The next few days passed in an instant, though each moment was packed with intense preparation and training.
Julian spent every waking hour teaching his daughters, passing on knowledge and techniques they would need in the original world. He taught them advanced combat techniques, showing them how to fight opponents who might be faster, stronger, or more experienced.
Most importantly, he taught them situational awareness—how to read a room, how to identify threats before they show, and how to know when to fight and when to flee. He made them practice scenarios repeatedly: what to do if separated, what to do if he was unable to help them, and what to do if they encountered beings far beyond their capabilities.
The three daughters absorbed everything diligently, their natural talents and centuries of cultivation making them remarkably quick learners.
By the end of the fourth day, Julian was satisfied. They were now truly formidable warriors—not just powerful in raw strength, but skilled, intelligent, and disciplined.
Finally, on the fifth day, it was time for their departure.
Julian stood in the massive garden of the main castle, the morning sun casting long shadows across the vast grounds. He was flanked by all of his wives, who had gathered in a semi-circle around him.
Regina stood closest to his right, her expression carefully controlled, but her eyes couldn't hide the concern that she felt right now. Eleanor was to his left, and behind them stood others—each wearing their emotions differently, but all worried for what was to come.
They were all looking in the direction of one of the grand castles—Seraphine's castle—where the three daughters had spent the last hour making their final preparations.
The silence in the garden was heavy, broken only by the gentle sound of a fountain and the occasional bird song.
Then, slowly, the massive doors of Seraphine's castle began to open.
Lyanna, Cassandra, and Seraphine walked out together, and every eye was immediately drawn to them.
All three were dressed in armor that Julian had personally crafted for them over the past few days.
Seraphine led the group in the center, and her armor was a mixture of red and gold. It was form-fitting, molded to her figure while providing complete protection.
At her hip hung a sword Julian had forged specifically for her—a blade of lightning.
Lyanna walked to Seraphine's right, and her armor reflected her warrior nature. Where Seraphine's armor was elegant, Lyanna's was formidable. At her back, she carried a massive sword—nearly as tall as she was.
Cassandra walked to Seraphine's left, and her armor was the most elegant of the three. Pale blue and silver, it looked like it had been carved from glacial ice and moonlight. The armor was lighter than her sisters', designed for speed and agility rather than direct confrontation.
All three moved with perfect coordination, their footsteps synchronized as they descended the stairs and crossed the garden toward their father and mothers.
As they drew closer, the wives' expressions shifted.
Lisa pressed her hand to her mouth, tears already forming in her eyes. "My daughter," she whispered, staring at Lyanna. "Look at her. She looks like a goddess of war."
Isabel nodded, her own eyes wet. "Cassandra," she whispered. "My beautiful, cautious girl. She looks so strong."
Eleanor felt her heart swell with pride and fear in equal measure. "Seraphine," she said softly. "My daughter." Her voice cracked slightly. "She looks every bit the leader she has become."
Regina stood silent, but her eyes were fixed on all three, taking in every detail. Her hands were clenched at her sides, knuckles white with tension. Others watched with similar mixtures of pride and concern, seeing these young women who they had helped raise now prepared for war.
The three daughters reached the group and stopped ten feet in front of Julian. They placed their right fists over their hearts and bowed.
Then they straightened, and Seraphine spoke:
"We are ready, Father."
Lyanna's voice joined hers, equally confident. "We have absorbed your teachings and will honor them in our actions."
Cassandra finished, quieter but no less determined. "We will not fail you or shame the family that raised us."
Julian studied them for a long moment. Then slowly, a proud smile spread across his face.
"You look magnificent," he said. "All three of you. I couldn't ask for better daughters or stronger companions."
The three young women's faces lit up at the praise, their nervousness giving way to excitement and determination.
But before Julian could continue, Lisa broke first, rushing forward to embrace Lyanna. "My baby," she sobbed, clutching her daughter tightly. "My warrior. Promise me you'll be careful. Promise me you'll come back to me."
Lyanna wrapped her arms around her mother, her own eyes wet. "I promise, Mother. I'll be careful. I'll stay close to Father, and I'll come home safely."
Isabel reached Cassandra at the same moment, pulling her youngest daughter close. "My sweet girl," she whispered. "You're so strong now, so capable. But you're still my baby. Stay safe. Think before you act. Don't take unnecessary risks."
Cassandra nodded against her mother's shoulder. "I will, Mother. I'll be smart. I'll remember everything you taught me."
Eleanor approached Seraphine more slowly. When she reached her daughter, she cupped Seraphine's face in both hands.
"My daughter," Eleanor said, her voice thick with emotion. "My brilliant, strong, capable daughter. You've ruled this realm in your father's absence. You've built civilizations. You've become everything I hoped you would be and more."
Seraphine's composure cracked, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Mother..."
"But you're still my little girl," Eleanor continued, her own tears flowing freely now. "The baby I held in my arms, the child I sang to sleep, the young woman who asked me impossible questions about the world." She pulled Seraphine into a tight embrace. "Come back to me. Whatever happens, whatever you see, come back home."
"I will," Seraphine promised, her voice muffled against her mother's shoulder. "I swear it, Mother. I will come home."
The other wives moved forward as well, each taking turns embracing the daughters.