Chapter 44-Grand Magus🔥
I sat at one of the tables in the library, staring at the small burgundy velvet box in front of me.
"Let's see..." I murmured, opening the box and carefully taking out the larger ring.
Infusing divine power into this ring should be easy enough. After all, Uncle Silas had taught me how to do it once before, back when we were in Solaris.
I held the ring between my fingers and took a deep breath before closing my eyes.
Slowly, I let my divine power flow through my body and guided it toward the ring. A gentle warmth spread through my fingertips as my power began to seep into the gold band.
A moment later, the ring started to shimmer, emitting a soft golden glow.
I opened my eyes and watched as the light grew brighter for a few seconds before gradually fading away.
"There. Done!" I exclaimed, smiling at my work.
The ring now looked just as it had before, but I could still feel the divine power lingering inside it.
"I should give this to Cassian now."
I stood up and picked up the box containing the other ring. I stared at it for a moment before letting out a sigh.
It would be a waste to leave it sitting in the box, especially since I'd already bought it.
With that thought, I took out the smaller ring and slipped it onto my finger.
Hah! I don't care if Cassian teases me for wearing matching rings.
I closed the box and left the library. I stopped by my room to leave the velvet box behind before making my way to Cassian's office.
Once I reached his door, I knocked.
"Cassian, it's me."
"Come in."
I opened the door and stepped inside with a smile on my face.
Cassian was sitting behind his desk, busy going through a stack of documents. He lifted his gaze when he noticed me.
"Good timing. The Duke just contacted me. You'll be leaving tomorrow."
I froze.
"Tomorrow?!"
My smile faded as I stared at him in disbelief.
I thought I still had a little more time before leaving for the Magic Tower.
The sudden news left my heart feeling strangely heavy.
Well, at least I managed to infuse the ring with my divine power today. If I had waited any longer, I might not have had the chance.
"Here. This is for you."
I approached his desk and held out the ring.
Cassian looked at it, then glanced at me in surprise.
"What's this?"
"It's a gift!" I said, placing it in his palm. "And before you get any ideas, I'm not proposing!"
I glared at him, making sure he understood.
"It's infused with my divine power. It should help you sleep peacefully. Just wear it when you're going to bed."
Cassian stared at the ring for a moment. The surprise on his face gradually softened into a smile as he turned the ring between his fingers.
"Isn't this a matching ring?"
I rolled my eyes.
How did he figure that out so quickly?!
I had even hidden my other hand behind my back to keep him from seeing the other ring that matched his.
"Yes, it is! Don't tease me!" I huffed. "None of the single rings caught my eye, so I bought these instead. Besides, it would be a waste if I didn't wear the other one."
Cassian let out a laugh before looking at me with a genuine smile.
"Thank you, Cosima."
He slipped the ring onto his ring finger and turned his hand, admiring it.
"It fits perfectly," he said.
I couldn't help but stare at Cassian. Seeing him wear the ring I'd chosen for him made my heart flutter a little.
Well, I'm glad he likes it. I smiled to myself, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.
...
I stood in the middle of my room, staring at the large travel trunk beside my bed. My belongings had already been packed, and there was nothing left for me to do but wait.
Earlier, Duke Theon had contacted me through the crystal ball again. He informed me that the Tower Master himself would be coming to pick me up.
I hadn't expected that at all.
The Tower Master is coming personally to get me?
I couldn't help but feel a little nervous at the thought. I had never met him before, and the idea of meeting someone as important as the Master of the Magic Tower was rather intimidating.
I let out a quiet sigh and looked around my room.
I'm going to miss this place.
Although I hadn't stayed here for very long, this room had become a familiar and comfortable place for me. It was where I'd spent countless hours reading, practicing my divine power, and preparing for what lay ahead.
I slowly turned toward the window and gazed outside.
From where I stood, I could see Travis walking across the courtyard with a few other knights. They seemed to be discussing something as they made their way toward the training grounds.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips.
I'm leaving once again, and I couldn't even say goodbye properly to Travis, Elia, or Leon.
Ever since Travis had returned from Solaris, he'd been asking Cassian about my whereabouts whenever he got the chance. He'd even asked if he could see me, but Cassian could only reassure him that I was safe.
I couldn't help feeling guilty about keeping him in the dark.
I really want to tell him that I've been right here with him all along.
But doing so would only complicate matters, especially when I was supposed to be keeping my identity a secret.
I watched Travis and the other knights disappear from my view before lowering my gaze.
I wonder if there will ever come a day when I can finally tell Travis that I'm Luna.
Just then, a knock came from the door.
"Come in," I called out.
The door opened, and Cassian stepped inside.
"Are you ready? Have you packed everything?"
I turned toward him and nodded.
"Yes, everything's ready."
Cassian glanced at my travel trunk before looking back at me.
"I see."
I stared at him for a moment.
I couldn't help but remember the first time we met at the market. Back then, I thought he was a scary man-someone who shouldn't be messed with.
But now, after everything we'd been through, I couldn't help but smile at how much things had changed. I'd gotten to see a different side of him, one that he rarely showed to anyone else.
Before I could dwell on it any longer, I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, embracing him tightly.
Cassian stiffened in surprise. I felt his body go completely still, as though he hadn't expected me to hug him at all.
"Thank you for everything, Cassian," I murmured, resting my cheek against his chest. "I'll miss you."
For a moment, he didn't say anything. Then, little by little, I felt the tension leave his body. His arms slowly came around me, returning my embrace.
I smiled faintly, holding him a little tighter.
"You're the only person here who knows who I really am," I continued. "So I wanted to give you a proper goodbye."
Cassian was quiet for a moment before he finally spoke.
"I'm not sure if I'll miss you that much, though."
I rolled my eyes at his response.
Seriously? Can't he be honest for once?
"You can't even be honest for once, can you?" I complained, still holding on to him.
Cassian chuckled at my complaint.
"Fine. I'll miss you too."
He said it as though he were reluctantly giving in, but I couldn't help smiling at his answer.
"How sweet."
I nearly jumped out of my skin. Cassian and I immediately turned toward the voice, only to find a man standing a short distance to our side.
"Grand Magus. It's an honor to meet you," Cassian said, giving him a respectful bow.
I blinked in surprise. This was the first time I'd seen Cassian show such genuine respect toward someone.
The man smiled warmly. "The honor is mine, Duke Cassian. I've heard quite a bit about you."
He seemed to be about Duke Theon's age, with pale white hair falling neatly around his face. He wore an elegant white and pale-blue robe, its flowing fabric adorned with intricate gold embroidery and delicate chains.
His striking golden eyes watched us with quiet amusement.
"W-when did you get here?" I blurted out, taking a step away from Cassian.
"Just now," he replied, glancing between us. "Though perhaps I should have arrived a little later. I seem to have interrupted a rather sweet moment."
He gave a small, knowing smile before turning his attention to me.
"Anyway, I'm here to pick you up."
His eyes shifted to the travel trunk beside me. "Is that all your luggage?"
"Yes," I answered, glancing at the trunk.
He lifted one finger. The trunk rose smoothly into the air, and a moment later, a glowing circle appeared beside it.
The air shimmered as the circle widened into a portal, revealing a swirling, unfamiliar space beyond.
With a small flick of his finger, he sent the trunk floating through.
It vanished into the portal, which closed with a quiet shimmer.
I stared at the spot where it had been, my mouth slightly open. He just sent my luggage through a portal with a flick of his finger!
"By the way, if your father hasn't told you yet, I'm Lysander Vance, the Grand Magus," he said, giving me a pleasant smile. "You can call me Uncle."
Cassian and I both stared at him in surprise. Even though he and Duke Theon were friends, I couldn't believe the Grand Magus-the most powerful mage in the Empire-was asking me to call him Uncle so casually. I glanced at Cassian, whose expression had gone noticeably stiff.
"U-uncle?" I repeated, letting out a nervous laugh. "I think I'll just call you Grand Magus."
Lysander chuckled, seemingly amused by my reaction.
"All right, all right. Let's get going now."
He lifted a hand, and the portal appeared before us once more. I stared at the swirling light, my heart beating a little faster. Beyond it lay the Magic Tower-the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
I took a step toward the portal, then paused and glanced back at Cassian one last time. Before I could lose my nerve, I hurried over and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
Cassian froze, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Goodbye!" I blurted, then spun around and hurried through the portal without looking back.