Zane had been to many places since his journey began, but none quite like Windreach.
The path leading to Sera's home was cobbled stone, bordered by neatly trimmed hedges and lantern poles that flickered with soft light crystals. The houses nearby were built from polished wood and pale stone, adorned with windcatchers and elegant stained-glass panels. It wasn't extravagant, but it spoke money—the kind that came from legacy, not loudness.
Sera's house stood at the highest hilltop. Not a mansion, but large enough to feel important. Smooth archways, a spiral wind tower, and a small reflecting pond beside the entrance gave it a gentle nobility.
Zane raised a brow. "So… your family's doing alright."
Sera smirked. "What gave it away? The view or the butler?"
As if on cue, a refined older man in a navy uniform opened the gate with a practiced bow. "Lady Sera. Welcome home."
Zane blinked. "You have a butler?"
"Technically he's a steward. And a retired wind knight. Long story."
Inside, the house had high ceilings and art-lined halls, but it wasn't flashy—just… effortlessly classy. Plush furniture, bookshelves lined with magical theory tomes, and a faint scent of herbs wafting from the kitchen.
"You didn't tell me you were a noble."
Sera shrugged. "Didn't think it mattered. Besides, I'd rather be known for kicking people's butts with wind magic than for old family titles."
Zane chuckled. "Fair enough."
Then a blur ran across the room.
A boy, maybe ten years old, skidded into view with a wild grin and tackled Sera's legs. "Seraaa!! You're back!!"
"Hey, Kael," she laughed, ruffling his hair. "Still as hyper as ever, huh?"
Kael looked up, spotting Zane. "Who's that?"
"I'm Zane," he said, offering a small wave.
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Is he your boyfriend?"
Both teens froze.
Sera flailed. "W-What?! No—Kael, shut up—"
Zane casually scratched the back of his neck. "Uhh… but we did kiss that one time, sooo… I think it counts?"
Kael's eyes widened like saucers.
"I'M GONNA TELL MOOOOOMMMMM!!"
And he was gone—zooming down the hallway like a missile with fresh gossip.
Sera turned to Zane with the slow horror of a soldier realizing the trap too late. "…I will kill you."
Zane raised both hands. "Hey, honesty is important in relationships."
"WE'RE NOT IN A RELATIONSHIP!"
From somewhere down the hall: "Mooooooommm!! Sera's got a boyfriend!! And they KISSSSSSED!!"
Zane laughed. "Too late now."