It came from a tall youth with crimson hair, lounging with one leg crossed over the other. He wore the blazing crest of House Ignivale, the Western Seasonal House—Autumn's Blaze, renowned for their explosive combat styles and fiery tempers.
The one speaking was Cael Ignivale, third in line to the duke and known for picking fights the way others picked wine. His narrowed eyes glinted with irritation as he watched Fenric leave the chamber.
"Yeah," another voice chimed in, light but laced with scorn. "I remember him being cold-headed—but a coward when it came to standing his ground."
The speaker was a noble girl with sun-kissed golden hair and eyes like polished sunfire. Draped in loose silk lined with woven sigils of flame, she bore the unmistakable crest of House Solmere, the Southern Seasonal House—Summer's Brand. Her name was Siena Solmere, niece of the Southern Duke and infamous for her blunt tongue and dueling reputation that left most would-be suitors in bandages or silence.
