The door creaked open.
A breeze swept in, cool and crisp, brushing against Noah's damp hair as he stepped out of the underground chamber. His shirt clung to his frame, soaked in sweat and heat that hadn't left him yet. The torchlight flickered behind him—then faded.
The Azure Flame no longer hovered above him.
It flowed within him.
The corridor stretched quiet and dim, faintly lit by crystal sconces. A maid gasped the moment she saw him.
"Y-Young Master Noah! You're—!"
Her voice trembled with something between awe and concern.
Noah gave a tired smile. "...I'm back."
"It's been ten days," she whispered. "Everyone… they were worried sick."
He blinked. "Ten days?"
His body ached. The pain had faded, but the strain remained. He was lightheaded from starvation, dehydrated, and exhausted—but his steps were steady. Every inch of him felt like he had been reforged.
The maid bowed deeply, too emotional to speak more.
"Are the girls...?"
"They trained every day," she said, voice breaking. "They refused to stop. Miss Scarlett fainted twice. Miss Lyra froze her own arm. And Lady Layla—she cursed herself. And wouldn't stop laughing about it."
Noah closed his eyes for a moment, letting that sink in. Then… a small, warm breath escaped his lips.
"Idiots," he murmured. "All of them."
But there was a gentleness in his voice. The kind only reserved for people you couldn't bear to lose.
—
The bathwater steamed gently as he stepped in.
For a moment, Noah said nothing. He just… breathed.
The water kissed his wounds, soothing the exhaustion buried deep in his muscles. He let his head fall back. His thoughts drifted between agony and peace. Between that obsidian sea… and the silver light of now.
For ten days, he had been consumed by the flame.
Now, for a few moments, he let himself simply feel human.
Later, dressed in a soft black shirt and fitted trousers—noble, but simple—he stepped out into the estate.
He didn't go looking for the girls.
Because they found him first.
—
Scarlett was the first.
The moment she saw him walking down the main hall, she dropped her dagger mid-practice and ran.
"Noah!"
He turned just in time to catch her in his arms.
Her weight slammed into him, arms locking around his neck as if afraid he'd disappear again.
"Hey—careful. My ribs—"
"You deserve it," she muttered. "You absolute bastard."
She pulled back just enough to glare at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Ten days, Noah. Ten. Days. Without a word."
"I know. I'm sor—"
She didn't let him finish. She kissed his cheek. "Say sorry again, and I'll stab you."
Layla arrived next, arms wide like she was going to pounce.
"Noah~! My little flame!"
"Layla, wait—"
Too late.
He was tackled into the hallway carpet.
"Ugh."
Layla grinned, nose inches from his. "Next time you vanish without telling me, I'll curse your entire closet. Pink dresses. Glitter. Permanent."
He blinked. "...That's war."
"Exactly," she smirked. "Welcome back, flame-boy."
She gave him a gentle peck on the nose and rolled off him.
Lyra appeared a moment later—quiet, reserved, her eyes unreadable.
She didn't run. Didn't shout.
Just walked up, stopped, and looked at him.
"You're back."
"I am."
A pause.
Then she stepped forward and hugged him from the side, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"Next time… take me with you."
Noah swallowed.
And hugged her tighter.
—
The dining hall felt strangely warm tonight.
Golden chandeliers flickered above a long mahogany table set with fine silverware, crystal glasses, and more food than any of them could eat. But no one cared about the presentation.
They were all just glad to be together again.
Noah sat at the table beside his mother, Julia. His father, Duke Richard Von Augustus, sat across from him, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Scarlett, Lyra, and Layla sat to Noah's left, whispering and passing bread like mischievous thieves.
For a while, it was just the clink of spoons, the low hum of conversation, and the occasional curse from Layla when she dropped a fork.
Then Richard spoke.
"You've changed, Noah."
His voice was quiet—but not cold.
Noah looked up, meeting his father's gaze. For a moment, neither blinked.
"I had to."
Richard didn't argue. He merely nodded and took a sip of wine. "So it seems."
Julia placed a hand gently over Noah's. Her touch was soft, but there was strength behind it.
"You disappeared for ten days, sweetheart. Without telling anyone. Even for you... that's reckless."
"I didn't intend to," Noah replied. "But the Azure Flame isn't something you can schedule."
Layla snorted. "You should see what it did to him."
Richard raised a brow. "Did it, now? I assume this means you've… awakened something?"
Noah nodded.
"I've forged a connection with the flame. It's not perfect—but it's mine now."
Richard leaned back in his chair, contemplative.
"And what do you plan to do with all this strength, son?"
Noah didn't hesitate. "Use it. To protect those I care about. To end what's coming."
There was silence for a moment.
Julia smiled faintly. "Then you'll need more than power. You'll need clarity."
"And allies," Richard added. "Enemies are forming in shadows you haven't even seen yet. And we can't guarantee the Emperor won't make you a target after the banquet disaster."
Noah's gaze dropped. He thought of the academy. Of the bodies. Of the smell of blood and broken dreams.
"It's not over yet, is it?" he said quietly.
Richard shook his head. "No. The war hasn't even begun."
Lyra spoke softly. "Then we'll fight it together."
Scarlett nodded. "No more standing back."
Layla grinned. "And if anyone touches him again, I'm cursing their entire bloodline."
Julia laughed gently. "What a terrifying future you've found yourself in, my son."
Noah smiled.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Richard stood, placing a hand on Noah's shoulder—firm and proud.
"Then we stand with you. Whatever path you choose, know this: You are not alone."
The words carried weight.
They weren't just parental support—they were a noble promise.
A blood vow.
—
The moon hung like a silver crown above the estate.
On a marble bench surrounded by swaying trees and moonlight flowers, Noah sat—utterly trapped. Scarlett leaned on his right shoulder, her hand entwined with his. Lyra sat to his left, her head resting quietly on his arm. Layla sprawled across his lap like a lazy cat, popping a frosted cupcake into his mouth every time he tried to speak.
"Stop complaining," she said. "This is your punishment for being a runaway."
"I was refining the Azure Flame, not hiding from a test."
"You left us," Scarlett said simply.
"And you didn't think we'd worry?" Lyra added, her voice soft but sharp.
Noah raised his hands. "Okay, okay—I get it. You're mad. You're hurt. I get it."
"Good," Layla said, feeding him another cupcake. "Now chew."
He chewed.
The girls bickered over who got to feed him next. Scarlett elbowed Layla. Lyra calmly offered him water like an exhausted wife. Layla responded by flopping completely across his lap like she owned it.
Through all of it, Noah said nothing.
He just smiled.
Because for the first time in ten days… he was warm.
He was home.
And they were here.
—
To Be Continued…