“What are you doing here?” Corbin asked, his voice laced with confusion as he peered through the carriage window at the snow-covered streets of the Southgate District.

  We’re leaving Aegis. The cryptic statement still echoed in my mind, but Corbin had been as silent as a grave since we left the manor. I decided to use the situation to my advantage. “The Patriarch is paying for this whole endeavor, isn't he?”

  With a furrowed brow, Corbin turned away from the window and looked at me questioningly. “Yes, he is. Do you think I’m feeding us both out of my own pocket?” he replied, sounding almost indignant. His incredulous shake of the head emphasized the point.

  “Good. Then I want my own driver. The carriage we’re in right now will surely head back once we arrive wherever it is we're going. Having my own will make my training more flexible. Besides, I’m sure that for the right price, he’d be happy to cook for us and occasionally head to the nearest village to… organize a bit of schnapps for you.”

  Ten minutes later, Corbin and I stood on the snowy pavement of a side street in the Southgate District. The air was biting, and I could see my breath hitching in front of me in small, white clouds. We watched as Corbin’s driver and a very surprised Idris transferred luggage from the luxurious Ainsworth carriage into Idris’s more modest, but sturdy, vehicle. Corbin leaned down toward me, whispering skeptically, “And you know this guy?”

  I nodded patiently as I watched Idris carefully stow the gear. “I met Idris a few months ago while I was looking for an alchemist in the Eastgate District. He proved to be very reliable and guided me through parts of the city I didn't know. He’s a good man, and he really needs the coin. So I thought, why not take him with us?”

  Corbin nodded in understanding and clapped his hands. He marched toward the carriage, opened the door, and climbed in. The last thing I heard before the door slammed shut was: “I’m cold. You handle the rest.”

  My eye twitched in annoyance. Off to a great start. But on the other hand, if he was giving me leeway in organizing the logistics of my training, I wasn't going to complain. My hand slid into my jacket pocket, touching cold metal. I haven't forgotten you. And I’m not leaving Aegis with you.

  I breathed in deeply and walked over to Idris, who was just taking a bag from the other driver. “Tell me, do you know a good outfitter? I need armored gloves.”

  Idris stowed the bag and leaned against the carriage, looking thoughtfully into the grey sky. “I do. But whether he has armored gloves in your size? That’s another story. Should we stop there before we head to the orphanage?”

  Ah, right. I wanted to facepalm. I constantly forget I’m trapped in the body of a child. After all these months, I’ve apparently gotten too used to it. I nodded with a sigh. “Yes, let’s do that. And let’s buy provisions while we’re at it. Who knows when we’ll have our next hot meal…”

  Idris gave a mischievous grin and a mock salute. “Yes, Sir. Shall I open the door for you?” he asked playfully.

  “Pff, as if. I’m riding up there with you. Shared suffering is half the sorrow, right?” I laughed, rubbing my cold shoulders. It only seemed fair not to let Idris suffer in the cold alone, even if I could protect myself with a steady air spell.

  “Kind of you. Come on, let’s get moving, or we won't make it through the pass before sunset.” And with that, he hauled himself onto the driver’s box.

  I left the shop Idris had recommended with a grin, sporting a new black cloak and a pair of sharp black leather gloves reinforced with steel knuckles. It was exactly what I’d had in mind. Since there were apparently many female adventurers in Aegis, finding gloves in smaller sizes wasn't as difficult as I’d feared.

  Idris seemed equally pleased with his haul. He had bought a short sword, a butcher’s cleaver, a knife, and a full set of cooking utensils.

  Corbin had been a bit puzzled as to why Idris wanted a sword, but the argument that leaving him alone and defenseless at camp wouldn't exactly inspire confidence was enough for Corbin to let Idris buy whatever he deemed necessary.

  Once everything was stowed, we climbed back onto the box. Idris gripped the reins, ready to go. “Any other stops, or are we heading to the orphanage now?”

  The thought brought a heavy lump to my throat. I wrestled with myself over whether I should say goodbye to Pip one last time, but I knew how busy Lady Elara was. No. I should use my time wisely and not hinder her work.

  “To the orphanage,” I said firmly.

  He flicked the reins and gave a short nod. The carriage began to roll, and we moved slowly down the street. Snowflakes danced silently from the sky. Thinking about it, it felt strange. In my old life, after my parents died, I had no one I could rely on except Pip. But now? Now I had a family and friends… people I could actually trust.

  When Corbin and I met Idris at the curb, I had seen the look in his eyes. He didn't ask for a contract. He didn't ask for a guarantee. I had asked him to come, and he had said yes. It was a level of trust I wasn't used to.

  “Idris, I want to thank you. For letting me rely on you for months, and for joining us on this journey, even though it might get dangerous. It really means a lot to me.”

  Idris rubbed the leather reins between his fingers, opening his mouth and then closing it again. His brow furrowed, and I could tell he was searching for the right words. In the end, he remained silent.

  You don't always need an answer for everything. I decided not to press him.

  The journey through the woods was quiet. The tall pines were laden with snow, their branches bowing under the weight. As we turned into the familiar path leading to the Little Garden Orphanage, the carriage door swung open. “You have fifteen minutes to say your goodbyes, understood? We don't have all day.” Corbin called from inside. A shivering groan followed as the cold hit him, and he pulled the door shut again.

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  Phew, that’s not much time. I massaged my forehead and prayed that everything would go smoothly. I didn't want to leave here with a heavy heart.

  The trees blurred past one by one until we finally reached the clearing. The manor was visible in the distance. I hopped off the box before the carriage even came to a complete stop and marched through the snow. At the door, I took a final deep breath and stepped inside.

  The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the house. It reminded me of days long gone, when my mother and I would bake together. We used to bring my father a cool glass of milk and a plate of cookies in his study. I’ll never forget how much joy that simple gesture brought him. Under different circumstances, I’d be in the kitchen with the others right now, like a normal child.

  Instead, I was about to leave to train so that in three years, I could duel the strongest Adepts in the kingdom. With a sigh, I made my way to the kitchen.

  I could hear the cheerful commotion from a distance. The kids were clearly baking with all their hearts. I heard singing and laughter, and no sign of Grimelda, which relieved me immensely.

  Reaching the open kitchen door, I looked inside. Almost everyone was involved. Even Arthur was clumsily trying to cut out cookie shapes. Emma was pointing at him, stifling a laugh. When Elodie saw her, she playfully tapped Emma’s finger but couldn't hide her own giggle.

  Mara was decorating cookies with another girl when she looked up and waved at me with a smile. But I wasn't in the mood for waving. Suddenly, someone blocked my view—Verity. “Grim, it’s good to have you back. I hope everything went well?” she asked in her usual neutral tone.

  I bit my lip and exhaled sharply, searching for words. “Can we talk outside for a moment?” I asked quietly. Verity looked at me intently but gave a sharp nod. She walked past me and stopped a few meters away in the hallway. With one last look back at the kitchen, I saw Mara watching me with a worried expression. I couldn't meet her eyes, so I turned to Verity.

  “I… I’m not sure where to start…” I began. Her gaze told me she would wait as long as necessary.

  Damn it, Grim… just tell her. I took a breath. “I’m leaving Aegis for my training. I’ll be traveling somewhere with Sir Crownfield to prepare for the tournament. I don't know how long it will be until I return…” I explained uncertainly, unfastening the clinking pouch from my belt. Verity’s eyebrows shot up, her forehead creasing in disbelief. I ignored it and held out the pouch. “I haven't forgotten my Word of Honor. I want you to use this money to pay one silver a month to the city in my name until I return. I hope that’s not too much to ask.”

  Her gaze was a mix of worry and confusion. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before accepting the pouch.

  “Grim, I want you to know that I would forbid any other child in this orphanage from doing what you’re planning. But I know our Mother holds great trust in you, and therefore, I can trust you as well. Even though I will worry, I want you to focus entirely on what lies ahead. I will handle your affairs here.”

  “Thank you… I really appreciate it,” I replied, sounding a bit drier than I intended. We stood in the hallway for a moment, silent.

  “Will you stay for a meal to say goodbye?” Verity asked with a soft smile. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't. I shook my head. “We have to cross the pass before sunset. I have to leave now.”

  “You’re leaving us?!” a voice cried out behind me. I spun around, startled. It was Mara.

  She was rubbing her fingers nervously, her eyes wide and glistening. She was on the verge of tears. Seeing her like that felt like a physical blow to my stomach. Was she really that sad that I was going?

  “I’ll leave you two alone…” Verity said gently, squeezing my shoulder as she walked past.

  I offered my hand to Mara. “I’m not very good at this… but would you walk me outside? I can explain.”

  Mara looked at me, perplexed, and swallowed hard. She blinked away her tears and nodded vigorously. She stepped toward me and cautiously took my hand. “Thank you…” I whispered, but she didn't respond.

  Hand in hand, we walked toward the door. After a few steps, the words poured out of me. “To find Pip’s cure—and to be able to buy it—I have to compete in the Adept Tournament in three years. To have any chance at all, I’m leaving Aegis with Sir Crownfield to train. I don't know how long it will take…”

  We stood before the front door. I opened it gently, the cold wind blowing into the house, and I let go of her hand.

  She looked at me with wounded eyes, as if letting go had broken her heart. A single tear ran down her cheek, over her freckles.

  I gently wiped the tear away. “Before I go, I want to tell you something. I’m infinitely grateful for your help these last months. You didn't just help me search for a cure; you were the reason I didn't give up. And because words aren't enough, I want you to close your eyes.”

  Mara looked confused, but a small smile touched her lips.

  “Don’t open them until I say so, okay?” I said in a playful, cryptic tone. She looked at me with big, expectant eyes before slowly closing them, her smile widening into a grin.

  Phew, now for the hard part. Nervously, I fumbled the necklace out of my jacket—the one I’d bought for her at the Winter Festival. I hadn't had the chance to give it to her that night, and this was my last opportunity.

  I took a deep breath and unfastened the clasp. I lifted my arms, my hands sliding around her neck and under her silken curls. I carefully fastened the chain, making sure not to snag her hair. I stepped back and looked at her. A delicate silver chain adorned her neck, holding a lavender-colored gemstone.

  It was as if the piece had been made for her. The chain matched her hair, and the gemstone perfectly complimented the color of her eyes. I hoped she’d like it, but… I had to admit, I didn't have the nerves to find out. This was incredibly hard; I’ve always been terrible at goodbyes. Mara was the first person in two lifetimes I had truly come to love since my parents died. The parting hurt more than I wanted to admit.

  Mara’s eyelids fluttered expectantly, but I couldn't bring myself to face the moment. I gathered mana and reduced my weight with a bit of gravity magic. I stepped back silently, my boots making no sound in the snow. I hurried over to the carriage and climbed onto the box. Mara still stood in the doorway with her eyes closed.

  “Let’s go, Idris,” I whispered. “Now.”

  He didn't hesitate. He flicked the reins, and the carriage slowly creaked into motion.

  We were ten meters away, then twenty. The gap was widening.

  “You can open your eyes now!” I shouted back to Mara.

  Startled, Mara opened her eyes. I saw her hand fly to her throat, her fingers finding the silver chain. She looked down, her eyes widening as she saw the lavender stone reflecting the pale winter sun. A wide, beautiful smile spread across her face, and for a second, she looked purely happy.

  Then she looked up.

  She saw the carriage. She saw me, sitting high on the box, moving further and further away toward the dark line of the forest. The realization hit her like a tidal wave. The smile vanished, replaced by a look of pure, unadulterated panic. She took a step off the porch, her hand reaching out as if she could pull the carriage back by sheer will.

  A heartbreaking scream tore through the silent, snow-covered woods, a sound so full of loss it seemed to shatter the very air.

  “DON’T GO!”

  I didn't turn around. I couldn't. I just stared straight ahead at the road, my hands clenched so tight the steel knuckles of my gloves bit into my skin. The forest swallowed us, the trees closing in like a curtain, leaving the scream and the girl with the lavender eyes behind.