The morning sun filtered gently through the tall windows of the academy wing.
Elowen had spent the early hours in etiquette class, trying her best to follow the endless instructions about posture, tone, and polite conversation. Her small frame stiffened every time she remembered how serious the Duke had been about proper manners, and she let out quiet sighs whenever a tutor's eyes lingered on her a moment too long.
This is boring, she muttered under her breath, glancing at the classroom door.
Curiosity and mischief tugged at her again. She had learned that, if she timed it carefully, she could sneak away for a few minutes and explore. Today, the library called her name, whispering secrets between the rows of books.
Careful not to attract attention, she slipped from her seat and tiptoed toward the exit.
But of course—someone noticed.
Kael.
"Where are you sneaking off to, tiny sister?"
Elowen froze mid-step, her back pressed against the wall. Kael leaned casually in the doorway, that infuriating mischievous grin on his face. His dark hair fell into his eyes as he crouched slightly to bring himself closer to her level.
"…I… I'm just going to the library," she stammered.
"The library?" Kael echoed, mock surprise in his tone. "Or are you avoiding lessons again?"
Elowen huffed. "…It's not avoiding! I just… wanted to read."
Kael snorted. "Uh-huh. Sure. Little escape artist."
She narrowed her eyes. "…I'm not!"
Kael leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially. "…You're hiding behind Noel all the time. Admit it—tiny escape artist, just like yesterday."
Elowen's face burned. "…I'm not! I—"
Before she could finish, a calm voice cut through.
"Kael."
Both of them froze. Elias had appeared quietly behind her, his deep red eyes observing the scene. His presence alone was enough to silence Kael, who raised his hands in mock surrender.
"…Fine, fine. I was only teasing," Kael said, though the grin never left his face.
Elias's gaze softened slightly as he stepped forward, blocking the hallway just enough to shield her. "…Teasing a child is unnecessary," he said calmly.
Elowen blinked at him. "…Child?"
"…Seven," Elias said simply, his voice calm but steady, letting the words float in the air without mockery.
Elowen crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "…I'm not that small."
Kael laughed again. "…Cute, though."
Elowen groaned, but Elias simply extended a hand toward the library door. "…Shall we go?"
Relieved, Elowen nodded and followed him, Kael lingering just behind, clearly amused.
Once inside the library, Elias pulled a chair toward one of the large tables and gestured for her to sit. Elowen hesitated, then lowered herself carefully into the seat, her small fingers brushing the edge of the polished wood.
Kael leaned lazily against a nearby shelf, clearly enjoying himself. "…Wow. All grown up, huh? Sitting with your big brother like that."
Elias ignored him, selecting a few thick books bound in leather. He placed them neatly on the table and opened one to a page filled with intricate diagrams and symbols.
"Do you know about Magical symbols ?" he asked, his calm eyes meeting hers.
Elowen shook her head slowly. "No*
Elias smiled softly, flipping through the pages carefully. "…Alchemy is more than just experiments. It is the study of matter, energy, and the balance of magic? . Some are strong in one area, others in another."
Elowen's hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Can I try today ?"
"Not yet," Elias replied, still calm. "You must learn first. Understand the principles. Then your potential will reveal itself."
Kael snorted quietly from his spot near the shelves. "…Look at her, all serious and wide-eyed. Little sister, you're going to be amazing… or dangerous. Maybe both."
Elowen glanced at him, annoyed. "…I'm not a baby, Kael!"
"…Sure you aren't," he said cheekily, grinning.
Elias, ever calm, returned his attention to her. "…Magic and alchemy require focus, dedication, and understanding. You will need to practice, study, and be patient. But I believe you are capable."
Elowen's small hands rested on the table, tracing the diagrams with wonder. "…I… I want to learn everything."
A quiet moment passed. The sunlight fell in through the tall windows, illuminating the books and the three siblings in the library. Kael's mischievous grin, Elias's calm presence, and Elowen's bright curiosity formed a strange, imperfect harmony.
But somewhere beyond the library walls, Livinia watched.
Her lips remained smiling, her posture perfect—but her mind churned with a flicker of jealousy and unease. That little girl, so curious and unassuming, had captured attention in ways she hadn't anticipated.
The system let out a small snort beside Elowen, invisible to everyone else.
Host, you're adorable… and walking straight into trouble. Careful, tiny human. Someone's about to get jealous.
Elowen ignored it, completely absorbed in the magic and alchemy books spread before her. For the first time, the world outside the library—the lessons, the teasing, the rules—felt distant.
Here, she could imagine herself strong, capable… in control.
The path ahead was still uncertain. But for the first time, she felt a spark of excitement.
A spark that might just grow into something unstoppable.