Elianna looked out the window with anticipation, feeling the carriage she was riding in slightly rock back and forth. She eyed the mansions as they rode past, feeling eager to reach her destination. Today was an important day for Elianna, even though it wasn't about her. Today was about Nicholas celebrating his fifteenth birthday.

  The corners of her lips curved into a small smile as she recollected the birthdays Nicholas and she had celebrated over the years. The birthdays before Nicholas came into her life didn't seem to compare to the ones she celebrated with him. Sure, she loved being around her family and loved ones, but Nicholas had always made it so much better.

  With her gaze flicking across from her, Elianna observed how her mother and father sat side by side. Katarina was deeply immersed in the book she was reading while Lucian was busy looking at a couple of documents.

  Elianna frowned as she observed the documents in her father's hands, knowing that they were reports about the recent attacks on the cities, as well as the infernal cult. She wasn't supposed to know, but she had overheard her father and mother speaking about it. It was how she knew her father had been incredibly busy lately, which is why he'd been coming home late and hadn't had time to train her. Elianna missed the days when she could train beside her father, but she understood the situation.

  Katarina looked up, noticing her daughter's locked gaze. She followed her line of sight, seeing Lucian going over another recent report. Katarina mentally sighed, knowing Lucian had been under a lot of stress lately, trying to deal with everything. Katarina closed her book, giving Lucian a soft smile, "Lucian."

  Lucian hummed, not looking up from his papers, "What?"

  Katarina gestured to the papers in his hand, "Why don't you give that a rest and relax."

  Lucian hummed and nodded, "Yes, that's fine."

  Elianna's brows furrowed with confusion at her father's response.

  Katarina, however, let out a breath, knowing Lucian wasn't even listening since he was so invested in what he was reading. Katarina gingerly reached out and hovered her hand in front of his eyes.

  Lucian flinched back slightly from Katarina's hand, and his head snapped to her, with his brows furrowed, "What is it? I'm trying to read this."

  Katarina gave him a soft, loving smile as she retracted her hand, "I know. But why don't you take a little break?"

  Lucian's eyes fell, and he sighed, "I don't know. I have a lot to go over."

  Lucian looked back up and curiously watched as Katarina subtly jerked her chin. Lucian looked to where she was motioning, seeing Elianna sitting there eyeing him. When their gazes met, Elianna gave him a smile. Suddenly, Lucian felt horrible since he was supposed to be spending time with his family right now, but he was too consumed with work. So, he decided one evening off couldn't hurt.

  Lucian returned his daughter's smile and stored the papers in his hand in his spatial ring. "Sorry about that, Munchkin."

  "That's okay," Elianna said, her tone understanding. "I know you've been busy."

  Lucian's eyes softened, knowing he and his daughter hadn't really spent that much time together recently. Ever since she was five, she would come over and train with him at the garrison. But ever since the attack, she hasn't returned because everything has been so hectic.

  Lucian sighed dejectedly. "Yeah, I'm sorry, Munchkin. Once everything calms down, you can return to the garrison with me."

  Elianna's smile widened. "That sounds nice." She gave her father a competitive look. "I just hope you haven't been letting your skills get rusty. I don't want to beat you too quickly."

  Lucian's brows raised in surprise before he gave a genuine, humourous laugh, "Don't you worry about me. I will still be able to beat you with one arm tied behind my back."

  Elianna grinned as she and Lucian began a competitive back-and-forth.

  Katarina smiled warmly, leaning back into her seat, with her gaze flicking between Lucian and Elianna. She had always loved the relationship they had and loved her family dynamic.

  Looking back out the window, Katarina said, "Oh, looks like we arrived."

  Elianna and Lucian stopped their who-can-beat-who contest, and both looked out the window. Elianna's excitement and smile grew as she observed the Argyle's residence come into view before they turned down their driveway. Elianna sat straight, looking out the window eagerly as the carriage eventually made its way to the front of the mansion and stopped. Elianna had to practically remind herself to stay still, patiently waiting as the carriage driver opened the door.

  Katarina and Lucian thanked the carriage driver as they exited, with Elianna practically hopping out after them. As soon as Elianna's feet hit the ground, the cold winter air nipped at her face, and she could see her breath as she exhaled. Elianna lifted her hands, cupped them around her mouth, and breathed into them for some warmth.

  Katarina tightened her coat around herself, as she was never a fan of the cold. "Let's hurry up and get inside."

  "Agreed," Elianna nodded.

  Lucian comically chuckled at his wife and daughter before he turned and began climbing the mansion steps, with Elianna and Katarina following him. When he reached the front door, he didn't even have a chance to knock before Quinton opened the door and respectfully bowed.

  "Good afternoon, Lord and Lady Vail's," Quinton said as he stood up. He gestured inside the mansion, "Please, come in."

  "Thank you," Lucian said as he and his family entered.

  As Elianna stepped into the mansion, she contently smiled as the sweet feeling of warmth hugged her skin.

  Quinton closed the door and turned to face the Vail's, "May I take your coats?"

  "Yes, please," Katarina said as the three of them began to undo her coats.

  Elianna removed her coat, leaving her in a long-sleeved shirt and leggings. She handed the coat over to Quinton and curiously asked, "Where is everyone?"

  Quinton took her coat, draping it over his arm, "The Argyles are currently in the sitting room, minus Lord Nicholas." Quinton pointed upstairs, "Lord Nicholas is currently in his room."

  Elianna eagerly looked at her parents, and before she even asked, Katarina said with a smile, "Go ahead."

  Elianna happily nodded and practically ran up the stairs. She turned down the hallway and quickly made her way to Nicholas' room, where she observed that the door was closed. She knocked on the door, but she didn't get an answer. After knocking the second time and still not getting an answer, Elianna wondered if Quinton was wrong and if Nicholas, indeed, wasn't in his bedroom.

  Elianna slightly opened the door and peeked her head in. Her brows furrowed, seeing Nicholas' well-kept room was currently empty, and she initially thought he wasn't in there. However, it wasn't until her eyes flicked to his closed bathroom door and saw a light coming from inside that she concluded that Nicholas was in the restroom and couldn't hear her.

  A mischievous smile crept upon Elianna's face as she thought about scaring him when he exited the restroom. So, she quietly opened and closed the door and looked around for a hiding place when she froze. Her brows raised high in surprise, seeing a painting that wasn't there before hanging above Nicholas' bed.

  Elianna walked over to the edge of Nicholas' bed, staring at the painting. It definitely wasn't the best, as it was a basic painting of a brown and green tree growing on a grassy field under a light blue sky. The painting definitely wasn't Nicholas'. One, because it was nowhere near as good as his creations. And two, it was because Elianna recognized it as the painting she made when she and Nicholas had their chat.

  Elianna's lips curved as she remembered that day. When she entered his studio, she had no idea what their friendship would be like from then on. But, if anything, it made their friendship stronger. Nicholas opened up to her that day, telling her what it was like as a prince. He told her how he was always treated with respect by staff and how people would always walk on eggshells around him since they didn't want to offend royalty. He told her how he never had any friends since all the children around his age would always treat him differently or just want to be close to him since he was the prince.

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  When Elianna asked Nicholas about his family, he said that he and his father always had a strained relationship. However, when it came to his brother, Nicholas only said they didn't get along and left it at that.

  The entire time they talked, Elianna listened intently to Nicholas, wanting to know everything about his life in Gavaria. And when they were done, she made sure to call him an idiot again for even thinking she would see him differently.

  "I think it looks good up there," Nicholas' voice sounded behind her, making Elianna jump slightly in surprise. "Don't you?"

  Elianna shrugged, tilting her head slightly, "I don't know." She turned around, seeing Nicholas casually standing close to her, looking at the painting with his sea-green gems. She smiled at him, "I think a more elegantly well-done painting would better suit its place."

  Nicholas' gaze met hers, making her stomach flutter, "You don't think it's a good painting?"

  Elianna comically chuckled, "Definitely not. I did tell you I can't paint."

  "Yes, you did, "Nicholas smiled and looked back at the painting. "But, even though it's not the best painting in my collection, it's still my favorite."

  Elianna's brows furrowed, and she pointed at the painting over her shoulder with her thumb, "That painting? Why?"

  Nicholas' gaze met hers again, and he shrugged, "Because you're the one who made it."

  Elianna's brows rose, her cheeks burned instantly, and her lips went slightly agape. She stood there motionlessly like an idiot for a good second or two before she cleared her throat and collected herself. "O-Oh," Elianna stuttered and stood straight, trying to hide her broad grin. "I see." She swallowed hard, "Um, speaking of art, I got you something."

  The corner of Nicholas' mouth curved, "I thought I told you I didn't need anything."

  Elianna rolled her eyes, "Yeah, right. Like I wasn't going to get you anything for your birthday." She narrowed her eyes on him, "I swear. You are the most difficult person to shop for."

  Nicholas amusingly chuckled, "Maybe I just want to make things difficult for you."

  Elianna pouted and playfully punched him in the arm, getting a laugh out of him. "Do you want your present or not?"

  Nicholas rubbed his arm, smiled, and nodded.

  Elianna reached up, and Nicholas' eyes widened in surprise as a tan leather satchel appeared in her hand in a flash of emerald light. Elianna smiled nervously, "It's so you can carry your drawing supplies." She anxiously cleared her throat, "I-I know that you already carry your items in your spatial ring, but I just thought it would be easier if it were all in one place." Her eyes were locked on him, staring at his surprised expression, trying to gauge whether he liked the present or not.

  Nicholas smiled warmly and took the satchel from Elianna. He held it in both hands, studying it with his gleaming eyes.

  Elianna nervously watched him, not knowing if he liked the present or if he thought it was stupid. "So, uh, how do you like it?"

  Nicholas' eyes met hers, and his smile grew. He stored the satchel in his spatial ring and took Elianna into a tight hug. "I love it."

  Elianna's nervousness immediately melted away, her stomach fluttered, and her cheeks grew incredibly warm. She smiled as she returned his hug, "I'm glad."

  They held the hug for a few moments before they broke the hug, and Nicholas said, "Ready to go downstairs? The food should be ready."

  "Yeah," Elianna said and stepped back. She gestured to the door, "After you."

  "Don't mind if I do," Nicholas said and made his way to the door.

  Elianna smiled as she followed him out of the room and closed the door behind her. They made their way to the first floor, where they could hear voices coming from the dining room.

  "Celine," Nicholas heard Freya say. "Can you please go get Nicholas and Elianna?"

  "No need," Nicholas said as he entered the room. He smiled at everyone, seeing all of them sitting at the table, with the Argyle's on one side, the Vail's on the other, and Mathew sitting at the head of the table. "We're here."

  "Perfect timing," Mathew chuckled. "They're just about to serve the food."

  Freya's eyes flicked to Elianna as she walked in, and she smiled, "Hello, Elianna. I haven't had a chance to greet you yet."

  "That's because she didn't waste a second to go see Nick," Celine jested, earning a chorus of laughter from the table.

  Elianna blushed in embarrassment and smiled at the Argyle's as she took her seat beside her mother, "It's good to see you all."

  "And a happy birthday to you, Nicholas," Katarina kindly said as he took his seat beside Celine.

  "Happy birthday, young man," Lucian said, raising his glass in a toast.

  "Thank you," Nicholas responded with a smile and nod.

  A moment later, the kitchen doors opened, and mansion staff came out, carrying plates of spaghetti with garlic bread.

  "Ah, food is served," Mathew said as the staff placed the drinks and food in front of everyone before leaving. "Before we start eating," Mathew began, stood up, and raised a glass to Nicholas. "Let us all wish my nephew a happy birthday, with many more to come."

  Nicholas smiled as everyone raised their glass, wishing him a happy birthday. When his eyes met Elianna's, she shot him a warm smile.

  "Well, everyone," Mathew began and took his seat. He gestured to the food, "Dig in."

  The table broke into casual conversation as everyone ate their food. The conversation ranged from Celine's time at Tri-Union Academy to how Elianna's almost done with her at-home studies and what Nicholas wants to do when he's older, to which he said he wants to be a mage in the Tri-Union Mage Order.

  Once everyone was finished eating, Quinton walked into the room and asked, "Lord Nicholas, would you like the presents now or later?"

  Nicholas' brows raised before he looked around the table, "I said I didn't need any presents."

  Freya gave Nicholas a deadpan look, "Like we weren't going to give you presents." She looked at Quinton and smiled, "Now is fine."

  Nicholas sighed as Quinton left and returned a moment later with three maids, each of the three holding a present. They placed the presents down on the table before wishing him a happy birthday and walking off.

  Nicholas grabbed a smaller-sized present that was in a bag. He took the card out and read, "Happy birthday, Nicholas, love Uncle Mathew, Aunt Freya, and Celine." He reached into the bag and smiled as he pulled out a beautiful golden pocket watch. "Woah," Nicholas said, mesmerized by how nice it was. He looked at his family and smiled, "This is beautiful. Thank you!"

  Mathew smiled and raised a glass, "You're welcome, kiddo."

  Nicholas stored the pocket watch in his spatial ring and picked up the next present. It was a medium-sized flat present, and Nicholas picked up the card and read, "Happy Birthday, Nicholas, from Lucian, Katarina, and Elianna." Nicholas opened the present, and his eyes widened in pleasant surprise, seeing it was a painting of the constellations in the sky. "Oh wow!" Nicholas expressed, his eyes tracing the beautiful painting. "This is... this is perfect." He smiled at the Vail's, "Thank you so much!"

  Katarina smiled, "You're welcome." She looked at Elianna, "Elianna told us how much you love astronomy."

  Nicholas looked at Elianna, and she smiled and blushed. Nicholas smiled and nodded, "I do, and I love it."

  Nicholas looked at the third present, which was a large rectangular box with a note on top, "And who is this from?" When no one answered, Nicholas looked around the table.

  Everyone at the table shared a gaze, all shaking their heads.

  "What does the card say?" Elianna asked, her curious gaze locked on the envelope.

  Nicholas curiously looked at the present and picked the envelope up. His eyes fell to the wax seal, and his eyes widened, with his heart skipping a beat, seeing the symbol of a dragon. "I-It has my family crest on it..."

  Freya frowned and quickly stood up from the table. She walked over to Nicholas and stood beside him as she took the envelope from him. Seeing the Rinehart royal seal, Freya looked up and called out, "Quinton!"

  A moment later, everyone looked at Quinton as he hurriedly entered the room with a questioning look, "Yes, My Lady?"

  Freya pointed to the present, "This present. Where did it come from?"

  Quinton eyed the box, "Ah. A messenger delivered it not long ago."

  Freya's eyes narrowed, "Just a messenger?"

  Quinton thought for a moment, "Well, there was a group of them. All dressed in cloaks. They said it was a present for Pri- I mean Lord Nicholas."

  Mathew glared at Quinton, "And why wasn't I notified?"

  Quinton started at Mathew's intense gaze, "I-I didn't think there was anything of concern."

  Mathew sighed and dismissed Quinton with a wave, "Thank you."

  Quinton bowed before leaving the room.

  Everyone looked at Freya as she stared at the wax seal, her lips tight. Finally, with a sigh, she broke the seal and opened it. If there was something in the letter belittling Nicholas, she didn't need him seeing it. As Freya's eyes looked over the writing on the card, her brows raised.

  "What does it say?" Nicholas asked hesitantly.

  Freya looked at Nicholas before looking back at the card, "It says, 'To my son.'"

  "That's it?" Mathew asked incredulously.

  Freya nodded, "That's it."

  Nicholas curiously looked at the present before reaching out and pulling it toward him. He stood up from his seat and stared down at the present with a complex expression while everyone looked at him.

  "You don't have to open it," Elianna gently said. She knew how complicated his relationship was with his father.

  Nicholas sighed and nodded, "I know."

  Without wasting another second, Nicholas began to unwrap the present, revealing a beautiful black leather-bound box with the Rineheart family symbol engraved on the front. With another breath, he undid the latch on the box and opened it. Nicholas' eyes widened in pleasant surprise, seeing a beautiful staff inside the box.

  The staff was made of beautiful brown wood, with a long silver staff head with an intricate design and a large mana gem on top. A single strange of silver metal trailed down from the staff head, circling down the staff to a silver point at the bottom.

  "Woah," Nicholas began, almost at a loss for words. "I-It's beautiful."

  Everyone stood up from their seats, eyeing the staff.

  "Oh my gosh," Elianna said, her eyes gleaming at the staff. "It really is."

  "I-It can't be," Freya whispered in disbelief.

  All eyes darted to her, seeing she was eyeing the staff with surprise, and her eyes were watery. With a shaky hand, Freya reached out, and her fingers gingerly traced the staff.

  "Aunt Freya?" Nicholas said, concerned by her reaction.

  Freya smiled softly as she oh-so-carefully picked up the staff, holding it gingerly in both hands. "I can't believe he kept this."

  "What do you mean?" Nicholas asked, confused.

  Everyone watched Freya curiously as she eyed the staff, almost like she was looking at a long-lost loved one.

  Freya looked at Nicholas and gave a small smile, "Nicholas, sweetheart. This was your mother's staff."

  Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.

  Nicholas' gaze flicked to the staff, and his heart beat faster as he examined it. He gently reached out and touched it with the tip of his fingers, saying, "M-My mom's..."

  Freya smiled and nodded before carefully reaching it out to him, "Take good care of this, Nicholas."

  Nicholas nodded, staring at the staff, and carefully took it. He held it close, and his eyes traced it up and down. Soon, his lips curved into a smile as he held his mother's staff. He couldn't explain it, but he felt a certain warmth in his heart as he held it. And with that warmth, Nicholas promised himself that he would become a great mage, just like his mother.