𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

Thirteen.

With nowhere to turn after everything that had happened, and the thought of returning to Silvermoon Academy making her stomach churn, Akira took a deep breath and faced Rowan. "Rowan, I need to ask you for a favor," she said, her voice hesitant but determined.

Rowan's eyes softened, a hint of understanding passing through them. "Of course, Akira. Whatever you need, just say the word. You're not alone in this," she said, crossing her arms in a protective stance, ready to listen.

"I need somewhere to stay, Rowan. I was hoping you'd let me stay with you. I can't go back to the Academy," Akira said, her voice wavering with the weight of her plea.

Rowan's expression softened further, a hint of sympathy flashing in her mismatched eyes. "You don't even have to ask," she said, a small, reassuring smile appearing on her lips. "My brother and I have made a home in this forest, away from the Academy's grasp. It's not much, but it's safe, and you're welcome to stay as long as you need. A cabin up ahead. I'll take you."

Rowan reached out and placed a comforting hand on Akira's shoulder. "We'll make sure you find the answers you're searching for, and this time, without the lies."

"Thank you, Rowan. You have no idea how much I needed this," Akira said, relief washing over her.

Rowan's smile grew warmer. "You don't need to thank me. This is what my brother and I are here for—to keep you safe and protect you. We always knew you'd find your way to us somehow, though I have to admit, not many have the courage to make it this far. You're stronger than you know."

She glanced over her shoulder, the forest shadows shifting as the moonlight filtered through the branches. "Kael is at the cabin now. Let me take you there. It's not far, and you'll finally have a place to rest."

Rowan led the way through the forest, her footsteps light and sure as if she knew every twist and turn by heart. The trees loomed overhead, their branches forming a protective canopy, and the cool night air was filled with the soft rustle of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Akira followed closely, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and cautious hope as they ventured deeper into the woods.

After a few minutes, the outline of a small, rustic cabin appeared through the trees. Warm light glowed from within, casting a welcoming amber hue against the dark forest. Rowan glanced back at Akira with a reassuring nod.

"There it is," Rowan said softly, slowing her pace as they approached the cabin. "This place has been our sanctuary, away from the eyes of the Academy and those who lurk in the shadows."

Akira's heart pounded as they reached the door, anticipation buzzing through her. Rowan pushed it open, revealing a cozy interior lined with wooden walls, shelves of old books, and a crackling fire that filled the space with warmth. Kael was seated near the fire, his eyes meeting Akira's with a guarded but relieved expression.

"So, you found her," Kael said, standing up. His tone was steady, but there was a glimmer of something softer beneath it. "Welcome, Akira. You're safe here."

"I still can't believe you two are half-siblings. You look so much alike—it's uncanny," Akira said, glancing between Kael and Rowan.

Kael's lips quirked into a smirk. "We get that a lot. Same father, different mothers. But our bond runs deeper than most full siblings I know," he said, sharing a knowing look with Rowan.

Rowan chuckled lightly, the fire casting playful shadows on her pale features. "It surprises everyone at first. But once you get to know us, you'll see the differences. Kael is all sharp edges, and I'm... well, a bit more subtle," she said with a teasing smile.

Kael rolled his eyes, a hint of amusement breaking through his serious demeanor. "Subtle, sure. But don't let her fool you, Akira. She's as fierce as they come."

Rowan winked at Akira. "And you'll see that soon enough."

Akira glanced at Kael, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What about you, Kael? What's your personality really like?"

Kael leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, his expression shifting from guarded to slightly intrigued. "Me? I'm the one who sees trouble before it strikes and makes sure it doesn't touch those I care about," he said, his voice low and confident. "Some might call it cautious; others would say I'm relentless."

Rowan snorted playfully. "He's being modest. He's stubborn, fiercely loyal, and has the sense of humor of a storm cloud."

Kael shot her a look, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. "I prefer to think of it as being focused," he retorted, a subtle glimmer of warmth in his eyes as he looked back at Akira. "But you'll figure that out soon enough."

Despite their playful banter and the strange circumstances, Akira felt safer with Kael and Rowan than she ever had at the academy. The sense of danger that had always loomed there seemed to fade in their presence, replaced by an unexpected calm. She took a deep breath and glanced between them, their familiar bond easing her nerves.

"So, did you both know my grandfather before everything that happened?" Akira asked, curiosity laced with a hint of hope.

Kael's expression softened, a rare moment of vulnerability crossing his face. "Yeah, we did. He was a complex man, but he had a strong sense of purpose."

Rowan nodded, her eyes glimmering with a mix of fondness and sadness. "He was the one who believed in us when no one else would. In a way, he's the reason we're standing here now, ready to protect you."

Akira felt a lump in her throat, the weight of their words sparking more questions than answers, but for the first time, she felt she wasn't alone in seeking the truth.

Akira's voice trembled as she spoke, frustration seeping into her words. "Okay, but what happened to him? I keep hearing about how he was, the things he did when he founded the academy, but no one has told me where he is. Is he dead or alive? I don't understand."

Kael's jaw tightened, his expression unreadable. He looked at Rowan for a moment before turning back to Akira. "We don't have a clear answer for you, Akira," he said, the weight of regret heavy in his tone. "He disappeared under mysterious circumstances years ago. Some say he was taken; others believe he left on his own to protect something important."

Rowan stepped forward, her eyes softening with empathy. "What we do know is that he left clues, messages buried in places only a few can reach. He was trying to keep you safe, even from afar. That's why Kael and I have stayed in hiding—we're connected to his work and, in turn, to you."

Akira's heart thudded in her chest, the fear mingling with an unfamiliar resolve. "So, he might still be out there?" she asked, the words barely a whisper.

Kael nodded slowly. "It's possible. But finding out for sure won't be easy, and it won't be without danger."

Rowan placed a reassuring hand on Akira's shoulder. "But we're with you, every step of the way."

One thing they couldn't bring themselves to admit was their uncertainty that Akira's grandfather was still alive. He had been missing for so many years, and despite all the whispers and theories, deep down, Kael and Rowan knew the harsh reality: if he were truly out there, wouldn't he have shown himself by now, especially with his granddaughter back at the academy? The silence was a constant reminder that hope could be just as cruel as it was comforting.

Kael's eyes darted to Rowan, who met his gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. How could they tell her that the man she sought, the one she clung to as a thread of hope, might never return? How could they shatter that last bit of belief in her heart?