Cassian’s dream.

The next day, after Cassian finished his training, he and Ailyn arrived at Lord Roberto's estate. A squire guided Cassian toward the training grounds while a maid led Ailyn inside to meet with Lord Roberto.

When their meetings were over, Ailyn shared the news with Cassian. Lord Roberto had offered her a position as a maid in his household. It would provide her with a stable income and ensure she could support herself as Cassian's guardian.

Cassian was relieved. He had made the right choice in bringing her here. The squires he trained with treated him well, much better than Ezo ever had, and he was learning quickly. With Ailyn secure in her role, things were looking up.

The next day followed a similar pattern. Cassian trained, sparred with Cele, and grew closer to Daniel. When he finished, Ailyn was already waiting for him. Some of the older cadets shot glances her way—she truly was beautiful. As before, a maid escorted her to continue her training.

Cassian expected to join the squires, but instead, Lord Roberto awaited him in the training grounds. He bowed, as he had learned to always do in the presence of someone of higher status.

"You're here, Cassian. Let me be brief. Today, you won't be training in manners or swordplay." Roberto raised his hand, and arcs of electricity crackled across his fingers. "Today, I will teach you a simple yet deadly technique—and how lightning works."

He explained that lightning, like fire, was among the most fearsome elemental abilities. Few soldiers dared to face a wielder of such power—it was a death sentence. Yet, the dangers of these elements extended to the user as well. Cassian already knew this. Every time he used his lightning, his muscles locked up, leaving his arms temporarily paralyzed. Fire was just as unforgiving—he had seen what it had done to Cele, burning her hands.

Lightning, however, was even riskier. After a single use, a user became vulnerable, easy to kill. That was why Roberto was going to teach Cassian a technique to minimize the strain.

"The technique is called Spark. Watch closely."

Roberto raised his arm. His index and middle fingers pointed at a nearby tree, while his thumb pressed against his ring and pinky fingers, ensuring they didn't touch the others. Cassian's golden eyes focused intently, activating his ability to slow his perception of the world.

A faint glow flickered at Roberto's fingertips, followed by a sharp crack. A bolt of lightning shot out, striking the tree, leaving a charred mark where it hit.

"See? It's simple. Try to recreate what I did. Though I have no time to watch you." Roberto looked behind Cassian, where an old man with white hair stood.

"But Professor Alex will. Don't worry about hurting your fingers—Professor will heal them."

With that, Roberto left, leaving Cassian with Professor Alex. Cassian bowed respectfully before beginning. He imitated Roberto's stance, attempting to channel the lightning, but it was harder than it looked. Focusing energy into his fingers felt impossible. Every time he failed, the electricity scorched his skin, and Professor Alex would silently heal him before he tried again.

He continued until the day's training ended. Bowing to Professor Alex, he left to meet Ailyn, who looked just as exhausted as he felt.

---

After that, a whole section had passed—three months. Ailyn had started working as a maid while Cassian kept on learning manners, swordsmanship, and how to better use lightning from Lord Roberto.

But today was special. They were given a house.

As soon as they were dismissed for the day, he and Ailyn rushed to the location Lord Roberto had given them. The house was small and old, but that didn't matter. It was close to Lord Roberto's estate, which meant less walking. Inside, there were two rooms and a modest kitchen, reminiscent of Ailyn's parents' home. Beds had already been set up, along with clothes—some for Cassian, and several dresses and two maid uniforms for Ailyn.

Lord Roberto had told them it was for the best if they moved in without telling Ailyn's parents. He would be the one to talk to them and prohibit them from visiting.

"Wow, that's a lot of dresses! Oh, and uniforms too." Ailyn's face lit up with joy. She glanced at Cassian, who was trying on his new clothes. He looked so much like a child, despite everything he had already endured. Watching him made her happier than she had felt in a long time. Maybe this was what life was supposed to be like.

---

The next day at the barracks, Daniel approached Cassian with news.

"My sister, Dalia, is leaving soon for a mission. She wants you to come by before she goes."

After his training, Cassian visited Daniel's home. Dalia's mother prepared a meal, serving everyone. Once they had eaten, Cassian gave Dalia a big hug. Jose was there as well, looking disappointed—he hadn't been assigned to the mission. Dalia reassured them both that it was a simple task: their unit would travel to a fortress in the center of Raumhant to reinforce the soldiers stationed there. Many of the settlement's soldiers were being sent, which meant fewer instructors would be left at the barracks.

After their goodbyes, Cassian returned to his new home. He was exhausted, but excitement stirred within him. His birthday was approaching—he didn't know how, but he could feel it.

Days passed. One morning, he woke feeling strange—tired, heavier than usual—but he went about his day as normal. As night fell, he and Ailyn returned home, just before darkness swallowed the sky. They ate, talked about the people they had met, then retired to their rooms as the world was consumed by shadow.

Cassian closed his golden eyes.

---

Light touched his face. His golden eyes flickered open. He was still tired—he didn't want to move. But when he looked to his right, his breath caught.

His wife lay beside him, still sleeping, her long white hair splayed across the pillow. Her closed eyes made her long lashes stand out, the same silvery-white as her hair. She was stunning. Even now, he couldn't fully grasp how he had been lucky enough to marry her.

He reached out, brushing his fingers through her hair. She was beautiful. For her, he had to move.

He rose from the bed. His room was filled with large closets, packed with finely made clothing. He selected a white ensemble, which contrasted sharply with his darker gray skin and black hair, making his golden eyes stand out even more. Today was important. He had a meeting with the most powerful figures in Stering. He had to be on time—no one would wait for him.

Before leaving, he leaned down, pressing a kiss to his wife's forehead.

This meeting will change our future—and the future of our child.

With that thought filling him with determination, he left his home, making his way to the cathedral to meet the Emperor and the head of the church—his grandfather, the Eyes of God.