The carriage rattled as it crossed the stone bridge leading into Nivaria's capital. Beyond the archway, the view unfolded into broad streets paved with pale stone, tidy rows of shops, and open squares filled with vendors calling out their wares. The air was warmer, laced with the tang of the sea, and in the distance the faint roar of waves never truly faded.

Noel leaned closer to the window, his expression unreadable as he took in the scene. Compared to Valon, this city felt simpler, less gilded—but there was a sturdiness to it, a confidence in the way its people moved. Fishermen carried heavy nets on their shoulders, merchants haggled with sharp voices, and children ran barefoot along the edges of the road.

Beside him, Elena smiled faintly. "It's been a long time since I've been here. I'd almost forgotten the smell of salt in the air."

Livia leaned toward the window as well, her eyes soft. "It's livelier than I remember. The markets have grown."

The carriage turned from the bustling center toward a quieter district. Trees lined the wide avenue, their shade cooling the stone paths. Houses here were larger, sturdier, with tall gates and banners fluttering lazily in the sea breeze.

Noel's gaze sharpened as the carriage slowed, pulling up before an expansive mansion. White walls stretched high, the gates adorned with delicate carvings of waves and spears. Guards in desert-toned armor opened them without hesitation, bowing as the carriage rolled inside.

The wheels ground to a halt in the broad courtyard. Waiting at the steps were two familiar figures—Marcus, standing tall with his usual grin, and Clara at his side, her posture gentle but composed.

The carriage door swung open, and Elena was the first to step down. Her amber eyes lit up the moment she spotted the two waiting figures. "Marcus! Clara!"

Clara moved quickly to meet her, the two girls embracing tightly, laughter softening the air. "It's been some days," Clara said warmly. "I'm so glad you made it back safe."

Elena pulled back with a bright smile. "And I'm glad to see you again."

"It's been so long." She added jokingly.

Meanwhile, Marcus strode forward with his usual grin, catching Noel's eye. "So, you finally made it too. How was the trip?"

Noel stepped down fully, Elena returning to his side almost instinctively, her hand brushing against his as if to confirm his presence. "Long," Noel said simply. "But fine."

Elena added with a nod, "We managed well enough. Nothing too serious."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Coming from you two, that probably means there were monsters on the road and you cut through them like it was nothing."

Noel smirked faintly, but before he could answer, Clara turned from Elena to the rest of them, her voice gentle but steady. "It's good you arrived safely. But don't get too comfortable—the monsters in this Festival Hunt won't be the same as before."

Elena tilted her head. "Stronger?"

Clara nodded, her hazel eyes serious. "Yes. Just as we've all grown, so will the trials. We can't expect what worked last time to carry us through again."

Noel's gaze lingered on her, thoughtful. 'She's right.'

Marcus, ever the one to break tension, clapped a hand on Noel's shoulder. "Don't worry too much. We'll manage somehow. Elena won last time. Although I'll win this year."

Elena smiled softly, her fingers brushing Noel's lightly again. "That's right, I won last year."

The moment felt like a true reunion—friends, couples, allies—bound together again after what felt like too long apart.

But then the sound of wheels creaked through the gates.

Another carriage entered the courtyard, heavy and imposing.

The air shifted at once.

Because this one carried not friends, but Noel's family.

The heavy carriage rolled to a stop, its wheels grinding against the stone of the courtyard. For a moment, the air hung still, charged with expectation. Then the door opened.

Lord Albrecht Thorne stepped down first. His back was straight, his eyes sweeping across the courtyard with the weight of judgment. Even without raising his voice, the silence he carried with him demanded obedience.

His gaze landed squarely on Noel. "It seems the letter I sent—that you are not to be absent—arrived. And you obeyed. Good."

Noel stood tall, meeting his father's eyes. "I received it." His tone was even, neither submissive nor defiant.

Albrecht's lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing further. Behind him descended Lady Mirelle, her eyes narrowing at Noel as if she could strip him bare with a glance. At her side came Kael and Damon, both taller than most, their presence sharp and heavy.

Then came Lady Serina, hair catching the light, her steps soft but her tongue sharper than her smile. Walking just behind her was Sylvette, her posture deceptively demure, but her sly smile gave her away. Her eyes glinted the moment they found Noel, a look that promised amusement at his expense.

The courtyard, which had moments before carried laughter and warmth, grew stiff with unspoken tension.

Mirelle's voice cut the air first, smooth as glass and just as cold. "At least you've learned to stand when addressed. Progress, if nothing else."

Serina followed with a quiet, mocking lilt. "He looks healthier than I expected. Perhaps the academy finally made something of him."

Kael stepped forward, his smile polite, almost warm. "Brother. It's good to see you again. You've changed since the last time we met."

Damon nodded, his tone blunt but not unkind. "Yeah. Stronger, too. I can tell. Guess the academy really did its job."

Their words carried no venom, no arrogance—just a frank acknowledgment that Noel was no longer the boy they remembered.

Sylvette, however, hadn't changed. Her sly smile widened as her eyes locked on Noel. "I've missed this," she murmured just loud enough for him to hear. "Watching you squirm."

Noel's jaw tightened, though his expression remained unreadable. Elena, at his side, shifted slightly, her amber eyes narrowing in quiet warning.

Veyron's hand hovered near his sister's arm, ready to hold her back if things escalated.

The silence stretched, heavy and cold, until Albrecht spoke again. "Enough. Inside. There is much to discuss."

As Albrecht strode toward the mansion doors with Mirelle and Serina at his side, the weight of their presence dragged much of the air with them. Sylvette lingered only long enough to shoot Noel one last amused glance before following.

Damon crossed his arms, "Last time I saw you, you looked like you were carrying too much on your shoulders. Now you just look… steady. Stronger."

Noel studied them for a moment, then inclined his head slightly. "I could say the same. How have you two been?"

Kael's smile widened, softer than expected. "Busy. The family keeps me occupied, though not always in ways I enjoy. But… things have changed for me recently." His eyes flickered almost shyly, though the expression looked strange on his usually composed face.

Damon smirked. "He means he found a girl. Surprised us all, honestly. Never thought Kael would get caught."

Noel raised an eyebrow, faint amusement breaking through his neutral mask. "You? With a girlfriend? Didn't think I'd ever hear that."

Kael chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Neither did I. But… she's worth it."

Noel gave a short nod. "Good. I'm glad."

It was a simple exchange, but in it Noel felt the truth—his brothers had changed. The edge of arrogance was gone, replaced with something more grounded.

From the mansion doors, Albrecht's voice carried sharply. "Enough delays. Inside."

Kael and Damon exchanged a glance, then started walking, Kael clapping Noel lightly on the shoulder as he passed. Damon followed with a grin.

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