In House of Arson :
The Arson residence was alive.
Flames burned softly in floating lanterns, their warmth constant and controlled—never wild, never destructive. The walls glowed with a gentle amber hue, reflecting discipline shaped by care rather than fear.
Ember stood near the doorway, arms crossed, irritation still clinging to her like sparks beneath skin.
Lady Lavenn poured tea.
"You're pacing," she said calmly, without turning.
Ember stopped. "Clementia crossed a line."
"She always does."
"That doesn't make it acceptable."
Lavenn finally faced her, eyes kind but sharp. "No. But reacting with anger will only confirm the image they already force upon you."
Ember exhaled sharply. "I'm tired of being what they expect."
Lavenn stepped closer and gently adjusted Ember's collar—a small, familiar gesture.
"You are allowed to be imperfect here," she said softly. "You are not a title in this house. You are Ember."
The fire in Ember's chest settled—not extinguished, but steadied.
"I promise that I'll lead them," Ember said. "Perfectly."
Lavenn smiled sadly. "No," she replied. "Lead them honestly by being who you actually are not what others want to see."
House of Cynthia :
The Cynthia residence was as cold as a distant mountain.
Stone walls. No ornamentation. No warmth. Even the air felt measured.
Melissa stood straight, hands clasped, eyes lowered.
Lady Clementia circled her slowly.
"So," she said, voice sharp as a blade, "the council has decided to burden us with mortals and prophecies."
Melissa said nothing.
"An heir who must master all elements," Clementia continued. "An impossible standard. How fitting."
Her gaze snapped to Melissa. "Tell me—how does it feel to lead with only one true elemental strength?"
Melissa's throat tightened.
"I am sufficient," she said quietly.
Clementia laughed. "Sufficient is not exceptional. Every other leader has two elements that they have mastered with unbelievable control and you…look at yourself , nothing but a failure . Back then if I chose somebody else as my disciple I wouldn't have to see this day . Dont you feel embarassed at all!!!" She threw the porcelain cup into the floor which soon broke into peices with a loud clang.
Silence pressed heavily between them.
"You will not embarrass House Cynthia on this mission, I have decided that once you return I'll sent word to Lord Valerious about appointing a new leader to my house , infact to let you know I have already selected the candidate "Clementia added. " So …As you can see that if you fail —"
"I won't," Melissa said, her voice trembling but firm.
Clementia paused.
Then smiled thinly. "We'll see."
Melissa bowed and left.
The moment the doors closed, her knees nearly gave out.
But she stayed standing. She will continue to be the leader of the House no matter what.
She cannot afford to lose. She has to bring back the Heir succesfully.
In House of Nova :
The Nova residence overlooked the sky.
Balconies opened to endless air, banners fluttering in disciplined symmetry. Everything here spoke of order, reputation, and control.
Kai knelt.
"You have done well," Lady Esmeralda said, descending the steps. "The students fear you."
Kai did not look up. "Fear is not my intent."
"But it is effective," she replied coolly. "And effectiveness sustains power."
She studied him closely. "This mission will test more than your command. The heir will resist structure."
"I will adapt," Kai said.
Esmeralda nodded approvingly—then hesitated.
"Do not let sentiment weaken you," she warned.
"Leaders who soften are replaced."
Kai's jaw tightened.
"I understand," he replied.
She turned away, satisfied.
Kai rose slowly.
The sky felt heavier than stone.