Quiet Resolve

Nyxara paced the balcony of her sanctum long after the stars had risen, her fingers tapping against the smooth railing, her golden eyes unfocused but burning with thought. The wind tugged at her silver-white hair, but she barely noticed.

She knew one thing for certain: she needed Lira to win tomorrow's duel.

But not out of malice.

And not for revenge.

It was desire.

She needed the tension in her chest to break. She needed the ache to ease, the temptation of Solene to back away, if only for a little while. But as much as her body burned for Solene, she could not—would not—cheat. Not Solene. Not Lira.

She cared for her student.

Even if Lira never formally called her master, Nyxara had taken her as one of her own.

And she would not betray that.

If Solene ever discovered she'd rigged a match just to indulge a carnal craving, it would shatter something between them that Nyxara hadn't even fully named yet.

So instead, she would give Lira every tool to succeed.

Earned. Not stolen.

---

Later that evening, Nyxara stood before her mirror. She combed her hair until it shone like starlight, wiping down her skin with enchanted cloth, removing every trace of her earlier indulgences. The scent of lust had long since faded, replaced by clarity and resolve.

She dressed in soft silks of ocean blue, simple but elegant, and made her way silently through the high halls toward the eastern training courtyard where Lira spent her nights.

The moon cast long shadows across the marble, bathing the secluded meditation garden in pale silver.

Lira sat at the center of a small pond, lotus position held with steady grace, her brow relaxed, lips slightly parted in quiet breath. Her spiritual energy swirled around her in a gentle vortex of gold-tinged light. The surface of the water rippled outward as if in reverence.

Nyxara's eyes widened.

"She's already entered the Fifth Rank," she whispered to herself, lips curling into a quiet smile.

Lira hadn't noticed her yet.

Nyxara sat on the edge of the platform, legs crossed, hands folded on her lap, watching. Patient.

Hours passed.

And when Lira finally exhaled, long and slow, and opened her eyes—she found Nyxara already waiting.

The young woman blinked, startled, brushing golden bangs out of her face. "L-Lady Nyxara? How long—?"

"Three hours," Nyxara said with a calm nod. "I didn't want to interrupt you."

Lira flushed. "I'm sorry, I didn't—"

"No need to apologize."

Nyxara stood, her presence quiet but radiant. "You did wonderfully. Reaching the Sixth Rank of the Mortal Realm this quickly is impressive."

Lira sat up straighter, unsure whether to smile or lower her gaze.

"You're progressing faster than I anticipated," Nyxara said. "And tomorrow, I want to test how far you've come."

Lira's breath caught. "A test?"

Nyxara nodded.

"You will face Solene Cael in the arena. A duel."

Lira's face paled. "Solene...? But she's—she's so much stronger."

Nyxara walked closer, kneeling before her.

"Perhaps. But strength isn't everything. I want to see your instincts. Your creativity. And your spirit."

She rested a hand on Lira's shoulder.

"If you win, I will personally craft a pill to help you ascend to the next realm."

Lira's breath hitched.

"You mean—?"

"Yes. You would step beyond the Mortal Realm. Into the Foundation Stage. And from there... anything becomes possible."

Lira was silent, overwhelmed.

Nyxara smiled softly.

"Rest now. Prepare yourself. No matter the outcome, this is your next step."

She stood again, hair catching the moonlight like silver thread.

"And Lira?"

The girl looked up.

"Don't hold back. I want to see everything you're capable of."

With that, Nyxara turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Lira breathless and burning with quiet determination.