It was late at night, and Pelaios was in his study going over notes for a new spell he was learning. He preferred to practice his magic late at night, knowing he wouldn’t be disturbed by someone with an upset stomach or a cold. The faint scent of sandalwood clung to his robes as he hummed quietly, flipping through pages and narrowing his eyes to read the ancient text of an illumination spell.

His eyes closed, and the bubbling sounds from the brewing potions slowly faded away as he focused on the spell, his body humming with magical energy. He took a deep breath and recited the words ingrained in his memory: “Fiat Lux!” His words sent a pulse of magic through the room, causing bookshelves and glass bottles to clatter, some falling from their shelves. He winced slightly at the sound before opening his eyes to see a small orb of light floating before him—bright enough to illuminate the entire room.

He stared at it in awe before a knock on the door startled him, breaking his concentration. The orb of light faded instantly, and he grumbled to himself as he walked to open the door. When he opened it, he found me standing there in my nightgown. “Princess? What are you doing here this late? Are you ill?” Pelaios’s soft Spanish accent colored his words, his eyebrows pinched together in worry as he looked down at me with his striking light purple eyes before stepping aside to let me enter his study.