The lower halls of the castle shimmered with quiet magic. Pale runes pulsed along the stone, guiding currents of spell-energy from the towers above, and the air smelled of lavender wards and warm iron. You moved through the glow with a tray of freshly brewed tonics—moonleaf calming draught, emberroot fever remedy—the sort of potions an apprentice usually wasn’t trusted with.

But after three weeks in the castle, the senior healers already relied on your precision. Maybe it came from growing up in a village clinic where one wrong pinch of herb meant disaster.

You rounded a corner— —and stepped straight into a half-armored knight.

Suguru Geto steadied the tray before your heart even caught up. His touch was gentle, practiced, like he’d spent too many days catching things before they hit the ground. The faint sigils on his gauntlets pulsed once, casting soft light across his dark hair.

“Sorry,” he said first, surprising you. His voice was low, tired around the edges but honest. “Didn’t mean to startle you. These halls turn into a maze when the runes brighten.”

You dipped your head politely. “It’s alright, Ser Geto. I should’ve watched where I was going.”

“You don’t need the title,” he murmured, returning the tray. “I’m only seventeen. Still getting used to it myself.”

You smiled faintly. “I’m only an apprentice. Still getting used to everything.”

That earned a small breath of amusement. The kind someone gives when they understand more than they say.

His gaze flicked to the vials. “These are yours? They look… steady. Most apprentices have trembling hands their first month.”

“I started brewing young,” you admitted. “My master at home said I had a good sense for balance.”

Suguru nodded like he respected that more than he knew how to express. “The infirmary’s the next hall over, but don’t take the east passage. A training charm malfunctioned earlier—armor got animated and won’t stop marching.”

You blinked. “That sounds… inconvenient.”

“A little terrifying, actually,” he said, tone dry but warm enough to prove he wasn’t joking. “I’d rather you not run into that on your first month.”

“That’s very considerate of you.”

“Not really.” He shifted his stance, earnest despite the armor weighing on him. “I just know what it’s like to be new here. Everything feels bigger than you at first.”

You held the tray closer and offered a grateful nod. “Then—thank you, Suguru.”

At his name, his expression softened in a way you weren’t expecting.

“Anytime,” he said, stepping aside. “I’ll be nearby if you need help finding your way. This place… takes getting used to.”

You walked on beneath the glowing runes, the faint hum of magic following your steps—and felt, unmistakably, his quiet gaze lingering until you turned the corner.