The Frost estate was busier than Aric had ever seen it. Servants rushed through the halls, carrying trays, polishing silver, fixing garlands on the walls. Outside, carriage wheels rattled over stone. More guests, more names Aric barely knew.
He sat by his window, watching lanterns light up in the courtyard. He sighed. "Feels like half the world is here."
Serina set a folded tunic on his bed. "That's because tomorrow's not just your awakening. It's the Frost family's chance to step higher."
Aric turned to her. "They're here for Father. For what he's building. Not for me."
Serina walked closer. Her voice softened. "Don't talk like that. You've done more at nine than most grown men. They see it, even if you don't."
Aric gave a small smile. She always knew what to say.
By nightfall, the great hall was full. Chandeliers blazed, and voices filled the air. At the head of the long table sat Cedric Frost, straight-backed, watching everything with sharp eyes. Beside him, Elara guided conversations with her usual calm warmth.
Edrin tried his best to look serious, though now and then he shot Aric a quick grin, proud of his little brother. Lyanna fidgeted, whispering to her mother until Elara gently hushed her.
The Veylins sat near the front as honored guests. Lord Deymar had the stiff posture of a man who weighed every word before speaking. Lady Ilyra was softer, smiling politely at everyone who spoke to her.
Selisse sat across from Aric. She wore a neat braid and a light green dress. Eleven now, a year older, already awakened as a Wind Mage. She carried herself carefully, like she knew eyes were on her, but her gaze kept drifting to Aric.
He leaned forward a little. "Is the food alright?" he asked quietly.
Selisse blinked, then gave a quick smile. "Better than home. Do you always have this many people here?"
"Never," Aric said. "Feels strange."
Her smile grew. "Strange… but kind of exciting."
Up at the head, Cedric raised his cup. His voice carried through the hall. "Tomorrow, my son awakens. Whatever path he takes, he will bear the Frost name with pride."
The hall lifted glasses in unison. "To House Frost."
Lord Deymar's eyes lingered on Aric. "May your family stand tall."
Edrin puffed out his chest at the toast. Lyanna clapped her hands, too young to hide her excitement. Elara smiled, though the look she shared with Cedric held more than joy—it held weight, worry, and hope.
Aric's throat felt dry. Tomorrow wasn't just another day. Across the table, Selisse's eyes met his again, steadier this time.
For the first time all evening, he didn't look away.
Later, when the feast was winding down and the adults were deep in talk, Aric slipped out into the quieter corridor. He leaned against the cool stone wall, drawing a slow breath.
A light step sounded behind him. Selisse. She held her dress lightly in one hand as she walked over.
"Escaping too?" Aric asked, half a grin tugging at his lips.
She shrugged. "Too many words I don't care about. I wanted to see if you're nervous."
He blinked. "What makes you think I'm nervous?"
Selisse tilted her head. "You barely touched your food. And you kept tugging your sleeve. I noticed."
Aric looked down, a little embarrassed. "Maybe I am. Everyone expects something. What if it doesn't happen?"
Her voice softened. "It will. You're Aric Frost. You always figure things out. I… believe you'll surprise them."
For a moment, the hall's noise seemed far away. Her words were steady, not polite or practiced, just honest.
Aric let out a small breath. "Thanks. That helps."
Selisse smiled, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Then tomorrow, don't make me look foolish for saying it."
He chuckled. "I'll try."
They stood there a moment longer, two children caught between games and the weight of names they didn't choose, before the sound of approaching steps made them both straighten.
Tomorrow waited.