Chapter 144. Sort out
Three days had passed since the banquet, and the Threx family had left for their estate yesterday morning. Lysa’s tearful goodbye lingered in Leo’s mind—she’d clung to his leg, sobbing into his tunic, not wanting to leave her hero. he promised they’d meet again, coaxing a shaky smile before her parents gently pulled her away.
Now, in the cool dawn air outside Caulem Manor, Leo stood on the cobblestone courtyard. He stifled a yawn, rubbing his crimson eyes as a light breeze carried the scent of dew and polished leather.
Servants hurried around Lucian’s carriage, tying down trunks and supplies, the clatter of hooves and soft voices filling the courtyard. The manor’s escort guards stood ready, their armor gleaming faintly.
Vivien held Leo’s hand tightly, her small fingers full of quiet sadness. Liana stood beside them, her silver gown catching the morning light.
Lucian approached, a travel cloak over his shoulders, his grin bright as he stopped in front of Leo. "When you coming to the academy, Big Brother?" he asked, his voice light but curious.
"Tomorrow," he said, his tone easy. "Got a little detour first."
Lucian nodded, then knelt to Vivien’s level. His voice softened, warm and gentle, as he met her teary eyes. "I’m off to the academy, Vivien," he said, brushing a curl from her face.
Vivien shook her head, her voice shaking with a child’s raw honesty. "No, don’t go! I’ll be all alone if you and big brother leave." Her grip on Leo’s hand tightened, her small body trembling.
Leo knelt beside her, his chuckle soft and warm, his hand resting lightly on her head. "You won’t be alone, kid. There’s a hunting competition in two months. We’ll all be together then, yeah?"
Vivien’s lips pursed, her voice a quiet, stubborn mutter. "That’s forever away."
Lucian’s smile grew, his eyes crinkling with love. "I’ll write you letters every week, Vivien. Stories about the academy, all the silly things I get up to."