"I wish you were in this picture too."
Cassian froze, his expression unreadable for a moment.
Realising how her words might be interpreted, Adeline quickly added, "I mean—Benedict, Dimitri, you, me, and Victoria. I wish we were all together, like a family."
Her cheeks burned as she stumbled over her words, and she hoped he didn’t notice.
Cassian’s expression softened again, and his shoulders relaxed. "That sounds nice," he said quietly.
Adeline nodded, her fingers brushing over the bracelet. The thought of having Cassian, Benedict, and Dimitri by her side felt strangely comforting. They weren’t just friends they were her family!
And just like that, the years slipped by in a steady rhythm, marked by milestones, achievements, and moments of change.
Adeline trained relentlessly, her days filled with the sharp clang of swords and the hum of magic sparking at her fingertips. Despite her dedication, there was an ache in her heart that refused to fade. She still hadn’t heard from Dimitri.
Sometimes, in the quiet moments between training sessions or as she drifted off to sleep, she feared she might forget him—the way he smiled, the way he looked at her with unwavering trust.
She sent letters, pouring her thoughts and hopes into them, but the uncertainty of whether they reached him gnawed at her.
Alaric, her eldest brother, had returned from the academy four years ago. Now twenty-two, he had grown into a capable man, shouldering the weight of their family’s responsibilities with quiet confidence.
His days were consumed by preparations to take over as the head of the Griffin house—a transition that was only a year or two away.
Aaron, on the other hand, had left for the academy not too long after Alaric’s return, leaving Adeline feeling a little more isolated.
While she adored Alaric, they didn’t share much in common. He was calm and composed, the perfect image of a future leader, while she was... Still a child! He returned a mature young man, and she was still trying to catch up to her peers.
What was even more frustrating was her height! She was growing too slow! Even though she was taller than the other girls on average, she was shorter than Aaron and that kills her on the inside!
He was always teasing her about her height and using her like an armrest. She was filled with blazing fury. She had to grow tall at any cost!
Aaron would visit once in a while... So would Benedict. But Cassian... Whenever he had the chance to leave to visit family, he would stay in the academy. Every year she would look at the door hoping he would come but he would not.
The royal court was abuzz with scandal and intrigue. The Imperial concubine had given birth to a son, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the palace.
For some, the third prince’s arrival was a pleasant surprise, a hopeful addition to the line of succession. For others, particularly the Empress and her faction, it was a direct threat.
The Empress’s attempts to eliminate the child were as ruthless as they were relentless, yet each attempt ended in failure. Her frustration only grew as the boy, Prince Marcus, turned seven—a bright and curious child unaware of the storm surrounding him.
Perhaps because of these events, Cassian refused to go home. There was no place for him. She was beyond frustrated. He still did not reveal his powers, how could he train?! How could he get a proper teacher if he did not tell anyone?!
She had her moments of crisis to deal with. Prince Marcus was a character that never appeared in the story. Did her meddling cause even more problems to Cassian?!
She formed a plan, a devious plan. If he avoided her, she was going to force him to look at her!
As Adeline prepared to leave for the academy, she couldn’t help but reflect on how much had changed. The world around her was shifting, alliances forming and breaking, while she was on the cusp of her own transformation.
The academy awaited, a place where she would be tested, challenged, and perhaps even find answers to the questions lingering in her heart.
And though the future was uncertain, Adeline felt a flicker of hope. This was her chance to grow, to find her place, and to shape the path ahead.
Adeline herself had turned thirteen—a milestone that felt both exhilarating and daunting. She had worked tirelessly to keep up with her older friends, refusing to let the age gap hold her back.
Her determination paid off. She had earned her place at the prestigious academy through sheer merit, making her the youngest student ever admitted—a prodigy at thirteen.
The prospect of joining the academy filled her with excitement. Aaron, Benedict, and even Cassian were already there, carving their paths and building their reputations. Adeline was eager to step into their world, to make her own mark and prove herself among the best.
Back at home, changes were unfolding within the Griffin family. The biggest news was Alaric’s engagement to Isabelle, a fellow academy graduate.
Their relationship had blossomed naturally, and Isabelle’s confidence in her younger sister’s abilities led her to relinquish her claim as the heiress of the family.
Victoria, now the heiress, had been preparing for her own journey to the academy. Her water magic had only grown stronger over the years, and she was ready to step into her new role.
Adeline couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and excitement for her best friend. They were both embarking on new Chapters of their lives and though their paths would diverge, they shared an unspoken bond.
Stepping into the academy side by side with renewed confidence!
"It seemed like only yesterday you were sending me off..." Alaric rubbed his sister’s hair affectionately. To his side stood Isabelle. She had a gentle smile on her face. She was making sure Victoria looked proper.
Dusting off her clothes and making sure her hair was in place. She made sure Victoria looked her best! They had spent the night there, it would be improper but Isabelle and Alaric were engaged! It was only a matter of time before their official ceremony.
Adeline held Victoria’s hand firmly. It was something she often did when Victoria felt overwhelmed. Right now, she was overwhelmed with emotions. But her cold face would make everyone else think otherwise.
They went from being best friends to sisters-in-laws. Though Victoria was older, they were about the same height. Adeline still held onto the hope that she would one day grow taller than her and tease her about it.
She turned to face her father. She did not know when he became older. There were a few wrinkles near his eyes but his charisma did not diminish one bit. He stood steady like the imposing midday sun. But his face was full of gentleness.
His only daughter would be leaving after all. He would not say he felt this gutted with Alaric or Aaron left. They were boys and they were strong. He knew they would be fine. His daughter was leaving two years earlier than she was supposed to... And that hurt.