They walked in silence for a few more steps.
Then Seraphina spoke again, voice more asured. "You need information. About the girl who accused you and who put her up to it."
"Yeah, I was planning to start at the library. Student records, class schedules, anything that might—"
"You’ll get caught." She said it matter-of-factly. "You’re the accused. People are watching you. The mont you start asking questions, word gets back to whoever orchestrated this."
Lucian frowned. "Then what do you suggest?"
"I ask the questions." She glanced at him. "People trust . They’ll talk to . You focus on the research side—records, docunts, patterns. Things you can do without drawing attention."
It made sense.
Frustrating, but sense.
"Fine. But we share everything we find."
"Obviously." She stopped walking and turned to face him. "This is a temporary alliance. For investigative purposes only. We work together until we find the truth. Then we go back to normal."
"Normal?"
"You know. You being annoying. ignoring you." But her expression softened just slightly. "And maybe training together sotis. If you’re not completely insufferable."
Lucian offered his hand. "Partners?"
Seraphina stared at his hand like it might bite her.
"Don’t call it that. It sounds ridiculous."
"What should I call it then?"
She huffed. "Temporary investigative alliance. Nothing more."
But she took his hand anyway.
Her grip was firm. Strong. Calluses from sword training rough against his palm.
She’s holding on too tight. Overcompensating.
Lucian didn’t let go imdiately.
Let the mont stretch.
Watched her eyes widen slightly.
"You’re enjoying this," he said quietly.
"I absolutely am not." But there was the faintest hint of a smile. "Now let go before people start spreading more rumors."
She pulled her hand away.
But the smile lingered.
[AFFECTION INCREASED]
Seraphina Ashenblade: 46 → 48
Status: Protective → Actively Invested New Thought: "This is purely about clearing my na too. Obviously. Nothing to do with him specifically. ...Why is he smiling like that?"
West Library - 10:00 AM
They entered through the main doors.
The library was moderately busy—students clustered at tables, whispering over textbooks.
"The accusation said seven PM. West section." Lucian kept his voice low. "We need to find out if anyone actually saw her here."
"The librarian would know." Seraphina nodded toward the front desk. "Mrs. Ashworth. She’s been here for twenty years. Sees everything."
"You think she’ll talk to ? Given the circumstances?"
Seraphina’s eyes flashed with sothing fierce. "She’ll talk to us. And if she gives you attitude, she’ll deal with ."
Protective. Interesting.
"Is that concern I hear?"
"This is about getting facts." She walked toward the desk. "Don’t make it weird."
They approached.
Mrs. Ashworth looked up—a severe woman with graying hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing.
Her gaze flicked between them. "Miss Ashenblade. Mister Valemont."
"Mrs. Ashworth." Seraphina’s voice was respectful but firm. "We need your help with sothing. It concerns the accusation made against Lucian."
The librarian’s expression didn’t change. "I assu this is about the tiline?"
"Yes, ma’am. I saw Lucian at 6:45 PM on the other side of campus. He couldn’t have been here by seven. But I’d like to know—" Seraphina t her eyes directly. "—what you actually saw that evening."
Mrs. Ashworth studied them both for a long mont.
"You believe him." It wasn’t a question.
"I know the facts don’t match the accusation." Seraphina’s chin lifted slightly. Proud. Certain. "And I don’t make mistakes about things like this."
There’s the pride. But also absolute certainty. She’s not defending out of obligation. She actually believes it.
Sothing shifted in the librarian’s expression. Almost... approval.
"I was working yesterday evening," Mrs. Ashworth said quietly. "The girl—she ca in around 6:30. Looked nervous. Kept checking the entrance like she was waiting for soone."
Lucian’s pulse quickened.
Witness testimony. Actual evidence.
"Did anyone et her?" Seraphina asked.
"Yes. A boy. I didn’t recognize him—not a regular patron. Tall. Dark hair. Expensive clothing. Noble bearing." She paused. "He spoke to her briefly. She seed frightened. He handed her sothing—paper, I think—and left imdiately after."
"Instructions," Lucian breathed.
"That would be my assessnt." Mrs. Ashworth’s lips thinned. "The girl left by 7:15. And you, Mister Valemont, were definitely not here at any point that evening."
Perfect. Alibi confird.
"Would you be willing to testify to that?" Seraphina asked. "If it cos to an official inquiry?"
"If it cos to that, yes. I don’t like liars." The librarian’s gaze was steel. "Or people who weaponize accusations. What was done to you was wrong, young man."
"Thank you," Lucian managed.
They moved away from the desk.
Seraphina turned away from the desk, already thinking. "So soone gave her instructions. A noble. That narrows it down to... what, half the academy?"
"Better than nothing."
"Barely." She frowned. "We need more. Her background. Who she associates with. Why she’d agree to this."
"Student records?"
"Restricted. You’d need faculty authorization." Seraphina’s eyes lit up. "But I know soone who might help. Co on."
She grabbed his wrist and pulled.
Physical contact. Again. She’s not even thinking about it.
"Where are we—"
"Records office. And keep up."
She’s excited. This is the most animated I’ve seen her.
Records Office - 10:45 AM
The administrative building was quieter than the main campus.
Seraphina led him down a corridor to a door marked "Student Records."
She knocked.
"Co in!" A cheerful voice called.
They entered.
A young woman sat behind a desk buried in paperwork. Brown hair in a ssy bun. Ink stains on her fingers.
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