The village was quiet when Yildes and Xilo returned.
Too quiet.
Kael and Rion were already waiting near the entrance.
"You're leaving," Rion said immediately.
Yildes nodded once. "For a few days."
Kael stepped forward. "Because of the crack?"
"Yes."
That was all he gave them.
Kael frowned. "What about training?"
Xilo smirked faintly. "Scared you'll fall behind?"
"I'm serious."
"You won't stop training," Yildes said calmly.
Rion crossed his arms. "With who?"
A brief pause.
Then—
"She's coming."
Kael blinked. "She?"
Xilo muttered, "Unfortunately."
Yildes smirked.
"The Head of the Windfall Clan."
Both boys stiffened.
Even Kael had heard that name.
Later — The Wind Changes
It started subtly.
The air sharpened.
Cooler.
Cleaner.
Then a spiral of wind formed near the village gate.
Not violent.
Precise.
A figure descended smoothly, landing without a sound.
For a second—
She stood there completely composed.
Eyes sharp.
Presence steady.
Wind circling her lightly like it belonged to her.
The guards straightened instinctively.
Her gaze swept across the village once.
Assessing.
Then—
She saw him.
Her serious expression shattered instantly.
"MASTER YILDES!!"
Before anyone reacted—
She rushed forward at full speed.
Xilo moved instinctively. "Wait—"
Too late.
She stopped right in front of Yildes and grabbed his shoulders dramatically.
"You're alive! I knew it! I told them you wouldn't die that easily!"
The entire village froze.
Kael stared.
Rion blinked.
Yildes… sighed.
"Aris."
She looked up at him like an excited child.
"You didn't even come greet me. Rude."
Xilo crossed his arms. "You were fine five seconds ago."
She turned and pointed at him aggressively.
"Shut up, exile number two."
"You're still holding onto that?"
"Obviously."
Then she turned back to Yildes instantly — posture straightening.
Composed.
Almost elegant.
"It's good to see you, Master."
A small bow.
Respectful.
Yildes' expression softened slightly.
"You've grown."
She beamed.
"I know."
Xilo muttered, "Still loud though."
She spun around. "Say that again."
Kael leaned toward Rion quietly.
"…Is she really the clan head?"
Rion didn't look away from her.
"Yes."
Aris suddenly appeared in front of them in a gust of wind.
Too fast.
Kael flinched.
She leaned closer, inspecting him.
"These are the students?"
"Students?" Kael repeated.
She tilted her head.
"One light."
Her eyes moved to Kael.
"One unstable."
Xilo stepped forward slightly. "Don't start."
She smirked.
"Oh? Protective?"
He glared.
She grinned wider.
Then her expression shifted again — serious for a second.
"You're leaving because of the Government."
It wasn't a question.
Yildes nodded once.
Her smile faded slightly.
"…They still don't trust you."
"They never will," Xilo replied.
Aris looked back at the boys.
"Fine. While you two go deal with politics, I'll make sure they don't embarrass your legacy."
Kael stepped forward immediately. "I won't lose."
She laughed loudly.
"Oh, I like this one."
Then she pointed at Rion.
"You look calm. That means you're dangerous."
Rion didn't react.
She nodded approvingly.
"Good. I was getting bored at the clan anyway."
Xilo narrowed his eyes. "Don't destroy the village."
"No promises."
She smiled.
Yildes looked at her quietly for a moment.
"Protect them."
Her expression changed again.
This time serious.
"I will."
No joke.
No sarcasm.
Just certainty.
The wind settled around her.
And for the first time—
Kael felt it clearly.
She wasn't just loud.
She was strong.
Very strong.