The train whistle sounds, and Lyrakis's mother waves to a porter to handle their luggage. The porter tips his hat and begins rolling it onto the train. Lyrakis feels a strange emptiness in his hands without the familiar weight of his belongings, but his father pulls him into a tight embrace.

"I'm truly sorry that things have been so hard," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "But please, understand that enrolling at Westhaven Academy is for your own benefit—and ours as well."

His voice trembles slightly. Lyrakis's mother maintains a composed facade, though she presses a knuckle to her cheek, struggling to hide a tear.

LyrakisWhere stories live. Discover now