Aether is it?

The sun had dipped behind the tall hedges of House Albert's manor, casting long golden shadows across the inner courtyard. Ava stood barefoot on the stone path, her duel with Cassian still echoing in her muscles.

But her thoughts were elsewhere.

A soft breeze carried the scent of summer lilacs from the garden, brushing past the tall white columns that led into the east wing. Here, away from the dueling terrace and her mother's sharp gaze, the manor felt more like home—and less like a battlefield.

"Ava!" a bright voice called from behind a half-open door.

She turned as Lina, her younger sister, bounded out into the courtyard, a bundle of ribbons trailing from her arms. Eleven years old and spirited beyond measure, Lina had the same silver-blonde hair, though hers was always done up in elaborate braids or tumbling curls. She wore a dress far too frilly for running around, but she clearly didn't care.

"Is it true?" Lina gasped, running to her. "You dueled Cassian again? He was sulking during tea."

Ava gave a half-smile. "He challenged me. Again. And yes, I won."

Lina beamed and clapped her hands. "You're so cool."

"I don't know if that's the word I'd use," Ava muttered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"You don't see it," Lina said matter-of-factly, "but you're amazing. Everyone says you're cold like Mama, but you're not. You're fire pretending to be ice."

Ava blinked. That was… unexpectedly poetic.

"Did you get that from a book?"

"Maybe."

She chuckled softly and sat on the low stone ledge near the lilac trees, motioning for Lina to join her. Her younger sister happily plopped down, ribbons spilling between them like silken ivy.

For a while, neither spoke. The wind rustled the trees, birds chirped softly in the distance, and the soft murmur of the manor's servants cleaning up after the duel faded into silence.

Then Lina said, more quietly, "Do you have to go back?"

Ava looked at her.

"To the academy?" she asked.

Lina nodded. "It's just… different here without you. Mama's stricter. Papa's never around. Cassian's always bitter. But when you're home, it feels… better. Warmer."

Ava's chest tightened a little. She hadn't realized how much her absence affected the younger ones. She always assumed that her training, her duty, her future—all of it—was for the benefit of the house. But maybe Lina needed Ava, not just the heir of House Albert.

"I don't want to leave either," Ava said softly. "But there are things I have to do. Important things. For us. For the future of this house."

"I know," Lina whispered. "But I still miss you."

Ava hesitated for a moment, then pulled the younger girl close. Lina curled against her side, resting her head on her shoulder.

"You're going to be amazing too one day," Ava said gently. "Even more than me."

"Really?"

"You're smart, stubborn, and brave. What else do you need?"

Lina giggled. "A sword?"

Ava grinned. "I'll get you one when you're older."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

They sat there as the sun dipped further, staining the sky in amber and rose. Ava closed her eyes, feeling something rare settle into her bones—peace.

Not the sharp, cold edge of victory after a duel.

Not the tense pride in their mother's voice.

Just… this. A warm little sister. A soft breeze. The smell of lilacs.

Later that evening, during supper, Ava noticed Lina sitting up straighter, wearing a small ribbon tied around her wrist like a makeshift bracelet. It was the one that had fallen near Ava's lap earlier—silver and blue, the colors of their family crest.

She smiled.

Cassian avoided her gaze the entire meal.

Their mother commented once on Ava's posture.

Their father remained silent.

But none of that mattered quite as much tonight.

Because Lina whispered before bed:

"I'm going to be strong like you."

And Ava, for the first time in weeks, believed she was becoming someone worth looking up to.