Chapter 262: Eve of Departure (7)

The two of them walked together to the entrance, the cold morning greeting them with a fresh breeze. A thin layer of dew covered the grass, shining like diamonds beneath the first rays of sunlight.

The carriage was already ready, larger than Lukas remembered, with a reinforced body built to withstand a long journey and wheels wide enough to cross uneven terrain. Two sturdy horses were harnessed to the front, and behind the carriage was another smaller wagon for the luggage.

Lukas recognized his own suitcase, already placed in the wagon. Judite already had several.

“How many things did you bring?” He asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Judite placed her hands on her hips, a defiant gesture.

“The necessary things.”

Lukas looked at the absurd amount of luggage.

“That doesn’t look necessary.”

“I have magic books.” Judite’s explanation was defensive.

“How many?” Lukas’s question was direct.

Judite looked away, a sign of guilt.

“Some.”

“How many?” He insisted.

“…Seventeen.” The admission came reluctantly.

Lukas remained silent for a moment, processing the information.

“You brought seventeen books?”

“They’re important!” Judite’s defense was passionate.

“We’re going on a journey, not opening a library.”

Judite crossed her arms, a stubborn gesture. She pointed at the bags, her voice firm.

“I need them.”

Lukas shook his head, laughing.

“Fine.”

A short while later, Aurora appeared, wearing simple and elegant traveling clothes. Her hair was tied up, and a small cloak covered her shoulders. She walked toward the carriage but stopped before getting inside, her eyes fixed on the mansion.

Lukas noticed and approached.

“Mother.”

Aurora turned her face, a gentle smile on her lips.

“Hm?”

“Are you worried?” Lukas’s question was gentle.

“A little.” Aurora’s admission was honest.

“Because of the journey?” He wanted to know.

“That too.” Aurora looked at the mansion, her eyes traveling over the familiar structure.

“I’ve lived here for many years.” Her voice grew softer, filled with memories.

“It’s strange to imagine that we’ll be away for so long.”

Lukas followed her gaze, seeing the mansion in a new light.

“We’ll come back.”

Aurora smiled, but the smile didn’t completely reach her eyes.

“I hope so.”

“You don’t need to hope.” Lukas held her hand, his grip firm.

“We’ll come back.”

Aurora looked at her son for several seconds, her eyes moving over his face. Then she truly smiled, the light returning to her eyes.

“All right.” She ruffled his white hair, a familiar and affectionate gesture.

“We’ll come back.”

…

Clavor appeared a few minutes later, already dressed for the journey. He wore sturdy clothes, a dark cloak over his shoulders, and carried his sword strapped to his waist. He walked to the horses and personally checked every piece of equipment, the reins, the wheels, the bags, the supplies, and the guards who would accompany the carriage.

Only then did he seem satisfied.

“Everything is ready.”

Lukas watched his father, impressed by his attention to detail.

“How many guards will go with us?”

“Four.” Clavor pointed to two men near the gate.

“They’ll go ahead.” Then he pointed to two others.

“The others will stay behind the carriage.”

Lukas nodded, recognizing the need for security. They were heading to a border, and although there was no declared war, Clavor clearly wasn’t treating the journey like an outing.

“Everyone inside.” He ordered.

Judite was the first, practically running inside.

“Finally!”

Aurora entered afterward, her movements calm and graceful.

Lukas remained outside for a few seconds, his eyes traveling over the mansion one last time. The place where he had grown up, where he had trained, where he had spent countless ordinary days that, at that moment, seemed much more important.

The window of his room was still open, and he imagined Rourke there, perhaps watching his departure. He smiled, a smile carrying a promise.

“See you later.”

Then he entered the carriage.

…

The interior was comfortable, with padded benches on both sides, enough space for four people, and small windows on either side. Judite had already chosen her seat near the window, her energy overflowing.

Aurora sat beside her, her presence calm. Lukas sat on the other side, and Clavor took the seat closest to the door.

For a few moments, no one spoke. The carriage was still, silence filling the space. Everyone seemed to be waiting for something, as if departure were still a distant step away.

Then Clavor opened the small front window, fresh air flowing inside.

“Ready?”

“YES!” Judite answered immediately, her voice full of enthusiasm.

Aurora laughed, the sound musical. Lukas smiled, a smile of anticipation.

“Yes.”

Clavor looked at the horses, his hands firm on the reins.

“Then let’s go.”

The reins moved, the horses took their first steps, and the wheels began to turn. Creak… The carriage moved forward slowly, then picked up speed.

Lukas turned toward the window, his eyes fixed on the mansion that was beginning to fall behind. First, the garden, with its colorful flowers. Then the walls, which had protected his childhood. Then the gate, which closed behind them.

Lukas continued looking, even when the mansion was no longer visible. Aurora did as well, her eyes lost in thought. Judite, however, was far too busy looking at the road, her joy contagious.

“We’re leaving!” Her voice was pure excitement.

Lukas laughed, the sound warming him from within. The road stretched out before them, the forest surrounding the path on both sides. The sun was finally beginning to rise above the trees, casting its first rays over the road, painting the world in shades of gold.

Clavor kept his eyes fixed on the path, his attention divided between the road and the formation of the guards. The four guards advanced in formation, and the carriage followed behind.

Lukas leaned back against the seat, feeling the movement of the carriage. He placed one hand over his chest, feeling the Lunar Source pulse softly, a constant and comforting presence.

The journey had begun. Behind them was Dmond Mansion, its memories, his childhood. Ahead was the border, a place he had never seen, where he would certainly encounter dangers, unfamiliar people, and completely new experiences.

Lukas smiled, a smile of anticipation. He didn’t know how long he would be away from home, nor what he would find. But there was one thing he was certain of: this journey would be the beginning of a new chapter in his life.