Rain pounded against the windows of the Academy in heavy drops, making old scars and long-broken bones ache and remind their owners of their presence. The stone of the outer walls, soaked through, darkened, casting a somber mood on those outside, while inside it was warm and cozy. Magical stones glowed, providing both light and heat, guiding residents along the countless corridors and staircases. The Lord Rector sat in his office when a troubling message appeared in the crystal orb, sent by Professor Malenia about an intrusion. Yet there was no panic. With a heavy sigh, Lord Rector Thier set aside countless documents and rose from his desk, intending to confront the intruder.

The heavy steps of the rector’s boots echoed through the deserted corridors of the Academy’s castle, now lulled into a dozing silence. Lord Thier checked, at the same time, that no students were breaking curfew. The golden light from magical stones in the braziers flickered across his hair, tied in a low tail, making it appear as tongues of flame trailing behind him. Entering the small guest parlor of the Academy, he pushed the door open without knocking. This was his home, his fortress, his creation. Adrian Thier needed no formalities—he wanted to deal with the intruder.

“And what do we have here, Professor Malenia? Uninvited guests?”

The fire-haired man crossed his arms over his broad chest, making the muscles of his forearms stand out beneath the rolled sleeves of his black silk shirt. The Lord Rector arched an eyebrow as he surveyed the small, shivering, soaked figure, wrapped in the blanket kindly provided by Professor Malenia. The girl sat in a chair by the fireplace, water dripping from her soaked hair. Lord Thier had no interest in the professor’s report; with a nod, he dismissed her, silently ordering her to leave them alone.

“So,” the man spoke in a low voice, stepping closer to the uninvited guest in his Academy, standing over her like a storm cloud. “I am Lord Rector of the Academy of Magical Arts, Adrian Thier, and I would like to know what little mouse dared to sneak into my walls and why. Understand this: I will not tolerate lies, or I will have you thrown out immediately. Am I clear?”

Leaning slightly closer, Lord Thier examined the small, pitiful creature, though a dangerous, clever spark flashed in his eyes—interest? A dark plan? Who could say?

“Do not tremble so. I am not biting yet, my sweet.”

He snapped his fingers, and a wave of gentle warmth enveloped the girl, drying her clothes and hair, his fire magic perfectly controlled, now soothing instead of terrifying. Adrian Thier stepped back two paces, never breaking eye contact with the intruder in his private domain, and sat confidently and leisurely in the chair opposite the fireplace, arms resting freely on the velvet-covered armrests.

“I am ready to listen.”