After returning to the academy, Cassandra and Samantha went their separate ways to their respective rooms. Each of them lived alone, and both now needed to contact their families to report what had happened.
Entering her room, Cassandra closed the door behind her and immediately headed for the bedroom. There, on a small table by the wall, lay a runic stone.
It was an elongated black crystal that shimmered faintly beneath the light of the magical lamps. Thin runic lines ran across its surface—delicate symbols carved with jewel-like precision, each one containing a separate communication channel.
Each rune represented a specific contact that could be reached by directing magical energy into the stone and activating the corresponding symbol.
Cassandra let her gaze linger on the stone for a moment, then raised her hand and touched the necessary glyph—the symbol of the matriarch.
She pulled her fingers away only a fraction of a second later and froze, focusing. The magic responded softly to her touch, and now all that remained was to wait for the matriarch to answer the call.
"Greetings, Cassandra. You haven't contacted me in quite some time. Has something happened?" a commanding voice sounded from the stone.
Startled, Cassandra nearly dropped the runic stone from her hands.
"Greetings, Matriarch," she replied quickly, regaining her composure. "I need clarification on one matter. Did you send a half-elf to enroll in my academy?"
Silence hung on the other side of the stone for a moment.
"No dark elf was sent to your academy," a thoughtful voice finally answered. "And certainly not some pitiful half-elf. Why are you asking?"
Cassandra tightened her grip on the stone slightly, recalling the conversations and piecing everything together.
"According to Samantha, he is a talented mage and swordsman. More than that, today he purchased the hidden armor of the Herald. And according to the seller, he was able to seal it."
"Samantha... that is the princess of the light elves?" The matriarch's voice became colder, more attentive. "And you are relying on her judgment regarding this half-elf's talent? The fact that he sealed the armor does not mean he is capable of using it."
"I believe Samantha could not have been mistaken in her assessment," Cassandra answered calmly but firmly. "He left wearing that armor. Which means he was able to supply it with energy. And... don't you think the underground might have sent him here to make me appear weak?"
Even to her own ears, those last words sounded doubtful.
"No," the voice from the stone cut her off sharply. "The underground... is like rats. They could never have raised such a half-elf, much less hidden him from me."
The pause grew heavier.
"Find out who he is and what power he belongs to," the matriarch continued, her tone now harsher. "And report to me. Do not disappoint me, Cassandra."
Her tone had become final—an unmistakable order.
Cassandra lowered her gaze and silently bowed her head, accepting the command.
A similar conversation was unfolding in another room—this time within the royal family of the light elves.
"So, Cassandra knows nothing about him..." the king's voice carried authority, a force that seemed to transmit even through the runic stone itself. "Perhaps this half-elf is not from the dark elf kingdom at all?"
"I doubt it," the queen replied calmly. Her voice was melodic, serene, almost enveloping. "A talent like that is difficult to hide. And do not forget: among us elves, blood mixing with humans is not approved of. If an elf like that is discovered, and he has noble origins... his lineage would be the least of his problems."
The king grunted but did not interrupt.
"You are right," he said after a brief pause. "Most likely, the matriarch will order Cassandra to keep an eye on him and attempt to establish contact. And you, Samantha, will do the same."
"Me?" Genuine surprise rang in Samantha's voice. "But why not assign this to one of the light elves at the academy? Many would consider it an honor to carry out such an order."
"If he is truly as talented as you claim," the queen explained calmly, "sending an ordinary elf to approach him could be a mistake. It may offend him. Besides, he is eighteen years old. Contact with a princess may become the foundation of trust."
The queen fell silent for a moment.
Samantha felt a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She had little experience interacting with boys. Like any princess, her life had been surrounded by rules, calculation, and expectations.
But an order was still an order.
She merely lowered her head.
"You have heard nothing about your sister?" the queen suddenly asked.
"You mean Keyrin?" Samantha answered cautiously. "After her escape from the wedding, I doubt she will show herself again anytime soon."
"If you learn of her whereabouts, inform us. We will return her to the kingdom and complete the marriage with Count Olur'el," irritation and cold anger entered the queen's voice for the first time.
"As you command," Samantha answered evenly.
She lied.
She knew that her sister was currently working in a shop that sold magical techniques and skills.
"Contact us once you obtain information about this half-elf," the queen concluded. "Do not fail us."
"As you command."
The conversation ended.
Samantha slowly placed the ritual stone onto the table and allowed herself a brief exhale. But she had no time to relax—a knock came at the door.
In the academy corridor, they walked silently behind the professor, exchanging glances. Each was trying to convey to the other what she had learned: the matriarch and the royal family of the light elves had both spoken about the same person.
The half-elf.
And by now, that coincidence was no longer beginning to feel accidental.
After leaving the dormitory, they headed toward the academy's main building. Along the way, other stufons increasingly turned their attention toward them. Whispers followed their steps.
"They must have done something..."
"Or maybe it's related to the trial..."
Rumors were born faster than facts.
Entering the academy building, they climbed to the dean's office.
The professor knocked.
"Enter," came a voice from inside.
Opening the door, she let Samantha and Cassandra inside while remaining outside, closing the door behind them.
"Greetings, stufon Cassandra, stufon Samantha. You are likely wondering why I summoned you?" Shego'Lo, Dean of the Magic Wing, said calmly.
"Greetings, Dean," the girls bowed simultaneously.
"I have little time," Shego'Lo continued calmly. "Tomorrow, the third trial for the stufons will begin. You have both been assigned to assist the professors and ensure the participants' safety."
Cassandra frowned.
"But we did not place among the top ten of our year. Why us?"
"The top ten are currently occupied preparing for the tournament," the dean answered.
She raised her hand.
Three projections appeared in the air.
The first showed a brother and sister with golden hair.
The second displayed another image.
The third showed a half-elf with black eyes and black hair tied into a tail.
Samantha let out a sharp breath.
"Samantha, you are already acquainted with stufon Trey from the Jorian Empire. These two are Nreu and Heya, prince and princess of the Krey Empire."
"Samantha is responsible for them," Shego'Lo continued. "Cassandra—for Trey."
Both nodded.
"Any questions?"
"No, Dean."
"You are dismissed. The trial will last two days. Prepare yourselves."
After leaving the office, they exchanged silent looks.
Now, they shared the same objective.
Trey.