The lord picked up a stack of papers and flipped through them.

  Aiden felt his stomach tighten. He already knew what was on those pages.

  Nothing.

  No impressive achievements. No noble background. Barely even the bare minimum of strength required to be a Protector. And worst of all, his mentor’s name was missing—because Darius had made him swear to keep it a secret.

  Lord Aldric sighed. “Why should I accept you with so little to show?”

  Aiden opened his mouth, but before he could even form a response, a voice cut in.

  “I saw him fight earlier.”

  Aiden turned in surprise.

  Leon had spoken.

  Lord Aldric turned to him. “Is that so?”

  Leon nodded. “It wasn’t a strong monster, but it was an annoying one. Its body twisted unnaturally, making it hard to predict its attacks. But Aiden still managed to kill it.”

  The lord studied Leon for a moment, then shifted his gaze back to Aiden.

  Silence.

  Aiden felt sweat forming at the back of his neck as the nobleman simply stared at him. He wasn’t sure if this was a test or if the man was just considering whether throwing him out would be a waste of time.

  Then, finally, Lord Aldric leaned back in his chair.

  “Fine. I’ll give you the lowest rank in the house—on one condition.”

  Aiden blinked, barely able to process that he hadn’t been immediately dismissed. “A condition?”

  “You’ll train under Leon,” the lord said.

  Aiden turned to Leon, who gave a small smirk. It wasn’t mocking—just amused. Like he already knew Aiden would say yes.

  Aiden turned back to the lord, seeing the same stern expression.

  He swallowed, then nodded. “I understand. Thank you for the opportunity. I won’t disappoint you.”

  Lord Aldric nodded once. “Then follow Leon for a tour of the estate. Welcome to the house.”

  Aiden let out a slow breath.

  He had done it.

  But something told him this was only the beginning.