THE DARNELL ESTATE

  The grand halls of the Academy of Stars never felt as warm as they did now. The heavy weight of battle was behind them, and although the bruises and aches still lingered, the pride of victory glowed in everyone’s eyes.

  The students had been given two days off — a rare gift — to recover and celebrate their return. The city outside the academy walls buzzed with quiet whispers of the war games and the surprising rise of House Virgo, but inside the Academy, a peaceful calm had settled in.

  Ethan yawned, stretching as he made his way into the Academy’s massive cafeteria, sunlight pouring through the glass ceilings. The smell of warm bread, fresh fruits, and spiced tea filled the air. Students lounged in groups, laughing and trading stories from the games.

  He spotted Orion and Callan already seated at a table near the window, plates piled high.

  “Finally awake, hero?” Orion grinned as Ethan approached.

  Ethan groaned, slumping into a chair. “I don’t think I’ve slept that deep in months.”

  Callan smirked over the rim of his tea. “You did take on an entire siege single-handedly. A bit of rest is earned.”

  Before Ethan could reply, a familiar voice chimed in, sharp but softer than usual.

  “Is this the legendary gathering of House Virgo?”

  Lysandra stood at the table, arms crossed but with a faint smile tugging at her lips. Behind her trailed Lady Seraphina, Evelynn, and Mirielle, each carrying their trays of breakfast.

  “Look who’s finally lowered her noble defenses to dine with us commoners,” Orion teased, motioning for them to sit.

  Seraphina rolled her eyes but smirked, “Only because you’ve proven you’re not entirely useless in a fight.”

  Evelynn chuckled, setting her cup down. “Besides, after seeing you all in battle, I think we’ve earned the right to join this circle.”

  Mirielle, quieter, added, “Or maybe you’ve earned ours.”

  Everyone laughed, and just like that, the tension from the games was gone — replaced by camaraderie.

  As they ate, conversation flowed easily:

  “I still can’t believe you used grass blades as weapons, Orion,” Evelynn said, nudging him.

  Orion grinned. “Hey, I made it work, didn’t I? The other academy’s warriors weren’t laughing when I took out their heavy infantry.”

  At this, Lysandra turned to Ethan, a smirk playing on her lips. “You’ve been quite the teacher lately, haven’t you?”

  Ethan chuckled. “I guess. We’ve all pushed each other to grow.”

  There was a soft pause, the group reflecting on how far they’d come since their first days at the Academy.

  Then, with a glimmer of excitement, Callan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

  “Well, since we’ve survived wars and won glory, I think we deserve a little break. My family estate is just outside the city—why don’t you all come stay for a day or two? There’s space for everyone, and the gardens are famous.”

  Orion perked up. “Wait, like a noble estate? With actual servants and everything?”

  Callan chuckled. “Among other things. It’s peaceful. And I think we’ve earned some peace.”

  Evelynn leaned back, smiling. “That… sounds nice.”

  Lysandra, though surprised, seemed to consider it. “You’re sure you want all of us?”

  Callan grinned. “You fought beside us. I think that makes us more than classmates now.”

  Seraphina exchanged a glance with Mirielle, both giving small nods.

  “Well then,” Seraphina said, standing gracefully. “It’s decided.”

  “Just promise me,” Orion grinned, “there will be food.”

  Callan laughed. “Plenty.”

  Later that morning, the group gathered near the Academy gates, bags slung over shoulders, ready for a break from Academy walls.

  Callan’s family carriage—sleek and elegant—waited for them, pulled by glistening mage-bred steeds. Runes glowed faintly along the wheels, designed for smooth, rapid travel.

  As they loaded in, Ethan glanced back at the Academy—its spires gleaming under the sun—and let himself smile.

  For the first time in what felt like forever, they had a moment to simply breathe, laugh, and be friends.

  As the carriage pulled away, the city slowly faded behind them, replaced by rolling hills and sun-dappled forests.

  Lysandra sat beside Evelynn and Mirielle, engaged in hushed conversation, though occasionally glancing at Ethan with a curious smile.

  Orion and Callan were already debating who would win in a bow contest.

  And Ethan? He leaned back, Solis curled beside him, the wind gently ruffling his hair as he gazed out at the passing countryside.

  For now… life was good.

  But even as they traveled toward peace, a small flicker of something deeper stirred within Ethan’s heart—a knowing that this moment of calm was only a brief pause before the next storm.

  Still, he let himself enjoy it.

  After all, they had earned it.

  The carriage rumbled to a smooth halt before the towering gates of House Darnell’s estate—Callan’s family home.

  Ethan leaned out of the window, eyes wide as he took in the view.

  Beyond the gates, a vast expanse of manicured gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, with winding paths that cut through fields of vibrant flowers and towering old oaks. At the center stood an elegant stone manor, its rooftops sparkling under the afternoon sun, sigils of House Darnell carved into the walls like constellations in stone.

  As the gates opened and the carriage rolled forward, servants in fine livery moved about the grounds, attending to the estate’s needs. Some glanced curiously at the group of young warriors arriving but quickly returned to their work.

  “Alright, I’ll admit,” Orion said, whistling low as he leaned out beside Ethan, “this is… impressive.”

  Callan smirked, stepping down as soon as the carriage stopped. “Welcome to House Darnell. Try not to get lost in the gardens. They’re larger than the Academy’s entire training ground.”

  Mirielle and Evelynn followed, both glancing around, equally impressed but trying to maintain their usual air of composure.

  Seraphina, ever stoic, simply said, “At least it will be quiet here.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  A steward approached and bowed respectfully. “Lord Callan, your parents have left for diplomatic duty, but the estate is prepared for you and your guests. The gardens and grounds are open, and refreshments await in the west pavilion when you wish.”

  Callan thanked him with a polite nod, before turning back to the group. “Come on. I want to show you something.”

  As they walked down a stone path lined with blooming white lilies and trees that whispered in the breeze, Ethan took a deep breath. There was something peaceful here—something he hadn’t felt since arriving at the Academy.

  They passed a pond filled with silver fish, sparkling in the light, and small bridges that arched gracefully over flowing streams. The distant sound of wind chimes danced in the air.

  “This is incredible,” Ethan murmured, watching the wind ripple through the water.

  Callan smiled. “Yeah. This was where I trained when I was younger. Before the Academy.”

  Eventually, they reached a secluded garden—a wide clearing where stone benches circled a large ancient tree, its roots sprawling like veins across the grass.

  They all settled there, stretching out, taking in the sun and scent of the flowers.

  “You know,” Orion said as he lay back on the grass, arms behind his head, “I think I could get used to this noble life.”

  Evelynn smirked. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’m sure Callan would love to see you trying to dine with nobles and not spill something on yourself.”

  “Hey!” Orion laughed. “I’m perfectly elegant when I need to be.”

  “I’ll believe that when I see it,” Lysandra muttered, though there was a playful glimmer in her eyes.

  Ethan chuckled softly, glancing around at them—friends who had fought beside him, bled beside him.

  Callan, leaning against the tree, suddenly broke the peaceful moment with a thoughtful question.

  “Did any of you think we’d be here… like this? After everything we’ve been through?”

  The group grew quiet for a moment, reflecting.

  Seraphina, surprisingly, was the first to speak. “No. I didn’t.”

  Mirielle added, “But I’m glad we are. That battle… it showed me how much more there is to learn. And how important it is to have people you trust.”

  Lysandra looked away, her expression softer than usual. “It’s… not what I expected when I first met you all.”

  “And what did you expect?” Ethan asked, curious.

  She hesitated, then gave a small shrug. “I don’t know. But not this. Not… friends.”

  Orion grinned. “We’re hard to resist, I guess.”

  Ethan smiled quietly, feeling warmth settle in his chest.

  “Whatever happens next,” Callan said, glancing around, “we’ve got each other’s backs. Right?”

  There was a shared nod.

  “Always,” Ethan agreed.

  After some time, Orion stood up, stretching. “Alright, enough of the mushy stuff. You promised a place to train, Callan.”

  Callan smirked. “Follow me.”

  He led them to a private training courtyard, nestled between garden walls and old statues of armored knights. Training dummies, spell targets, and alchemical crafting tables were scattered around.

  “All yours,” Callan said with a grin.

  Evelynn raised a brow. “So… friendly sparring?”

  “Oh absolutely,” Orion grinned, cracking his knuckles. “I need to show you all what grass blades can really do.”

  Lysandra stood, smoothing her cloak. “Don’t expect me to go easy on you.”

  As they squared off into pairs, sparks of aura already lighting the air, Ethan observed quietly, watching them laugh and prepare to duel.

  Then he caught Callan’s smirk. “What about you, Ethan? Care to test those new tricks of yours?”

  Ethan smirked back. “You’re on.”

  As the sun dipped lower, casting golden rays across the estate, their laughter echoed through the courtyard—friends who had once been strangers, now bound through battle and respect.

  Solis, watching quietly from the garden wall, flicked his twin tails with a glimmer in his silver eyes.

  “Enjoy the peace while you can, Fireborn,” he whispered, knowing well that soon…

  the real storm would come.

  Each guest was shown to lavish guest rooms with huge windows overlooking the gardens and beds so large Orion jokingly declared he’d get lost in one.

  Ethan placed his bag down and looked out the window, letting out a low breath.

  From this height, he could see the estate’s private training grounds—a wide courtyard, a garden maze, and a small forest at the edge of the property.

  I guess Callan wasn’t kidding when he said noble life was complicated…

  Just as he was about to leave his room to find the others, a knock at the door sounded.

  It was Callan, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Dinner will be served soon. You alright?”

  Ethan nodded. “Yeah… just not used to all this.”

  Callan smiled warmly. “You will be.”

  By sunset, they all gathered in the estate’s grand dining hall, a room filled with crystal chandeliers and silver-lined walls. A long table stretched across the room, covered with platters of roasted meats, exotic fruits, and golden bread.

  The friends took their seats—Lysandra and her entourage sitting together, but close enough to the boys to still converse.

  Orion, clearly in awe, whispered, “Do we get servants to feed us too, or do we still use our hands?”

  Mirielle, sitting nearby, raised a brow. “Some etiquette might serve you well, Orion.”

  Orion just grinned. “Where’s the fun in that?”

  The food was brought in—platters of roasted fowl, honeyed fruits, and crystal pitchers filled with enchanted wine that shimmered faintly with cooling spells.

  As they ate, the conversation grew more relaxed.

  “So,” Callan said, looking at Ethan, “how do you find noble life so far?”

  Ethan wiped his hands on a cloth, thinking. “Fancy. Overwhelming. But… not as cold as I thought.”

  Lysandra raised a brow. “You expected us to be cold?”

  Ethan grinned. “Maybe just you.”

  A brief laugh broke the tension, even from Seraphina, who took a sip of her drink to hide her smirk.

  As dessert was served—delicate pastries dusted with silver sugar—the mood softened even more.

  Orion leaned back, satisfied. “Okay, I take it back. I could live like this.”

  Evelynn chuckled. “Not without knowing which fork to use.”

  Callan glanced at Ethan, his voice lowering. “I’m glad you came. It’s good to get away from the Academy for a while. Reminds me there’s more to life than training and fighting.”

  Ethan nodded, grateful for the sincerity.

  Seraphina, ever observant, studied them both. “Still… strange to think you’ll be standing in court one day, Callan. You’ll need more than good friends to survive that.”

  Callan’s gaze darkened slightly but remained calm. “Maybe. But good friends are a start.”

  Ethan caught that tension and wondered—not for the first time—how deep Callan’s responsibilities went.

  After dinner, the group wandered into the estate’s moonlit gardens, trailing down marble paths lined with glowing flowers that pulsed faintly under enchantment.

  Lysandra walked beside Ethan, her sharp edges softened by the night. “It’s nice… being away from everything.”

  Ethan glanced at her. “Yeah. It is.”

  She gave a small, rare smile. “Don’t get used to it.”

  Ahead of them, Orion and Evelynn were laughing over some story, while Callan and Mirielle quietly discussed Academy politics.

  Seraphina trailed behind, watching them all, her arms crossed but a thoughtful expression on her face.

  As they gathered at a balcony overlooking the valley, Ethan felt an unusual sense of peace.

  For once, they weren’t students, warriors, or nobles.

  Just… friends.

  But deep down, he knew this calm wouldn’t last forever.

  The morning sun bathed House Darnell’s estate in soft golden light, casting long beams across the marble floors. Birds chirped from the gardens, and a light breeze drifted in through the open windows.

  For the first time in a long while, Ethan woke up without any weight on his chest—no fragments to chase, no fights to plan, no battles to win.

  Just… peace.

  The group gathered for breakfast in the garden pavilion, a shaded marble terrace that overlooked the tranquil pond, where lotus flowers floated lazily on the surface.

  A long table was set with fresh bread, fruits, cheeses, and chilled juices infused with herbs and magic for energy and clarity.

  Orion arrived last, still stretching and yawning, his hair messily falling into his eyes.

  “Do nobles always eat like this?” he asked, plopping down beside Ethan with a grin.

  Lysandra sipped elegantly from her cup. “It’s called refinement. You should try it.”

  “Refinement tastes like strawberries and honey,” Orion quipped, already reaching for another pastry.

  Seraphina, seated across from him, arched a brow. “Try not to embarrass us too much.”

  Mirielle chuckled softly. “I think it’s too late for that.”

  Callan smiled at all of them, clearly more relaxed in his own home. “Feel free to enjoy it. No teachers, no rules today.”

  After breakfast, they took to exploring the vast grounds—beautiful hedge mazes, cherry blossom groves, and private courtyards for training and meditation.

  As they wandered, Callan walked side by side with Ethan, pointing out different sections of the estate.

  “That over there is my family’s ancestral archive,” Callan said, nodding toward a tower with stained glass windows. “All the Darnell family records, old alchemy tomes… It’s where I first learned the basics of Virgo work.”

  Ethan looked thoughtful. “It’s a beautiful place. And huge.”

  Callan smiled but there was a hint of sadness in his voice. “It comes with… expectations.”

  Ethan nodded, understanding more than he let on. “Yeah… I’m starting to get how that feels.”

  Behind them, Orion and Evelynn were having a lively debate about combat techniques—Orion waving his arms as he described an outrageous move he swore would work, while Evelynn laughed, poking holes in his logic.

  “I’m telling you, a double-flip strike would catch anyone off guard,” Orion said confidently.

  Evelynn smirked. “It would catch you off guard, maybe.”

  Further back, Lysandra walked beside Seraphina and Mirielle, who were whispering quietly.

  Lysandra glanced over at Ethan and Callan, then at Orion and Evelynn, her expression unreadable, though her steps were light—far lighter than they ever were at the Academy.

  By midday, they reached the estate’s private sparring grounds, a circular arena of smooth white stone surrounded by enchanted trees that served as both obstacles and natural beauty.

  “I thought we could try some sparring,” Callan offered, glancing around. “Nothing serious. Just… fun.”

  Orion grinned. “Finally.”

  Lysandra raised a brow but smirked. “Let’s see if you’re all talk.”

  As they paired up, it became an exhibition of new skills:

  ? Callan, with his improved chain arrow technique, demonstrated how he could now fire bolts tied to thin, aura-infused threads, retracting them like snakes.

  ? Orion, using his blades, had modified them to be returning projectiles, now able to control their motion with a sharp flick of his fingers.

  Seraphina, coldly precise, unleashed her Aquarius-based energy manipulation, forming whip-like water streams that twisted and struck with accuracy.

  ? Mirielle, with her soft but sharp movements, used Wind magic to generate pressure bursts, making her difficult to approach.

  ? Evelynn, calm and calculated, worked with earth manipulation, forming quick barriers and throwing up chunks of stone as defense and offense.

  Ethan watched them for a while, impressed.

  When his turn came, he hesitated at first—the memory of his Lion’s Sight in the garden, the way he saw the world’s code, still fresh in his mind.

  As Callan challenged him with a nod, Ethan smiled slightly and took a deep breath.

  When Callan launched an arrow toward him, Ethan altered the properties of the ground beneath his feet, making it softer for a split second, absorbing the arrow before hardening it again, snapping the arrow pull short.

  Callan blinked in surprise. “You’ve been practicing.”

  “A little,” Ethan said with a grin, and then without moving his hands, gently adjusted the wind around him to push his next jump higher, landing gracefully behind Callan.

  Even Lysandra raised an impressed eyebrow at that.

  “Show-off,” Orion muttered with a smile.

  Later, they retreated to a shaded part of the garden—lying on soft grass or sitting on stone benches, sipping chilled drinks.

  Ethan found himself seated next to Lysandra, who for once seemed fully at ease.

  “So… not bad out there,” she said softly, surprising him. “You’ve come a long way.”

  “Thanks,” Ethan replied. After a pause, he added, “You have too.”

  Lysandra glanced at him, her lips twitching in what might have been a smile. “Maybe.”

  Nearby, Orion and Evelynn were still bickering—though it had turned into playful teasing more than arguing—while Callan and Seraphina debated philosophy and magic theory, their discussion intense but respectful.

  Mirielle, silent but watchful, seemed to take in everything around her, her eyes thoughtful.

  As the sun began to set, they gathered on the terrace for dinner under the open sky—candles floating around them on gentle magical currents, casting warm, flickering light.

  They laughed, shared stories, and for a while—just lived like normal teenagers, without burdens.

  Orion raised his glass. “To friends. And… to more days like this.”

  Callan smiled, raising his own. “To peace.”

  Lysandra hesitated a moment, then, almost reluctantly, lifted her glass. “To… unlikely friendships.”

  As they drank, Ethan looked around at the group—nobles and commoners, fighters and scholars, all gathered as one.

  And he knew—

  These were the bonds that would shape his future.