The first light of dawn was barely breaking through the mist-covered mountains surrounding Songrim as Hae-rin walked her family to the courtyard. Her father, Lord Tae-joon, and mother, Lady Joo-hwa, stood with serene expressions, though Hae-rin could sense their lingering worry beneath the formal farewell.

Hae-rin's older brother, Ji-hoon, stood by her side, his arm draped comfortably around her shoulders.

"Take care of yourself, Hae-rin," her father said, his voice deep and resonant. He placed a warm hand on her shoulder.

"The recent disturbances in Songrim aren't to be taken lightly."

Hae-rin's jaw tightened as memories of Naksu's sudden reappearance flashed in her mind—the blue mark on her neck, the certainty of the soul shift. She had yet to find a way to share this with her family without alarming them further.

"I understand, Father," she said, keeping her voice steady.

"You don't have to worry. I'm well-prepared for anything that may happen here."

Her mother stepped forward, enveloping her in a gentle embrace.

"A mother will always worry, Hae-rin," Lady Joo-hwa whispered.

"No amount of training changes that." She released her daughter, casting one last look over her, as though to memorize every detail before leaving.

As they exchanged final words, Master Park and Master Heo arrived to bid them farewell, their presence offering a comforting reminder of Songrim's strength.

"Lord Tae-joon, Lady Joo-hwa," Master Park greeted them, bowing respectfully.

"It has been an honor to host you and see the closeness of the Park family firsthand."

Lord Tae-joon returned the bow.

"Thank you for looking after my daughter. I'm grateful that Hae-rin is in such capable hands."

Master Heo chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a kind-hearted mischief. "Rest assured, Lord Tae-joon, we don't let her take it easy. She's one of the most skilled young mages here."

Lady Joo-hwa gave Hae-rin a proud smile before turning back to Master Heo. "Please watch over her, Master Heo."

Master Heo nodded solemnly, his usual playful demeanor softened. "Of course, my lady. She's in good hands."

As her parents prepared to leave, Hae-rin's father stepped back to allow Ji-hoon a moment alone with her. He ruffled her hair affectionately, leaning in close so only she could hear.

"Remember, oppa's staying for a while," he murmured, trying to sound light-hearted. "If things get too intense around here, I'll be watching your back."

Hae-rin felt a surge of warmth, grateful for her brother's unexpected support.

"Thank you, oppa," she whispered back, squeezing his hand.

"Take care of our Hae-rin," Ji-hoon said, addressing Master Park and Master Heo with a slight grin, his usual playful demeanor back in place.

"She can be stubborn, but she's got a heart of gold."

With that, her parents climbed into the carriage, leaving her and Ji-hoon standing together. Hae-rin's heart ached a bit watching them disappear down the road, yet she felt an odd relief knowing Ji-hoon would still be nearby.

As they turned back toward the main hall, Ji-hoon nudged her playfully. "Didn't realize Songrim had gotten so exciting. What's with all this talk about disturbances?"

Hae-rin hesitated, glancing around to make sure they were alone. "There's something going on, oppa. Someone... someone's here who shouldn't be."

Ji-hoon raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "And by 'someone,' you mean?"

"Naksu," she whispered, voice barely audible.

"She's alive—or, at least, her soul is. She's... using someone else's body."

Ji-hoon's playful expression vanished, replaced by a steely resolve. "Naksu? But isn't that... incredibly dangerous?"

"Yes. And there's more," she continued, lowering her voice further.

"She has a mark on her neck. That's how I knew it was her."

Ji-hoon's jaw tightened. "Hae-rin, this sounds serious. Does Songrim know?"

Hae-rin nodded. "Master Park and Master Heo are aware, but they're trying to keep it quiet. They're worried about how people might react. It's... complicated."

Ji-hoon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Then we'll handle it together, as always."

Just then, Dang-gu and Jang Uk joined them, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity.

"You two look like you're planning something secretive," Dang-gu teased, though his tone was serious.

Hae-rin managed a small smile. "Just discussing recent events."

Ji-hoon glanced at Jang Uk, noting his intense expression. "I take it you're involved in this, too, Jang Uk?"

Jang Uk nodded, his gaze meeting Hae-rin's. "I'm staying close to Songrim for now, in case... things escalate. With Naksu around, we don't know what might happen."

Hae-rin's heart skipped a beat as she noticed the way Jang Uk's focus lingered on her. There was something unspoken in his eyes, a silent promise of support.

Ji-hoon sighed, looking at the three of them. "So, it's decided then. We're keeping a close eye on things."

Master Park's voice suddenly called out from across the courtyard. "Hae-rin, Jang Uk, Dang-gu, we need you for a meeting."They exchanged glances, each of them feeling the weight of responsibility.

Ji-hoon patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging nod. "Go on. I'll be here if you need me."

Hae-rin followed Jang Uk and Dang-gu back toward the hall, feeling her brother's steady presence behind her. For the first time in days, she felt grounded, knowing she wasn't facing these challenges alone.

Inside the hall, Master Park and Master Heo awaited them, their expressions serious.

"Given the recent revelations, we're taking additional precautions," Master Park began, glancing around at them.

"Naksu's return changes everything. We don't yet know her intentions, but we cannot allow her presence to destabilize Songrim."

Master Heo nodded. "For the next few days, we'll need you to stay vigilant. Observe any unusual behavior and report back immediately."

Jang Uk and Dang-gu exchanged wary looks, while Hae-rin's mind raced. Could Naksu truly be a threat to them? And if so, what did it mean for those she cared about?After the meeting, Ji-hoon waited outside, leaning casually against a pillar. Hae-rin couldn't help but smile, her heart feeling lighter despite the heaviness of recent events.

"Looks like you've been assigned guardian duty," Ji-hoon said with a smirk.

Hae-rin rolled her eyes. "It's not a joke, oppa. We're talking about something dangerous."

His playful expression softened, and he took her hand in his.

"I know, Hae-rin. Just remember, you're not alone. If Naksu or anyone else tries anything, they'll have to get through me first."

She squeezed his hand, grateful beyond words for his presence.