The regenerated arm looked almost too perfect, as though it had never been severed, the skin, smooth and unblemished. Rio brushed his fingertips across the surface, feeling the warmth of his own touch as the muscles beneath the skin twitched slightly in response. He flexed and curled the arm, testing its limits, repeatedly opening and closing his fist. The sharp cracking of his knuckles echoed in the otherwise silent room, each sound a reminder of the strength that had been returned to him.

  His gaze shifted to Mav, wide-eyed and uncertain. "What... did you do?" he whispered, his voice catching in his throat.

  "I simply cast my skill on you," Mav replied evenly. "Didn't you already know what I was capable of?"

  "Yes, I was told," Rio said, his voice wavering slightly, betraying the calm demeanor he usually held. "But hearing about it and seeing it happen in front of me... they're not the same."

  Mav watched as Rio struggled to process what had just occurred. He had seen this reaction before, with the King when they first met. It was as if his skill had the power to cut through even the strongest facades. Rio, a man who had likely seen the worst the battlefield had to offer, now stood pale and speechless, his once severed arm restored as though it had never been lost. For a man who had probably faced countless life-or-death situations, this was the strangest thing he had ever witnessed.

  Suddenly, Rio seemed to realize that all eyes were on him. He cleared his throat, tugged at the edge of his tunic, and squared his shoulders, the stiffness in his posture fading as he exhaled.

  "As I promised earlier, I owe you a great favor," he said, his voice regaining some of its usual strength. "Just ask me for anything you need. As an additional reward, I'll give you 200 gold coins. I know it's not enough for what you've done, but I'll provide more if you need it. Just give me time to return home to gather more." Rio opened his item box, summoning a small pouch, which landed on the table with the heavy clink. He quickly handed it to Mav.

  "This is enough," Mav said, taking the pouch and slipping it into his item box. "All I ask is some time to speak with you later, before I leave."

  "Of course. I'll give you all the time you need." Rio nodded, his gaze firm once again. "For now, I must return to my duties. I've lingered here long enough. I should get back to training with my knights... besides, I'm eager to test this arm in combat." He clenched his newly restored fist, the muscles tensing in anticipation. "I'll be in the training yard. Come find me when you're done here." Turning to the King and Queen, he added, "Your Majesty, thank you for your hospitality. Mav Rose, thank you. This arm... it means more to me than you know."

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  Rio made his way toward the large door they'd entered from. Voithos moved to open it for him, but Rio stopped him with a raised hand. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he then opened them and grasped the door handle with his regenerated hand, pulling it open with ease. Mav noted that no yellow flames appeared from his body as he did so, unlike Voithos earlier—Rio had used his own strength to open it. The door creaked shut behind him, leaving the room in silence once more.

  "I've never seen anything like that," the King said, his voice tinged with awe. "I've seen limbs reattached, and even that required healers with the highest affinities. But you, Mav... you managed to regenerate an entirely new arm with your skill."

  The Queen stood silently beside him, one hand resting on her chin, deep in thought. Adelfi sat nearby, blinking sleepily, her head drooping as she struggled to stay awake. Finally, she could resist no longer, and her head fell onto her mother's arm, startling the Queen from her reverie. Gently, the Queen picked her up and stood.

  "Your Majesty, allow me to take her to her room," Voithos offered, stepping forward.

  "No, I'll take care of her," the Queen replied softly. She then turned to Mav. "Mav, we’ll speak again another time. For now, I must take my leave."

  Mav nodded respectfully, and the Queen, with Adelfi in her arms, made her way toward a door that likely led to the royal chambers.

  "Your Majesty," Mav said, turning to the King, "I think it’s time for us to leave as well."

  "Of course. I’ve already taken up too much of your time," the King replied. "You must have much to do. Once again, I apologize for the sudden summons. I hope you'll visit again when I call for you."

  "It’s no trouble at all, Your Majesty," Mav replied with a small smile. "Just... let me know ahead of time next time, so I can be prepared."

  The King chuckled warmly. "Fair enough."

  "Voithos," the King called, "please escort them out."

  "Yes, Your Majesty," Voithos responded, stepping forward.

  Mav hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Your Majesty, I hope I’m not asking too much, but could we take some of the food with us? I’d like to share it with Master Ana and my family. I’m sure Lia would appreciate bringing some home as well." He glanced at Lia, who shot him a grateful look.

  "Not a problem at all," the King said with a wave of his hand. "After everything you’ve done, you can take anything you want."

  "No, the food will be more than enough," Mav said, bowing his head.

  "If that's all, I’ll be off now," the King said. "Voithos, make sure they return home safely."

  Voithos nodded, and the King left through the same door the Queen and Adelfi had used. Mav relaxed as he left. Packing food under his watchful eye would have been awkward, though Lia wouldn't have minded, he mused.

  After gathering enough food in his item box, Mav and Lia made their way toward the large door where Voithos stood waiting. Voithos opened the door and led them out, guiding them through the corridors until they reached the training yard. As they made their way outside, the atmosphere shifted. The stillness of the castle interior gave way to the sounds of clashing steel and shouted commands. Mav scanned the area, looking for Rio. He spotted a group of knights wearing yellow and red capes gathered around someone. Through the gaps between them, he could see the man he was trying to find, sparring with another knight.

  Lia immediately darted toward the commotion, her excitement palpable. Mav glanced at Voithos, who nodded.

  "I’ll wait for you here after you’ve spoken with him," Voithos said. "Take your time."

  Mav nodded in thanks and followed after Lia.