Lucian was upset as he stormed into his chambers, slamming the door behind him. The weight of the conclave's judgment pressed heavily on his shoulders, and the fire of rebellion ignited his spirit. He began to pack, his hands moving frantically as he opened the closet and threw black clothes and cloaks into his travel bag, each piece of fabric a symbol of his heritage that he was willing to abandon.

As he rummaged through the shadows of his room, he noticed a hidden latch on the back of his closet. He pulled it open, revealing a trove of handmade treasures crafted by Rylan—little figurines, tokens of their friendship, and trinkets that whispered memories of laughter, late-night talks, and stolen moments. A pang of nostalgia hit him, stirring a longing for the connection they shared. His heart ached at the thought of severing ties not just with Rylan but also with the life he had known.

He carefully packed the special treasure, salvaging the pieces that could survive the flight that lay ahead. Almost instinctively, he reached for the blood vials that Rylan had gifted him, knowing their importance for survival beyond the border.

Just as Lucian began to close the bag, Boris entered the chambers, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Lucian, you need to listen to me," he urged, stepping forward in a bid to reach the prince before it was too late. "You cannot protect yourself if you cross that border against the clave's wishes. Please, as an old friend of your father, don’t throw away your family on a slim chance of finding your friend."

Lucian's hands stilled, but only for a moment. “Boris, Rylan is more than a friend!” he declared defiantly, his resolve hardening. The urgency coursing through him was palpable, like a tide rising to meet the shore.

"I understand," Boris replied, his tone softening but still insistent. "But if you go through with this, you’ll be marked as a traitor. You won't be welcomed back. The clave will never forgive you for abandoning your duties, for rejecting your people. I cannot protect you if you follow your heart into danger.”

Lucian felt torn, the weight of his past colliding with the intensity of his longing. He looked at Boris, his friend and bodyguard, the person who had stood by him through countless trials. “I appreciate your loyalty, but I can’t just forget about Rylan. I won’t abandon him now when he needs me most.

Boris stepped back, resignation washing over his features. “Then you must realize the consequences of your actions, Lucian. Should you choose to leave, know that you may be forsaking your family forever. And no amount of love can change that.”

Lucian's heart raced, the conflict within him raging like a tempest. He knew the risks; he understood the stakes. But the thought of remaining in a world that would never accept the love he felt for Rylan felt unbearable. Torn between duty and desire, he took a deep breath, wrestling with the consequences of his choice. Each passing moment felt like a countdown to an irreversible decision.