Thorne stood in the center of the room, arms locked behind his back. Now that the new boss had been chosen — and the rings had awakened with those strange guardian beasts — the path ahead was finally clear.
"We need to talk about what comes next," he said, his voice echoing through the quiet room. "As you both know, the true foundation of your family is the Crimson Castle in Italy. We have to return there — and crown Noa as its rightful owner."
Noa's expression remained unreadable. Letisha sat still beside him, clutching the edge of her seat.
"But the Ravens have already taken over the castle," Thorne continued grimly, "and they've scattered their branch families across the continent. They're looking for both of you. Sooner or later, your existence will be known to everyone."
His gaze turned firm. "That's why, for now, I want you two to stay hidden here — until we gather enough manpower to reclaim the castle."
He paced slightly, tone now turning toward command.
"While we handle the frontlines, Noa… you need to start appointing your Stars. Choose wisely — bring those you can trust to your side. The decision will be yours."
Noa's gaze didn't waver.
"And one more thing," Thorne added, sharply. "While you're doing that — I want both you and Letisha to continue hiding your powers. As Edward instructed. I know it'll be difficult, especially after what happened today... but this is for your safety. Noa — even if you've received the rings and their powers, you're not to use them."
Then Thorne gave a short nod. "Now... pack your things. We're leaving this house. It has to be sold, and its ownership officially transferred."
"Wait, Mister—!" Letisha rose to her feet, her voice rising in a rare flash of anger. "You can't just tell us to abandon our home! Where do you expect us to go?"
Her hands clenched. "This is the house Uncle left for us!"
Thorne didn't flinch.
"I know, little miss. But this place has already been exposed to the enemy. What happened today can — and will — happen again. And if it does… neither of you will be able to escape or fight back."
He turned his gaze toward Noa.
"Don't underestimate Raven's subordinates. And more importantly — I need to keep a close watch on your brother... until he reaches his final destination."
Letisha faltered, shocked into silence.
I reached out, gently catching her shoulder as I stepped forward. My eyes didn't leave Thorne.
"I understand, sir. We'll follow your instructions. We'll leave the house." My voice stayed calm — but heavy with warning.
"But…" I continued, "I also believe that someone like you has the power to keep this house under our uncle's name, even if our relation to him stays hidden. If we're to trust you, then prove that."
Thorne's brow twitched slightly.
"And before we follow you anywhere," I added, voice sharper now, "you should remember: you want to make me a Lord — of one of the Seven. And you yourself already hold that title. That means, one day, you and I will be equals."
I narrowed my eyes.
"I might be powerless now, but don't think that will last forever. So I want your clear assurance — that no matter where you drag us next, my sister's safety will be guaranteed."
Thorne stared at me. My words had clearly sounded more like a command than a plea.
But finally, he turned slightly, exhaling.
"I understand. No matter what happens—" he said slowly, "—the little miss will remain safe. I swear it... on the name of the Ironclad family."
From the edge of the table, Aurelian rustled his wings and turned his head toward me. His feathers shifted, sleek and watchful — and his blue eyes locked onto mine.
"You can rest assured, Noa. A vow made on a family name is absolute — it means Thorne has placed his very position as heir of Ironclad on the line."
"...Is that so?" I murmured, not looking at him yet.
I turned back to Thorne, gaze sharpening. "Then I'll trust you — just this once since Ari confirmed your oath."
Aurelian flinched.
Thorne's head shifted ever so slightly.
The room seemed to thin between us — a silent clash of pride unspoken. His jaw tightened. Mine held firm.
Neither of us said it, but it was clear: if that oath broke, I would be the one to crush him for it.
Thorne looked away first.
"Pack up. Quickly."
He stepped toward the door without another word. "We'll wait outside," he said, and shut it behind him.
As the door closed behind him, Letisha let her knees go — she slumped down onto the floor with a soft thud, sitting in silence as the weight of everything came crashing down.
She exhaled shakily, a long breath of bottled-up emotion. A sigh of someone who had held on for far too long.
Across the room, Aurelian — who had been perched quietly on the table — finally stirred. He gave a single beat of his wings, then rose and flew silently across the room to land gently on my shoulder.
"Noa," he murmured, "I have to return to the rings for now. We will come meet you again."
He waited a moment after saying that, then softly brushed his feathered head against my cheek — a rare gesture of affection. Then, turning back, his glowing form dissolved into flecks of warm light. With a faint shimmer that trailed behind him like mist, he vanished back into the rings inside the boxes resting on the table.
Now, finally, it was just me and Letisha.
I walked over and offered her a hand. "Come on, Tia… let's not sit on the floor."
She looked up and placed her hand in mine. I helped her up.
But the moment she stood — she collapsed into my arms, hugging me tightly, desperately, as if all the fear and worry she'd buried finally found a way out.
"Brother…" Her voice broke. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was something related to the rings. I just thought… that man threatening me with illusions — I thought it was a bluff. Even though he said it was tied to your destiny, I…"
Her hands gripped the back of my shirt. "I didn't want to choose. I— I couldn't. And I... I did it anyway…"
I rested my hand gently on her head, brushing her hair as I patted her back a few times.
"It's okay," I murmured. "Whatever choice you made, you were brave. You did great. Isn't that why that little guy is here?"
She pulled away just enough to look at me — her face streaked with tears, her nose running. She looked at the black kitten sleeping soundly on the couch, its little chest rising and falling in peace.
Her breathing steadied just a little.
"Oh dear," I sighed. "You're fifteen already and crying like a child, Tia…"
I let out a quiet laugh and grabbed some tissues, wiping her nose carefully.
"Come now, let's sit."
I led her gently to the couch and we both sat down.
"Listen, Tia," I said quietly once we were settled, "I know we're being pushed into this… but no matter what happens, believe in your big bro."
I turned to her, my voice low — darker.
"And whatever that man tells you — don't trust him. Always make sure of your safety too, okay?"
I reached over and took her hand, giving it a small reassuring squeeze.
She looked back at me, her eyes red and swollen from crying, but filled with determination.
"I always believe in Brother," she said. "I'll go wherever you go. But… can I tell Mark? That we might be leaving?"
I froze for a moment. So that's how it was…
"Yes, Tia," I replied finally. "Tell Mark that we might be leaving soon. But everything else — the rings, the powers, the danger — it's too risky. Even Mark can't know that part."
Letisha nodded slowly, understanding.