Elena hastened her steps as her father followed her. Thimil, her rapier, swayed as she walked.
"Elena, what in the world happened?" her father asked, worry in his voice, yet it also had fury in it.
"I was nearly killed today, Father, by assassin's I suspect the same ones that killed Henry," Elena said, as she clutched Thimil, giving her comfort, reminding her of Jake.
Robert's eyes hardened as he looked at his daughter. He knew she had a reputation, a side of her he had never seen, the Fox of Falmil, but now with a weapon in hand, he saw the fox.
He nodded, "Where is Leo? Your guard?"
Elena froze, but only for a moment, as she remembered the smell of blood and Leo and Jake's silhouette disappearing into the forest.
"He… he will return soon, he's taking care of some matters," her voice hardened as her knuckles became white.
The Falmil compound was alive with controlled chaos. Guards moved quickly, orders barked and obeyed, servants rushing around helping where they could. Elena and Robert were meant to be in the safe room, but both had refused.
"Hello, brother, niece," a friendly voice called from above, as a woman with flames guttering from her feet appeared, Thalia Falmil, Elena's aunt.
She had the same amber hair as her brother. A friendly smile crossed her face as she dropped down to meet them. Her long robes, reminiscent of ancient mages, shimmered in deep green and muted gold, the colors shifting softly like sunlight.
The robes were not for flair, no, they were for battle. Elena grasped Thimil, still wearing her rider's outfit, which she had worn when she was attacked. Some pain slightly flared from her bruised ribs as she bowed respectfully to Thalia, an Elder of the Falmil house.
In a noble house, Elder did not mean the oldest by age. An Elder was the right hand of the Head, one who could even overrule their commands if necessity demanded it. The Falmil house had three elders: Elena's mother, Julie; her aunt, Thalia; and her uncle, Bormir Falmil.
"Hello, sister, I see you have taken the mantle of the Flame of Helver again," Robert said, a smile playing at his lips.
"Oh, please don't remind me of that squabble," Thaila said, shaking her head, exasperation clear in her voice. "How is our little Fox?" she asked, her blue eyes meeting amber.
"I am fine, thank you, Auntie," Elena said with a smile on her lips.
"First Henry and now you," Thalia said, cupping Elena's cheeks as she examined her for any injuries.
"I am fine, like I said, only bruised ribs, I have dealt with them before," she said calmly, as Thalia and Robert both froze, eyes locking.When had Elena ever suffered bruised ribs? She had never been seen in a real fight—only in light training. Elena realized her slip too late. Her mind flashed through the hidden adventures and quiet scars she'd kept from them—covered up with Lily's help, earned beside Jake.
But luckily Leo returned, rushing through the gates, blood still soaked on Bor and Leo's back, blood ate the sun, as it was dry on Leo's armor.
He quickly hopped off of Bor, and Elena rushed to him, eyes pleading for answers. "He's fine, got him to his friends." He said quietly, Elena sighed in relief. Just then, Robert and Thalia appeared behind her.
Leo's eyes widened, and he quickly kneeled as Robert saw the dried blood on Leo's back, his eyes looking at Elena with fear, but soon settled as he was reminded she was not struck.
"Whose blood is that?" Thalia ordered.
Leo looked upon Thalia, yet not meeting her eyes, then Elena, asking her what he should say. She brushed her nose. The interaction is going unnoticed.
Leo froze for a moment before he spoke again, "Not mine, a friend, my lady — one who guards where light doesn't reach. He asked for no thanks, only that Elena stay safe."
Elena nodded at his words. Jake had planned this long ago; if she ever came into any physical danger from politics, she would hint that she had a shadow.
Thalia looked at Leo, her eyes narrowing. "She has a shadow?"
"Yes, my lady," Leo said, head down.
"Robert?" Thalia asked, but he shook his head, "No,"
Both eyes turned to Elena, and she stood tall under their gaze. "Yes, I have a shadow, but he shall remain nameless," her amber eyes flared, showing she would say no more on this matter.
Thalia shook her head as her father looked at her wide-eyed.
"Elena, who-" her father tried to ask, but Thalia put a hand on her brother.
"She won't speak about it anymore; in fact, if she speaks more, the shadow shall be lost if brought into day."
Robert's jaw tightened, but he nodded
"Rise, Leo," Elena ordered softly, already moving. He followed closely, as Thalia and Robert fell into step behind.
"Do you know who attacked you?" Thalia asked. "Borris Dale," Leo replied, pulling a torn strip of fabric from his satchel. He had taken it from one of the bodies Jake left behind.
"Borris Dale?" Thalia frowned, examining the insignia. "Why would he target Elena?" Elena's mind flashed back to the Dalian ball. Her teeth clenched. "He's corrupt. Illegal fighting rings, gambling dens… and Gellen's confession about Forrest likely tied him in."
Robert's expression darkened. Thalia, however, smirked. "Seems you truly are a Fox, niece." She tucked the fabric into a hidden pocket. Elena returned the smirk, the corner of her lips curling upward.
"Elena," Robert began, arms crossing over his chest. "I'm guessing you had something to do with Gellen's confession?"
His expression was a storm—worry, anger, and something else beneath it: pride. Pride that his daughter was already moving pieces in the political game… and fear, knowing that power had nearly cost her life.
Elena met his gaze, calm and unflinching. "Yes, I did. Gellen is now an ally—and he owes us a great favor."
Robert studied her for a long moment before nodding once, sharply. "Then I'll cut all ties with Borris Dale immediately." His voice hardened as he turned to Thalia. "And I want Borris captured and brought before me."
Fury burned in his eyes, and the ground began to tremble, the tiles beneath their feet rattling as his magic stirred.
Thalia placed a hand on Elena's shoulder, steadying her as Leo braced himself. Then, just as suddenly, the quake ceased. Robert exhaled slowly, reigning in his power, and walked away without another word.
Elena watched him go. She rarely saw her father's magic—yet for a fleeting moment, she understood why they once called him the Devourer.