I woke to the whisper of sunlight filtering through the window, but this time it wasn’t Velka or Caelia’s voice calling me. It was a soft murmur, almost a lullaby, like that of a mother who doesn’t want to wake her daughter completely. When I opened my eyes, I saw Venesse Aerla, the High Instructor, standing in the doorway with a smile so warm that for a moment I almost forgot everything that had happened in Eiswacht.

  —Good morning, my daughters —she said with that sweet, steady voice that wrapped everything in an invisible embrace—. Today I want all of you to gather with me. Not just the four of you… everyone.

  Caelia, ever attentive, nodded in silence. Velka and Neyra exchanged a curious glance; they could see in Venesse’s eyes a sincerity that could not be faked. As for me, I was left speechless. It was the first time I had heard her so closely, and I felt my whole body loosen, as if I had released a tension I hadn’t even known I was carrying.

  When we reached the main dining hall of the academy, High Instructor Venesse was already there, seated at the center of the grand room. A long table of polished wood overflowed with fresh fruit, warm bread, and steaming tea. Her very presence was like a refuge: she seemed like a mother from another time, someone capable of calming any storm with a single sigh. She wore her white robe, her hair perfectly tied back, and a smile that made me feel as if, even though I had never been close to her, she had always been there.

  —My daughters, please, sit down. Today there are no formalities… only the family we are —she said, her voice soft and warm, like it caressed the air itself.

  Caelia was the first to smile, offering an almost imperceptible bow of respect. Velka and Neyra looked at each other, shy at first, though their smiles betrayed how comfortable they felt. I remained a little stiff, overwhelmed by an unexpected warmth.

  Reia didn’t hesitate. She walked straight to Venesse and hugged her tightly, resting her head on her shoulder like a child seeking comfort.

  —Mama… —she whispered in a trembling voice.

  Irhena also approached. Her lips remained sealed, but her eyes betrayed an unusual gleam. At last, almost inaudibly, she said:

  —Mama…

  Venesse stroked her cheek with tenderness. —I’m happy to see you safe. I’ve been away, but always watching over each of you.

  She turned to the others as if she knew exactly what each soul needed to hear:

  —Thessia —she brushed her silver hair—, do you still carry that dangerous smile?

  Thessia smiled, though her empty eyes did not change. —Only for you, Mama.

  —Maren —she touched her fragile shoulder—, I’m glad you were able to sleep a little last night.

  Maren murmured something inaudible, but Venesse seemed to understand it all.

  —Vaelyn… —her tone grew almost playful—, your shoulders are still as tense as ever.

  Vaelyn straightened proudly, though a faint blush colored her cheeks.

  —Lureya… —Venesse clasped her hand firmly—, you’re so strong you forget that sometimes someone else can care for you too.

  Lureya nodded silently, lips trembling.

  Then she leaned toward Caelyn, the girl with ashen-blue hair, and caressed her cheek with tenderness. —Always so quiet… but I know how much you watch over the others.

  Nysha, by contrast, lingered at the edge, shrinking into herself. Venesse didn’t hesitate. She walked over, wrapped an arm around her, and kissed her forehead.

  —Nysha, your fears hold no power here. Never forget that.

  Finally, her eyes met mine. There was warmth in them, yes… but also sorrow. As if she understood something I myself could not name.

  —Lyss… —she whispered so softly I barely heard—. Just remember you have a home here too.

  I didn’t know what to say. I only nodded, my chest both lighter and heavier at once.

  Velka, who hadn’t missed a single detail, broke the solemnity with a half-smile.

  —Well, if this is family, does that mean we can ask for more rolls, Mama? —she teased, making a few of the girls laugh.

  Venesse chuckled softly, unoffended. —Of course, daughter. Here there will never be a lack of bread… nor of love.

  And in that instant, I felt something strange: that we truly belonged to something greater than ourselves.

  —Today I want to ask for your forgiveness for my absence. They were matters the queen entrusted to me, but now that I have returned, I am here for you, to listen to you and take care of you. I prepared this breakfast myself, so you know how much I love you and how much I value you.

  We all sat down. The table overflowed with tea, fruit, warm bread. Caelia smiled and said with that calm that always defined her:

  —Venesse… this breakfast is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  Velka couldn’t resist the chance to joke. With a mischievous smile, she leaned toward me and said:

  —Hey, Lyss, this is the sweetest thing you’re going to taste today, isn’t it?

  Neyra gave her a light tap on the arm with a half-reproachful smile:

  —Velka, please, can you behave a little? Just a little.

  Velka pretended to roll her eyes, but flashed me a knowing smile that made me laugh too. For a moment, there were no wars, no goddesses, no crowns. Just us, sharing a moment where we could be women, friends, sisters.

  I saw how Venesse looked at each of us with limitless tenderness. In her eyes there was no judgment, only love and care. And for the first time in a long time, I felt that… maybe everything would be all right.

  After we finished breakfast, Venesse came to me with a soft smile.

  —Lyss, would you accompany me for a moment? —she asked in that warm voice that dissolved any tension.

  I nodded and followed her into a small private room. The room was simple, with a low table and embroidered cushions. Venesse gestured for me to sit across from her, and she did as well, crossing her legs with elegance. Her hands rested in her lap and her clear blue eyes held mine with infinite tenderness.

  —I know you’re new here, Lyss —she began—. And I haven’t had the time to truly get to know you. I want to change that today.

  Her tone was so maternal, so full of care, that I felt disarmed.

  —I promise you something —she said, leaning toward me—. Nothing we say here will leave these walls. Not even the queen will know.

  I tensed, my fingers nervously playing with the edge of my skirt.

  —Wouldn’t that get you in trouble…? —I asked cautiously.

  Venesse sighed, and her smile grew even sweeter, though there was a trace of sadness in her eyes.

  —It could, yes —she admitted—. It has happened before. But I’ve learned that my love and loyalty are always with you first, my daughters. Because that’s what you are: not just warriors or weapons, but unique women, full of light and strength.

  The warmth of her words made me lower my gaze.

  —And I want to apologize —she continued softly—. For not consulting you before your incorporation into Lumina Umbrae. It was sudden… and last night I told you that I had also accepted the decision. But that wasn’t entirely true. The queen had already imposed her will, and I had to give my vote. —She lowered her gaze for a moment, sadness flickering across her face—. That’s why I ask your forgiveness again, because although I seemed to agree, in my heart I wasn’t.

  She raised her eyes again, with that tenderness that almost broke me.

  —I just want you to know that I think of you with every step I take. Always.

  It was the first time someone had spoken to me like that, with that mix of authority and tenderness. And I didn’t know whether to answer… or simply let those words envelop me.

  Venesse looked at me gently.

  —Do you have something that troubles you, Lyss? I can see it in your eyes.

  I took a deep breath. I didn’t know if I should say it, but the warmth of her voice, the promise of secrecy… it made me feel that, at last, I had someone who wasn’t just a friend, but almost like a mother.

  —Yes —I whispered—. I’m… I’m in love. With an ordinary man, Silas. I’ve seen him in secret. And I know it’s dangerous, but I can’t… I don’t want to lose him.

  Venesse didn’t flinch. Her expression didn’t change, except for a soft gleam of tenderness in her eyes. She leaned closer and, with a gesture so gentle it disarmed me, brushed a strand of hair from my forehead before speaking.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  —Do you think you’re the first? —she said with a small, warm laugh—. You all have a heart, Lyss. And more than one has followed it, despite everything.

  I shivered at the gesture, so simple and maternal, that it felt as if a weight had been lifted from my chest.

  —I’m not going to judge you —Venesse went on, her voice firm yet sweet—. I won’t tell you it’s wrong. The only thing I ask is that you be careful, not for me or for Seravenn, but for yourself. You are special, Lyss. And Silas, even if he may not fully understand, is also someone who loves you.

  —And don’t worry —she added softly—, no one else will know this. I won’t share it with anyone.

  Her words startled me.

  —Why are you like this with us? —I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

  Venesse closed her eyes for a moment, as if searching for the words.

  —Because you are daughters of Seravenn, but beyond that… you are my daughters as well. I’ve seen how war can consume you, how the weapons you carry can become part of you. I can’t allow you to forget who you truly are. And for that… you need to know that there is someone here who sees you, who listens to you, and who loves you unconditionally.

  My lips trembled, and I could only nod. Venesse took my hands in hers, her fingers warm against mine.

  —If you ever need to talk, about anything, I’ll be here. As a mother, not as an instructor.

  —Thank you… —I murmured, feeling my eyes sting a little.

  She smiled and released my hands.

  —Now go, get some rest before what’s to come. But remember, Lyss: no matter what happens, or how war tries to change you… I will still be here for you.

  She leaned in a little and added in a calm tone that still carried the weight of what lay ahead:

  —Later I’ll call you to meet your temporary squad, so I want you to be ready for that.

  I nodded, carrying that warmth in my chest. It was a balm I hadn’t known I needed, but it made me feel less alone. And as I stood up and left the room, I realized that, for the first time, someone had called me “daughter,” and it had felt real.

  I lingered in the corridor, Venesse’s voice still echoing in my head. I felt a strange warmth in my chest, as if she had given me permission to be human, not just a soldier or a goddess. She was so different from the other Veils… from the queen. They always seemed to see us as tools, even when they praised us. But Venesse… she looked at me like a daughter, like someone who mattered for what I was, not for what I could do.

  I sighed, still digesting it all, and walked a little through the academy halls. I thought of Lumina Umbrae and what it would mean to be with them. I wasn’t so afraid of the danger or the demands. What unsettled me was that, for the first time, I wouldn’t be with my squad. With Caelia, Velka, and Neyra. It would be… something I had never faced.

  Just then, I heard the soft murmur of footsteps behind me. It was Irhena, with her almost mocking smile and her head tilted to the side.

  —Thinking too much about what’s coming? —she asked in a tone so light it almost sounded like a joke.

  —A little —I admitted, lowering my gaze. She stopped beside me, crossing her arms.

  —I’ll just tell you this, Lyss: keep training your anger, even if I’m not with you these days. It’s yours. Find its shape. Don’t let anyone else mold it for you.

  I nodded, though I didn’t know what to say. Irhena looked at me with a mix of pride and expectation. As if she were waiting for something big… and that scared me.

  —I’ll try —I promised, and she smiled, but said nothing more.

  Then I heard firm steps. Caelia appeared at the end of the corridor, her leader’s bearing as steady as ever. Her eyes fixed on Irhena with a cold glimmer.

  —Irhena. Don’t you think you’ve had enough for today?

  Irhena tilted her head, and for a second, the mocking smile vanished. Something in her softened, as if Caelia had spoken a magic word. She lowered her gaze slightly, a gesture almost imperceptible, and then returned to her carefree tone.

  —As always, Caelia. You decide when to stop.

  Caelia pressed her lips together, but said nothing else. She only looked at me, and her eyes softened slightly.

  —Lyss, come. Velka and Neyra are outside. They want to say goodbye before you leave.

  I nodded, walking beside her. The echo of Irhena’s footsteps still lingered in the corridor, and I couldn’t help but say quietly:

  —She wasn’t doing anything wrong… she was just talking to me.

  Caelia let out a short, almost imperceptible sigh, her eyes fixed ahead.

  —That’s the problem, Lyss. With Irhena, it’s never just talking. She’s always one step away from crossing the line.

  I stopped for a moment, surprised by the harshness of her tone.

  —You know her that well? —I asked.

  Caelia lowered her gaze a little, and for an instant her face revealed something that looked like pain, a memory she didn’t want to share.

  —Let’s just say I do —she replied with forced calm—. And that’s why I know what I’m saying.

  I didn’t press further, though the weight of her response followed me until we reached where Velka and Neyra were waiting.

  Velka was the first to step forward. Her arms wrapped tightly around me, and though her smile was the same as always—playful, mischievous—there was something different glimmering in her eyes, something far more vulnerable. When she finally pulled back, her fingers lingered against my arm, as if reluctant to let go.

  —I wouldn’t like to be left without my wife, —she whispered with that unique blend of jest and truth only she could wield, her gaze locked on mine with a strange intensity.

  I laughed softly, though the words left a knot in my chest.

  —I promise I’ll be back soon, —I replied, trying to keep the tone light, even as my voice trembled slightly.

  Neyra came next. Her friendly tap against my arm was gentle, yet her eyes carried an unusual gravity.

  —And don’t forget: whatever you do out there, do it your way. Don’t let anyone make you forget who you are.

  —Thank you, Neyra, —I whispered sincerely.

  Caelia stayed silent until the very end. When she embraced me, it was with that steady strength that had always defined her. She didn’t need words; her presence alone reminded me that I would always have a place to return to. But as she pulled away, her hands lingered firmly on my shoulders, and she met my gaze with unwavering resolve.

  —Come back, Lyss, —she said at last, her tone low but commanding, both an order and a plea.

  I stood among the three of them for a moment longer, feeling their warmth, their weight, their trust. And as I finally walked away with slow, reluctant steps, the echo of their voices and their eyes stayed with me—like a silent promise that I wasn’t alone, even if the next stretch of the path had to be walked without them.

  The air in the corridor seemed charged with electricity as Venesse walked beside me, her soft but firm steps echoing like a heartbeat. Her presence was a balm for my tense nerves, and yet… with every step I drew closer to something that chilled my skin.

  —They’re waiting —she told me, her sweet voice leaving no doubt of her authority—. Lumina Umbrae expects you. I want you to remember, Lyss: you are not an intruder. They already know who you are… and who you might become.

  I nodded, a knot in my throat.

  When we reached the door, Venesse stopped. Her hand lingered on my shoulder for a second, giving me a moment of warmth before gently pushing it open. The metal panel slid with a soft whisper, revealing the meeting room.

  The atmosphere inside was… different. The air felt denser, charged with something that wasn’t just power. It was the sensation of standing before those who had no need to prove themselves to dominate everything around them.

  They were there.

  Caelyn sat by the window, the pale morning light spilling across her almost translucent skin. Her long ash-blue hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her movements were so fluid she seemed like a mirage. She held a cup of dark tea in her hands, and her gray, profound eyes seemed to contemplate something beyond the room itself.

  Next to her, Nysha hunched slightly in her chair, elbows resting on the table as though every fiber of her body was ready to flee. Her straight black hair fell in untidy strands, and the dark circles under her wide eyes gave her a fragile air that made me hold my breath. Every time her fingers tapped against the wood, a faint tremor ran through her body.

  And at the center, standing with an almost unreal calm, was Reia.

  Even without her magic active, she radiated something none of the others could imitate. Her military uniform resembled ours: dark gray, close-fitted, marked with the symbols of Seravenn, but delicate golden filigree lined the edges of her jacket, and a brooch shaped like a seven-pointed star gleamed over her heart. Her pure white hair was tied into a loose braid over her right shoulder, and her blue eyes, so full of light, seemed to see everything I couldn’t yet see in myself.

  Venesse made a subtle gesture with her hand —both a greeting and permission.

  —Girls —she said with maternal warmth—. As you know, today Lyss Velcrux joins you. I want you to welcome her as a sister… and as an equal.

  Reia was the first to react. A gentle, almost luminous smile crossed her face as she stepped forward until she stood right before me. Her hands didn’t tremble when she took mine, and her voice sounded like a soft hymn.

  —Lyss… —she said—. I never imagined our paths would cross like this. When Seravenn fell… I never thought we would end up as squadmates.

  Her words struck me with a strange mix of relief and… something else. Something that made me feel small, and yet seen.

  Reia released one of my hands and gently drew me into an embrace.

  —Mama —she said, with such natural sincerity that for a second she truly seemed to be her mother—. Let me introduce her to my sisters.

  Venesse nodded, stepping back. Her smile didn’t lose its warmth, but her eyes gleamed with silent pride.

  Reia turned to Caelyn, who rose with almost poetic slowness. Her voice was soft, but every word carried a weight of tenderness and respect.

  —This is Caelyn —she said—. Her emotion is deep sorrow… but don’t be deceived. Hers is a melancholy that can heal or poison, like rain on a gray day. She commands mists and waters as if they were an extension of her thoughts.

  Caelyn lowered her head slightly, a fleeting smile crossing her lips, more sigh than expression. Her eyes moved over me with a calm that disarmed me.

  —It’s a pleasure —she murmured. Her voice was a whisper, as though she feared breaking the air itself by speaking.

  Reia continued, turning toward Nysha.

  The girl tensed her shoulders under the attention, and when Reia slipped an arm behind her, Nysha visibly trembled, like a frightened little animal. But Reia didn’t seem upset. Her fingers brushed her lightly, giving her a fragile certainty.

  —And this is Nysha —she said—. Her emotion is fear… but fear that never runs, fear that makes her stronger when it should break her. Her shadows aren’t mere illusions… they are her demons, and her power.

  Nysha nodded briefly, lips pressed into a trembling line. Even so, she met my eyes for a second. That was enough.

  Reia then stepped back, releasing them, and looked at me with that strange light in her eyes.

  —And I… well —she smiled gently—, you already know me, at least a little. Hope is my emotion, though at times it weighs as heavily as the others. I am not so different from you, Lyss… but I am, too. Because while your fire is dark and deep, mine… always seeks the light.

  The difference between us was like an abyss, and yet the way she said it didn’t sound like distance. It sounded… like invitation.

  Venesse intervened then, her voice filling the room again like an embrace.

  —Today you will have your first mission together —she said—. A northern province has been struck by the overflowing of a river. The people are afraid… and they need to see their goddesses. Your mission is not to fight, but to inspire. You will show them that hope is still alive. That Seravenn has not forgotten them.

  My heart stopped for a second.

  Show myself… like this?

  With magic I barely knew how to control? With a uniform that left me so exposed, with all those parts of me I still felt ashamed of?

  But Venesse’s gaze met mine, and without words, reminded me that I was not alone.

  The three of Lumina Umbrae nodded as one, with the certainty of those who already knew their place in this world. I drew in a deep breath. My hands trembled. But I did not step back.

  Because for the first time since it all began… I didn’t want to run.