In the afternoon, as Emily made her way to visit Lusian, she ran into Alejandro and Manuel, who greeted her warmly.
"Congratulations on your first victory, Emily," Alejandro said, smiling.
"I'm very proud of you, dear sister," added Manuel.
Emily thanked them and asked how they were doing.
"We're fine. What are you doing here? This is the men's quarters," Alejandro remarked.
"I'm going to see Lusian and help him with a healing spell," Emily explained.
Alejandro's expression darkened.
"You don't need to get any closer to him. You know we're going to help you break that bond," he said, his tone sharp.
Worried, Emily replied, "I don't want anyone to do anything that could put anyone in danger."
Alejandro tried to reassure her.
"Sister, we're not in danger. Everything is going according to plan. See the shield I'm wearing?"
Emily blinked, surprised.
"You joined the King's knights?"
"Yes. I want to earn Prince Andrew's favor and reclaim the lands that once belonged to my family," Alejandro replied firmly.
A shadow of sadness crossed Emily's face.
"So… you won't be coming back to our lands?" she asked softly.
"I'll visit when I can. I promise," he answered.
In the distance, Emily spotted Lusian walking beside a black wolf and hurried toward him.
"Where are you going, Lusian? You should be resting," she said, concern lacing her voice.
"Maestra Casandra asked me to assist with one of her classes," Lusian replied, running a hand along the sleek fur of Umber, his wolf.
Emily persisted, "Let me help you recover a bit first."
Lusian, calm and confident, shook his head.
"I don't think it's necessary. Besides, your friends seem rather upset," he said with a hint of amusement.
Emily frowned and called them over. Alejandro and Manuel approached, though their steps were reluctant.
"Don't expect formalities," Alejandro said haughtily. "This is the academy."
"Here, hierarchy is measured differently," Manuel added, mimicking his posture. "I trust you understand."
Emily, taken aback by their attitude, scolded them.
"You both need to behave properly."
Alejandro, defiant, congratulated Lusian on defeating Kara twice and hinted he intended to face him once Lusian had recovered, to "wake him from his dream world."
Lusian responded with calm certainty.
"Of course, whenever you like. I'll help you see reality. But I have other matters to attend to. I wish you a good day…" His voice trailed as he walked away, barely audible. "…far from me."
Emily stepped forward, determined.
"Wait, Lusian. Let me come with you."
Alejandro watched them go, frustration tightening his jaw as he noted the growing attention his sister gave Lusian. But his expression shifted as they entered the Beast Tamers' classroom, where Maestra Casandra Lloyd greeted them with a warm, measured smile and eyes that revealed genuine interest.
Casandra's attention immediately turned to Lusian, and she cast a curious glance at Umber, the imposing wolf at his side.
"Welcome to my class, Mr. Lusian and Miss Emily!" she exclaimed with genuine delight. "I requested your help for a demonstration for my students, to show the remarkable skill of the kingdom's finest beast tamer: Duchess Sofía."
"I'm ready to assist, Maestra Casandra," Lusian replied, his voice steady, exuding the calm confidence that always defined him.