Lukas woke slowly, his whole body aching as if every bone had been broken and glued back together. He didn’t try to get up right away; he just lay on the healers’ bed, listening.
Voices came to him like distant echoes — nobles whispering about alliances, merchants betting fortunes on rumors, Patriarchs murmuring about awakened blood. Even the names of the Emperor and Elizabeth drifted from mouth to mouth.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
— What a racket. This festival’s too loud.
---
?? The White Wolf
A movement on the balcony caught his eye. Under the moonlight, a man sat cross-legged on the railing as if he owned the night. His long white-wolf coat fluttered in the wind, and a silver braid trailed down his back.
The stranger grinned, cheerful, like an old friend reunited.
— Finally awake, huh? The skinny guy who broke the Queen’s hammer! I like your style.
Lukas pushed himself up, eyes half narrowed with suspicion. — Who are you?
His right eye glowed gold — César’s reflection. His left clouded in black mist — Morgana’s remnant.
Inside his mind, two voices clashed like crossing blades:
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— Be careful, young legionary. We don’t know this man, warned César, solemnly.
— Mmm… what a delicious wild scent, Morgana purred. Look at this professor, Lukas… bet he knows how to bite hard.
The man raised an eyebrow, laughing even louder.
— Whoa, easy there! I’m Tailer Aspenwolf, professor of the House of Forest Echoes in Delos.
Lukas exhaled, letting his eyes return to normal. — Got it.
Tailer leaned forward, tone light like a tavern chat.
— You’re heading to Delos next year, right? Ever thought about joining the Echoes?
Lukas thought for a second, then gave a tired smile. — Maybe. I like you. I’ll think about it.
But then he added, steady: — Let me make a promise, professor. If I see the light of the White Wolf again during this festival… I’ll consider joining the Echoes when I reach Delos.
Tailer’s grin faded into respect. — Fair enough, — he said quietly. — Then I’ll be waiting for that light.
Morgana laughed in Lukas’s head. I like this wolf already! He looks like good trouble.
César sighed. Another piece on the board. Be cautious, Lukas.
---
?? The Bidding for Leli
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the hall, Leli could barely breathe. Professors and patrons swarmed around her like vultures over easy prey. They hadn’t even waited for Luiz — who’d promised to introduce them properly — they’d just gone ahead, sniffing opportunity.
— Join the Templars! It’s the home of faith and discipline!
— The Panser will grant you strength and barbarian glory!
— The Gorgons prize strategic fusion — combat, poison, and intellect! With us, you’ll win before the battle even starts!
Leli raised her hands, laughing nervously.
— No, no! I haven’t decided yet! I want to stay with my brother!
Voices overlapped, each trying to shout louder. Then a timid yet firm voice cut through the noise.
Professor Elisandra Xadrez adjusted her glasses, her face flushed.
— Leli… you’re wonderful. Come learn in my House — the House of Supports. I can show you how chess and the mind open doors that strength never can.
Leli blinked, surprised, and smiled. — That, I want to hear!
The two walked off hand-in-hand, chatting, leaving the others grumbling.
— Insolent girl… one rival muttered. That Xadrez woman’s sly tactics again.
Leli looked at Elisandra, giggling softly. — If they push any harder, I won’t join any House.
Elisandra blushed but smiled faintly. — Then let’s talk in peace.
---
?? The Closing
Still lying down, Lukas watched quietly. The weight of the night was clear to him — Anatoly, the attack… something was coming.
But under the moonlight, after the promise made to the White Wolf, even the inevitable felt like part of a larger board.
End of Chapter 21
