I entered, finding him hunched over his desk, poring over more ancient texts. The morning light caught the edges of his dark hair, and I noted the faint circles under his eyes. He worked tirelessly, a stark contrast to Cassian Valerius's laziness.
"Good morning, Professor," I began, letting my voice carry a light, almost teasing tone to break the usual solemnity. "Still battling the ghosts of history, are we?"
He looked up, his brow furrowed, but a flicker of something almost like exasperation, almost like amusement, crossed his face. "Lyra. My studies are hardly a 'battle.' More like… a methodical untangling of neglected roots." He then gave me a sharp, assessing look. "You seem… particularly bright this morning. Something amusing happen with an illusion spell, perhaps?"
I grinned, stepping closer. "Oh, much more interesting than a dancing teapot, Professor. I've had a visitor. A very proper one. And he brought news from the capital that concerns your… historical families."
His posture straightened, his eyes instantly sharpening. "Indeed? The Kaelans? Or the Valerius family?"
"Both, in a way," I said, enjoying his sudden intensity. "Though Valerius made the louder splash. It seems Lord Valerius has funded a brand new wing at the academy, dedicated to Elemental Magic research. Announced with great pomp and circumstance. Isn't that just fascinating for a family supposedly steeped in traditional martial prowess?" I raised an eyebrow, knowing he'd catch the unspoken sarcasm.
Elara's jaw tightened. "A new wing for Elemental Magic. A public display of virtue, masking their continued, subtle influence." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I suppose my little 'lesson' for Cassian last week prompted a more public counter-move than I anticipated."
"Precisely," I confirmed. "And my butler mentioned whispers of new Royal Decrees coming, to 'modernize' magical practices. More control, more conformity. It's a tighter net, Elara. And Valerius's funding here gives him even more leverage within the academy itself."
He rose from his seat, walking to the window, his back to me. "So, my subtle attack on Cassian, intended as a warning shot, has merely made them consolidate their position. They're reinforcing their illusion, trying to appear untouchable." His voice was low, filled with a grim determination.
"It means you need to be even more careful," I said, my playful tone fading, replaced by genuine concern. "They've responded. They're watching now, even more closely. Professor Mark's threats will escalate."
He turned, his eyes meeting mine, a flash of something vulnerable beneath his usual resolve. "I know. But it also means I'm striking a nerve. And that's exactly what I intended." He then gave a slight, almost imperceptible twitch of his lips. "Though I admit, I hadn't factored in their… theatrical grandstanding. Perhaps I should have anticipated a more elaborate counter-illusion."
I suppressed a giggle. "Oh, Professor, you're just learning that villains can be terribly dramatic. Besides, your own performance as the gruff, no-nonsense Life Magic expert is quite convincing. Almost as convincing as a powerful ancient mage pretending to be a young man of twenty-three." I watched his face for a reaction, that familiar spark of irritation and amusement.
He frowned, then a ghost of a smile touched his lips. "A fourth year illusionists are far too perceptive for their own good, Lyra. And far too prone to poking at delicate disguises."
"Only when the disguise is particularly intriguing," I countered, stepping closer. "And the hidden person behind it is… worth knowing." My gaze softened, reaching for the connection that bound us. "So, what's our next move against the Valerius family, Professor? Now that they've shown their hand?"
He looked out the window again, his eyes distant, but his resolve was firm. "We hit them where it hurts most. Not just their pride, but their power. I need more tangible evidence of the Soul-Binding. Something undeniable. And I need to find out where they're performing these 'modern' rituals. If they're using the academy as a base for this new wing, that's where the deeper rot will be."
I nodded, feeling the thrill of the chase, the dangerous excitement of our shared purpose. "Consider it done, Professor. Two pairs of eyes are always better than one, especially when one of them is particularly good at seeing through illusions."
He turned, a faint smile on his face, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Be careful, Lyra. You're delving into dangerous territory. This isn't a game, or an academic exercise."
"Neither is vengeance, Elara," I whispered, holding his gaze. "And neither is protecting the truth." He didn't respond, but his eyes lingered on mine for a beat too long, and I knew he felt it too. The silence stretched, filled with unspoken fears and possibilities.
When I returned to my quarters, Aster and Wren were there, tidying up, their curious gazes following me. Aster crossed her arms. "So, Lyra, where did you disappear to? And what did the stoic Professor Thorne want with you?"
Wren bounced on the balls of his feet. "Was it about our Illusion projects? Did he need our expert opinion on something tangible?" He mimicked Professor Thorne's gruff voice, making me smile.
"Just discussing some historical records he's been looking into," I said casually, shrugging. "Nothing too exciting for you two, I'm afraid. Mostly old lineage details." I picked up a stray quill. "Speaking of exciting, did you hear about the field trip?"
Aster's eyes lit up. "Oh, yes! It's happening at the end of the month! All fourth-year students, across all disciplines, are going to the Ancient Grove. It's a mandatory 'inter-disciplinary magical observation' trip."
Wren clapped his hands. "They say it's where the academy first drew its magic centuries ago! Supposedly, it's still brimming with raw elemental power, and ancient life forces!"
My mind immediately jumped to Elara. The Ancient Grove. A place of raw elemental power and ancient life forces. A mandatory trip for all fourth-year students. This trip could be crucial, a potential opportunity, or a trap.
"Interesting," I murmured, my thoughts already racing, connecting this new piece of information to our growing understanding of the Kaelans and their Elemental Shackling. This needed to be relayed to Elara.
As Aster and Wren continued to chatter excitedly about the trip, I moved to my desk. A moment later, I pulled out a small, ornate bell from my satchel. A single chime, and a moment later, a young Moonshadow servant, clad in our family's muted grey livery, appeared.
"Tell Thomas," I instructed, my voice low and firm, "that I require a comprehensive, discreet report on the political currents within the academy. Every whispered alliance, every faculty grievance, every shift in power dynamics, especially concerning the new Elemental wing. I want to know where the Valerius influence runs deepest, and who their key collaborators are. Leave no stone unturned."
The servant bowed. "As you command, Young Mistress." He melted back into the shadows. The game was escalating, and I intended to be ready.