The next morning broke with a clear, boundless blue sky.
Caspian sat in his rocking chair beneath the window, resting with his eyes closed.
Sunlight danced across the emerald leaves, casting dappled shadows. A gentle breeze drifted past the wooden window frame, scattering light through the glass.
Three figures appeared simultaneously at the threshold. Under the brilliant summer sun, their long shadows stretched sharply across the floor.
"Grandpa..."
The rocking chair came to an abrupt halt.
Caspian slowly opened his eyes. Alaric, Cyril, and Julian walked into the room side by side. In his hands, Alaric carefully carried the mahogany box.
Julian stepped forward. "Grandpa, we want to know... what exactly does it take to hold up the sky?"
A flicker of emotion passed through Caspian's eyes, and a faint smile touched the corners of his mouth.
*
That afternoon, right as the heat of the sun reached its peak, Mina unexpectedly showed up at the estate.
The staff knew how close she was with Vivienne, so they escorted her straight to Vellmont Lodge. When Mina saw Vivienne wrapped head to toe in bandages, her jaw practically hit the floor.
By now, everyone in Stormhollow knew that The Volgaar Raiders had invaded the luxury resort in the northern district. But because Caspian had completely locked down all information, no one knew the actual details. Wild rumors were flying everywhere, the most ridiculous being that the Ravenshire family's young lady had been assassinated by pirates, prompting an enraged Caspian to completely bathe the resort in blood.
"What is this look supposed to be?" Mina asked, eyes wide. She hadn't fully believed the rumors, but seeing Vivienne like this left her no choice.
Vivienne looked completely unbothered. "You might not believe this, but last night I took three bullets all on my own."
At first, she had been terrified she would be permanently disabled. But Dr. Cole assured her that none of the bullets had hit anything vital; she just needed two months of bed rest. The most important rule was not to exert herself. If she needed anything, she was to order someone else to do it. If she could lie down, she shouldn't sit; if she could sit, she shouldn't stand. Once her bones fully healed, she would start physical therapy.


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