Matt walked down the stairs to the breakfast hall. The smell of fresh bread and tea welcomed him. Viviennie was there, drinking her tea slowly. Lena was eating fast and talking with excitement about the new group of young knights she was training. Kade sat quietly, writing notes in his small book while eating. Rex was drinking coffee and checking supply lists.
Matt sat down. “Good morning, everyone.”
They greeted him with warm smiles. It felt like family.
After breakfast, they went to the garden behind the spire. The flowers were blooming in both light and shadow. They sat on the stone benches and talked slowly.
Lena spoke first. “The new training group is doing well. Some of the children are still scared of their own shadow power. I tell them my story every day. How I was angry and hu
