(Royal Palace – Velmoria)
The heavy silence of Eyan's office shattered as a sudden shimmer of light filled the room. Luca appeared out of thin air, his robes swaying from the rush of magic.
Eyan, hunched in his chair with worry carved deep into his features, shot to his feet.
The moment his eyes landed on Luca, he stormed forward, gripping his shoulders tightly.
"Luca! Where the hell did you vanish without telling me? And why—why didn't you heal her fractured wrist with your magic?" His voice cracked with a mixture of anger and desperation.
Luca, though startled by the grip, spoke calmly. "So, you found out."
Eyan's eyes burned. "Yes, I did."
A small smile tugged at Luca's lips, though he quickly masked it. "Eyan, don't worry. I found a potion—one strong enough to heal her instantly."
Relief washed over Eyan's tense face. "You did?"
"Yes," Luca nodded firmly. "I was about to head to Sister-in-law, but I stopped to inform you first."
"Then go," Eyan said, guilt pressing down on his tone. His fists clenched at his sides. "She must be in pain… and I can't even go to her."
At that, Luca's eyes lit up, almost sparkling. "You can't go to Sister-in-law?"
Eyan exhaled heavily. "No. I have to remain here, attending to the Southern Emperor and Princess Amara Solvarn. It's my duty."
Luca leaned closer, his voice dropping with eagerness he barely contained. "Then… you'll send your wolves to guard her, won't you?"
"Yes," Eyan admitted with a nod.
That was all Luca needed. His entire expression brightened as though the sun itself had broken through. "Then what are you waiting for? Summon your wolves, Eyan! I'll take them with me."
Suspicion flickered in Eyan's gaze. His brows furrowed. "Why do you look so… happy?"
Luca blinked innocently. "Happy? Why would I be happy? Sister-in-law is hurt. I'm worried, not happy."
Eyan gave him a long, sharp stare before finally raising his hand. With a low chant, three shadows formed in the air, solidifying into magnificent beasts: Talon, Fen, and Mara—his wolves, their black fur glistening like obsidian under the light.
"They look as fierce as ever," Luca said warmly, crouching down. The wolves wagged their tails and padded to him, their sharp eyes softening with recognition. "Long time no see, boys."
Talon let out a soft huff before licking Luca's hand, while Fen and Mara nudged at him with their muzzles. Luca chuckled, patting each of their heads. "Good boys. Always reliable."
Eyan crossed his arms, watching the scene with a faint scowl. "If you're done playing with them, go."
"Oh, alright, alright," Luca said, rising to his feet. He lifted a finger to weave his spell—then suddenly stopped.
Before Eyan could question him, Luca darted forward and wrapped his arms tightly around him.
"Luca! What are you—are you crazy?" Eyan stiffened in alarm, struggling against the unexpected embrace. "Stop hugging me!"
But Luca didn't let go, not immediately. His smile widened against Eyan's shoulder, his chest bursting with a happiness too big to contain. He held on just long enough to let the warmth settle in his heart, then finally stepped back, masking his expression with practiced ease.
"I'm happy for you," Luca said softly, eyes gleaming with meaning only he understood.
And before Eyan could demand what he meant, Luca vanished with a flash of magic—taking the wolves with him.
Eyan stood frozen in the silence that followed, bewildered. "Happy… for me?" he muttered to himself. His brow furrowed deeper. "What did he mean by that?"
He shook his head with a sigh, sinking back into his chair. "He always says the most random things…"
---
(In front of Eva's house Night time)
Luca stood at the doorstep, his robe swaying faintly with the night breeze. Behind him, three black figures waited silently—Talon, Fen, and Mara.
Luca turned to them and whispered, "Go. Hide yourselves well."
The wolves dipped their heads in understanding, then melted into the shadows, vanishing as if swallowed by the night.
Taking a deep breath, Luca raised his hand and knocked.
"Sister, open the door. It's me, Luca."
A faint click sounded, and the door creaked open. Eva stood there, her face pale, her posture weak.
Luca's expression immediately softened, concern flooding his voice. "Sister, are you alright? You don't look well."
Eva managed a faint smile but winced. "It's the pain in my wrist… it's getting stronger with every minute."
"Come here," Luca said quickly, slipping an arm around her shoulder. He guided her gently inside and toward the couch. "Sit here. Don't strain yourself."
Once she was settled, Luca pulled a small vial from his robe. The liquid inside glowed faintly under the lantern light. "I brought the healing potion. Drink this, and you'll be fine."
Eva accepted it and raised it to her lips, taking a sip. Her brows furrowed. "Why… it tastes like sweet water. Are you sure this will work?"
Luca chuckled softly, reassuring. "Oh, that's how the potion is supposed to taste. Don't worry—it will work."
She looked doubtful but too tired to argue. Luca gently encouraged her, "Now, you should sleep for a while. The potion works faster if you rest after taking it."
"Is that so…" Eva murmured.
"Yes," he said firmly, watching her ease down against the couch. "Just relax. Are you comfortable, Sister?"
Eva's eyelids fluttered. "Yes…"
"Good," Luca whispered, his tone soft and protective. "Now sleep."
Gradually, her breathing steadied, her face smoothing into peaceful slumber.
Luca waited in silence, counting every second, until fifteen minutes had passed and he was sure Eva was deep asleep.
A small smile curved on his lips. "Perfect."
Then, lifting his hand slightly, he called out softly into the night, "Mara."
The wolf padded into the chamber, its dark paws silent against the floor. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silver glow over Eva's sleeping form.
Luca bent down beside Mara and whispered, "Heal her wrist."
The wolf's crimson eyes softened with understanding. Mara lowered his head and slowly licked Eva's swollen wrist. Within moments, the angry bruise faded, the swelling vanished, and her hand looked as though it had never been injured.
Luca exhaled in relief, a smile tugging at his lips. "It's done."
Before he could stand, the other two wolves, Talon and Fen, moved closer. They pressed their great heads gently against Eva's belly, as though drawn by an unseen bond.
Luca stilled, watching them with surprise, then a quiet smile spread across his face. "So… you three know as well?"
All three wolves gave a solemn nod, their eyes gleaming with silent promise.
"Don't tell Eyan," Luca whispered firmly.
Again, they nodded.
He reached out, brushing his fingers through Mara's thick fur. "Guard her—and the child—well. No harm must come to them."
The wolves lowered their heads in solemn vow, then positioned themselves around the room—silent guardians of mother and unborn child.
Luca lingered at the door, his gaze resting on Eva one last time. She shifted slightly in her sleep, her face peaceful and free of pain now. His voice dropped to a tender murmur.
"Sleep well, sister-in-law. Sweet dreams."
With that, he slipped away into the shadows, leaving the wolves to their silent watch.