She is beautiful. Lukas couldn''t take his eyes off Cassia. Something about her made the garden seem a little brighter, more welcoming. The stress and fear of the last few days were a great deal more manageable than they had been a moment before she arrived. She was much smaller than her brother and dressed in a tight-fitting emerald dress that flowed down her body with a slit running up the dress, ending just above her knee.


    "I''m sorry my brother was boring you," She said, grabbing the last cup of wine and tasting a small sample. "He always talks about fighting, the Legion, and the lot. He really has nothing else to talk about."


    "Honestly, I wasn’t bored. I was joining my cousin''s Legion before his death. At least I would have been part of the life for a while." Lukas responded. Reza hadn’t been bothering him, and honestly, he was someone who might be able to answer some questions that had begun to bother him. "But of course, there are many other subjects that we could talk about."


    "Of course, I''ve just been discussing the new play at the Amphitheater in the city that started last week.” Cassia smiled, easily changing the subject. She seemed so at ease, and Lukas leaned in closer to listen. There was an ease and calmness to her. “Kalia said it was amazing, Tavia; we must see if we can get seats next week."


    “I also heard it was quite the impressive play,” Marie cut in before Tavia could respond. "Our family has a private box at the theatre, so we can go to most performances if we please.”


    Now, there''s a thought. Lukas latched onto what his cousin had said, watching Cassia’s eyes gleam with interest at Marie''s words. In the days since he’d awoken, Lukas felt a need to protect his honor with Reza. The sword, along with himself and Marie participating in this party, was a paltry reward for his life, and Lukas could not resist recognizing him further. And maybe he could impress Reza’s sisters, especially Cassia, with another reward, which would double the benefit his family would get. Taking his thoughts in stride, he made an offer. "We''d love it if you come and join us one night. It would be another lovely way I could repay your brother for saving my life.”


    He kept his eyes on Cassia, knowing Reza would likely want to reject the offer as he had done with Lukas’s uncle. But if he could get the sisters on his side, it would be more difficult for him to deny such an innocent request from the heir of the Sulli house.


    Lukas smiled at his thoughts as Cassia beamed with pleasure at the notion. Turning, she wordlessly looked to her siblings for their thoughts before answering. Within seconds, it seemed the three siblings had an entire conversation before him.


    "That would be lovely. I hope that isn''t a hassle on your end. We wouldn''t want to put anyone out." She said.


    Lukas looked at Marie, and she gave him a brief nod, barely noticeable. She had already lectured him on the way to the party and in the past day to take more of a lead. He was the heir to their house, and she truly wanted him to succeed. Marie had been very supportive over the last few days, helping him recover and guiding him with everything piled on him by his new duties.


    "Not at all. It''s the family box. I believe Lord Sulli uses it at times. But he won''t have an issue with my request for the box," Lukas said with more conviction than he had. He had no idea if his uncle would have a problem or not. Marie would have stopped him if she thought he would deny the request.


    "Let''s say Friday night," Lukas again glanced at Marie, and she nodded. "I''m sure that will be the best night for a wonderful showing."


    And maybe it would be fun, or at least an experience he could share with people interested in such an activity. He''d never been to a play nor had any notion if the story was good or not. For now, he would have to take Cassia’s friend’s assessment and make his own opinion Friday.


    "Oh, you’re amazing. Thank you," Cassia beamed. She leaned over and hugged him, giving him a brief kiss on the cheek. “I cannot wait now. Tavia, we will have much to do this week to prepare.”


    Lukas wrapped his arms around her briefly but let them drop quickly when he saw Reza''s eyes. While the man''s face was expressionless, his eyes held a cold displeasure pointed right at him. It told him everything, and Lukas did not want to push his luck.


    "Lukas, let''s take a walk," Reza asked.


    Lukas nodded, slightly worried about Reza’s reaction to such a minor situation. Maybe he had done something wrong, Reza. Lukas hoped he had not. Though he knew little of him, He respected Reza for his actions and did not want to ruin that. Lukas bowed low to the women as he stood to go with Reza. "Yes, of course. I think a walk to stretch my legs might do me well right now. I''ve been in bed for far too long. Ladies, we shall be back."


    Marie gave him a meaningful glance between himself and Reza before returning to her conversation with Tavia. While Cassia gave a slight frown to her brother but reluctantly joined Marie and Tavia’s conversation.


    Reza guided him through the party until they had left people behind and moved to a more private part of the garden. Lights still glittered behind the trees, and the moon glowed full, giving enough light that he could still see Reza.


    He didn''t think Reza was about to hit him. But there was always the slight chance Reza might do something foolish. Doubtful, but always a possibility.


    "What do you want to talk about?" Lukas asked, though it was more than obvious it had to do with the play and his sister.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Reza didn''t speak. He just had his arms looped into his belt, two knives showing from under his armpits. Seconds continued to pass as Lukas''s dread built from their uncomfortable silence. It ended when a silver ethereal wraith appeared on Lukas''s side.


    He jumped away from the shade as it disappeared, and Reza took its place. Lukas cried out, moving a step back away from the man.


    Reza spoke in a low voice for only Lukas to hear. "Be careful with my sister, for the both of you."


    "It wasn''t anything, I swear," Lukas took another step away from him.


    Reza ignored Lukas’s panic and sat on the bench near the path''s edge, leaving Lukas standing. "Oh, shut it; no one there was blind to either of you. But you must understand that I will not have my family dishonored because some high noble breaks my sister''s heart. You are now an heir to one of the most powerful houses in the city, and Lord Sulli won''t take it kindly if you attempt to pursue a lowly, mundane noble."


    Lukas wanted to say something. He had not had such thoughts beyond recognizing that he found Reza’s sister attractive. But he also wanted to refute the notion that Reza’s family was mundane. In the short time he had been with them, it was apparent this was a family on the rise or soon would be. There was something to each of them. But Lukas held his tongue, knowing he’d be a fool, too, until Reza had said his fill.


    "Be friends with her. Take her to the play for all I care. But do not give her any inkling of anything more," Reza lectured, no anger in his words, just some advice mixed with a bit of intimidation.


    "I would never, I promise. It wasn''t like that; she has an energy about her. It was nice after everything that happened. She was just so joyful when I made the offer," he rambled, trying to explain.


    Reza nodded in agreement. His demeanor changed, and his words became lighter. "I get it. She does that to everyone. They feel improved and calmer after they are with her. She lights up the room around her. There''s nothing to it; she''s just one of the happiest people around, and I would like to keep it that way."


    The last words struck Lukas harder, and he took note.


    "I promise, I will keep it as friends. I do hope that all can be friends," Lukas said. No matter their difference in standing within the city, Lukas had a feeling that a friendship with Reza would be a good choice. He suspected it was likely why his uncle had made him go tonight. Plans with plans, Lord Sulli forever weaving a web of power and influence.


    "Of course, I have no reason not to extend the notion. I want to make sure you understand that while we can be friends, my family and I are far below you, and there is certain etiquette we must adhere to." Reza said, smiling. He held his hand out. "To friendship."


    Lukas took it. Reza had done a complete turn, but it was good to understand his feelings. "As a friend, would you mind if I ask you a question?" Lukas asked. If anyone could answer some questions before he received martial and magical training, it could be Reza. Maybe he would be willing and have the answers to the questions. Better yet, get him off the subject of his sister. Reza’s demeanor when he threatened him was not something Lukas wanted to be directed at him again.


    "You may," Reza said, leaning back on the bench.


    “How do you know how to use the power you received from your pact?” Lukas asked; he wanted to call his wraith to him but resisted the urge. “I can’t figure it out, and I worry that I will hurt someone if I continue without guidance.”


    "Astute thinking. Many people are not as weary of their power and get hurt rushing too quickly without thinking through the consequences. A good start already for you.” Reza said, scratching at his chin. It took a few moments before he answered Lukas’s question.


    “It''s different for everyone. Some passively use their power. I, on the other hand, have to actively work with Elana, take hold of it, and flare my power to change positions with her," Reza answered. Lukas took a step back, watching as Elana appeared through the darkness, her silver eyes first appearing before. She leaned against the bench next to Reza, her eyes never leaving his own.


    "How do you know her name?" Lukas asked. A few people he knew called their wraiths by a name. My wraith has no name that I know of."


    "And many don''t. We had to work on finding her name. I called her different names until she settled on the one she wanted. Is it her actual name? I have no idea and do not care to find out one way or the other." He looked up at her, and she placed a hand on his shoulder, a small smile crossing her face.


    "So should I do that with mine," Lukas called forth, taking hold of his power, and his crimson uniformed wraith appeared by him, glaring at Reza and Elana.


    They examined the wraith, and the man never moved as Elana glided to stand right before him. She was almost a head shorter than him, but she never even flinched at seeing his scarred arms and face.


    "Fascinating, he looks very fierce. I always enjoy meeting new wraiths whenever I can. Do you know what powers he may have granted you?" Reza asked, straying from the original topic.


    "No, Marcellus was going to help me find out. Lord Sulli will hire someone now, but I thought I''d get a head start by trying to figure it out myself," Lukas said. If he was ahead of the game, he could impress the family with his skills and cement his standing as Heir. While Marie had backed him, there were going to be several in the family unhappy with the choice and wanting to remove him from the position if they could.


    "Well, the first thing is to go to the city’s library. This wraith is unique looking. I haven''t seen many like him in my time. The censors have tens of thousands of books on the various wraiths that have made pacts with people in the history of Arkhen." Reza finally answered Lukas’s original question.


    "Really, why hasn''t anyone told me?" Lukas asked with anger in his voice. His father or Marcellus should have done this with him. He calmed himself, trying not to think badly of his cousin; may his soul forever rest.


    "Most likely because it takes time, and it''s likely your wraith isn''t in one of the books," Reza said. He nodded over to Elana. "She wasn''t. I spent several weeks reading those books and never found her. Either I''m her first pact or her other pact wielders never placed her name in the books."


    So much to think about. When could he get to the library, and would his wraith even be there? If he was, would the information help? Plans began to form in his head, but he needed more information.


    "Well, I have work to do," Lukas turned to walk back but stopped. "If she wasn''t in the books, how did you figure it out."


    He smiled. "I kept grabbing at the connection between us until we changed positions. From then on, it was practicing how to use it. I still have much to learn about the power, and I find new ways to use it constantly. It’s a process, but I don''t recommend doing such a thing in your house." He laughed. "I don''t think Lord Sulli would take kindly if you destroyed the manor. But I would first look in the books. If he''s in there, then you will know what to expect."


    "Knowledge in what''s to come is probably a safe bet. I agree that it would be unwise not to research the matter. Thank you." Lukas said. “Let’s return to the party; I could use another cup of that wine.”


    Reza laughed, and they walked quickly back, allowing the wraiths to disappear as they stared at each other, Elana with interest and the crimson wraith with an unreadable expression.


    Returning to the ladies, Lukas joined in the conversation, ready to enjoy the rest of the party.