The Hydro Serpent cut through the night sky like a streak of liquid silver, its scales shimmering faintly as moonlight rippled across them. Wind roared in their ears, pulling and tugging at Luca's clothes, while Seraphina's long, sky-blue hair streamed behind her in fluid waves, glowing faintly in the pale light. Despite the rush of speed, the atmosphere between the two was heavy—silence hanging thicker than the clouds they tore past.

Luca shifted slightly in his seat, the serpent's scales cool beneath his fingertips. He stole a glance at Seraphina, her profile calm and unreadable, gaze fixed on the horizon. His lips pressed into a thin line before he finally broke the stillness.

"Are you done with your work, Professor?" His voice carried lightly against the wind.

Seraphina tilted her head ever so slightly, acknowledging his words without looking at him. A soft nod followed. "It's done… What about you?"

Luca gave a faint exhale, the corners of his mouth lifting in a brief, practiced smile. "It's done as well."

The air settled back into silence. The only sounds were the serpent's wings slicing through the currents and the distant rumble of thunder in the far sky. Luca's fingers curled around his knee as he debated with himself, but the weight in his chest urged him forward. He turned to her again, determination sparking behind his eyes.

"Professor… about your family?"

The reaction was immediate. Seraphina's shoulders stiffened, though her expression barely shifted. Her reply came quick, almost too sharp, as though she had prepared the answer long before he asked.

"Don't worry about it. Focus on your studies. It doesn't concern you."

Luca bit down lightly on his lip, a flicker of frustration passing through him. For a moment he hesitated, but his gaze didn't falter. His voice grew steadier, carrying more weight.

"It does concern me, Professor. Even if you want to admit it or not… I'm already involved in this."

Her eyes finally slid toward him, cool and unyielding, though there was something guarded beneath their surface. "Nothing will happen to you," she said, her tone quiet but firm. "You are the Tower Master's disciple. Does anybody dare to harm you? Even if you don't realize it, there will always be forces who will stop anyone from touching you illegally."

The words carried reassurance, yet they felt like a wall—a boundary she was unwilling to let him cross. Luca lowered his gaze, silent for a heartbeat, before trying one last time. His hand clenched faintly on his thigh, then relaxed as he lifted his head again.

"Then… just share it with me as if sharing it with… a friend. If anything, it will only help you unburden yourself."

Seraphina's lips parted as if to speak, but nothing came. For once, she didn't refute him. Instead, the wind filled the gap where her words should have been, carrying their silence through the endless night sky.

***

[Seraphina's POV - 1 day ago]

I received an order from the Tower Master today—bring Luca to the Magic Tower.

It wasn't exactly how I had planned to spend my weekend. I had other errands in mind, things to prepare and research, but… the order was absolute. Besides, I did have some matters pending within the Tower. Two birds with one stone, I suppose.

With a quiet sigh, I pulled on my traveling attire, more practical than elegant, and tied my hair back into a ponytail. Loose strands of blue kept slipping over my cheek no matter how tight I bound it. Typical. I gave my reflection one last look before stepping out.

By the time I arrived outside the academy gates, I spotted him waiting. Luca. His posture was stiff, shoulders a touch tense, his gaze distant.

Hmm? Is he… stressed about something?

I approached him and called out. He startled a little before covering it up with that awkward grin of his.

And then,

"A-Ah, of course, you're the best as well, professor."

I nearly let a laugh slip right there, the corner of my lips twitching despite myself. Best? What was he even trying to say? His awkwardness had a strange charm to it, though I'd never admit that aloud.

Shaking my head, I summoned my Hydro Serpent from the beast space. The beast hissed softly as I mounted, its azure scales gleaming in the sunlight. Luca followed hesitantly before we were airborne, the wind whipping around us as the academy shrank beneath our feet.

The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of clouds and distant rain. His silence made the atmosphere feel… oddly awkward. We made some small talk—mundane things, nothing of weight—and before long, the sprawling silhouette of the Magic Tower city broke the horizon.

"Woah…" His voice carried genuine awe, and I almost smiled. From where I sat, I could practically feel his wide-eyed excitement radiating behind me. It was such a typical reaction—every first-timer who laid eyes on the Magic Tower city ended up looking like that. Still, his wonder was… infectious.

We landed smoothly, the serpent curling beside the entrance while I stepped down first. Luca followed, his gaze darting everywhere—up the soaring spires, across the glowing runes etched into the walls, down to the bustling mages who hurried past. Like a child trying to drink in every detail at once.

I guided him inside, through the marble halls and past the enchanted sconces that lit our way, until we reached the elevators. The air grew heavier here—denser with mana, like every breath was dipped in liquid magic.

The elevator chimed, the doors slid open, and… my stomach sank.

Of all the people I didn't want to run into today.

"Janice."

Her voice carried that same, grating mockery as always. That smug tilt of her lips, the way her eyes lingered on me with a condescension sharp enough to cut.

Normally, I'd ignore her, endure her barbed words without giving her the satisfaction of a reaction. But this time… I had Luca beside me.

And Janice had already noticed.

As usual, she started mocking me—her words laced with that same petty venom she always carried. I didn't even bother to respond, but the way Luca replied to her blankly, as if he had absolutely no idea who she was, nearly made me laugh aloud. That reaction alone was worth every insult she tried to throw at me.

But then he showed up. Gerald. That disgusting pig. His heavy steps echoed, and with them came the stench of arrogance and lust. His beady eyes roamed over me in ways that made my skin crawl. I could feel it—his gaze wasn't just looking, it was devouring. My nails dug into my palm, and for a brief moment I fantasized about burning him to ash right here in front of everyone.

The people around us stirred as their eyes fell on Luca. Whispers spread, recognition flickering in their expressions. Yet none of them knew the truth—that he was the Tower Master's disciple. Only a handful of higher-ups carried that knowledge. To the rest, he was just an unfamiliar boy at my side.

Then Gerald's guttural voice broke through, dripping with greed.

"Marry me as my concubine, Seraphina." His words came with heavy breaths, his flabby face gleaming with sweat and desire. His eyes glinted like a beast about to pounce on prey. "I promise your family will prosper. I'll take care of you."

I wanted to vomit.

"That's right," Janice chimed in, tightening her grip around Gerald's thick arm as if clutching onto her prize. Her smirk was sharp, her gaze cutting toward Luca with mockery. "Marry my darling. What can that kid possibly do for you?"

My fists clenched so tightly my knuckles turned white. Mana stirred faintly in my veins, aching to lash out. My control was slipping; they knew exactly how to needle me. But then—before I could speak, before I could scorch them both into silence—I felt it.

Something shifted beside me.

Luca.

He had been quiet this entire time, but there was something in his posture now—a quiet strength, a strange steadiness. And then his voice cut through the laughter and sneers like a blade.

"Why not?" he said, calm yet firm. "Of course I can take care of her."

The air stilled. My heart skipped a beat.