt and black trousers or skirt, reinforced leather boots… Academy cloak, weatherproof, black exterior with crimson lining.'" He tapped the page. "Sounds heavy. Bet it'll smell like wet horse after the first rain."
"Try not to find out," Lilith said smoothly.
Elias's eyes darted down the page. "'Formal riding attire, including boots, gloves, and breeches…'" His grin widened. "Finally, something decent. Maybe I'll look good for once."
"You'll need more than boots for that," Lilith replied without looking up.
Elias ignored her and continued, voice pitching upward as he skimmed the next lines. "'Student Identification Pin, bearing the insignia of your division. Dormitory essentials, personal bedding, ink, parchment… House banner emblem.'" He groaned. "Great. So everyone gets to hang their sigil up like a prize horse ribbon."
"It's tradition," Lilith said lightly. "And a reminder to behave as one's name demands."
"That's what worries me," Elias muttered, moving on. "'Elemental Focus, wand, staff, or catalyst certified by Academy standards… Beginner's Compendium of Elemental Theory… Spellbook, First Circle Incantations… Rune-Carving Kit.'" He glanced at Lilith. "That's your pile of work, not mine."
She raised a brow. "Be grateful."
"Oh, I am," Elias said, scanning lower. "'Set of Elemental Conduits, attunement crystals for Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Protective casting gloves.'" He whistled. "That sounds expensive. Guess the Academy wants us broke before term even starts."
"The Academy wants you prepared," Caelum interjected smoothly from the far end, his voice quiet but firm. "There is a difference."
Elias swallowed a retort and turned the page. "'Standard Academy Practice Blade, dull steel for sparring… Personal weapon optional, subject to inspection… Blade Maintenance Kit… Protective sparring gear.'" His grin returned. "Finally, something fun."
Lilith's lips curved faintly. "Until you're wearing those reinforced gauntlets in summer heat."
He ignored her again, plowing forward. "'Formal attire for Academy functions; gowns, doublets, dress shoes appropriate for evening gatherings.'" Elias made a face. "Balls and ceremonies? Great. Just what I needed... dancing lessons."
Lilith tilted her head slightly, eyes glimmering. "If you step on someone's foot, do try not to make it a duke's daughter."
"Noted," Elias said dryly. He reached the bottom of the page and dropped it onto the table with a sigh. "And here I thought joining the Academy meant less rules."
"Only a fool would think that," Caelum said, his teal eyes lifting from his plate. "The Academy's rules are a second set of chains, just worn differently. Ignore them, and they will tighten."
Elias shifted in his chair, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "Still better than dinner parties."
Lilith, however, took the list again and scanned it silently, her expression thoughtful. "We'll need to start gathering these today."
"I will see to it," Caelum said smoothly, rising with unhurried grace. "Leave the arrangements to me. Both of you, eat while the day is quiet. You'll miss this calm soon enough."
"Wait," Lilith said, her voice cutting through the stillness like the soft edge of a blade.
Caelum paused mid-turn, his teal eyes meeting hers.
"There are some things we'll choose ourselves," she continued, folding the letter and setting it neatly on the table. "My staff, for instance. And Elias…" Her gaze flicked to her brother, who looked up with a mouth still half-full of bread. "…will need to order a new blade. Something suited for dual wielding."
Elias swallowed hard, excitement sparking in his eyes.
Caelum regarded her for a long moment, then inclined his head in quiet acknowledgment. "As you wish, my lady. I'll make the necessary arrangements for the outing. Discreetly."
"Good," Lilith replied, her tone calm but firm.
With that, Caelum turned and left the room, the faint sound of his boots on marble echoing long after the door closed.
Lilith rested her fingertips against the parchment, eyes lingering on the Academy's crest. For a fleeting instant, her reflection wavered in the silver tray—sharp and serene, like a blade hidden in velvet.
Across from her, Elias tore into another slice of bread, muttering, "Still not wearing breeches at a ball."
Lilith's lips curved ever so slightly as she lifted her tea again.