The morning light felt less like an accusation and more like a simple fact of life. Henry awoke, the silent contemplation of his other self having left a strange stillness in the air. He went to his class, "Warding and Sigil Theory," and for the first time, the complex diagrams felt less like an impossible language and more like a puzzle he might one day solve.
He talked quietly with Kaelen, their hushed conversation a small island of normalcy in a sea of wary glances. The fear from his midnight sermon had not dissipated, but it had curdled into a kind of grudging respect from some, and a deeper avoidance from others.
When the class ended, Henry braced himself for the walk to the training grounds. But as he stood, Helia placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"You can have the day off," she said, her voice even. "I have to attend to something important with the Headmistress." Her golden eyes were serious. "Behave. I will return before the night comes." And with that, she turned and walked away, her purpose clear and swift.
Henry stood there, stunned for a moment. A day off. A day without constant divine surveillance.
Kaelen's face lit up with a wide grin. "So, you have a free day! Let's make it worth a while."
For the next few hours, Kaelen took it upon himself to show Henry a side of the academy he hadn't seen. They didn't go to the library or the training grounds. Kaelen took him to the workshop, a chaotic and wonderful place filled with half-finished projects. He showed Henry a set of boots he was enchanting to dance a jig, and with a flick of his wrist and a whispered word, made a spoon in Henry's pocket begin to hum a cheerful, off-key tune. Henry laughed, a real, unburdened laugh. For a little while, he wasn't a cosmic anomaly or a vessel for war. He was just a boy, hanging out with his friend. The feeling was intoxicating.
The fun, however, was destined to be short-lived.
"Well, well. Look at the disaster taking a day off."
Lyra's sharp voice cut through their laughter. She stood at the entrance to the workshop, flanked by her two ever-present companions. The green-haired girl, whose name Henry recalled from class was Terra, smirked, a small vine playfully wrapping around her fingers. The other girl, a fiery redhead with sharp features, simply watched with cold, assessing eyes.
"I'm Cinder," the redhead said, her voice like smoldering embers, as if she knew Henry was wondering.
Lyra ignored them and stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Henry. "Enjoying your little break from being a complete failure? Don't get too comfortable. Our rivalry isn't on vacation."
She stopped in front of him, her icy eyes boring into his. "And for the record," she said, her voice dropping slightly, "don't you dare lose to Ganriki or anyone else in that duel demonstration tomorrow. The only person who gets to defeat you is me. Or else..." She didn't finish the threat. She just let out a sharp "Humpf!" and stormed away, Terra and Cinder trailing in her wake.
Kaelen chuckled, shaking his head. "She really wants to turn all the attention you're getting into attention for her. It's kind of amazing."
Henry nodded. He'd noticed it too. She was always watching him from a distance, but only ever got closer to be mean.
As if summoned by the mention of Lyra's family, another figure approached them. He was a tall young man, also with blonde hair, but his was a softer shade than Lyra's. His eyes were a calm, intelligent purple, and he moved with a grace that spoke of quiet confidence. He bowed his head slightly to Henry.
"Please, forgive my sister," he said, his voice calm and melodic. "I heard what she said. I promise, our family is not entirely like her." He offered a hand. "My name is Lysander. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Henry shook his hand, surprised. "You're Lyra's brother?"
"Older brother, unfortunately," Lysander said with a wry smile. "I'll be watching the duel demonstration tomorrow. I'm eager to see what you can do. The rumors are... fascinating." He gave them a final nod and walked away, leaving a much calmer impression than his sister.
Henry could tell he was strong, perhaps even stronger than Lyra, but he carried it with a gentleness she completely lacked.
"See?" Kaelen said, nudging Henry happily. "Not everyone is mean or likes to talk behind your back." He glanced over his shoulder at a group of students who were whispering and pointing in their direction before quickly looking away.
They all went their separate ways soon after. As Henry walked back to the empty Solstice Tower, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Helia wasn't there to guide him, but her words, and the memory of his small successes, were. He entered his room, sat on the floor, and closed his eyes. The day off was over. Even if his warden was away, his training would continue.